Virginia Saltwater Late Summer Action Across the Bay and Offshore

August saltwater fishing is an electrifying time on the water! While some species begin to wind down for the season, others are just ramping up, making these weeks a true angler’s paradise.

Flounder fans, rejoice! Jigging hard cover at the bridge tunnel is producing some quality fish. If you land several nice ones in a tight spot, switch things up and try live Spot—sometimes that’s the ticket for truly monster Flounder. Spot are a must-have on board, appealing to nearly every big gamefish, and Croaker can also be a secret weapon for drawing in the giants.

If you’re chasing Cobia, don’t pack up your rods yet—the bite is still hot! These powerful fish might be starting their bay exit, but you’ll find plenty prowling near channel buoys and around the legendary Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Local piers can surprise you with sudden flurries of Cobia action. And don’t forget: jigging structures really heats up in September, offering prime chances to hook a trophy!

If you’re searching for heart-pounding excitement, bull red drum are stealing the spotlight around the first and second islands of the Bridge Tunnel. Fleet after fleet of boats have been targeting these legendary fish, with live Croaker topping the list as the ultimate bait. Those with livescope are scoring by casting soft plastics right into the deeper schools. Red Drum are aggressive, smashing Spot and Croaker whether you’re fishing on the bottom or sight-casting to surface schools. When schools surge along the surface, you’ll witness epic feeding competition! Anchoring up for night fishing brings its own thrills, as both Red and Black Drum will pounce on fresh clam, crab, or cut mullet.

Calling all sheepshead fans! The bite keeps going strong into October, with many seasoned anglers swearing that September is the absolute peak. Target slack tide, work your way through the pilings, and be ready—if sheepshead are around, you’ll know quickly!

Trout fishing is perking up as the rains subside, and a surge in salty water has these fish on the move. Fresh shrimp is your top bait, live ones, if you can net them. Topwater lures and popping corks are also irresistible, and you’ll find Puppy Drum attacking rattle baits with gusto. Where there’s Trout, there’s Drum—scour those shallow grass flats and dock areas in rivers and inlets. Some favorite hot spots include Mobjack Bay, the Piankatank River, Lynnhaven Inlet, and Rudee Inlet.

For those seeking reliable action, Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel are always ready to strike, even when other bites slow down. The oceanfront, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel delivers keepers in impressive numbers, as do Hampton Bar, York Spit, and Windmill Bar. Bluefish aren’t just fun to catch—they make excellent cut bait for Flounder, Cobia, and anything lurking along the bottom.

And keep your eyes peeled—the Spot run is about to ignite!

Offshore, the excitement builds even higher. White Marlin, Blue Marlin, Mahi, and Tuna are thrilling anglers with some jaw-dropping catches, especially during the unforgettable White Marlin Open out of Ocean City, Maryland. The WMO wraps up on Sunday, and we’ll report results in our next report. Soon Virginia Beach will take center stage with Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament, August 20-23.

Every trip offshore promises new stories and unforgettable moments.

With so much action, now is the perfect time to book a VBSF sponsor, or grab your gear, hit the water, and soak up the excitement that only late summer saltwater fishing can deliver!