Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

Nice Sheepshead caught on the boat Why Knot

Sheepshead Fishing

Sheepshead are beginning to arrive. Their numbers will peak in early June, but some monsters have already been caught. That indicates it’s going to be an incredible season. For best results, use fiddler crabs or mole crabs near structures.

Red Drum Fishing

Red Drum are active on shoals at the bay’s mouth, including Latimer Shoal and the shallow bar near the north end of the CBBT. Next month, as the water warms and the fish numbers grow, sight casting opportunities near CBBT islands will develop.

Black Drum Fishing

Black Drum can be found along the shallow channel ledge from Fisherman’s Island to north of Cape Charles. Areas like Kiptopeake, the Cabbage Patch, and the Concrete Ships are notable for the presence of clustered boats.

Tautog Fishing

Tautog fishing is particularly strong around underwater structures such as wrecks, reefs, rocks, and CBBT (Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel) pylons. Virginia’s season for Tautog ends on May 15, so anglers need to act fast to make the most of the remaining time. The state record for Tautog is 24 lbs. 3 oz, caught by Ken Neill.

Drum, Flounder, Speckled Trout, and Bluefish Fishing in Inlets and Rivers

The Drum bite continued back inside Lynnhaven and Rudee Inlets this week and now Flounder, Speckled Trout, and Bluefish are starting to show up in coolers. The best Flounder spots are on the Eastern Shore, Wachapreague, Oyster, and Chincoteague. Catches around the CBBT will be increasing as waters warm.

Striper Bite

Last week, Phillip Ballard picked up some impressive 35-to-40-inch stripers in the surf at Sandbridge. Stripers have also been feeding in the Eastern Shore surf as well.

Virginia Beach Pier

At the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier, anglers are catching Red Drum, Skates, and Bluefish. The water temperature is currently 56°. Bloodworms, clam bites, and gulps are working well for these catches.

1st Cobia at Cape Lookout, NC.

Cobia

It still early but thought I’d share some news from our south. The water temp has reached 70 degrees at Cape Lookout NC and they picked up their first Cobia of the season. They’re probably up to Hatteras by now. Big things on the horizon!

Big Day Offshore for Sunny & Crew! Yellowfin were snapping and they picked up and nice Wahoo also.

Offshore Fishing

Offshore fishing, 60 miles southeast near the Cigar mount offered crews an opportunity to catch Yellow Fin and Wahoo this weekend. Water temperatures offshore range from the mid-50s to around 60 degrees.

Deep droppers can catch species such as blueline tilefish, golden tilefish, snowy grouper, black belly rose fish, and dogfish. Anglers should stay updated on seasonal regulations to ensure compliance and successful fishing.