Virginia Fishing Report – Late October

Anglers are finding success as late October brings cooler water temperatures and active feeding behaviors. Here’s the latest report based on current conditions.

Inlets and Rivers: Speckled Trout and Puppy Drum

Speckled Trout fishing in inlets and rivers is heating up. Anglers are picking up fish in good numbers, particularly in shallow waters and around grass beds.

Knot Wish’n Charters, Rudee Inlet

In late October, Speckled Trout exhibit aggressive feeding behavior as they prepare for cooler months. They actively chase baitfish like mullet and shrimp, often striking lures and live bait in tidal creeks and near oyster beds. Their feeding peaks during early morning and late afternoon, coinciding with tidal movements, making soft plastics and topwater lures highly effective. Puppy drum are also feeding in the same areas.

CBBT Islands: Tautog, Sheepshead and Drum

The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) islands are productive for Tautog and Sheepshead. Tautog, or “tog,” are feeding around structure in late October, targeting crabs, mollusks, and small crustaceans near pilings and rocks. They use their strong teeth to crush prey, making crab baits like fiddler or green crabs ideal. Sheepshead, similarly structure-oriented, are grazing on barnacles and small crabs, often found near the same rocky habitats. Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackke said before the blow Red Drum were still available around the CBBT. Captain Nolan Agner, AquaMan Charters fished the area Saturday, but didn’t get any bites.

Night Fishing: Rockfish (Striped Bass)

Night fishing for Rockfish around lighted docks and bridges is yielding excellent results. In late October, Rockfish in Virginia are drawn to illuminated areas where baitfish like menhaden and bay anchovies congregate under lights. These predatory fish feed aggressively at night, ambushing prey in schools or striking lone baitfish. Anglers are finding success using swimbaits, jigs, and live eels, with the best action occurring during slack tides when Rockfish move closer to structures to feed. The opposite is true when fishing out at the CBBT, a moving current is best.

Offshore Reefs: Black Sea Bass

Offshore, anglers targeting reefs are hauling in plenty of nice Black Sea Bass. In late October, these fish are actively feeding on small fish, crabs, and squid around wrecks and reef structures. Their feeding behavior is opportunistic, with Black Sea Bass darting out from cover to grab prey. Cut bait, squid strips, and small jigs are working well, especially during daylight hours when these fish are most active.

Deep Dropping: Swordfish

Deep droppers are focusing on Swordfish in deeper offshore waters. In late October, Swordfish in Virginia and North Carolina waters are feeding on squid and deep-dwelling baitfish like lanternfish. They are typically found in depths of 1,000–2,000 feet during the day, rising slightly at night to feed. Anglers are using heavy tackle with squid or mackerel baits, targeting these powerful fish with slow, deliberate drops to reach their feeding zones.

This diverse fishing action makes late October an exciting time for Virginia anglers, with opportunities across inshore, nearshore, and offshore waters. Tight lines!