Reports

Aug 07 2023

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

August 7, 2023

This is prime billfish season, marlin, sailfish, and swordfish. The offshore boats are having a blast. Tuna, dolphin and wahoo are also available.

The 50th White Marlin Open in Ocean City MD kicks off today. A number of Virgnia boats and crews will be participating. It’s the world’s largest and richest billfish tournament, with over $10 million in prize money up for grabs. The event runs from August 7 to 11 and attracts anglers from all over the world who compete for the coveted white marlin trophy. The weigh-ins are open to the public and are a spectacle to behold, as huge fish are hoisted and measured on the scales.

Nice spanish mackerel, Knot Wish’n Charters

If you’re looking for something closer to home, you have plenty of options. Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, bluefish and sharks are keeping the inshore charters busy. These fish are fun to catch on light tackle, and they put up a good fight.

Paige II Charters catching nice flounder now! Congratulations

One of the favorite fish to target this time of the year is flounder. Our flounder season is officially on now, and we’re seeing some nice ones coming in. Limits of quality fish are available. You can catch flounder in the bay or the ocean, but most prefer the bay. Look for them near drop-offs, channels and grass beds. Small live spot, croaker or mullet are your best bait, but they will also hit artificial baits like gulp or bucktails.

High Hopes Charters picked up a nice Cobia for their group!

Another fish that’s keeping anglers busy are cobia. Cobia catches are being reported throughout the lower bay. These fish are amazing to catch and eat. They can weigh over 100 pounds, and they fight like crazy. Live eels, live spot or croaker are your best bait for cobia too, but they will hit artificial baits when spotted on the surface. You can use sight-fishing techniques to locate them, or you can chum with ground menhaden.

Benjamin Proffitt and crew were all over the big reds!!!

Red drum are another fish that you can sight-fish for in the lower bay. Red drum are available and should continue to be the rest of the summer. You can catch them on cut bait, live bait or artificial lures.

Sheepshead are near structure in the bay. Sheepshead are being caught on structure using fiddler crabs or fresh shrimp. They’re very tasty, but they’re also very tricky to hook. You have to be quick and set the hook as soon as you feel a bite.

Dr Ken Neill has been enjoying some good trout action.

Speckled trout catches have been good recently, especially in the early morning or evening hours. You can find them in shallow water near grass beds or oyster bars. You can catch them on live shrimp, minnows or mullet, or on artificial lures like topwater plugs, soft plastics or jigs.

There are also some good-sized spots being caught in Chesapeake Bay tributaries now. Spot fishing peaks in August and September, and it’s a lot of fun for kids and adults alike. Spot are small but scrappy fish that bite on bloodworms, squid or shrimp. You can catch them from piers, bridges or boats using bottom rigs with small hooks.

Virginia Beach Pier anglers are reporting roundhead and spot. Roundhead are also known as whiting or kingfish, and they’re very good eating fish. You can catch them on bloodworms, squid or shrimp too. Spanish mackerel, blues and small sharks are always a possibility at the pier as well. Spanish mackerel and blues hit fast-moving lures like spoons or gotcha plugs.

Book your Virginia Beach fishing trip!

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/08/07/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-14/

Aug 01 2023

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

August 1, 2023

king mack

If you are looking for some exciting saltwater fishing action in Virginia, here’s the latest rundown.

King mackerel are showing up in the near shore ocean waters, where they can be caught by trolling large spoons or live bait. These fish are fast and strong, and when they strike will smoke your drag. Pictured is a 52-pound beast caught by David Cooper, fishing on his boat the reCooper8 out of Fisherman’s Wharf Marina.

Red drum are making a splash in the lower Bay, where anglers can spot schools of these powerful fish on the surface. The best way to catch them is to cast topwater lures or live bait near the feeding frenzy.

Flounder fishing is also heating up, with some trophy-sized doormats being caught near structure and drop-offs. A live spot or croaker on a flounder rig is a sure way to entice these flatfish.

Cobia are still around, but they can be picky about what they eat. Sight casting is the best method to target them, using live eels, bunker or crabs. Look for them near buoys, channel edges or bait pods.

spanish

Spanish mackerel and bluefish are providing steady action for anglers trolling spoons or small plugs. The fish are getting bigger as the season progresses, and some citation-sized specimens have been reported.

trout

Puppy Drum are available in Broad Bay. Speckled Trout and pups are biting in shallower water.

Offshore, the charter boats are finding a mixed bag of pelagic and bottom fish. Yellowfin tuna, mahi, swordfish and tilefish are some of the species being landed. Marlin fishing is also improving, with more white and blue marlin being released.

OBX, NC Report

Surf and Pier fishing have both been productive with the clear warm waters, sea mullet, spot, pompano, small bluefish, spanish mackerel, and other small bottom fish species have come from both the Piers and the Surf zone. A handful of large king Mackerel have been landed off of the piers from Nags Head down to Avon.

With the water temps in the sound very warm, the fishing on the flats has slowed down a little. However, channel edges and deeper areas with moving water have continued to produce. Anglers are finding some large, speckled trout, puppy drum, black drum, and flounder from the sound side. Good catches of Sheepshead are coming from the Bridges.

The nearshore fleet is catching king mackerel, amberjack, spanish mackerel, and ribbonfish.

Offshore, there has been pretty good dolphin fishing with a handful of nice yellowfin and some billfish mixed in.

Book your Virginia Beach fishing trip!

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/08/01/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-12/

Jul 27 2023

August Is Mid-Atlantic Marlin Tournament Time

July 27, 2023

dock

If you are a fan of billfish fishing, you won’t want to miss the exciting tournaments happening in the mid-Atlantic region next month. The weigh-ins are open to the public and are a spectacle to behold, as huge fish are hoisted and measured on the scales. Here are a few highlights!

The 50th White Marlin Open, Ocean City MD, is the world’s largest and richest billfish tournament, with over $6 million in prize money up for grabs. The event runs from August 7 to 11, 2023, and attracts anglers from all over the world who compete for the coveted white marlin trophy.

The Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament, Manteo NC, is a prestigious and competitive event that has been running for over 30 years. The tournament features four days of fishing from August 12 to 18, 2023, and a variety of categories and awards, including release points, heaviest fish, daily jackpots, and more. The tournament also supports several local charities and causes, such as the Dare County Boat Builders Foundation and the NC Aquarium.

The 21st Annual Wine, Women & Fishing Ladies-Only Charity Billfish Tournament, Virginia Beach, is a fun and festive event that celebrates women anglers and raises money for breast cancer research. The tournament takes place on August 19 and 20, 2023, and features a pre-fishing party, a captain’s meeting, two days of fishing, and an awards banquet. The tournament has raised over $700,000 for the Chesapeake Regional Health Foundation since its inception.

The Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament is a premier event that showcases the best of Virginia’s offshore fishing. The tournament runs from August 23 to 26, 2023, and offers a generous payout structure, with over $500,000 in cash and prizes awarded in 2019. The tournament also supports several conservation and community initiatives, such as the Virginia Beach Fishing Center’s Artificial Reef Program and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeast Virginia.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/07/27/august-is-mid-atlantic-marlin-tournament-time/

Jul 24 2023

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

July 24, 2023

spanish mackerel

Looks like another great week for fishing coming! This week coastal waters will see mostly clear skies. The winds will be mostly from the east or southeast, ranging from 5 to 15 knots. The waves will be around 1 to 2 feet. The water temperature is around 80F inshore and off.

The VBSF charter boats are catching Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel trolling along the oceanfront. It’s time to start watching for King Mackerel, some have been seen skying already.

drum

You can find Red Drum and Cobia in many areas; some anglers are having fun sight-casting for them. Black drum are hanging around the CBBT islands as well.

Spadefish, Trigger fish and Sheepshead are on inshore structures, like the CBBT and The Cell off the Eastern Shore.

Paige II Charters

Flounder are biting well around the CBBT, in local inlets, and at Hampton Bar and Back Reef.

Virginia Beach Piers anglers are catching Spot, Roundheads, Blues, and a few Spanish and Cobia.

Puppy Drum are plentiful in Broad Bay. Speckled Trout and pups are biting in shallow water in the rivers.

Tarpon are available in their summer feeding spots.

swordfish

Offshore there has been a good Tuna bite. Dolphin, Billfish and some nice Wahoo are also available to offshore trollers. Some anglers have landed impressive swordfish. Cory Parsons checked in at Long Bay Pointe Marina with the 111 lbs. 8 oz. citation Swordfish pictured above. Deep droppers are catching Tilefish.

The offshore wrecks and towers are holding wreck donkeys, better known as Amberjack. Toss them a live Spot and buckle up!

OBX, NC Report

There have been reports of big Trout, Sheepshead, Puppy Drum, and some nice Flounder biting on various baits and lures. Sheepshead are near bridges and other structures in the sound.

The surf fishing has also been good lately, with Spot, Sea Mullet, Bluefish, Pompano, and even some nice Spanish Mackerel caught from the beach.

The piers have been producing Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Spot, Croaker, Sea Mullet, and some huge King Mackerel.

The offshore fishing has slowed a bit slow recently, but there have been some Billfish releases and a few Tuna and Dolphin catches. The nearshore boats have been doing better, with Triggerfish, Amberjack, Spanish Mackerel, Ribbonfish, and a few nice Cobia in the mix.

Book your Virginia Beach fishing trip!

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/07/24/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-11/

Jul 17 2023

Virginia Flounder Season! Fun to catch, great for dinner!

July 17, 2023

Paige II Charters

Flounder are fun to catch and delicious to eat!

These flat fish feed near the bottom, so you need to present your bait or lure close to where they are hiding. There are several effective tactics for catching them.

One of the most popular methods is drifting with a baited rig, such as a Fluke Killer or a high-low bottom rig. You can use live or cut bait, such as live finger Mullet, live small Spot, minnows, Squid, Silversides, or Flounder belly strips. You can also add artificial baits like GULP Swimming Mullet to enhance the scent and appearance of your offering. The key is to drift over sharp drop-offs or structure where flounder like to ambush their prey.

Another method is jigging with a bucktail jig or a soft plastic lure. You can tip your jig with a strip of bait or a GULP Jerk Shad for extra attraction. Jigging allows you to cover more water and target active flounder that are willing to chase your lure. You can jig along the edges of channels, around bridge pilings, or near wrecks and reefs.

A third method is trolling with wire line and a spoon or a bucktail. This method is effective around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, where flounder congregate in deep water. Wire line helps you get your lure down to the bottom and maintain contact with it. Trolling allows you to cover a lot of ground and locate flounder that are scattered along the structure.

No matter which method you choose, make sure you use a sharp hook and set it firmly when you feel a bite. Flounder have tough mouths and can spit out your bait quickly if you don’t hook them well.

Virginia Flounder Tips

Flounder is a delicious and versatile fish that can be cooked in many ways. Here are three easy and tasty methods to prepare your flounder for the table.

1. Baked flounder with lemon and herbs. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish. Rinse and pat dry four flounder fillets and arrange them in a single layer on the dish. Sprinkle some salt, pepper, garlic powder, and dried oregano over the fish. Drizzle some melted butter and lemon juice over the top. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Garnish with some fresh parsley and lemon wedges and serve with rice or salad.

2. Pan-fried flounder with capers and almonds. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season four flounder fillets with salt and pepper and dredge them in some flour, shaking off any excess. Fry the fish for about 3 minutes per side or until golden and crisp. Transfer to a platter and keep warm. In the same skillet, add some butter, capers, sliced almonds, and lemon juice and cook until the butter is browned and the almonds are toasted, stirring occasionally. Spoon the sauce over the fish and enjoy with some steamed vegetables or bread.

3. Broiled flounder with parmesan crust. Turn on your broiler and line a baking sheet with foil. In a small bowl, mix some grated parmesan cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, green onions, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and paprika. Rinse and pat dry four flounder fillets and place them on the prepared baking sheet. Spread the cheese mixture evenly

Enjoy!

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/07/17/flounder-fun-to-catch-good-to-eat/

Jul 16 2023

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

July 16, 2023

If you are looking for some exciting fishing, Virginia Beach is the place to be. With the water temp at 80 degrees there are plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish, from flounder to marlin. Here are some of the highlights of what’s biting and where to find them.

Flounder are being caught around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) as well as in local inlets such as Lynnhaven and Rudee. Try larger live bait for the bigger flounder, such as finger mullet or spot. You can also work jigs, bucktails, or gulp baits on the bottom.

Trout and Redfish are biting in Broad Bay and in the rivers. You can catch them on artificial lures, such as soft plastics, topwater plugs, or spoons, or on live or cut bait, such as Spot, Shrimp, minnows, or peeler crabs. Pictured above, are some very nice puppy drum caught in Broad Bay on fresh Spot available at Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle.

High Hopes Charters

Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish are fast and furious fish and available along the oceanfront and well up into the Bay now. Target them with trolling spoons, Clarks, Drones, behind in-line sinkers, or diving planer boards. Pier anglers can cast metal jigs, jerk jiggers, or gotcha plugs to them when they are feeding on the surface. Also pier anglers can use baitfish on a float rig.

Cobia is one of the most sought-after fish in the bay, and they are biting well up and down the bay. Early mornings many anglers are chumming and once the sun gets high they start moving around looking for them on the surface. Eels, live croaker and spot are the best baits. Shallower water is typically better for chumming, while sight casting is the way to go in deeper water.

Red Drum schools are popping up, especially around the islands of the CBBT. If you see them approach slowly and don’t spook them. You might be rewarded with numerous hook-ups. You can use spoons, jigs, or live or cut bait to catch them.

The Spadefish bite has slowed some, but they are still around. Look for them around the Light Tower, buoys, the CBBT, and the Cell. Use small pieces of clam or squid on a small hook and chum lightly to attract them.

Sheepshead are at the CBBT and on the Norfolk side of the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. Fish next to the pilings with fiddler crabs or sand fleas on a strong hook and leader.

Tautaug are a possibility on the reefs. Blue crabs are the best bait. Use a bottom rig with a heavy sinker and a short leader.

Spot and Croaker are being caught from the piers. Use bloodworms, squid, or shrimp on a two-hook bottom rig.

Tarpon are usually caught by anglers fishing for other species, but they are targeted in their summer feeding areas, such as behind Cobb Island on the Eastern Shore, or in our southside rivers. The best way to catch them is to use live bait, such as mullet, menhaden, or spot, and fish near the bottom with a heavy-duty rod and reel. Tarpon can be very elusive, so you need to be patient and persistent.

AquaMan Charters

Offshore fishing is very good right now. There are plenty of Blue Marlin, White Marlin, and Sailfish to be caught on trolling rigs with ballyhoo or artificial lures. There’s also been a good run of yellowfin tuna in the last week. Mahi catches have been steady as well. You can also find wahoo, king mackerel, tilefish, grouper, and sea bass on the offshore grounds.

OBX NC, Report

The billfish bite is on fire, with many boats flying multiple flags at the end of the day. You can also expect to find plenty of Dolphin, Tilefish, and Yellowfin tuna in the offshore waters.

The sound side is also producing some quality fish, such as big Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Bluefish, and slot Red Drum. These fish are great for light tackle and fly fishing enthusiasts.

The surf anglers are not left out either, as they are catching Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, Sea Mullet, Spot, and Pompano along the beaches. These fish are tasty and fun to catch.

The piers are also hot spots for fishing action, with a variety of species being landed. Some of the catches include Sea Mullet, Spot, Flounder, Croaker, Pigfish, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Sea Bass, King Mackerel and Cobia. You never know what you might hook on the pier.

Book your Virginia Beach fishing trip!

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/07/16/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-10/

Jul 12 2023

Baits 101 for Beginners: The Best Fresh and Live Baits for Fishing the Chesapeake Bay

July 12, 2023

bait

If you’re new to fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, you might be wondering what kind of baits to use to catch the most fish. The Chesapeake Bay is home to a variety of fish species, from panfish like spot, croaker, and perch, to larger predators like striped bass, bluefish, red drum, and cobia. Depending on what you’re targeting, you’ll need different types of baits to entice them to bite.

One of the most popular and versatile baits for fishing the Chesapeake Bay is squid. Squid is a soft and durable bait that can be cut into strips or chunks and used on a bottom rig or a jig head. Squid can attract fish like flounder, sea trout, bluefish, and even striped bass. Squid is also easy to find at most bait shops and can be frozen for later use.

Another great bait for fishing the Chesapeake Bay is clam. Clam is a natural food source for many fish in the bay, especially in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms. Clam can be used whole or cut into pieces and threaded onto a hook. Clam can catch fish like spot, croaker, perch, flounder, spadefish and red drum. Clam is also a good bait to use in the spring when the water is cold and the fish are sluggish.

Shrimp is another excellent bait for fishing the Chesapeake Bay. Shrimp is a favorite snack for many fish in the bay, especially sea trout, flounder, red drum, and striped bass. Shrimp can be used live or dead, whole or peeled, on a hook or a jig head. Shrimp can also be combined with other baits like squid or clam to create a more enticing presentation.

Bloodworms are one of the best baits for fishing the Chesapeake Bay for panfish. Bloodworms are the larvae of a type of fly that lives in the mud along the shorelines of the bay. Bloodworms have a bright red color and a strong scent that attracts fish like spot, croaker, perch, and weakfish. Bloodworms can be used on a small hook or a sabiki rig and fished near the bottom.

Live spot and live croaker are two of the best baits for fishing the Chesapeake Bay for big predators. Spot and croaker are common prey for fish like striped bass, bluefish, red drum, cobia, and sharks. Live spot and live croaker can be hooked through the lips or the back and fished on a sliding sinker rig or under a float. Live spot and live croaker can also be cut into chunks and used as cut bait.

Mullet is another great bait for fishing the Chesapeake Bay, especially for big predators like striped bass, bluefish, red drum, cobia, and sharks. Mullet can be used live or dead, whole or cut into chunks, on a bottom rig or under a float. Mullet has a strong smell and a tough skin that can withstand the bites of toothy fish. Mullet can be found in the bay from late summer to fall, and can also be bought frozen at some bait shops.

Mud minnows are another good bait for fishing the Chesapeake Bay, especially for flounder and sea trout. Mud minnows are small fish that live in marshy areas and can be caught with a minnow trap or a cast net. Mud minnows can be hooked through the lips or the back and fished on a bottom rig or a jig head. They are great for Flounder.

Blue crabs, soft crabs, and fiddler crabs are three of the best baits for fishing the Chesapeake Bay for crustacean-loving fish. Blue crabs are hard-shelled crabs that can be used whole or cut into halves or quarters. Soft crabs are blue crabs that have recently molted their shells and are soft and vulnerable. Fiddler crabs are small crabs that have one large claw and one small claw. Blue crabs, soft crabs, and fiddler crabs can catch fish like flounder, red drum, black drum, sheepshead, and tautog. Blue crabs, soft crabs, and fiddler crabs can be hooked through the legs or the body and fished on a bottom rig or a jig head.

Eels if you want to fish for big predators in the Chesapeake Bay, such as striped bass, bluefish, red drum, or cobia, you might want to try using eels as bait. Eels are one of the most effective baits for these species, especially in the fall and winter when they are more active and hungrier. Eels are also very hardy and can survive for a long time on a hook. Eels can be bought at some bait shops or caught by yourself using a trap or a net. You should keep them in a bucket with some water and ice to keep them alive and cool. Be careful when handling eels, as they are very slippery and can bite. You might want to use gloves or a towel to grab them. Eels are also very tasty to eat, so you can keep some for yourself after a successful fishing trip.

These are some of the best fresh and live baits for fishing the Chesapeake Bay. By using these baits, you’ll increase your chances of catching more fish and having more fun on the water.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/07/12/baits-101-for-beginners-the-best-fresh-and-live-baits-for-fishing-the-chesapeake-bay/

Jul 10 2023

Virginia Beach Saltwater Fishing Report

July 10, 2023

If you are looking for great fishing, you are in luck. The fishing season is in full swing and there are plenty of opportunities to catch a variety of fish. Here are some tips and tricks to help you land your target.

Cobia: These powerful fish are roaming the Bay and the oceanfront, and they can be caught with different methods. One of the most effective ways is to use live eels or croakers as bait, and fish near buoys, wrecks, or schools of rays. Another option is to cast bucktails or large jigs to fish on the surface and reel them in with a fast and erratic action. Cobia can also be sight-fished from a tower boat or a kayak, but you need to be stealthy and quick.

Paige II Charters had a great day on the water with flounder up to 6 lbs and spadefish up to 8 lbs

Spadefish: These tasty fish are schooling around hard structures like bridge pilings, wrecks, or artificial reefs. The best way to attract them is to anchor up current and chum with clam snouts or ground menhaden. Then, use small hooks with clam strips as bait, and drop them into the chum slick. Spadefish can be very finicky, so you need to match the size and color of your bait to the natural food they are eating.

Sheepshead: These striped fish are also found around hard structures, especially the pilings of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. They have strong teeth that can crush crabs, mussels, or barnacles, which are their favorite foods. To catch them, use a sweeper jig with a small hook and a piece of crab as bait, and fish close to the pilings. Sheepshead can be very tricky to hook, so you need to pay attention to the subtle bites and set the hook quickly.

Flounder: These flatfish are lying on the bottom, waiting for an unsuspecting prey to swim by. They can be caught in various locations, such as the CBBT, the bay reefs, the inlets, or the rivers. The most popular way to catch them is to use a bucktail jig with a gulp or a fresh fish strip as a trailer, and bounce it along the bottom. Another option is to drift live bait, such as spot, mullet, or mud minnows, on a flounder rig with a sinker and two hooks. Flounder can be very selective, so you need to vary your speed and depth until you find what works.

Spot: These small fish are becoming abundant in the Bay, its tributaries and along the beachfront. They are fun to catch and good to eat. The simplest way to catch them is to use a two-hook bottom rig with small hooks and pieces of bloodworms as bait. You can also use squid strips, shrimp, or artificial bloodworms. Spot can be caught from a boat or from shore, such as the Virginia Beach Pier.

Trout: Specks are in the rivers and inlets, where they feed on shrimp, crabs, or small fish. One of the most exciting ways to catch them is to use topwater baits, such as poppers, walkers, or chuggers, and create a lot of noise and splash on the surface. Another option is to use popping corks with live shrimp or soft plastics underneath, and pop them periodically. You can also use jigs and soft plastics in various colors and sizes and jig them near the bottom or along the grass beds.

Red Drum: These fish are also known as redfish or channel bass. They can grow very large (up to 50 pounds or more) and put up a great fight. They are mostly caught at night, when they feed on crabs or fish on the shoals. The best way to catch them is to use a fish-finder rig with a large circle hook and a chunk of crab or cut bait as bait. You can also catch them during the day if you encounter large schools of them cruising near the surface. In that case, you can cast spoons, jigs, or plugs at them.

Great Spanish fishing by Knot Wish’n Charters

Spanish Mackerel: These fish are fast and furious. They are found in large numbers inside the bay and along the oceanfront. They feed on small baitfish like anchovies or silversides. The best way to catch them is to troll spoons behind in-line sinkers or diving planers at high speed. You can also cast gotcha plugs or small spoons at them if you see them breaking the surface. Spanish mackerel have sharp teeth that can cut your line easily, so you need to use wire leaders or heavy monofilament.

Tarpon: These fish are also known as silver kings. They are majestic and acrobatic. They can jump out of the water several times when hooked. While they are usually caught by anglers fishing for other species, they can be targeted in their usual feeding holes, such as behind Cobb Island on the Eastern Shore, or in our south side rivers. The best way to catch them is to use live bait, such as mullet, menhaden, or spot, and fish near the bottom with a heavy-duty rod and reel. Tarpon can be very elusive, so you need to be patient and persistent.

High Hopes & Captain David Wright put his crew on a pretty class of Yellowfin Tuna and caught 5 VA citation Blueline Tilefish deep dropping.

Offshore: If you are looking for big-game fishing, head offshore. Tuna (big eye, yellowfin, or bluefin), dolphin (also known as mahi-mahi), wahoo, and billfish (marlin or sailfish) are all available now.

Deep Dropping: If you are looking for a different kind of fishing experience, you can try deep dropping. This is a technique that involves fishing in very deep water (from 300 to 1000 feet or more) You can catch some delicious fish, such as tilefish, grouper, sea bass, or rosefish.

OBX, NC Report

The sound side offers a variety of fish to catch, such as Big Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Black Drum, Bluefish, and slot Red Drum.

Spanish Mackerel are also appearing in the Surf, along with Bluefish, Sea Mullet, Spot, and some Pompano.

The piers have been productive with different species lately. Jennettes Pier reported Sea Mullet, Spot, Flounder, Croaker, Pigfish, Bluefish, Spanish Mackerel, Sea Bass, and a few King Mackerel. Nags Head Pier also had a nice keeper Cobia the other day.

Offshore Billfish are showing up in good numbers. Besides Billfish, the offshore fleet is also landing lots of Dolphin and a few Yellowfin Tuna. Tilefish are being caught by deep droppers.

Book your Virginia Beach fishing trip!

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/07/10/virginia-beach-saltwater-fishing-report-5/

Jul 01 2023

Virginia Beach Saltwater Fishing Report

July 1, 2023

If you love fishing, Independence Day is a great opportunity to celebrate our great nation and enjoy some quality time on the water! Here’s some tips and updates on what’s biting and where to find them.

Paige II Charters

Flounder: The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is a hotspot for flounder fishing. You can use bucktails with a Gulp, or fresh strip baits, or live bait to entice them.

Spadefish: If you want to catch some spadefish, head to the Chesapeake Light Tower and nearby buoys. You can also find some at the bridge tunnel now. Paige II Charters had a successful trip recently with some keeper flounder and spadefish. Congratulations to Dennis Martin from the South Boston, VA area, who caught a 9 lb 9 oz spadefish, his first citation!

Hight Hopes Charters

Knot Wish’n Charters

Spanish Mackerel: The oceanfront is the best place to find Spanish mackerel right now. But they are also in the Bay near York Spit, Windmill Bar, and Latimer Shoal. In the ocean you’ll catch ribbonfish along with them. High Hopes Charters and Knot Wish’n Guide Service have been having a lot of fun with Spanish Mackerel lately.

Cobia: Cobia are roaming along the oceanfront and up the Bay to the mouth of the Potomac. You can chum for them or sight cast to them with live eels or baitfish such as croaker or spot.

Sheepshead: Sheepshead are hanging around hard structures in the bay, like reefs, bridge pilings, and wrecks. Fiddler crabs and cut blue crabs are the best bait for them.

Tautog: Tautog season reopened July 1 and they are in the same area as the Sheepshead.

Red Drum: Red drum schools are being seen around the CBBT islands. You can cast to them with spoons or jigs.

Local rivers and inlets are holding a variety of fish, such as Flounder, Rockfish, Trout, Puppy Drum, Spot and Croaker.

Tarpon: Tarpon are arriving in their usual feeding holes. One is on the Eastern Shore behind Cobb Island. Look for them in some of the southside rivers as well.

Offshore: Anglers are catching some nice Tuna, Big Eye, Yellow Fin and Bluefin. Dolphin, Wahoo and Billfish are available. Deep droppers are catching nice Tilefish.

Amberjack: Look for AJ’s around all the offshore towers. Live Spot are the best bait, but they will hit jigs.

OBX, NC Report

The sound side anglers have been enjoying a great run of big Trout and Drum from Hatteras to Currituck. These fish have been biting on both artificial and natural/live bait, and have been caught by kayakers, boaters, and waders. Other species reported include Black Drum, Bluefish, Flounder, and Sheepshead.

The piers have been producing some decent catches of Spot, Sea Mullet, Croaker, Bluefish, and Ribbonfish.

Surf fishing on the northern beaches has been slow this week, with only a few reports of Spot, Sea Mullet, and Bluefish. On Hatteras Island surf anglers have been catching Pompano, Sea Mullet, Spanish Mackerel, Cobia, Sharks, and some nice Drum.

The offshore fishing has been inconsistent. Some days fantastic, and other not so much. Boats are looking for Billfish, Yellowfin Tuna, Big Eye Tuna, Dolphin, Wahoo, and Bluefin Tuna.

We hope you have a wonderful Independence Day and catch some fish!

Book your Virginia Beach fishing trip!

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/07/01/virginia-beach-saltwater-fishing-report-4/

Jun 28 2023

Virginia’s Tarpon Season

June 28, 2023

Taropn

VBSF Staff

Virginia tarpon are a prized catch for anglers who enjoy a thrilling fight and a spectacular display of aerial acrobatics. These silver giants can grow up to eight feet long and weigh over 200 pounds, making them one of the most sought-after game fish in the state.

Virginia tarpon season typically runs from July to October, when the water temperature is warm enough for them to migrate into the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. Some of the best fishing locations for Virginia tarpon are the Eastern Shore, the James River, the York River, and the Rappahannock River.

Tarpon can be caught using a variety of methods and baits, but the most popular ones are live or cut mullet, menhaden, eels, crabs, and shrimp. Tarpon can also be enticed by artificial lures, such as spoons, plugs, jigs, and flies. Tarpon fishing requires heavy tackle and strong line, as well as patience and skill to land these powerful fish.

Virginia tarpon regulations are designed to protect this valuable resource and ensure its sustainability. Tarpon are catch-and-release only in Virginia, meaning that anglers must release them as quickly and gently as possible after hooking them. Anglers are not allowed to remove tarpon from the water or use gaffs or other devices that could injure them. Anglers are also encouraged to use circle hooks and debarbed hooks to minimize damage to the fish’s mouth.

Tarpon are a magnificent species that deserve respect and admiration from all who encounter them. By following these guidelines, anglers can enjoy a memorable fishing experience while preserving the tarpon population for future generations.

https://www.anglersjournal.com/saltwater/tarpon-fishing-virginia

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/06/28/virginias-tarpon-season/

Jun 25 2023

Virginia Beach Saltwater Fishing Report

June 25, 2023

Cobia 2 at a time!

VBSF STAFF-

Cobia are cruising the surface of the lower Bay. Hot spots include Latimer Shoals, Bluefish Rock and the Windmill Bar. Be sure and check around each buoy you pass. Most fisherman are chumming but many fish are caught by sight casting. Try casting live Eels, Spot, Croaker or bucktails to them.

30 inch Spanish!

Anglers are having good success with Spanish Mackerel throughout the Bay and along the oceanfront. The water temp along the oceanfront is 75 degrees now. Clark spoons and Drone spoons are what most anglers troll behind an in-line weight or a planer board. Surface birds are another good method of presenting baits for the mackerel and bluefish. Gotcha plugs are most popular from the pier.

sheepshead

Sheepshead are on structure. Crabs are best for targeting them.

Spadefish are at the Chesapeake Light Tower and showing around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel now.

Flounder are hanging around the bridges, the CBBT, Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel and the Monitor Merrimack Bridge Tunnel.

Big red drum are still available throughout the lower Bay. Latimer Shoal and the shallow water near the northern section of the CBBT are where most of the fish are caught, but schools can pop up anywhere around the CBBT area. A popular angling technique for drum fishing is anchoring and chumming over the shoals.

Nice size Bluefish are being caught around the islands of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

trout

Good sized Speckled Trout are being caught in the rivers, the Elizabeth, the Piankatank, the Rappahannock rivers and the Mobjack Bay area. Popping corks, topwater baits, and soft plastics on 1/4 ounce jig heads have been effective. Spot and Croaker fishing is picking up in the rivers.

Black seabass are avaliavle on the near shore ocean wrecks and reefs.

Juniper Crew, 227 pound Big Eye Tuna

Offshore crews are finding some very nice Big Eye Tuna and Wahoo. Yellowfin Tuna and Dolphin are also available. Deep droppers are catching nice Tilefish. Amberjack are around the towers.

The 2023 Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament, a signature event for sport fishermen in Virginia was a success this weekend. It was founded in 2005 and is held annually in June. The winners of the 2023 tournament were announced on June 24th after three days of fishing. Here are the results:

https://vbtuna.com/

– HEAVIEST AGGREGATE TUNA: The JUNIPER took the first place with 227 pounds, followed by the WAVERUNNER with 170.7 pounds and the WIDOW MAKER with 122 pounds.

– LARGEST SINGLE TUNA: The JUNIPER also won this category with its 227 pounder, while the WAVERUNNER came second with its 170.7 pounder and the LJ EXPRESS V third with a 95.9 pound tuna.

– LARGEST DOLPHIN: The RELENTLESS caught a 17.5 pounder to claim the first place, while the MOW MONEY and the SPIROS got the second and third places with 13.5 and 7.5 pounds respectively.

– LARGEST WAHOO: The FLY’N FISH landed a 60.8 pounder to win this category, followed by the LULU with a 44.2 pounder.

– TOP LADY SINGLE TUNA: MICHELLE JENNINGS caught a 42.2 pound tuna to take the first place, while LISA PATE and RHONDA ABELL got the second and third places with 40.6 and 39.0 pounds respectively.

Congratulations to all the winners and participants of the Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament!

North Carolina Report

Very Nice Wahoo!

Local OBX piers have seen King Mackerel and Cobia, along with Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish. Bottom fishing on the piers has yielded Sea Mullet, Spot, Croaker, Sand Perch, and Skates.

On the sound side, there have been large Speckled Trout, the best quality in a long time. There have also been Drum near Oregon Inlet.

Surf fishing has produced Flounder, Sea Mullet, Pompano, Bluefish, Croaker, Stingrays, and some big Red Drum.

The offshore fishing has been good for Yellowfin and Big Eye Tuna. However, the sharks have been a problem and have taken many of the fish before they reach the boat. There have also been Dolphin and a few large Wahoo.

Book your Virginia Beach fishing trip!

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/06/25/virginia-beach-saltwater-fishing-report-3/

Jun 20 2023

Cobia, fun to catch, great for the table!

June 20, 2023

Cobia, great for the table

Now that the Chesapeake Bay Cobia season is open, it’s time to discuss ways to prepare them for the table. Cobia is a delicious and nutritious fish that can be enjoyed in various ways. It has a mild and buttery flavor, a firm and flaky texture, and a high content of protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids. Cobia can be eaten raw as sashimi or sushi, or cooked by grilling, broiling, sautéing, blackening, or smoking.

Here’s three ideas for your next Cobia!

1. Grilled Cobia with Lemon and Herbs: This is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the firm and flaky texture of Cobia. You will need some fresh Cobia fillets, olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon slices, and your favorite herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary). Brush the fillets with oil and season with salt and pepper. Place them on a hot grill and cook for about 4 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Transfer to a platter and top with lemon slices and herbs. Serve with a green salad or roasted vegetables.

2. Cobia Ceviche: This is a refreshing and tangy dish that showcases the mild and sweet flavor of Cobia. You will need some fresh Cobia cubes, lime juice, orange juice, red onion, cilantro, jalapeño, salt, and avocado. In a large bowl, toss the Cobia cubes with enough lime juice to cover them. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until the fish turns opaque. Drain the excess lime juice and add the orange juice, onion, cilantro, jalapeño, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate for another hour to let the flavors meld. Serve with avocado slices and tortilla chips.

3. Cobia Fish Tacos: This is a fun and easy way to feed a crowd with Cobia. You will need some fresh Cobia chunks, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, salt, oil, corn or flour tortillas, shredded cabbage, salsa, sour cream, and lime wedges. In a small bowl, combine the cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and salt. Sprinkle over the Cobia chunks and toss to coat. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the fish for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally, or until golden and cooked through. Break into smaller pieces with a fork. Warm the tortillas in a microwave or oven and fill them with fish, cabbage, salsa, sour cream, and lime juice.

Enjoy!

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/06/20/cobia-fun-to-catch-great-for-the-table/

Jun 18 2023

Virginia Beach Saltwater Fishing Report

June 18, 2023

By VBSF Staff

Cobia and drum are two of the most sought-after fish in the lower bay now. They offer exciting sight-casting opportunities and hard-fighting battles. Cobia can be found from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to Windmill Point. Sight-casting is the most effective technique, as cobia are curious and will often investigate anything that moves near them. Live eels are the best bait, but pogies, pinfish and croakers can also work. Bucktail jigs with curly tails are another option for artificial lures.

Drum are also available in the lower bay, especially around the Bridge Tunnel Islands and the Eastern Shore shoals. These fish can grow to trophy sizes and put up a strong fight. The best way to catch them is to fish on the bottom with cut bait, such as blue crab, menhaden or croaker. A fishfinder rig with a heavy sinker and a circle or J hook is recommended.

Lots of Citation Spades for Paige II Charters!

Spadefish and sheepshead are also on structure now, such as buoys, pilings and wrecks. Spadefish are more abundant at the Chesapeake Light Tower, where they can be caught with small pieces of clam on tiny hooks. Sheepshead are more common at the Bay Bridge Tunnel, where they can be caught with fiddler crabs or sand fleas on stout hooks.

Flounder action is picking up inside the bay as well. Some large flounder are being caught near the bridge tunnel, while smaller ones are being caught inside Rudee and Lynnhaven Inlets. Drifting with live minnows or squid strips on a flounder rig is a good way to target them.

Ellis family enjoyed Spanish Mackerel fishing on the High Hopes

A nice class of Spanish mackerel are biting as the water temp reaches 70 degrees. Trolling Clark spoons pulled behind a inline sinker or a plainer board will catch them.

Attitude Crew, Nice Day!

And if you are feeling adventurous, you can head offshore and try your luck with tuna. Yellowfin tuna are showing up at the Norfolk Canyon area. In Carolina, boats have been landing Yellowfin, Big Eye and … even a few large Bluefin Tunas. That’s right, giant blue fin tuna in June!

The 2023 Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament, a premier fishing event that attracts anglers from all over, takes place this week out of Southside Marina at Rudee Inlet. Its a convenient location with easy access to the Atlantic Ocean. The tournament will run from June 21 to June 24, with a captains meeting on June 20. The official weight stations are Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle and the Virginia Beach Fishing Center, where participants can weigh their catches and spectators are welcome . The tournament offers cash awards for the heaviest tuna in various categories, as well as trophies and merchandise. The tournament also supports local charities and promotes conservation efforts. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy some of the best tuna fishing in the world and have fun with fellow anglers at the 2023 Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament!

OBX, NC Report

Fishing enthusiasts have enjoyed a great week sound side, with plenty of Big Trout being caught from Hatteras to Kitty hawk. The sound offers a variety of fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels and preferences.

The Inshore boats have also had a lot of success with Drum on the flats around the inlet, landing some impressive specimens in the 30-38 inch range. The Sheepshead bite has been consistent at Oregon Inlet Bridge, where anglers can use live or artificial baits to catch these tasty fish.

The surf fishing has been slower than usual, with only a few reports of Sea Mullet, Bluefish, Spot, and Black Drum being caught. Anglers should look for holes and sloughs along the beach and use fresh or frozen shrimp, sand fleas, or bloodworms for bait.

The piers have seen some action with Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish in the mornings and evenings on Got-cha Plugs. These fast and furious fish can provide a lot of fun and excitement for pier anglers. Cobia are also a possibility for those who have heavier tackle and live bait. Those who prefer bottom fishing from the piers have reported Sea Mullet, Spot, and Skates.

Offshore fishing has been very productive as long as anglers can avoid the sharks. There have been reports of Big Eye Tuna, big Yellowfin, Blue Marlin, and plenty of Dolphin being caught. Even some giant Bluefins.

It’s time to book your Virginia Beach fishing trip!

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/06/18/virginia-beach-saltwater-fishing-report-2/

Jun 14 2023

What to do with all the Spadefish fillets?

June 14, 2023

By VBSF staff

Now that you have a freezer full of spadefish fillets, you might be wondering how to cook them. Spadefish is a mild and flaky white fish that can be prepared in many ways. Here are three good recipes for cooking spadefish that you can try at home.

1. Spadefish with Lemon and Capers: This is a simple and elegant dish that pairs well with rice or pasta. Season the fillets with salt and pepper and dredge them in flour. Heat some butter and oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the fillets for about 4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a platter and keep warm. In the same skillet, add some white wine, lemon juice, capers, and parsley and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Spoon the sauce over the fish and serve.

2. Spadefish with Tomato and Basil: This is a fresh and flavorful dish that is perfect for summer. Cut the fillets into bite-sized pieces and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and oregano. Heat some olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the fish for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, or until done. In a small bowl, toss some cherry tomatoes, basil leaves, balsamic vinegar, and salt and pepper. Spoon the tomato mixture over the fish and serve.

3. Spadefish with Creamy Dill Sauce: This is a rich and creamy dish that goes well with mashed potatoes or bread. Season the fillets with salt and pepper and place them in a baking dish. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt some butter and whisk in some flour. Gradually whisk in some milk and bring to a boil. Stir in some cream cheese, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper and cook until smooth and bubbly, stirring constantly. Pour the sauce over the fish and bake in a preheated oven at 375°F for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Enjoy!

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/06/14/what-to-do-with-all-the-spadefish-fillets/

Jun 11 2023

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

June 11, 2023

Saltwater fishing in Virginia is starting to peak! Just about every species is available now!

Flounder are being caught along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT), and their numbers should continue increasing. Keepers are also coming from inside local inlets and around the Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. These flatfish are found around structures like bridges, tunnels, reefs, and piers. They feed on small fish and crustaceans, so using live bait like minnows, shrimp, or squid is a good choice. You can also use artificial lures like jigs, bucktails, or spoons.

Stripers are being caught at the CBBT and in local rivers, such as the Elizabeth, the James, the Rappahannock, and in Mobjack Bay. You can use live or cut bait, or artificial lures like plugs, spoons, or swimbaits. Speckled Trout are in the same areas.

Large Red Drum are being caught from the Virginia Beach Oceanfront to the CBBT area. They feed on crabs, shrimp, mullet, and other small fish. You can use live or cut bait, or artificial lures like jigs, spoons, or topwater plugs. The minimum size limit for red drum in Virginia is 18 inches and the maximum size limit is 26 inches.

Sheepeshead

Sheepshead fishing on lower bay structures/reefs continues to be excellent. Small Tautogs and Oyster Toads are a bycatch.

Cobia are arriving in numbers. Anglers are encountering them from the oceanfront well up into the bay. The season for cobia is from June 15 to September 15, with a limit of one fish per person and two fish per vessel. The minimum size is 40 inches total length, with one exception for a fish over 50 inches per vessel. Gaffing is prohibited for cobia fishing.

Spanish Mackerel

Bluefish and Spanish Mackerel are starting to make their presence known along the oceanfront.

Large Spadefish are being caught around a very crowded Chesapeake Light Tower. Soon they will be more plentiful in other locations, around buoys and at the CBBT. They feed on small crustaceans and jellyfish. You can use cut bait like clam strips, squid strips, or shrimp pieces. You can also use small hooks and light line to avoid spooking them.

Paige II Charters, Spadefish

Tuna, Wes Blow

Just in time for the upcoming Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament, bluewater anglers are starting to find some tuna at the Norfolk Canyon area. Dolphin, wahoo and billfish will follow closely.

Nice Tilefish catch on the High Hopes

After trolling for Tuna many are taking time out for some deep dropping. They are catching some really nice Tilefish. Amberjack have started showing up around the offshore towers.

Outer Banks Report

Nice Tuna / Seabreeze Charters

Inshore anglers have been catching some trophy-sized Trout, as well as Drum and Bluefish on the sound side. Topwater lures have been effective for the Blues.

Surf fishing has been productive, with a variety of species caught, including Sea Mullet, Bluefish, Spot, Puppy Drum, Flounder, and even a few Cobia. Big Drum and Pompano have also been reported from the southern beaches.

The piers have been hot spots for Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish, especially at dawn and dusk with Got-cha plugs. A couple of Cobia were also landed from Jennettes Pier. Bottom fishing has yielded Sea Mullet, Spot, and Sand Perch. Sheepshead, Bluefish, Black Drum, and Striper have been biting at the Bonner Bridge Pier.

Offshore fishing has been excellent, with good catches of Dolphin and Tuna. Some Sailfish and Marlin have also been released.

It’s time to book your Virginia Beach fishing trip!