Category: VBSF Reports

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

Along the oceanfront things were slow last week, weather was the main factor. The water temperature is currently a cool 67 degrees. Look for the “slow” trend to reverse as it creeps into the low 70’s. The early run of Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish fizzled some, making them scarce for anglers seeking them. However, there …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/06/01/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-60/

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report, Memorial Day

  The red drum season is active on the Eastern Shore shoals, with fish increasing in both size and abundance. VBSF charter sponsors are also targeting schools of new arrivals along the oceanfront. For anchored fishing on shoals, peeler crabs or blue crabs are the most effective baits. Surface schools can be targeted with lures …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/05/23/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-59/

Spring is Giving Way to Summer Action

As we near the end of May, our spring saltwater fishery is gradually transitioning into the summer season—and the outlook is promising! Anglers can expect fishing to continue improving across the board. Inshore & Bay Highlights: Red and Black Drum are showing in strong numbers across bay shoals near the Eastern Shore. Historically, the Nautilus …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/05/18/spring-is-giving-way-to-summer-action/

Virginia Saltwater Fishing, late May

In May, with water temperatures approaching 70°F along the Virginia coast and in Chesapeake Bay, several fish become more active or start arriving as they migrate seeking comfortable conditions. This temperature is ideal for many inshore and coastal species, marking the transition from colder to warmer water species. Here’s what you can expect between now …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/05/11/virginia-saltwater-fishing-late-may/

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

The first Red and Black Drum of the season arrived in Virginia last month and more will be arriving soon. Huge schools of Red Drum, along with a few Cobia have been spotted by airplane migrating along North Carolina’s Outer Banks heading for the Chesapeake Bay. If you want to get in on some world-class …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/05/04/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-58/

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

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 …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/04/26/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-57/

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

Tautog Excellent tautog fishing continues around wrecks, reefs, rocks, and CBBT pylons. Blue or fiddler crabs, clam, or whelk are highly effective baits for tautog. Captain Craig Paige, Paige II Charters is booking Tautog trips until the season closes on May 15. Red Drum Large red drum, weighing between 25 to 50 pounds, are making …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/04/20/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-56/

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

Water temperatures dipped slightly this week. Rudee and Lynnhaven Inlets dropped to 55°F, from 60° F. But that didn’t stop the Speckled Trout and Flounder bite from picking up. Over on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, the flounder bite has been consistent for two weeks, especially in deeper channels 15-25 ft near marshes. Bait options for Trout …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/04/13/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-55/

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

Spring, Exciting Times for Drum Enthusiasts! Black Drum fishing has been superb, and now large Red Drum are actively feeding in the bay. Anglers are successfully catching Black Drum from the surf of the Eastern Shore and Sandbridge, as well as in the Bay off Cape Charles. With the full moon approaching April 12th, expect …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/04/05/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-54/

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

Redfish Action As we have officially entered spring, the Redfish action in the shallows is notably good. Anglers are finding success using 3-4 inch swimbaits on 1/8-1/4-ounce jig heads or fresh cut bait fished on the botten. The Elizabeth River, Rudee Inlet, and Lynnhaven Inlet are all yielding solid catches of Reds on the Southside. …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/03/29/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-53/

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

The bay and ocean water temperatures are still hovering around 50 degrees, creating a unique set of opportunities for saltwater fishing enthusiasts in Virginia. Connie Barbour at Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle said that tautaug are actively biting around the islands of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. This location is starting to be a …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/03/23/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-52/

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

As the water temperatures rise, the saltwater fishing scene in Virginia is becoming more vibrant and promising for local anglers. With warmer weather ushering in a new season, various species are more active and accessible in the shallows. There has been a notable uptick in catches of Trout and Redfish. After a cold winter they …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/03/16/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-51/

Tautog and Speckled Trout Bite Picking Up

A big warm up is coming this week! As water temperatures in the bay rise this month, anglers can anticipate an increase in the tautog bite. These fish, also known as blackfish, become more active and available when the water temperature exceeds 44 degrees Fahrenheit. When the bay temperature reaches 50 degrees, the rock islands …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/03/09/tautog-and-speckled-trout-bite-picking-up/

Virginia Anglers Wrap Up February Fishing

Black Sea Bass Season Virginia anglers have brought another February black sea bass season to a successful close. Throughout February, the unpredictable weather played a significant role in determining fishing success. On days when the conditions allowed, anglers enjoyed superb bottom fishing. Sea bass, known for their firm, white flesh, were plentiful on the reefs …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/03/01/virginia-anglers-wrap-up-february-fishing/

Mid-February Report

Frigid Water Temperatures, Low 40’s The recent drop in water temperatures has created tough conditions for speckled trout and puppy drum, which typically winter in local waters. Anglers are still catching a few puppy drum inside Rudee and Lynnhaven Inlets.  But currently, one of the few areas where these fish can be caught consistently is …

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Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2025/02/18/mid-february-report/