
Nice Tautaug catch by Sea Mee Sportfishing
The bay and ocean water temperatures are still hovering around 50 degrees, creating a unique set of opportunities for saltwater fishing enthusiasts in Virginia.
Connie Barbour at Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle said that tautaug are actively biting around the islands of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. This location is starting to be a reliable spot for anglers looking to catch them. But the larger ones are still coming from the ocean reefs. They are a challenging target, as these fish are tricky to hook and known for their ability to run back into the rocks and structure once hooked. If you can get them Blue Crabs are your best choice for bait.
Inside Lynnhaven, Puppy Drum are making their presence known. Connie mentions that these fish are available back on the flats, where the water is slightly warmer. The mild temperatures of the flats create an ideal environment for Puppy Drum to thrive, making it a prime spot for anglers to target.
Fishing guide Todd Beck on the Knot Wish’n is experiencing great success with Puppy Drum in Rudee Inlet. Todd is utilizing both artificial lures, and cut shrimp fished on the bottom to attract these prized catches. His strategy is yielding impressive results, so add Rudee Inlet to the list of favorable fishing locations. It can get a bit crowed in Rudee though, so pack some patience.
Anglers fishing in the Elizabeth River are reporting positive outcomes with Drum as well. And those venturing to the shallows on the Peninsula side are also enjoying success. The combination of techniques and understanding of the local fish behavior is contributing to everyones success.
Commercial fisherman are starting to see Spot and Croaker in their nets. Will not be long before they’re available off the piers.
With the current conditions and hotspots identified, Virginia saltwater anglers are in for good results. Whether you’re targeting tautaug, Puppy Drum, or other species, these locations offer promising opportunities for a rewarding fishing experience.
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