Virginia Fishing Report 

Anglers in Virginia are enjoying a productive week on the water with a variety of species biting across inshore and offshore waters.

Inshore Action: Captain Todd Beck of Knot Wish’n Charters reported 62 degree water and a strong speckled trout bite in Rudee Inlet this week, keeping his guest busy with consistent catches. Good Speckled trout reports are coming from all our local inlets and rivers. Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle says trout, puppy drum and strippers are proving steady action inside Lynnhaven. There’s been a nice run of large red drum on Virginia’s southern beaches in the surf. A lot of anglers have targeted them after dark.

Nearshore, Bay Success: Tautog are becoming more active inshore, providing great opportunities for those targeting structure. Captain Craig Page and guests aboard the Paige II landed impressive red drum near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT 1st Island), showcasing the strength of the fall fishery in this area.

Offshore Bounty: Offshore reefs are teeming with black sea bass, keeping headboats busy. However, shoaling at Rudee Inlet has forced headboats to adjust departure times to avoid low tide. A dredge has reportedly arrived to address the issue, which should improve access soon.

Meanwhile, Captain David Wright and guests on the High Hopes had a stellar trip, hauling in plenty of tilefish and even a late-season dolphin (mahi-mahi). Other boats out of Rudee Inlet have also reported strong dolphin catches recently. Swordfish anglers are finding success offshore, adding to the excitement.

Bluefin Anticipation: Virginia anglers are already buzzing about the upcoming bluefin tuna season this winter. Recent social media posts from Oak Island, NC, show stray bluefins in shallow waters, hinting at what’s to come. Historically, the first bluefin bite kicks off around early December near Morehead City, NC, and Virginia anglers are gearing up for their arrival.

Get out on the water and enjoy the diverse fishing opportunities Virginia has to offer this fall!