Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

High Hopes Charters!

September’s here, and Virginia’s saltwater scene is buzzing with action as the fall transition kicks into gear! From offshore to inshore hotspots, anglers are finding plenty to keep their reels busy. The cooling waters are stirring up fish migrations, making this a prime time for both seasoned pros and weekend warriors to hit the coast. Let’s dive into the latest reports from the Chesapeake Bay and beyond!

High Hopes Charters

Offshore Action

Offshore, the white marlin and dolphin (mahi-mahi) bite is red-hot. Captain David Wright and his crew aboard High Hopes had a stellar week, racking up marlin releases and putting nice gaffer dolphin in the fish box. In September, white marlin school loosely off Virginia Beach, feasting on baitfish to fuel their southward migration to tropical waters, often hitting dredges or skirted ballyhoo with acrobatic flair. Dolphin, meanwhile, follow warm currents, chasing bait schools closer to shore before heading to deeper Atlantic waters.

False Albacore

Nearshore Action

Along the oceanfront the little tunny bite turned on, also known as little tuna or false albacore. However, Spanish mackerel and bluefish have been quieter. Captain Todd Beck of Knot Wish’n Charters and Captain Nolan Agner with AquaMan Charters noted plenty of small Spanish but a lack of larger ones, with fishing feeling more like late September. A few red drum and cobia are showing up to keep things interesting, though no king mackerel were reported this week.

Chesapeake Bay and CBBT

In the Chesapeake Bay, red drum are schooling up, especially near the CBBT’s islands, where fresh spot or cut bait is proving deadly. These hard-fighting reds migrate through the Bay in September, moving toward coastal ocean waters to feed heavily in preparation for their fall journey south and further off the Atlantic coast to their wintering areas. This month is when Sandbridge anglers start targeting them. Cobia are also on the move, with anglers finding success using live eels and bucktails on the surface around channel buoys. As summer fades, cobia begin exiting the Bay, following warmer waters southward, often lingering near structures for ambush opportunities.

Sheepshead continue to hang tight to hard structures like bridge pilings along the CBBT and inside inlets such as Lynnhaven near the Great Neck Bridge, eagerly taking crab baits.

September is when some of our largest flounder are caught!

Speckled Trout in Inlets and Rivers

Speckled trout fishing is heating up in Virginia’s inlets and rivers, like the Lynnhaven River, Rudee Inlet, and other local waterways. In September, these feisty fish move into shallow backwaters, creeks, and marshy edges, chasing baitfish like mullet as water temperatures cool. Anglers are finding success with 3- to 4-inch soft plastic swimbaits, popping corks, and topwater lures, especially during early morning or late evening tides when trout are most active. Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle reports a steady influx of trout in Lynnhaven, with bigger fish expected as the month progresses. The thrill of a topwater strike or a subtle tap on a jig makes speckled trout a fall favorite, often joined by surprise catches of puppy drum or small stripers.

Tips for Success

Always check marine forecasts before heading out. Live baits like spot, mullet, or eels are gold for red drum and cobia, while soft plastics and topwater lures shine for speckled trout. For offshore trips, pack heavy tackle for marlin and dolphin, and don’t sleep on the CBBT for multi-species action. September’s dynamic fishing window won’t last forever—get out there and make some memories! Tight lines!