Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

Virginia Tarpon

There’s little change from last week’s fishing report. There’s a variety of species to target this time of year, and the newest arrivals are AJ’s and Tarpon!

Big Amberjacks are at the towers, windmills and over near shore wrecks and reefs.

Virginia Tarpon have begun arriving in their usual holes behind the islands on the Eastern Shore. Tarpons are a prized catch for anglers who enjoy a thrilling fight and a spectacular display of aerial acrobatics. These silver giants can grow up to eight feet long and weigh over 200 pounds, making them a sought-after game fish for a small group of Virginia anglers, who have figured out where and how.

Ladies caught lots of Red Drum on High Hopes with Captain David Wright

Cole Hicks, Ryan Lassiter, Clayton Hicks, and Andy Thompson registered drum citation at Long Bay Pointe Marina

Big Red Drum are still plentiful throughout the lower Bay. Around the CBBT islands, Latimer Shoal and the shallow water near the northern section of the CBBT are where most of the fish are caught. There are still schools popping up along the oceanfront from Oregon Inlet to the Bay.

Spanish along the oceanfront, Knot Wish’n Charters

Good Spanish Mackerel fishing continues along the oceanfront and in the lower bay. Most fish are being caught using Clark or Drone spoons tied directly to a 15–20-foot mono leader run behind a planer or in-line trolling sinker. Bluefish are often feeding with the Spanish. If you’re targeting Spanish but catching mostly blues, try increasing your trolling speed.

Long Bay Pointe weighing in the Cobia, Congratulations Teresa Marchand!

Cobia action is excellent. Most anglers are fishing live baits in chum slicks. Always have an extra rod ready to sight cast.

Spadefish are around buoys, pilings of the CBBT and the Chesapeake Light Tower. Their early season aggressive feeding tends to decrease over time, most likely do to angling pressure.

Sheepsheads are hanging around structure. Look for them around the Cell, CBBT, Plantation Light, York Spit Light, the buoys at the mouth of the bay, the Chesapeake Light Tower, Tower Reef, and any wreck you can find.

Captain Craig Paige, Paige II Charters putting his crew on the Flounder

Flounder catches are on the rise. Look for them along the CBBT, around inshore wrecks and artificial reefs throughout the lower bay and along the coast.

Coastal wrecks are holding Bluefish, Amberjacks and Triggerfish.

Pier and surf anglers are finding Bluefish, Red Drum, Spanish, Flounder, Croaker, Sea Mullet and small Spot. There’s been a lot of Reds caught on Ft Story, but you have to have base access to fish there.

Offshore boats are catching Dolphin, Yellowfin Tuna, school size Bluefin Tuna and an occasional Big Eye Tuna. It’s time for the Marlin bite to pick up.

Virgina Beach Tuna  Tournament Weigh in!

The Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament, a much-anticipated event for sport fishermen, took place this weekend, drawing participants from Virginia and beyond. It’s known for its competitive spirit and impressive catches and has been an eastcoast tourney highlight since 2005. Anglers competed for the heaviest tuna, with the excitement building as boats returned to the docks. The community buzzed with activity, celebrating the sea’s bounty and the anglers’ skills. It’s an event that truly encapsulates the thrill of VB sportfishing.

Congratulations Team Oblivion

Here’s an unofficial summary:

Heaviest Aggregate Tuna
1. Oblivion (38′ Henrique) – 237.6 lbs
2. Black and Blue (34′ Regulator) – 107.5 lbs
3. Knot Tuggin (35′ Carolina) – 100.5 lbs
**Largest Single Tuna**
1. Oblivion (38′ Henrique) – 237.6 lbs
2. Albatross (40′ DeMaio Custom) – 77.3 lbs
3. Black and Blue (34′ Regulator) – 46.3 lb

Largest Dolphin
1. Reel Slick (43′ Cabo) – 19.9 lbs
2. Knot on Call II (31′ Contender) – 19.6 lbs
3. Knot Tuggin (35′ Carolina) – 18.1 lbs

Top Lady
1. Karley Haughn – 38.1 lbs
2. Christy Daniels – 32.2 lbs
3. Jennifer Germano – 30.7 lbs

Top Junior
1. Connor Oday – 31.0 lbs
2. Bryce Edwards – 30.3 lbs

Top Small Boat
1. Feeding Frenzy (34′ Regulator) – 60 lbs
2. Outlandish (33′ MagBay) – 59 lbs
3. Playin Hookey (29′ C-Hawk) – 55.4 lbs

• No weight to display for the Largest Wahoo category.

VBSF report brought to you by Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle. And Coastal Fiberglass.