Robert L, 13pounds 12 ounces
Fishing enthusiasts are in for a treat as the Virginia Flounder season hits its peak, with large fish over 24 inches being frequently caught. For those looking to capitalize on this season, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) is a prime location. The best bait for Virginia Flounder includes finger mullet, which is a significant part of their diet along the East Coast. Anglers should consider using a Carolina rig to keep the bait low to the ground, mimicking the natural prey of the Flounder. Bring along extras, unfortunately if you’re not hanging up you might not be in a good spot.
Sheepshead and tautog are also biting at the CBBT, and the recommended baits include blue crab, clams, fiddler crabs, mussels, barnacles, and shrimp. Hiding the hook in the bait as much as possible is crucial, as sheepshead are particularly wary of anything unnatural.
Father and son day on the High Hopes for Rayshad
For those targeting spanish mackerel along the oceanfront trolling, use Clark or Drone spoons behind a planer, inline trolling sinker or a surface bird. Off the pier, gotcha rigs are the best lure option. These lures should be used with heavy and fast movements to attract the fast-swimming mackerel.
Spadefish enthusiasts might find the Chesapeake Light Tower to be a more fruitful location than the CBBT this season. The bait of choice for Spadefish is clam, though squid will work when the fish are more aggressive. Cutting the clam into long strips with a piece of the foot in each strip is recommended.
Great Catch!
Tim Burton from Pennsylvania
The lower bay and ocean front, continue to be promising spots for anglers aiming to catch cobia and red drum. These locations offer access to both species, often found in the same waters, allowing for an exciting fishing experience. With cobia known for their reel-burning runs and red drum for their muscle-testing power.
VBSF contributeer, Dr Neill went looking for a king. He didn’t find one, but found some other toothy critters. Had all 4 rods go down, bluefish jumping all behind the boat, fun stuff.
The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier has reported catches of roundhead, blues at the end of the pier, and flounder in the surf zone. Surf anglers in this area can expect to catch drum, sea mullet, bluefish, and maybe a pompano or sharks. The best bait for surf fishing in Virginia Beach depends on the species targeted, but popular options include live bait such as menhaden, spot, and eels, as well as cut bait, squid, shrimp, and sand fleas.
Speckled Trout anglers typically do well in mid-summer, but the recent heavy rains have slowed the bite down. As we enter August and September, the bite is expected to pick up. The best baits for catching speckled trout include peeler crabs, soft-shelled crabs, fresh shrimp, bloodworms, and cut fish.
Lastly, Tarpon have made an appearance on the Eastern Shore in the barrier islands’ backwaters. Fresh bait is key for Tarpon fishing, with cut spot, croaker, mullet, or menhaden catching the lion’s share of Tarpon. Live bait also works well, and anglers can often catch some right at the Tarpon hole with a two-hook bottom rig baited with bloodworm.
A stop at Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle to ensure you have the appropriate bait and tackle will significantly increase your chances of a successful catch. Remember to check local regulations and obtain the necessary fishing licenses before heading out.
Offshore
Offshore anglers are coming back with mostly mahi, wahoo, tuna and tilefish. There has been some outstanding white marlin action to our North. Many Virginia Captains and crew plan to fish in the Ocean City White Marlin Open this year. The Ocean City White Marlin Open, a prestigious event known as the world’s largest billfish tournament, is set to take place from August 5-9 in Ocean City, Maryland. Celebrating its 51st year, the tournament is expected to draw anglers from around the globe, all competing for the chance to land the biggest marlin and claim a part of the multimillion-dollar prize pool.
However, this year’s tournament faces a unique challenge: the potential impact of a tropical weather system moving northward. Currently forecasted to become Tropical Storm Debby, this system could bring heavy rainfall and strong winds to the southeastern U.S. coast, potentially affecting the tournament’s schedule and safety conditions.
Despite the potential obstacle, the spirit of the White Marlin Open remains undeterred. The tournament has a history of resilience and adaptability, having faced various weather conditions over its half-century legacy. Participants are gearing up for an exciting competition, with hopes that the weather will cooperate for a successful and safe event.
For the latest updates on the tournament and the tropical weather system, participants and fans are encouraged to follow the official White Marlin Open channels and stay tuned to local weather forecasts. The hope is that the tournament will proceed with minimal disruption, allowing anglers to once again take to the seas in pursuit of the majestic white marlin.
VBSF reports brought to you by Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle. Long Bay Pointe Marina and Coastal Fiberglass.
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