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!

Fishing activity was a little slow this past week due to weather, but there were still some good catches to be had.

Cobia sightings and catches were made, with some anglers reporting success. However, many are finding the cobia to be reluctant to feed, even when presented with live baits.

Spanish mackerel are being found in various parts of the Bay, but the oceanfront will be the most consistent location for them. Bluefish are also present. Large drum and nice size bluefish are being landed along the CBBT.

Puppy drum are being caught in local tributaries, with fresh cut mullet working well as bait. Anglers are also finding these fish along the beaches and off piers. Bottom fishing is producing well, with croaker and spot being caught in both the Bay and the rivers. The rivers have been especially good for spot.

Trout have been active in the rivers and some of the Bay’s inlets, including Lynnhaven, Little Creek on the southside and Poquoson and Mobjack on the Peninsula. When targeting trout in these areas, be ready for a variety of other species as well.

The flounder bite is expected to improve as we move into September. The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is often the most productive spot for flounder and is a great destination for targeting multiple species. The CBBT is also a hot spot for sheepshead and tautog. Using crab for bait can also attract a variety of other fish around the bridge structures, including sea bass, black drum, and redfish.

The Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament was held August 21-24.  It saw many white marlin released and 5 verified blue marlins. Unofficial results have the Waterman leading the Billfish category with 2310 points, Goombay topping the Dolphin category at 12.90 lbs, and Waterman also excelling in Tuna category at 74.10 lbs. The tournament, known for its vibrant dock parties and commitment to marine conservation through the Virginia Beach Billfish Foundation, once again proved to be a thrilling highlight of the summer fishing season.

Dr. Ken Neill found some trout with topwater baits

Hurricane Erin, the first major storm of the 2025 Atlantic season, is forecasted to track well offshore of Virginia’s coast, sparing the region a direct hit but still delivering notable impacts to fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and offshore waters. In the Bay, expect gusty winds, higher tides, and elevated waves that could create rough boating conditions, increase water turbidity, and potentially disrupt fish patterns by pushing species into deeper or sheltered areas—making inshore angling more challenging. Offshore, large swells will render deep-sea pursuits unsafe during the storm’s approach this week, with marine forecasts warning of elevated seas that demand caution; however, post-storm upwelling could enthusiastically rejuvenate tuna, mahi, and billfish action for those who wait it out.

Still exciting times are upon us in the local fishing scene, with impressive catches of some nice Speckled Trout making headlines! Anglers are buzzing about an early bite this season. Savvy Trout enthusiasts often stick to back waters, ensuring consistent action regardless of the weather.

One of the thrills of pursuing Trout is the chance to hook into a variety of other species along the way—think Rockfish, Redfish, Flounder, Croaker, and more surprises. Best of all, this hot Trout action is set to ramp up even further as we head into fall. Proven go-to lures include soft plastic swimbaits in the 3- to 4-inch range, which deliver day after day, alongside effective popping corks and topwater baits that add an extra layer of excitement to every cast.

Spanish Mackerel are providing fantastic opportunities, from the mouth of the Potomac right down to the bay’s entrance and along the oceanfront, where boats are reeling them in. If Bluefish are your passion, they’re readily available on the same setups and tackle—double the fun for minimal effort!

Sheepshead continue to deliver solid action along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) and lower bay reefs, where Tautog are equally enthusiastic biters on the same productive cover. Adding to the mix, Triggerfish are joining the party, drawn to those irresistible crab baits—what a diverse lineup!

Captain David Wright on the High Hopes and crew found some hungry Bull Reds and Cobia

Bull red drum are still popping up.  Red Drum are aggressive, smashing baits when schools surge along the surface. Anchoring up for night fishing brings its own thrills, as both Red and Black Drum will pounce on fresh clam, crab, or cut mullet.

High Hopes Charters

Boats are still out in force chasing Cobia, and under favorable conditions, success rates are soaring. Jigging over hard structure is yielding not just Cobia but also massive Red Drum, with the Drum bite poised to extend well into October for prolonged excitement.

This is prime time for Flounder inside the bay, particularly around the CBBT’s pilings and tubes, where many anglers are finding their luck. When bay conditions turn tricky, head to the concrete ships at Kiptopeke—they’re a reliable alternative, often producing Tautog, Sheepshead, Flounder, and even Redfish in one versatile spot.

The Spot bite is thriving in the lower bay throughout August. Focus on hard-bottom zones and fish tight to structures for the best results.

Finally, surf casters are enjoying rewarding hookups with Red Drum, Rockfish, Whiting, and Pompano, making it a perfect option for those who prefer fishing from the shore.

Offshore enthusiasts are in for a treat, with strong runs of Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi, and billfish including Blue Marlin, White Marlin, and Sailfish. Keep an eye on September, when the White Marlin action typically peaks—get ready for some epic battles!

With such abundant opportunities across the board, there’s never been a better moment to gear up and hit the water!