Spring is Giving Way to Summer Action

Scott Caravas with a 12-lbs 10oz Sheepshead

As we near the end of May, our spring saltwater fishery is gradually transitioning into the summer season—and the outlook is promising! Anglers can expect fishing to continue improving across the board.

Inshore & Bay Highlights:

Good fishing off the VB oceanfront for Red Drum, AquaMan Charters

Red and Black Drum are showing in strong numbers across bay shoals near the Eastern Shore. Historically, the Nautilus Shoal area should be producing excellent action.

Captain Nolan Agner, AquaMan Charters reports good fishing off the VB oceanfront for Red Drum, Blues and Spanish. He said the rain and cooler weather slowed the bite some, but it should pick right back up. Captain Todd Beck, Knot Wish’n Charters ran out and picked up a nice Red Drum this week. If you want to get in on some fabulous fishing, now is the time to give a VBSF sponsor a call and get booked.

Captain of Reelblessed post this action shot!

Cobia have officially arrived in our waters and are steadily pushing north through the Bay, look for them to be as far as the Poquoson Flats. Reports from the south—especially off Nags Head—indicate a strong migration heading our way! While the Virginia harvest season remains closed until June 15th, anglers are able to practice catch and release until then.

Back in Lynnhaven Inlet, anglers are finding quality Bluefish, along with some Puppy Drum and the first good signs of Flounder. Sheepshead are being caught around bridges pilings.

Flounder fishing should also pick up along coastal wrecks and around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) very soon.

This week Dr. Ken Neil fished over the rocks at the 4^th island of the CBBT.  He caught Tautog, Red Drum, Bluefish, and a Sheepshead. Now that’s a good trip!

Temperature Trends & Species Movement:

Water temperatures have been rising; the Spanish Mackerel that have been along the oceanfront are making their way into the Bay. Now that we’re reaching that critical 70°F mark, the bite should really turn on.

Striped Bass and Bluefish continue to be caught around the CBBT islands, with some smaller Stripers showing up in local inlets. Sheepshead are holding near the CBBT pilings and other structures in the lower Bay, while Spadefish should soon be available near the Chesapeake Light Tower.

Offshore & Deep Drop Action:

Offshore, Black Sea Bass season runs May 15 through Jul 15; August 4 through Dec 31. Fishing on ocean wrecks has been strong.

Tuna fishing has been productive to our south, with a few Virginia boats making successful runs. Dolphin (mahi) action is also heating up off the Outer Banks. Closer to home, deep-dropping has yielded nice catches of tilefish and grouper.

Good luck and tight-lines!