The warming and consistent weather patterns herald an exciting time for saltwater fishing enthusiasts. As the Virginia Beach coast sees water temperatures rise above 70 degrees, the much-anticipated Spanish Mackerel and Spadefish season begins, bringing with it the promise of bountiful catches.
Large Spanish on The Way from NC!
Captain Todd Beck and crew aboard Knot Wisn’n Charters, has already experienced a successful Spanish Mackerel haul along the oceanfront. This week they had a steady bite, kept enough fish for dinner and released the rest.
There’s an even nicer class of Spanish on the way. In the coming weeks, as the water temp gets warmer in North Carolina, 6- and 7-pound Spanish (above) should move north into Virginia waters.
High Hopes Charters, reeling Red Drum in three at a time!
We’re experiencing some of the best spring Red Drum fishing in years.
Captain David Wright on the High Hopes, put his crew on one of the large Red Drum schools that have been showing up just outside Rudee Inlet. Captain Todd Beck says Cobia are present in the same areas as the Red Drum schools, but have been reluctant to take bait.
NICE COBIA!
Cobia are throughout the lower Chesapeake Bay now, and live eels are your best bait.
Dr Ken Neill on the Healthy Grin has been enjoying some preseason Cobia tagging. The Virginia capture season opens June 15 and continues through Sept 15.
Nice Black Drum
Red and Black Drum are available around the CBBT, and on the shoals near Fisherman’s Island. They should be feeding there most of the summer. Captain Nolan Agner with AquaMan Charters, said his crew had a good week with them.
Sheepshead!
Topwater action around the Islands of the Bay Bridge Tunnel is good for small Bluefish and Stripers. Large Sheepshead have arrived on the bridge pilings. Fiddler crabs are best for the Sheeps.
First Spadefish! Congratulations!
The first Spadefish were caught last week. Look for them around buoys and at the Light Tower.
This time of year, Rudee Inlet should be holding both speckled and Gray Trout, Puppy Drum, Flounder and decent size Bluefish.
Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle said anglers are starting to see more flounder in Lynnhaven Inlet and that the Puppy Drum are still biting.
Offshore, anglers are enjoying good Seabass and Tilefish fishing. Captain Nolan Agner with AquaMan Charters is running deep dropping trips.
Tuna and Dolphin fishing is still requiring a long run with varied success. That will change very soon though.
The Virgina Beach Tuna Tournament is right around the corner, it is a highlight event for anglers, set to take place from June 19 to June 22. It’s a time of excitement and competition as participants vie for the heaviest catch and the thrill of the win. With a bustling atmosphere and the potential for significant payouts, it’s an event that brings together the community and fishing enthusiasts from all over. Whether you’re competing or just there to enjoy the festivities, it promises to be an unforgettable experience. The official weigh-in stations are located at Long Bay Pointe Marina in Lynnhaven Inlet and The Virginia Beach Fishing Center in Rudee Inlet. The scales open at 4:00 PM and close at 7:30 PM on all three days of fishing, providing ample time for participants to bring in their prized catches. These locations are not only pivotal for the competitors but also serve as exciting gathering spots for spectators to witness the day’s hauls and celebrate the angling achievements.
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