Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report – Late August/Early September

New State Record Triple Tail 17.38 lbs and 30.25” caught by Jordan Duke

As we flip the calendar to September, Virginia’s saltwater anglers are feeling that familiar tingle of transition. Cool nights and those shifty wind directions are kicking off the annual fish migrations, turning the coast into a dynamic playground where species shuffle positions like a high-stakes game of musical chairs. Whether you’re chasing trophies offshore or casting in the bay, this time of year delivers excitement with a side of unpredictability—perfect for those who love a good fishing adventure. Let’s reel in the latest reports from Virginia’s waters and see what’s biting!

Labor Day weekend has once again lived up to its reputation as prime time for white marlin, with boats docking at local marinas proudly flying multiple release flags from their outriggers. This year is no different, as anglers report consistent action on these acrobatic billfish. As the waters start to cool, white marlin begin to school up in loose aggregations, feeding voraciously on baitfish schools to fuel up for their long southward migration to warmer tropical haunts. It’s like they’re throwing one last epic party before hitting the road—don’t miss your chance to crash it with dredges, teasers, or skirted ballyhoo!

Over in the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) area, red drum are starting to school in impressive numbers, drawing crowds of eager anglers. Fresh spot seems to be the ticket for success, with reports of solid catches mixed in with plenty of medium-sized bluefish adding to the fun. These feisty blues are keeping things lively, turning a targeted drum trip into a multi-species bonanza. If you’re rigging up for drum, pack extra tackle—you never know when a bluefish blitz will steal the show.

Ocean, nearshore action is heating up with the arrival of king mackerel, and AquaMan Charters just logged our first hefty report of the season. September has long been Virginia’s king mackerel month, and this year they’re showing just 3 miles off the oceanfront. Captain Nolan Agner, AquaMan Charters is also picking up blues, a few keeper Spanish mackerel, and an occasional drum or cobia along the oceanfront. Trolling spoons or live bait at proper speeds will pay off big this month—imagine the thrill of a smoking run from a 30-plus-pound king slicing through the water!

Reports from Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle highlight a slow but steady influx of spot, croaker, flounder, puppy drum, and speckled trout inside Lynnhaven Inlet. These classics are making their seasonal appearance, with striped bass joining the night shift for some after-dark excitement. Jigging soft plastics or drifting live bait under lights could land you a keeper striper, turning a quiet evening into a memorable haul. Meanwhile, flounder are holding steady in spots like Rudee Inlet, Lynnhaven Inlet, the CBBT, and the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel (HRBT)—bottom rigs with minnows or strips are the go-to for these flatfish favorites.

Sheepshead fishing is still going strong around bridges and structures, with the CBBT tunnel reigning supreme as the ultimate sheepshead hangout. Captain Craig Paige of Paige II Charters scored some beauties this week with his crew, using fiddler crabs and clams to tempt these striped bandits. Their hard pulls and clever thievery make every catch a victory—pro tip: keep your line tight and your wits sharper!

In a jaw-dropping highlight, a 17-pound tripletail was recently hauled from inside the Chesapeake Bay, poised to shatter the current state record of 16 pounds, 12 ounces. This exotic wanderer, typically a southern species, underscores the surprises Virginia waters can deliver during migration season. Anglers spotting these “floating logs” near buoys or debris should cast bucktails or shrimp for a shot at history.

As we ease into fall, expect more migration magic with cooling temps bringing bigger bites. Always check tides, weather, and regs via the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, and prioritize safety on the water. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a charter pro, Virginia’s saltwater scene is serving up thrills that’ll have you hooked. Tight lines, folks—see you out there!