Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report – August A Month of Shifting Species and Prime Angling Opportunities

It’s time for the flags to start flying!

As August settles in along Virginia’s saltwater coast, anglers can anticipate a vibrant and dynamic fishing scene, with species on the move and opportunities flourishing across the bay, inlets, and offshore waters.

Marlin

August is Marlin month! And the 22nd Annual Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament, set for August 20-23 is gearing up to be an exhilarating event for sportfishing enthusiasts. Hosted at the Virginia Beach Fishing Center, this invitation-only tournament draws top anglers and teams vying for prestige and substantial prizes. With the 2025 waiting list now open, teams are encouraged to secure their spot early, as invitations are limited and the waiting list resets annually. Following the thrilling 2024 event, where “Sea Toy” clinched the top spot with 750 points, anticipation is high for another competitive showdown featuring skillful boat handling, team chemistry, and the pursuit of billfish and gamefish like dolphin and tuna. The tournament promises a great atmosphere both on the water and ashore. For more details, visit https://vbbt.com/.

Cobia

With the waning summer, Cobia begin their annual migration out of the Chesapeake Bay. August marks the start of their departure, making channel buoys prime spots for anglers hoping to intercept them as they exit. They remain a high-priority target, eagerly pursued by sight casters and those fishing along the bottom. Even after the season officially closes in September, the fascination with Cobia endures—many anglers still report strong catches.

Sheepshead & Tautog

The Sheepshead boom continues, cementing their place as one of the bay’s most popular species in recent years. Hard cover is key: the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT), artificial reefs, and pier pilings offer ideal habitat. Successful anglers focus their efforts using baits like fiddler crab, Blue crab, fresh clam, and sand fleas. These same structures also attract Tautog, which readily take similar baits, providing a double shot at these sought-after bottom dwellers.

Red Drum & Black Drum

Red Drum action remains abundant, a trend that will continue into fall. These fish are often spotted in large, surface-roaming schools, where casting to the frenzy can yield thrilling hookups. They also bite well along the bottom, and aren’t fussy—cut and live bait such as crab, fish, clams, and shrimp all produce results. The same approach holds true for Black Drum, which remain a reliable and exciting catch.

Flounder & Spot

Flounder catches usually pick up in August and peak in September. While in-bay Flounder fishing has declined in recent years, the ocean wrecks have emerged as hotspots for those seeking quantity and quality. Within the bay, the CBBT remains the premier destination for trophy Flounder, with dedicated anglers often choosing live Spot as bait. Lower bay piers are currently yielding good numbers of Spot, and the Rappahannock and York rivers can produce, especially as late August transitions into September.

Speckled Trout & Puppy Drum

Inside the rivers and inlets, Speckled Trout and Puppy Drum are active, particularly across shallow grass flats. Anglers are having success on topwater baits, popping corks, swimbaits, and Mirr-o-Lures. Schools of puppy drum are feeding aggressively in the shallows, chasing baitfish like mullet, with Virginia’s inlets and tidal rivers—especially near docks, marshy shorelines, and oyster bars—offering prime habitat. This week, anglers reported finding slot-sized reds feeding in Rudee Inlet, actively pushing bait along the shore.

Goodtimes on the Knot Wish’n!

Spanish Mackerel & Bluefish

Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish are abundant throughout much of the bay and along the oceanfront. Boaters are trolling spoons on diving planers or behind in-line sinkers, while pier anglers are scoring with jerk jiggers and gotcha plugs, working them with an erratic retrieve to trigger strikes.

Tarpon

Taron have been making a thrilling appearance along Virginia’s coast this season, drawing anglers to the back water of the Eastern Shore. These silver giants, known for their acrobatic leaps and powerful runs, are being spotted in increasing numbers around the barrier islands and tidal rips. Anglers report success using live bait like menhaden or large soft plastics, with early morning and late evening bites being most productive. The presence of tarpon underscores the region’s diverse fishery, offering a unique challenge for those seeking a trophy catch.

Great action on the High Hopes!!! Bill McCloud & special guests! Beautiful calm ocean, nice limit of Blueline Tilefish.

Offshore

Offshore, White Marlin, Blue Marlin, Mahi and Yellowfin Tuna are providing good action, while deep-dropping for Tilefish continues to reward persistent anglers. Nearshore bottom structures are producing impressive Triggerfish, adding further variety to the August catch list.

Seasonal Tips

As we approach fall, shrimp become a primary food for inshore gamefish. It’s wise to stock up on shrimp soft plastics, or even use a cast net to gather live shrimp for bait. For Sheepshead at the CBBT and nearby bridges, live fiddler crabs remain the gold standard, and utilizing bottom sweeper jigs dropped tight to the pilings can be the difference-maker. In strong currents, a trolling motor with spot lock functionality greatly improves fishing efficiency.

August stands as a transitional yet bountiful month for Virginia saltwater anglers. With so many species in play and a wealth of techniques to try, there’s no shortage of excitement on the water. Tight lines!