Reports

Mar 29 2022

Recreational Blueline Tilefish News

March 29, 2022

blueline

Recreational Blueline Tilefish in South Atlantic Federal Waters Will Open on May 1, 2022, and Close on July 26, 2022.

What/When:
The recreational sector for blueline tilefish in federal waters of the South Atlantic will open at 12:01 a.m., local time, on May 1, 2022, and close at 12:01 a.m., local time, on July 26, 2022.

Why This Closure is Happening:
The 2022 recreational catch limit for the blueline tilefish is 116,820 pounds whole weight.

The recreational sector for blueline tilefish in or from federal waters of the South Atlantic is typically open from May 1 through August 31, each year. However, if recreational landings for blueline tilefish reach or are projected to reach the recreational catch limit, NOAA Fisheries will close the recreational sector for the remainder of the fishing year.

NOAA Fisheries projects the catch limit will be reached by July 26, 2022, and is closing the fishery to prevent the catch limit from being exceeded.

During and After The Closure:
During a closure, the recreational bag and possession limit for blueline tilefish in or from the South Atlantic federal waters is zero.

This bulletin provides only a summary of the existing regulations. Full regulations can be found in the Federal Register or at …. LINK

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2022/03/29/recreational-blueline-tilefish-news/

Mar 16 2022

Mid-March Fishing Report

March 16, 2022

Dr Neill

Despite recent cold weather anglers are finding windows of fishable weather.

Tautogs are available on the ocean wrecks and should be available at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Dr Ken Neill fished the Triangle Wrecks for around 3 hours and enjoyed non-stop action. The fish averaged in the 18-20 inch range with only a few under 16 inches. He kept a limit from 19 to 23 inches long, tagged and released others, and caught 3 fish that had already been tagged.

Knot Wish’n Charters

The speckled trout and puppy drum are arriving on shallow flats in Inlets and on rivers as waters warm. Connie at Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle says anglers are finding them up inside Lynnhaven and boats fishing Rudee Inlet had outstanding red drum catches this week. VBSF sponsor Knot Wish’n Charters caught nice, healthy, quality redfish this week.

Sea Breeze Charters Oregon Inlet

Offshore in North Carolina boats are enjoying outstanding catch and release giant bluefin tuna fishing. Anglers travel from around the world to get in on this winter fishery off the Carolina coast.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2022/03/16/mid-march-fishing-report/

Feb 27 2022

March and Beyond Fishing Forecast

February 27, 2022

Nice Tautog

March can be a busy month for anglers. Good fishing is right around the corner. Charter crews are working on their boats, tackle shops are servicing reels and replacing old line. Marinas are prepping for the season, Long Bay Pointe Marina patrons can look forward to new fish cleaning tables.

New cleaning tables

March will have some angling opportunities. Puppy drum should be available in Rudee Inlet, Lynnhaven Inlet, the Elizabeth River and other inlets and rivers. In fact Connie at Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle reports a few puppy drum coming from the back waters near the shop on warm days. Speckled trout could be in the same areas.

Tautog are available on ocean wrecks, which should be home to bluefish and Flounder as well. For sure sea bass, but they are out of season.

Deep droppers will be looking to put their crews on golden tilefish.

Bluefin tuna catches off the OBX have been good. Haven’t heard about any being hooked in Virginia yet.

Virginia anglers have a lot to look forward to over the coming weeks. By the end of March tautog action will pick up inshore. Local charter captains are taking advance booking for taugtog trips now, so if plan to go you should contact one asap. As April rolls around the taugtog action will continue approve and flounder will become a possibility. By mid April the big black drum roll in. Bluefish and gray trout will also be a possibility. The flounder bite should continue improving and speckled trout will become more numerous. By the end of May plenty of large red drum will have made their way into the lower bay. In June everything starts to peak, inshore and off! Black drum, red drum, cobia, croaker, flounder, gray trout, round head, sheepshead, spadefish, spanish mackerel, speckled trout, small striped bass, mahi, yellow fin tuna and school size blue fin tuna.

Once fishing picks up, we’ll return to posting weekly VBSF reports. Until then check back often for any fishing news we receive.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2022/02/27/march-and-beyond-fishing-forecast/

Jan 21 2022

Virginia Beach February Fishing Outlook

January 21, 2022

tautaug

When anglers can get out, ocean wrecks are holding some really nice tautogs. Blue crabs are hard to find right now so most are being caught using fresh clam.

Rick Wineman and Wally Veal (above) checked in with VBSF. They had a weather window to get out and do some tautog fishing on 1-13-22. They fished some of the offshore wrecks in 100+ feet and managed to find some nice ones. Had several double digit (15lb 14oz / 17lb 9 oz} specimens and a few other very respectable ones that were tagged and released. They used left over crabs from last year as bait. They also had some bluefish in the mix. If you run into them and decide to keep any just remember bluefish are 3 per person these days.

The Chesapeake Bay rockfish season has closed but you can still practice catch and release.

Speckled trout and puppy drum will be a possibility in the inlets all winter. Most are being caught on Mirr-O-Lures and soft plastics.

We’ve been spoiled the past few years with a February black sea bass season. Not this year. The fishery is managed jointly by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council. At a recent meeting, it was determined that states would be required to reduce the recreational harvest in 2022 by 28% coastwide. Based upon the changes in the fisheries regulations, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission will be unable to open February for the species. At this time, it is unknown when the season will reopen.

Some good catches of yellowfin and giant bluefin tuna are occurring out of Oregon Inlet NC.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2022/01/21/virginia-beach-february-fishing-outlook/

Dec 22 2021

Virginia State Record Atlantic Tripletail Certified

December 22, 2021

An 8-pound 9-ounce Atlantic tripletail caught on July 14, 2021 by Hayden Head of Yorktown; VA has been certified as the initial Virginia State Record for the species by the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament. The record-setting tripletail measured 23 inches (TL) and had an18.5-inch girth.

Hayden, his dad and four other anglers were primarily searching for cobia but spotted the fish hanging below a matt of grass at York Spit near the MB 1 buoy. Hayden rigged a live crab on a 3-foot leader suspended beneath a large fluorescent orange cork and cast to the fish which quickly responded. The fish was netted boat side by a young member of the group.

Hayden was using a Temple Fork Outfitters spinning rod and a Penn reel spooled with 30-pound Power Pro braided line. The fish was officially weighed at Grafton Fishing Supply in Yorktown, where it was viewed and positively identified by VSWFT Committee member Dr. Ken Neill.

Tripletail are not a new arrival to Chesapeake Bay waters but, with the rise in the popularity of sight fishing for cobia, encounters seem on the increase.

Atlantic Coast tripletail have been collected as far north as Massachusetts but are only rarely found north of the Chesapeake Bay. In more southern states, and especially in Georgia and Florida and the Gulf States, tripletails are highly esteemed by recreational anglers for both the challenge they offer and as a table fish. Their flesh has been compared to other mild tasting white fleshed fish as snapper and grouper. Tripletail were added to the list of eligible species for state record consideration in 2020 with an initial qualifying weight of 8 pounds. No entries were submitted that first year. Hayden’s fish is the first tripletail registered which met the 8-pound minimum established for initial state record recognition.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2021/12/22/state-record-atlantic-tripletail-certified/

Dec 21 2021

Virginia Beach Fishing Report

December 21, 2021

52″ Rockfish, Dr Ken Neill

Happy Holidays to all from VBSF!

We have officially entered our winter fishing season. There are still a few days available in our sea bass and bay striper season. Both close midnight December 31st. After that it’s all catch and release.

The Bay water temp at the CBBT is 50 degrees now and most of the large rockfish are being caught on the east side of the Bay. Some are coming from areas near the mouths of the Rappahannock and Potomac rivers and there are still some keeper size fish around the CBBT and HRBT.

Trout, redfish and rockfish are still a possibility in local inlets and rivers. Depending on how harsh our winter gets speckled trout will continue being a possibility. On warmer sunny days they sometimes warm themselves in shallows. While they are still hungry they move very slow in the cold water. So slow your retrieve to a crawl.

taug

Tautog fishing is still good around the CBBT islands and on coastal wreck.

Perhaps the best bite going right now is the seabass bite. Those targeting them are also catching a few triggerfish and flounder. The season for the Seabass closes on Dec. 31.

Offshore deep droppers will continue catching tilefish at the Norfolk Canyon. Swordfish are still available to those targeting them. Look for tuna in any warm eddies you run across. On the ride out watch for bird activity, this time of year giant bluefins can show up anywhere there’s schools of bait fish.

We will post fishing reports every 30 days or so until April. We will also pass along any fishing news released by VMRC. Check back.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2021/12/21/virginia-beach-fishing-report-17/

Dec 01 2021

Virginia Beach Fishing Report

December 1, 2021

striper

Anglers are turning their attention to rockfish. Large fish are moving out of bay tributaries and into the Bay. This week boats found some of the larger winter fish. Look for them on the Eastern Shore side of the Bay. Anglers will be drifting or slow trolling eels near Plantation Light and along Cape Charles. Mann’s Stretch 25’s and tandem rigs are also effective. The 19th Annual Mid-Atlantic Rockfish Shootout takes place December 9th, 10th & 11th. Participants can depart any inlet in Virginia but all weigh-ins are at King’s Creek Marina in Cape Charles. School-sized rockfish are available for anglers casting along the bridge pilings and the artificial islands of the CBBT. Most fish are medium in size. Lots of fish are still up the rivers, the Elizabeth, James, Rappahannock and Potomac. Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle reported some keeper size fish inside Lynnhaven inlet, the best fishing is at night under lights.

The Speckled Trout bite slowed some but fish are still being caught. Lower Chesapeake Bay inlets like Lynnhaven and Little Creek are good. Rudee Inlet is good also. The James and Elizabeth Rivers, the Hampton/Poquoson area are still producing. Mirr-O-Lures and swim baits are working well.

Dr Ken Neill

Tautog are biting along the CBBT and on Bay structure. As the Bay water temps drop ocean wrecks will probably produce best. Fiddler crabs and quartered blue crabs are the preferred baits.

Rudee Tours Sea Bass Fishing

Jumbo sea bass are available on many ocean wrecks. Seabass become off limits at the end of the year, when the season closes. Some big bluefish could show near the same structures. Flounder can also be found around offshore structures. Fresh strip baits are best for flounder.

The Rudee Tours headboats are running trips out to the ocean wrecks and enjoying some excellent catches of black seabass, triggerfish with a few flounder mixed in.

When boats make it out to deep drop they are finding good numbers of tilefish and sea bass. On the run out it’s time to be on the lookout for bluefin tunas.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2021/12/01/virginia-beach-fishing-report-16/

Nov 17 2021

Virginia Beach Fishing Report

November 17, 2021

Nice Trout!

The fall speckled trout bite continues. They are being caught throughout the lower Bay, in all three inlets and in the surf along the oceanfront.

Anglers working similar locations are finding a few puppy drum. Most of the large red drum have moved south to OBX waters.

Striped bass are being caught throughout the lower bay and in the rivers around bridges and piers with lights. Bay water temp is 58 degrees.

Sea bass, tautogs and flounder are available around all of the ocean wrecks. Togs should be available inside the bay, on the Cape Henry wreck and at the CBBT islands.

The Rudee Tours head boats are successfully targeting seabass on Wednesdays and Saturdays. Trips sellout in advance. Most are sold out now, but check with them for any cancellation openings.

When weather condition allow offshore trollers should find tuna and wahoo. Swordfish should be available to those targeting them.

Tilefish are available at the Norfolk Canyon.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2021/11/17/virginia-beach-fishing-report-15/

Nov 02 2021

Virginia Beach Fishing Report

November 2, 2021

Knot Wish’n Charters

Specked trout and puppy drum action is picking inside the inlets. Topwater baits or popping corks baited with fresh shrimp, fresh cut bait or soft crabs will do the trick. Captain Beck and his Knot Wish’n Charter crews have been catching them inside Rudee Inlet. Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle registered several Virginia State Citation. Susan H. Gordon had a 25″ speckled trout release, Mike Firestone a 24″ speckled trout release. Stephen C. Davis had a 52″ red drum release, Julie Scalza a 48″ red drum release, Gabriel Bowers a 50″ red drum release, Aidan Graham a 48″ red drum release and Jose Pires Encarnacao a 50″ red drum release. Congratulations!

Rockfish season is open for slot sized fish. The best catches are coming from around structure, especially at night under lights. Trollers are using umbrella rigs, tandem rigs, swim shads and stretch baits mostly in the rivers.

Dr Neill Tog action

Tautog are available and hungry. They’ll be available through the winter. The islands of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and wrecks like the Cape Henry are productive areas. Dr Ken Neill reported a few nice ones caught on the Healthy Grin.

Seabass fishing on ocean wrecks is great right now. Anglers are also catching flounder and triggerfish while targeting the seabass. Rudee Tours is running 9-hour trips on Wednesdays and Saturdays. They usually sell out prior to departure so it’s wise to book in advance.

Late season Sport action off the Virginia Beach Pier

Surf and pier anglers are catching spot, drum, trout, sea mullet, bluefish and rockfish. Amy Eanes and crew from Danville, Va loaded their cooler with some nice late season spot off the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier.

Very nice swordfish catch!

Offshore anglers are successfully targeting swordfish. Bluewater trollers are picking up tuna, a few mahi and some nice wahoo.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2021/11/02/virginia-beach-fishing-report-14/

Oct 15 2021

Virginia Beach Fishing Report

October 15, 2021

Striper season is open

Virginia’s rockfish season opened October 4th and will remain open until December 31st. Anglers are catching them around bridge pilings, piers and under lights at night.. Regulations allow one fish per angler per day with a 20 inch minimum and a 36 inch maximum length.

Spanish Still Biting

Ocean charters are still successfully targeting spanish mackerel and king mackerel. Some nice smoker kings have been weighed at Rudee recently.

Speckled Trout should be available in the local inlets and rivers. Live shrimp are deadly on them if you can get your hands on some, live shrimp are abundant in Bay tributaries right now. Topwater baits or popping corks with fresh soft crab or other fresh cut baits will do the trick. Captain Todd Beck, Knot Wish’n Charters confirmed that trout and redfish are both feeding inside Rudee Inlet. The same should be true for Lynnhaven and Little Creek as well.

The best flounder bite is in the lower Chesapeake Bay and out in the ocean. Spot are still around and make great bait.

Sheepshead catches are still occurring in the the CBBT area.

Anglers have been finding plenty of drum. They are on the move and there’s been a good run in the surf along Sandbridge.

Nice Black Sea Bass on the wrecks

Crews fishing the Triangle wreck area are catching lots of sea bass and trigger fish.

Nice Tilefish On the head boats!

The deep-water anglers are doing well on tilefish and seabass. The Rudee Tours Head Boats are running full day, 12-hour sea bass and 17 hour deep dropping trips. Most are either sold out or close to it. If you want to get in on the action call them ASAP.

Nice deep drop catch on the High Hopes!

An alert to mariners has been posted for Rudee Inlet due to serious shoaling conditions, based on a City of Virginia Beach survey, dated October 05, 2021. The survey indicates shoaling in the channel from the east end of the South jetty extending approximately 100 feet eastward. Conditions reported are least depth at 6.1 feet mean lower low water. Shoaling has been identified along the south side of the channel extending approximately 250 feet westward from the east end of the short jetty. Conditions reported are least depths at 5.0 feet mean lower low water. Mariners are urged to exhibit extreme caution when approaching this area.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2021/10/15/virginia-beach-fishing-report-13/

Oct 01 2021

Virginia Beach Fishing Report

October 1, 2021

Frank Marble, Sandbridge

As October rolls in the big red drum start rolling out. Look for large schools on the surface exiting the Bay. Anglers surf fishing along Sandbridge have been successful, mostly at night. Frank Marble beached two at 48 inches and several over 40. A number of release citations have been recorded by Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle recently. George Kotarides 48 inches, Jonathan Guion 48 inches, Joe Jacobs 47 ½ inches, Joe Jacobs 47 ½ inches, Dee Smith 52 inches, Dee Smith 52 inches, Joe Sudduth 48 inches, Charles G Sudduth III 50 inches, Morgan Stroh 47 inches, Donald Gelinas 49 inches, Abigail Kelley 49 inches, Abigail Kelley 47 inches, Robert Kelley 47 inches, David R. Oden 46 ½ inches, Charles Doriguzzi 48 inches and Ethan Doriguzzi 53 inches.

Ocean Pearl Charters

The spanish mackerel have been larger and plentiful the past couple of weeks. Long Bay Pointe registered several nice ones for Virginia State Citation Awards. Jack Limroth released three at 28, 29 and 30 inches. Alex Gallardo Perez weighed a 5 lb. 11 oz. and a 4 lb. 8 oz. fish. Jack Limroth weighed a 7 lb. and a 4 lb. 14 oz. fish. And Cardelario Gallardo a 4 lb. 5 oz. and a 4 lb. 3 oz. fish.

Paige II Charters

The speckled trout bite is picking in Rudee Inlet, Lynnhaven Inlet, Little Creek Inlet, the James River, Elizabeth River, the Hampton/Poquoson area, areas around the Rappahannock River. Amos H. Chang registered a 24-inch speckled release. Look for Puppy Drum in the same areas.

The Sheepshead are still feeding at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, the Monitor Merrimac Bridge Tunnel and on Bay reefs. Evan Rossen weighed a 11 lb. 2 oz. sheepshead last week.

Spot are available from the Rappahannock River to the oceanfront.

Some flounder are being caught on ocean structures.

Lots of seabass are being caught on ocean wrecks.

High Hopes Charters

Offshore boats are finding wahoo, mahi, yellowfin tuna and blue and white marlin.

Deep droppers are catching tilefish. Captain David Wright on the High Hopes has been catching blueline tiles and an occasional tuna or white marlin. The Rudee Tours headboats are targeting black sea bass, triggerfish, flounder and bluefish on their Full-Day Fishing Trips and tilefish on their 17-Hour Deep Drop Trips.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2021/10/01/virginia-beach-fishing-report-12/

Sep 15 2021

Virginia Beach Fishing Report

September 15, 2021

Puppy drum, speckled trout, rockfish and spot are in the local inlets.

Recently Shawn Sawyer and his buddy Jason won the Lynnhaven Puppy Drum Round Up tournament. They caught over 60 redfish and lost some big ones. Their longest fish was 30 inches.

Anglers are encountering large red drum in the Bay schooling on the surface.

Bay cobia are starting to move toward the mouth of the Bay as they prepare to exit. Look for them near the surface, often time swimming under a school of rays. Capture season closes September 15th.

The CBBT is still holding nice sheepshead. Josh Ledoux caught a 11lb. 2 oz. sheepshead, Mike Harrison a 11 lb. 1 oz. and Robert Critcher a 10 lb. 15 oz. fish.

Nice keeper flounders have been caught recently. Captain Craig Paige on the Paige II has been putting his guest on some nice flatties.

Spot are widespread, from the Rappahannock River to the oceanfront. Some yellow bellies are up to 14 inches long.

The marlin bite has been outstanding. Charters have also been catching yellow fin tuna and mahi.

On Saturdays the Rudee Tours headboats are targeting black sea bass, triggerfish, flounder and bluefish on their Full-Day Fishing Trips and tilefish on their 17-Hour Deep Drop Trips.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2021/09/15/virginia-beach-fishing-report-11/

Sep 01 2021

Virginia Beach Fishing Report

September 1, 2021

Nice Spanish on the Ocean Pearl

Summer is winding down; the kids are back in school and the college football season is here. Anglers are looking forward to cooler temps and lots of migrating fish. We’ll be posting our fishing report twice a month, from now until March, most likely on the 1st and 15th.

Spanish mackerel fishing picked up in the Bay again last week. Crystal clear water and lots of nice size fish jumping. Thomas Herrera earned a state citation for a 28″ fish. He also registered a 43″ jack crevalle release and a 96″ bull shark release.

Good sheepshead fishing is continuing around the pilings of the CBBT. Long Bay Pointe recently weighted a number of nice fish. Matthew Green had a 12 lb. 1 oz., Tom Turley a 10 lb. 4 oz. and Robert Perez a 10 lb. 12 oz.

There’s still plenty of cobia in the Bay and along the oceanfront. Look for them under any large school of rays you spot. The large red drum bite has been steady also. George Spangler registered a 54″ red drum release and a 54″ cobia release. Chris Sadler had a 50″ cobia release, Chadwick Hayes a 52″ cobia release, Erick Simon a 52″ cobia release and Stephen Koffman a 51″ and 60″ cobia release.

The puppy drum bite has been excellent inside many of the inlets and rivers. There’s been a few nice flounder caught. Luke Rhoades weighted a 8 lb. 8 oz. flounder.

Good catches of croaker, bluefish and sea mullet are being had in the bay. The Cell area has been good. Spot action should pick up in the rivers. The big yellow belly run should occur before long.

The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is reporting small spot, roundhead and an occasional ribbon fish or spanish mackerel.

Swordfish on the High Hopes

Offshore trollers are finding yellowfin tuna, mahi, marlin and swordfish. Deep droppers are catching tilefish. Inshore ocean wrecks are holding seabass and flounder.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2021/09/01/virginia-beach-fishing-report-10/

Aug 23 2021

Virginia Beach Fishing Report

August 23, 2021

Virginia Beach Pier Spadefish

The Spanish mackerel bite picked up between 2nd and 3rd islands of the CBBT last week . Some bluefish were mixed in.

This is king mackerel season along the oceanfront, look for some smokers to show up at the scales.

The Flounder bite is still good on ocean wrecks and has been increasing at the CBBT.

Cobia are starting to exit the Bay. Look for them near channel buoys and along the oceanfront.

The sheepshead are still biting along the CBBT.

Spot number are picking up in the Bay and along the oceanfront.

The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is seeing spot, roundhead, pompano, rays, spades, small blues, small flounder, and puppy drum. One angler reported seeing a rear manatee swimming close by, pretty neat!

Inlets and bay tributaries are holding speckled trout and puppy drum. The best trout and drum fishing is September through November.

Deep droppers catching tilefish

Deep droppers are catching mostly tilefish. Rudee Tours runs trips, but you need to book early. Their website shows most trips sold out in advance.

The offshore boats are finding yellowfin tuna and wahoo action is picking up. This is peak billfish season, Blues, whites, and sailfish catches are on the rise. 81 Teams fished the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament last week. Cash awards totaling $785,250 were handed out.

Final Standings

TOP 10 TEAMS

# BOAT CAPTAIN POINTS
1 Seven Jimmy Hardee 700 points
2 Katherine Anne Backlash Davis 630 points
3 Mama C Rob Mahoney 560 points (on time)
4 Bullwinkle Dan Spencer 560 points
5 Builder’s Choice Brent Gaskill 420 points

BILLFISH DAILY

DAY BOAT CAPTAIN POINTS
1-1st Katherine Anne Backlash Davis 490 points
1-2nd Builder’s Choice Brent Gaskill 280 points
2-1st Bullwinkle Dan Spencer 350 points (on time)
2-2nd Seven Jimmy Hardee 350 points
3-1st Seven Jimmy Hardee 350 points
3-2nd Electric Bill Mark McDevitt 280 points

GAMEFISH DIVISION

SPECIES BOAT ANGLER WEIGHT
TOP DOLPHIN Tuna Teaser Chance Price 22.5 lbs.
TOP TUNA Cotton Picker Thomas Bennett 74.2 lbs.
TOP WAHOO Evelyn Kennedy Paul Michael 22.8 lbs.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2021/08/23/virginia-beach-fishing-report-9/

Aug 17 2021

Virginia Beach Fishing Report

August 17, 2021

Paige II Charters

As the end of summer approaches opportunities continue for local anglers! In fact some of the best fishing of the year happens now!

Spadefish and sheepshead are on Chesapeake Bay structure. Kayakers have been catching lots of large sheepshead around the piling of the CBBT.

This time of year there are nice flounder in the inlets along with some speckled trout, puppy drum and bluefish.

Cobia and big red drum catches remain good.

Look for spanish mackerel to be feeding in Chesapeake Bay tidal rips and along the oceanfront. There should also be some kings inshore. Keep an eye out for cobia, the brown suites are hanging around the same areas.

Croaker, sea mullet and flounder are in Eastern Shore seaside inlets and on the bayside as well. Tarpon should be in their usual Eastern Shore holes.

Croaker are available throughout the lower bay and more small spot are starting to show. Look for spot and croaker sizes to increase as September approaches.

The coastal wrecks are holding flounder, spadefish, triggerfish, sea bass and sandtiger sharks.

Pier and surf anglers are finding sea mullet, pompano, spadefish, small flounder, and a few spanish mackerel. Cobia and red drum are a possibility.

Offshore billfish action is heating up just in time for the local tournament season. The 18^th annual Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament runs August 18 thru 21^st out of Rudee inlet.

Rudee Tours Fishing Charters

There should be plenty of amberjack holding on the Chesapeake light tower and south tower. Deep-droppers are finding excellent numbers of both golden and blueline tilefish, along with sea bass. Rudee Tours deep drop fishing has been stellar! Excellent catch of tilefish and even a surprise silver snapper last week!

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2021/08/17/virginia-beach-fishing-report-8/