Reports

Jun 07 2023

Virginia’s Artificial Reefs, Fish Magnets

June 7, 2023

INSHORE REEFS

The inshore artificial reefs in the lower Chesapeake Bay are man-made structures, that are easy for anglers to get to. They provide habitat for various marine species, they are designed to mimic natural reefs and enhance the biodiversity and productivity of the bay. There are a number of artificial reefs that have been created over the years using various materials such as concrete, steel, and wood. Here are just a few.

– The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT): The big one! This remarkable engineering feat that connects two regions of Virginia across the mouth of the bay. It also serves as an artificial reef, attracting a variety of fish and other marine life. The CBBT is 17.6 miles long and consists of bridges, tunnels, causeways, and artificial islands. It is the largest artificial reef structure in the Chesapeake Bay region and provides a unique habitat for many species.

– The Cabbage Patch Reef: An artificial reef located off the coast of Cape Charles. It was established in 2000. The reef consists of various materials, such as concrete rubble, bridge pilings, barges, and vessels. Some of the materials came from the demolished Lesner Bridge in 2017. The reef covers an area of about 80 acres and provides habitat for many fish species, such as black sea bass, tautog, flounder, croaker, spot, and striped bass. Cabbage Patch Reef is one of the most productive fishing grounds in the Bay and attracts anglers from all over the region.

– East Ocean View Reef: This is an artificial reef located about 900 yards off Oceanview beach and marked by a yellow buoy, its about 27 feet deep. It was created by deploying concrete structures and bridge rubble on the seabed, providing habitat for various marine species.

– Bluefish Rock Reef: This reef is about 4.5 nautical miles east of Buckroe Beach and Saltponds. The reef was constructed in 2007 with concrete pipe and other materials. It attracts various fish species and offers opportunities for snorkeling and scuba diving.

– Mobjack Bay Reef: An artificial reef located about 2.75 miles southwest of New Point Comfort and covers an area of about 80 acres . The reef consists of various materials, such as concrete pipe, bridge sections, pile caps, and demolition materials . These materials provide habitat and structure for various fish species, such as striped bass, speckled trout, redfish, croaker, and spot . The reef also attracts baitfish and crabs, which in turn attract more predators. The reef is a popular destination for anglers who enjoy light-tackle casting or trolling with floating plugs . The reef offers a sheltered spot during windy conditions and is accessible by boat from several nearby ramps.

– York Spit Reef: An artificial reef located east of the entrance to the York River, near the New Point Comfort Shoal. It was created using concrete pipes, reef balls, and bridge sections donated by various companies. The reef covers a square area of about 0.5 nautical miles and has a depth of 30 feet and a profile of 4 to 10 feet. The reef is well situated in a productive fishing area and is accessible from the Middle Neck and upper Tidewater areas. It offers a variety of vertical reef structures to explore and attracts many fish species, such as flounder, croaker, spot, sea bass, tautog, and cobia.

– Cherrystone Reef: This reef is located 1.8 nautical miles NNW of Cherrystone Creek, bayside of the Eastern Shore. It consist of concrete igloos, stacks of concrete pipe, concrete deck sections from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, and over 2900 Tires In Concrete (TICs) have been scattered on this site. In 2006, 2000 tons of concrete block were added.

– Back River Reef: This is a circular artificial reef site located 3 nautical miles east of Plumtree Point, between Back River and the Poquoson River. It has a depth of 24 feet and a profile of 3-8 feet. It consists of various materials such as concrete igloos, tetrahedrons, pipe, bridge sections, and piles. It is a popular fishing destination for species such as striped bass.

– The Cell Reef: This is a coral formation that lies west of Hungars Creek, a tidal inlet on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. One thousand tons of concrete pipe was added to this site in 2001. In 2006, 2000 tons of concrete block was added. The reef is home to a variety of marine life, including fish, crabs, and sea turtles.

– Occohannock Reef: This is a man-made oyster reef located in the Chesapeake Bay. It was constructed in 1994. The reef covers an area of about 32 acres and provides habitat for oysters and other marine life. The reef consists of different types of materials, such as concrete tetrahedrons, reef balls, rock, and sunken vessels. The reef attracts a variety of fish species, such as black sea bass, tautog, flounder, and croaker.

Fishing around inshore artificial reefs can be rewarding, but also challenging. Here are some tips on how to fish around them:

– Use a fish finder or a depth finder to locate the reefs and identify the depth and structure of the bottom.

– Choose the right type of anchor. Choose the right tackle and bait for the target species. Some common fish that can be found around artificial reefs are striped bass, flounder, black sea bass, tautog, and bluefish. You can use live or cut bait, such as minnows, squid, crabs, or clams, or artificial lures, such as jigs, spoons, or plugs.

– Fish near the edges or gaps of the reefs, where fish tend to congregate and feed. Avoid snagging your line on the reef by using a sinker that is heavy enough to keep your bait near the bottom, but not too heavy that it gets stuck in the structure.

– Be respectful of other anglers and boaters who may be fishing or navigating around the same reef. Keep a safe distance and follow the local regulations and etiquette.

– Practice catch and release if you are not planning to keep your fish. Use circle hooks and barbless hooks to minimize injury and mortality of the fish. Handle the fish gently and release them as quickly as possible.

OFFSHORE REEFS

– Tower Reef: This is an artificial reef site that lies 0.6 nautical miles west-southwest of the Chesapeake Light Tower off the coast of Virginia. It was established in 1970 and contains various structures such as barges, vessels, subway cars and drydock sections. The reef attracts many species of fish and provides a habitat for mussels and other marine life. The depth of the reef ranges from 42 to 60 feet and the profile varies from 2.5 to 24.5 feet .

– The Triangle Reef is a popular offshore, deep ocean, fishing spot off the coast of Virginia Beach, where several sunken ships lie on the ocean floor. The Triangle Wrecks are located about 30 nautical miles east of Rudee Inlet and 16.5 nautical miles from Chesapeake Light Tower. The water depth is around 90 to 100 feet and the wrecks have a profile relief of 28 to 32 feet. You can use jigs, bottom rigs, or plugs to fish these wrecks, depending on what species you are targeting. The wreck site attracts a variety of fish species, such as black sea bass, tautog, flounder, spadefish, triggerfish, king mackerel and amberjack. Fishing the Triangle Wreck can be a rewarding and exciting experience, but it also requires some preparation and safety precautions. This is a long run offshore, and it is highly recommended you have an experienced person onboard if its your first deep-sea trip.

Here are some tips on how to fish the Tower and Triangle Wrecks off Virginia Beach:

– Check the weather and sea conditions before you go. The Tower and Triangle Wreck are offshore, so you need a boat that can hold lots of fuel and handle the open water. You also need to make sure the wind, waves, and currents are favorable for fishing and navigation. Avoid going when there is a small craft advisory.

– Use a GPS or a chart to locate the wreck site. The Triangle Wreck is marked by three buoys that correspond to each ship (if weather hasn’t dislodged). You can use a GPS device or a nautical chart to find the coordinates of the buoys and navigate to the wreck site. You can also use a fish finder or a depth sounder to locate the wrecks on the bottom.

– Anchor your boat near the wreck site. Once you find the wreck site, you need to anchor your boat securely and safely. You can either anchor directly over the wreck or up-current from it, depending on the direction of the current and the wind. Make sure your anchor line is long enough to reach the bottom and has enough slack to account for the tide and the waves. You also need to make sure your anchor does not snag on the wreck or damage it.

– Use appropriate tackle and bait for the fish you want to catch. The Triangle Wreck offers a variety of fishing opportunities, so you need to use the right tackle and bait for the fish you are targeting. For example, if you want to catch black sea bass or tautog, you can use a bottom rig with a sinker and two hooks baited with squid, clam, or crab. If you want to catch flounder, you can use a jig head with a soft plastic lure or a live minnow. If you want to catch spadefish or triggerfish, you can use a small hook with a piece of clam or shrimp suspended under a float. If you want to catch amberjack, you can use a heavy spinning rod with a large metal jig or a live baitfish.

– Follow the regulations and etiquette for fishing the wreck site. The Tower and Triangle reefs are popular fishing spots, so you need to respect the regulations and etiquette for fishing there. You need to have a valid saltwater fishing license and follow the size and creel limits for each fish species. You also need to respect other anglers and boaters who are fishing or diving at the wreck site. Do not crowd or interfere with other boats or lines, and do not cut or remove any part of the wrecks.

GPS coordinates for each reef can be obtained on the VMRC website.

https://webapps.mrc.virginia.gov/public/maps/artificial_reefs.php

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/06/07/virginia-reefs/

Jun 04 2023

Virginia Beach Saltwater Fishing Report

June 4, 2023

Cobia

An abundance of fish are available in June! Here is what to expect this week.

Cobia are showing along the coast and inside the Bay. These powerful fish can weigh up to 100 pounds and put up a great fight on rod and reel. You can find them by sight fishing near buoys, channel markers, and bait pods, or by chumming and anchoring near drop-offs and ledges. Live eels, bunker, croaker, and bluefish are some of the best baits for cobia. You can also use artificial lures such as bucktails, spoons, and swimbaits.

Schools of large Red Drum are being encountered on the Bay shoals and around the CBBT. These fish are also known as channel bass or redfish, and can grow over 50 inches and 90 pounds. Smaller ones, puppy drum are found in shallow water near grass beds, oyster bars, sand flats, and islands. You can catch them with cut bait, live bait, or artificial lures such as jigs, plugs, and soft plastics.

Spadefish are being caught at the Chesapeake Light Tower and around the CBBT. These fish are also called angelfish, and they have distinctive black and white stripes. They are very fun to catch on light tackle, as they are strong and agile. You can find them near structure such as pilings, wrecks, reefs, and buoys. The best bait for spadefish is clam strips or jelly balls (a type of jellyfish). You can also use small hooks and light line to avoid spooking them.

Sheepshead

Sheepshead are hanging around structure in the lower Bay. These fish have human-like teeth that they use to crush shells and barnacles. They are very tasty and challenging to catch, as they are very good at stealing bait. You can find them near pilings, rocks, bridges, and artificial reefs. The best baits for sheepshead are clams, fiddler crabs, mussels, and shrimp. You can also use a braided line and a strong leader to prevent break-offs.

Speckled trout are available in the inlets and tidal rivers. You can catch them by drifting or casting with live bait such as mullet, shrimp, or minnows, or with artificial lures such as jigs, grubs, jerkbaits, and topwater plugs.

Flounder continue to be caught seaside, especially on the Eastern Shore in the Wachapreague area. These fish, also called fluke or flatfish are very delicious and sought-after by anglers. You can catch them by drifting or bouncing with live bait such as minnows, squid, or bunker strips, or with artificial lures such as bucktails, spoons, or gulp baits.

Spanish Mackerel

As the water temp hits 70 degrees Fahrenheit, look for the spanish mackerel and taylor bluefish bite to turn on. Spanish are very fast and aggressive, and they can be caught by trolling or casting with small spoons, jigs, or plugs. Spanish mackerel are very good to eat, but they should be iced down immediately after catching to preserve their quality.

Look for stripers around the islands of the CBBT.

Black sea bass are plentiful on coastal wrecks. These fish have dark coloration with blue highlights. They are very fun to catch on bottom rigs with squid, cut bait, or jigs. Black sea bass are very tasty , and they can be cooked in various ways such as frying , baking , grilling , or steaming .

If you are a fan of offshore, bluewater fishing, you might want to mark your calendar for some of the exciting tournaments happening in Virginia Beach in summer of 2023. Here are some of events you can look forward to:

The Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament is held from June 21 to June 24 and attracts anglers who want to catch the biggest tuna in the Atlantic. The tournament offers cash prizes, trophies, and a festive atmosphere at the Rudee Inlet Marina.

The 21st Annual Wine, Women & Fishing Ladies-Only Charity Billfish Tournament is a fun and charitable event that supports breast cancer research. It is held from August 19 to August 20 and features a ladies-only fishing competition, a wine tasting, and an awards banquet. The tournament is hosted by the Chesapeake Bay Wine Classic Foundation and the Virginia Beach Billfish Foundation.

The Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament is one of the most prestigious billfish events in the Mid-Atlantic region. It is held from August 23 to August 26 and features a four-day fishing competition, nightly parties, live entertainment, and a grand awards ceremony. The tournament benefits several local charities and conservation organizations.

For more information, you can visit the websites of the respective tournaments for a complete and up-to-date schedule.

North Carolina Report

Speckled Trout

If you are looking for some great fishing you have plenty of options to choose from on the OBX.

Soundside fishing has been hot, with some good-sized Speckled Trout, plenty of Drum and Bluefish, and some very good Sheepshead fishing on Bridges and other structure. Live Fiddler Crabs are enticing the Sheepshead bite.

Jennettes Pier is a popular spot for anglers who want to fish from the shore. The water temperature is 65° and the fish are biting. You can expect to catch Speckled Trout, Bluefish, Spot, Croaker and Sea Mullet.

The surf was rough last week, but some big Bluefish up to 10lbs, Drum, Sea Mullet, and Pompano were caught. The best of the surf fishing has been down south of Buxton.

trout

Offshore fishing has been amazing lately, with some boats landing limits of tuna before lunch. You can find Yellowfin Tuna, Dolphin, Wahoo, and a few Big Eye Tuna in the bluewater. If you are looking for a thrilling experience, book an offshore charter and get ready for some action.

RUDEE INLET CHARTER BOATS

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/06/04/fishing-report-3/

Jun 02 2023

Tips For Cleaning And Cooking Sheepshead

June 2, 2023

sheepshead

Now that you have located sheepshead and mastered hooking them, it’s time to clean and cook them. Sheepshead are delicious fish, but they have a tough skin and a lot of bones, so you need to know how to clean them properly.

How to clean sheepshead:

– First, you need a sharp knife and a pair of pliers. Cut off the head and tail of the fish, and make a slit along the belly from the anus to the gills.
– Next, remove the guts and rinse the fish well. You can also scrape off the scales with your knife or a spoon, but some people prefer to leave them on for extra crunchiness.
– Then, cut along the backbone from the head end to the tail end, and separate the two fillets from the bones. You can also cut off the rib cage and any other bones you see with your knife or pliers.
– Finally, rinse the fillets again and pat them dry with paper towels. You can either cook them whole or cut them into smaller pieces.

Three ways to prepare them for the table:

– One way to cook sheepshead is to bake them in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a baking dish. Season the fillets with salt, pepper, garlic, lemon juice, butter, and parsley. Place them in the baking dish and bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until flaky.

– Another way to cook sheepshead is to fry them in a skillet. Heat some oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Coat the fillets with flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and paprika. Fry them for about 4 minutes per side or until golden and crisp.

– A third way to cook sheepshead is to grill them over charcoal. Light some charcoal briquettes and let them burn until they are covered with ash. Brush the fillets with oil and season with salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon juice. Place them on a grill rack and cook for about 10 minutes, turning once, or until charred and tender.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/06/02/tips-for-cleaning-and-cooking-sheephead/

May 28 2023

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

May 28, 2023

red drum

After the Memorial Day weekend wind and rain moves away, look for some good fishing action to kick in!

The water temperature at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is currently around 65 degrees, which means that the spring fishery is gradually shifting to the summer season. The fishing prospects are improving in almost every area.

Red and black drum are abundant on Bay shoals near the eastern shore such as the Nautilus area. These fish can grow very large and put up a strong fight. They can be best be caught with cut bait, crabs, or clams on bottom rigs.

Puppy drum are also available in Rudee, Little Creek and Lynnhaven Inlets, where they can be caught with cut bait, shrimp, or artificial lures (jigs, spoons, soft plastics). These fish are smaller than their adult counterparts, but they are still fun to catch and good to eat.

Another fish that has arrived in our waters is the cobia, which can be caught in the bay and along the oceanfront. The capture season for cobia begins on June 15th, until then its catch and release, bring a big net! There should be plenty to target, some of them over 95 pounds, as one that size was caught in the surf on the OBX last week. The best way to catch cobia is by sight-casting with live bait (eels, croakers, spot) or artificial lures (bucktails, jigs, plugs). When the season opens there is a 1 fish per person, 2 fish per vessel possession limit.

The flounder fishing should improve around coastal wrecks and along the CBBT, where these flatfish like to ambush their prey. Flounder can be caught with live bait (minnows, spot, mullet) or artificial lures (gigs, bucktails, soft plastics) on bottom rigs or jigs.

Sheepshead are another tasty fish that can be caught at the CBBT pilings and other structure in the lower bay. These fish have teeth that can crush shells and steal baits, so you need to use strong hooks and leaders and set the hook quickly. The best baits for sheepshead are clams, fiddler crabs, mussels, barnacles, and shrimp.

Striped bass and bluefish are around the CBBT islands, where they can be caught with cut bait or artificial lures (jigs, spoons, plugs). Some of the the stripers are small and can be kept for food, while others are larger and must be released. The Chesapeake Bay spring striper season is May 16 through June 15. Minimum Size Limit: 20 inches. Maximum Size Limit: 28 inches. Possession Limit: 1 per person.

Spadefish should be arriving at the Chesapeake Light Tower, where they can be caught with small pieces of clam on small hooks. These fish are very strong and fight hard for their size.

Spanish mackerel have entered Virginia waters as well, and they will become more active and abundant as the water temperature reaches 70 degrees. These fish are fast and aggressive and can be caught by trolling or casting small spoons, feather lures, metal squids, or surface plugs.

The black sea bass season is open until July 6th, and then again from August 9th to December 31st. These fish are plentiful and delicious and can be found over wrecks and reefs in ocean waters. The Triangle Reef is a good spot to try for sea bass. They will bite squid, crab, cut fish, clam strips, shrimp or diamond jigs.

Tuna fishing has been good offshore to our south. Look for some Virginia boats to make the trip down and get in on the yellowfin tuna bite. Dolphin fishing has also picked up off the OBX, NC. Closer to home, tilefish and grouper are available for deep-droppers.

OBX, NC Fishing Report

cobia

The fishing action on OBX is heating up as we enter the summer season. Whether you fish from the shore, the pier, or a boat, you can expect to catch a variety of species and have a great time.

On the sound side, drum and speckled trout are biting well near the inlet, especially on live shrimp and soft plastics. Sheepshead are also showing up around the Bonner Bridge, where you can catch them on fiddler crabs or sand fleas.

On the ocean side, bluefish and spanish mackerel are hitting metal lures and spoons along the beach and from the piers. Some big cobia have also been caught by sight casting or using live bait. Pompano, sea mullet, and black drum are also available for surf anglers using fresh shrimp or sand fleas.

Offshore, the bite has been excellent for dolphin, yellowfin tuna, and wahoo. Some bigeye tuna and blue marlin have also been landed by lucky anglers. Trolling with ballyhoo or artificial lures is the best way to target these pelagic fish.

If you are looking for an exciting fishing adventure book your trip with one of our experienced captains today. You won’t regret it!

RUDEE INLET CHARTER BOATS

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/05/28/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-8/

May 22 2023

Tip, Fresh Bait And Red Drum

May 22, 2023

blue crabs

If you want to catch red drum, also known as redfish or channel bass, in the Chesapeake Bay, you need to use fresh bait. Red drum are one of the most sought-after sportfish in the bay, especially the large ones that can weigh over 50 pounds. Red drum feed mainly on blue crabs, which are abundant in the bay from spring to fall. Using fresh crab as bait will increase your chances of hooking a red drum, as they have a keen sense of smell and taste.

Other types of fresh bait that work well for red drum are spot, croaker, mullet, menhaden, and shrimp. These are all natural prey items for red drum, and they will attract them with their scent and movement. You can use live or cut bait, depending on the fishing conditions and your preference. Live bait is more effective when fishing in shallow water or near structure, where red drum can ambush their prey. Cut bait is more effective when fishing in deeper water or open areas, where red drum can detect the scent from a distance.

Fresh bait is always better than frozen or artificial bait for red drum, because it mimics their natural food source more closely. Frozen bait loses some of its scent and texture over time, and artificial bait may not look or feel realistic enough to fool a wary red drum. Fresh bait also stays on the hook longer and does not fall apart easily. To keep your bait fresh, you should store it in a cooler with ice or use an aerated bait bucket. You should also change your bait frequently and discard any that looks spoiled or damaged.

Using fresh bait for red drum in Chesapeake Bay will give you an edge over other anglers who use inferior bait. Red drum are powerful and exciting fish to catch, and they will reward you with a memorable fight and a delicious meal. Fresh bait is the key to success when fishing for red drum, so make sure you have plenty of it before you hit the water.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/05/22/tip-why-fresh-bait-for-red-drum/

May 22 2023

Virginia Beach Saltwater Fishing Report

May 22, 2023

red drum

Virginia Beach is a prime destination in May and June for anglers who want to enjoy a variety of fishing opportunities. From trophy red drum to tasty sea bass, there is something for everyone in this diverse ecosystem.

Harrison Whitt, Sandbridge

Large red drum numbers are increasing in the Chesapeake Bay. Anglers fishing fresh cut mullet, crab, or fresh clam on the bottom are having success from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel area to the Windmill Point area, near the Rappahannock River. Black drum are also available in the same areas. These fish can weigh 30 to 90 pounds and put up a strong fight.

The sheepshead bite slowed this week but that will change. Look for them feeding on structures inside the Bay, such as artificial reefs and rock islands and pilings of the CBBT. These fish have strong teeth and can crush crabs and barnacles with ease. They are also very tasty and can reach up to 15 pounds. The best baits for them are fiddler crabs, sand fleas, or clams.

Flounder catches were slow last week. It will pick up in early June. Flounder lie on the bottom and ambush their prey. They can be found in sandy or muddy areas near drop-offs, channels, or wrecks. They will bite live minnows, squid strips, or bucktails tipped with gulp baits. The minimum size limit for flounder is 16 inches and the daily creel limit is four per person.

Speckled Trout catches continue to increase in many areas. The Hampton area, Mobjack Bay, the Piankatank River, and Lynnhaven and Rudee Inlets are some of the hotspots for these fish. Speckled trout are also known as spotted seatrout or specks and they are one of the most popular gamefish in the Bay. They have beautiful spots on their sides and can grow up to 10 pounds. They will hit a variety of artificial lures, such as soft plastics, topwater plugs, or spoons, as well as live shrimp or mullet. The minimum size limit for speckled trout is 14 inches and the daily creel limit is five per person.

Puppy Drum are being caught in the same areas as speckled trout. Puppy drum are juvenile red drum that have not yet reached maturity. They are also called redfish or channel bass and they have a distinctive black spot on their tail. They can grow up to 27 inches and weigh up to 10 pounds. They will also take artificial lures or live baits, such as cut mullet, shrimp, or crabs.

black seas bass

The black sea bass season runs through Jul 6th. And then again from Aug 9 through Dec 31. The Triangle Reef is a popular spot where you can find plenty of sea bass. They will bite squid, crab, fresh cut fish, clam strips, shrimp or diamond jigs. Black sea bass are small but feisty fish that have a dark coloration with blue accents. They are also very delicious and can be prepared in many ways. The minimum size limit for black sea bass is 12 inches and the daily creel limit is 15 per person.

The first spanish mackerel arrived along the Virginia Beach oceanfront last week. As water temperatures continue rising their numbers will increase. Spanish mackerel are fast and flashy fish that have green backs and silver sides with yellow spots. They can reach up to 30 inches and weigh up to 10 pounds. They are often found in schools near the surface and will chase small baitfish, such as silversides or anchovies. They will strike small spoons, jigs, or plugs trolled at high speeds.

The first schools of cobia have reached Virginia waters. The official season doesn’t open until June 15th. Until then its all catch and release, a 50 inch release will earn you a Virginia Release Award Plaque. Cobia are large and powerful fish that have a brown coloration with a white belly and a dark stripe along their sides. They can grow up to six feet long and weigh up to 100 pounds. They are often seen swimming near buoys, markers, or rays and will eat live eels, bunker, croaker, or crabs.

The fishing report for OBX NC

OBX marlin

On the sound side, speckled trout are biting well and some have reached impressive sizes of up to 10.5lbs. Drum and bluefish are also abundant.

On the surf side, anglers can catch a variety of fish, including puppy drum, speckled trout, bluefish, and sea mullet. The northern beaches have more sea mullet, while the southern beaches have big red drum and pompano.

The piers offer a good chance to catch sea mullet, speckled trout, and bluefish. Spanish mackerel and bluefish are also running well after the water cleared up.

Offshore, the crews are having a great time with dolphin and tuna. Blue marlin are also showing up and being caught.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your gear and head to the water for some awesome action. You won’t regret it.

RUDEE INLET CHARTER BOATS

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/05/22/virginia-beach-saltwater-fishing-report/

May 16 2023

Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Sheepshead Tips

May 16, 2023

If you are looking for a fun and challenging fish, you should try fishing for sheepshead at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT). Sheepshead are a prized fish that put up a good fight and taste delicious. They are also very tricky to catch, as they have human-like teeth that can easily crush shells and steal baits. Here are some tips on how to catch and cook them.

First, you need to find the right spot. Sheepshead are structure-oriented fish, which means they like to hang around pilings, rocks, reefs, and wrecks. The CBBT is a perfect place to find them, as it has plenty of pilings and rip-rap that attract these fish. You can also look for them near markers and artificial reefs in the lower bay . They are most active from June to October, when the water temperature is around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

Second, you need to choose the right bait. Sheepshead are very picky eaters, and they prefer natural baits that they can find in their habitat. Some of the best baits for sheepshead are clams, fiddler crabs, mussels, barnacles, and shrimp. You want to hide the hook in the bait as much as possible, as sheepshead are very wary of anything unnatural. You also want to use a braided line for better sensitivity and a strong leader for abrasion resistance.

Third, you need to master the right technique. Sheepshead fishing requires a lot of patience and skill, as these fish are notorious for biting lightly and stealing bait. You want to use a bottom fishing rig with a sinker and a short leader, and drop it near the structure where the sheepshead are hiding. You want to keep your rod tip low and feel for any subtle taps or vibrations on the line. When you feel a bite, you need to set the hook quickly and firmly, before the fish spits out the bait or breaks off .

Finally, you need to know how to cook them. Sheepshead are very tasty fish that have firm white flesh and a mild flavor. You can fillet them or cook them whole, depending on your preference. Some of the popular ways to prepare sheepshead are frying, baking, grilling, or steaming them. You can season them with salt, pepper, lemon, garlic, butter, or your favorite herbs and spices. You can also make a delicious soup or stew with sheepshead meat and vegetables.

Sheepshead fishing at the CBBT is a rewarding experience that will test your skills and satisfy your taste buds. If you follow these tips, you will have a great chance of catching some of these elusive fish. Good luck and have fun!

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/05/16/chesapeake-bay-bridge-tunnel-sheepshead-tips/

May 14 2023

Sea Bass Season, Tasty Ideas For Your Catch

May 14, 2023

While most people simply fry their black sea bass, it is a versatile fish that can be cooked in different ways. Here are three recipes for cooking black sea bass that are easy and delicious.

1. Baked Black Sea Bass with Lemon and Herbs: Preheat oven to 375°F. Rinse and pat dry four black sea bass fillets. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Sprinkle with chopped parsley, thyme, and rosemary. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve with lemon wedges and more herbs if desired.

2. Pan-Seared Black Sea Bass with Soy-Ginger Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of honey, 1 teaspoon of grated ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Set aside. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet over high heat. Season four black sea bass fillets with salt and pepper and add to the skillet. Cook for 4 minutes per side or until golden and crisp. Transfer to a platter and spoon the sauce over the fish. Garnish with sliced green onions and sesame seeds.

3. Grilled Black Sea Bass with Corn Salsa: In a medium bowl, toss together 2 cups of cooked corn kernels, 1/4 cup of diced red onion, 1/4 cup of chopped cilantro, 2 tablespoons of lime juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Preheat grill to medium-high and oil the grates. Season four black sea bass fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika. Grill for 4 minutes per side or until charred and flaky. Serve with the corn salsa and lime wedges.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/05/14/sea-bass-season-tasty-ideas-for-your-catch/

May 14 2023

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

May 14, 2023

Are you ready for some great May fishing?!

The black sea bass season reopens May 15th and runs through Jul 6th. And Aug 9 through Dec 31. You don’t want to miss this opportunity to catch some jumbo-sized fish. The Triangle Reef is a popular spot where you can find plenty of sea bass. They will bite squid, crab, fresh cut fish, clam strips, shrimp or diamond jigs. Bring your cooler and fill it up with these tasty fish.

If you prefer flounder fishing, head to Rudee and Lynnhaven Inlets where the action is picking up. Some nice keepers have been caught, mostly in the 16 to 18 inch range. Larger fish are rare, but you never know when you might get lucky. The best flounder baits are buck tails dressed with a Gulp or minnow/squid sandwiches. Try different depths and drifts until you find the sweet spot.

Sheepshead are another great option for anglers who like a challenge. These fish are feeding on crustaceans clinging to the CBBT pilings. They can be caught by fishing fiddler crabs, mole crabs or clam tight against the structure. Some large fish in the 12-pound range have been caught. These fish have strong teeth and jaws, so make sure you use a sturdy hook and line.

The spring black drum bite has been excellent. The best action is coming from Virginia’s Eastern Shore, where fish are being caught seaside and bayside. Some have topped 50 pounds, but the 20 to 25 ponders are best for the table. Whole clam, peeler crab, whelk, peeler crab/clam sandwich, buck tails and lead head jigs are all good baits. These fish put up a good fight and make a loud drumming sound when hooked.

Red drum are in their usual spots and cobia should be joining them soon. There have been cobia reports coming from just south of us, on the Outer Banks of NC. Cobia will hit just about anything you put in front of them. Live eels, spot, menhaden, mullet, large spoons, white buck tails, plastic eels, swimming plugs or cut bait. Look for them around buoys and other structure, like the islands and pilings of the CBBT. These fish are powerful and can weigh over 100 pounds.

Spanish mackerel and bluefish are starting to be caught along the oceanfront. They will hit very small spoons like the 0S Drone or Clark pulled behind a small plainer. These fish are fast and fun to catch. They also make a delicious meal if you cook them fresh.

Virginia Beach Pier anglers are catching nice spanish, blues, roundhead and keeper trout. You don’t need a boat to enjoy some quality fishing at the pier. Just bring your rod and reel and some bait and you’re good to go. You never know what you might catch at the pier.

Anglers surf fishing on Virginia’s Eastern shore have been hooking a mix of large rockfish and red drum. Rockfish season for the Bay and its tributaries opens May 16 thru June 15. The minimum size is 20 inches, and the maximum size is 28 inches. The daily limit is one per person. The ocean season also opens on May 16, and is open through Dec 31.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your gear and head to the water for some awesome action. You won’t regret it.

RUDEE INLET CHARTER BOATS

Outer Banks NC Report

The surf is holding lots of drum, trout, big bluefish. And citation sea mullet are biting like crazy! You don’t want to miss the action at the Point, where big drum are showing everyday! And if you’re looking for some monster bluefish, you can find them from Ocracoke to the Virginia state line!

The piers are also hot spots for fishing right now, with spanish mackerel and bluefish hitting Got-cha Plugs hard. The best times are in the mornings and evenings, when the fish are feeding more aggressively. You can also catch some huge sea mullet on all of the piers, as well as some nice puppy drum that will make your day!

If you want to get closer to the action, hop on a nearshore boat and look for cobia and big drum along the beach and around Buxton. They are starting to show up more and more as the water warms up. You can also troll for spanish mackerel and bluefish around the inlet.

On the sound side, you can have some fun with the bluefish that are smashing topwater lures left and right! They are bigger than usual and will give you a good fight! You can also find drum on the flats and some quality trout deeper in the sound.

Offshore fishing is on fire right now, with some boats limiting out on tuna before lunchtime! The Hatteras Village Offshore Open kicked off with 4 Blue Marlin over 500 lbs being weighed in!

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/05/14/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-may14-2023/

May 07 2023

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

May 7, 2023

trout

If you are looking for some fishing action in Virginia Beach, you have plenty of options to choose from in May. Whether you want to fish in the Bay, the inlets, the oceanfront, or the offshore waters, you can find a variety of fish to catch and enjoy. Here are some of the latest fishing reports and tips to help you plan your next fishing trip.

Puppy drum are being caught inside Lynnhaven and Rudee Inlets. These spots are also holding a few speckled trout. You can use soft plastic baits, jigs, or live bait to catch these fish. Look for them in shallow water near grass beds, oyster bars, or docks.

red drum

Virginia Beach Pier Anglers are catching drum, small trout, round head, skates and small croaker. You can use cut bait, shrimp, squid, or bloodworms to catch these fish. While most being landed are much smaller, black drum can grow up to 113 inches and weigh over 100 pounds, while red drum can grow up to 60 inches and weigh over 90 pounds. Trout are either speckled or gray (also called weakfish). Gray trout can grow up to 37 inches and weigh over 19 pounds, while speckled trout can grow up to 39 inches and weigh over 17 pounds. Croaker can grow up to 20 inches and weigh over 5 pounds.

sheepshead

Sheepshead and tautog are at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT). Crab fished tight against structure is the bait and method of choice. These fish are both bottom feeders that have strong teeth for crushing shells. They like to stay near structure, such as wrecks, reefs, rocks, and bridge pilings. Sheepshead have black and white vertical stripes on their body and can grow up to 36 inches and weigh over 21 pounds. Tautog have a dark brown or black color with white blotches on their body and can grow up to 36 inches and weigh over 25 pounds.

Black and red drum are in the Bay at their usual locations. Crab and clam are the best bait for these fish. You can find them by looking for boats anchored near Kiptopeake, the Cabbage Patch, the Concrete Ships, or Fisherman’s Island. You can also spot them by looking for their tails sticking out of the water when they feed in shallow water near Latimer Shoal.

Flounder fishing is picking up in the lower Bay. You can find them inside inlets, in shallow water near grass beds or drop-offs, or deep near the CBBT. A squid and minnow combo is a classic bait, but you can also use live spot or strips of bluefish or flounder belly.

David Moore, striper release

Rockfish season for the Bay and its tributaries opens May 16 thru June 15. The minimum size is 20 inches, and the maximum size is 28 inches. The daily limit is one per person. The ocean season also opens on May 16, and is open through Dec 31. The minimum size is 28 inches, and the maximum size is 36 inches. The daily limit is also one per person. Rockfish are also known as striped bass or stripers, and they are one of the most popular game fish in Virginia. They can grow up to 60 inches and weigh over 70 pounds.

Black sea bass season opens May 15th. You can catch them on ocean wrecks using squid, cut bait, jigs, or artificial lures. Sea bass are also called black sea bass or humpback sea bass, and they have a dark color with white spots on their body. They can grow up to 25 inches and weigh over 9 pounds.

Nice tilefish catch!

Tilefish are being caught offshore at the canyons using squid or cut bait on deep drop rigs. Tilefish are also called golden tilefish or blueline tilefish, depending on their color variation. Boats trolling the edge are finding some tuna and dolphin as well.

OBX, NC

If you are looking for a great fishing experience on the Outer Banks, you will not be disappointed by the variety and abundance of fish that are available on the beach, the piers, and the sound in May. You can catch big bluefish, puppy drum, sea mullet, black drum, speckled trout, and even some Striper from the shore. Some anglers have also reported spanish mackerel and cobia on Ocracoke Island.

The piers are also a good option for fishing, especially for puppy drum, bluefish, and sea mullet. The water temperature at Jennettes Pier is around 60 degrees.

If you prefer to fish on the sound side, you can find some nice drum near the inlet, with some of them exceeding the slot limit. There are also plenty of bluefish up to 6 lbs and some speckled trout to keep you busy.

Offshore fishing has been excellent in the last few days, with calm seas and clear skies. The boats have been bringing in yellowfin tuna, dolphin, wahoo, king mackerel, and even some billfish.

So what are you waiting for? Book your charter today!

RUDEE INLET CHARTER BOATS

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/05/07/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-7/

Apr 30 2023

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

April 30, 2023

Jeff & Darryl found their limit and were back in by 11am

If you’re looking for some awesome flounder fishing, you should head to the Eastern Shore of Virginia. This is where the flounder season starts early each year, and you can find some big fish in the channels and bays near Wachapreague. This town is known as the flounder capital of the world, and it hosts several tournaments every year.

Flounder fishing is not only good on the Eastern Shore, but also in the lower Bay. You can find them in shallow water near grass beds or drop-offs, or deep around the CBBT. A squid and minnow combo is a classic bait, but you can also use live spot or strips of bluefish or flounder belly. The biggest flounder caught so far this season was a 6 lbs. 15 oz. doormat by Steven Matthews near Watts Island.

Another fish that’s showing up in the Bay near Cape Charles is the black drum. These fish can get huge, and they bite well in May. You can catch them on clam baits or jigs.

May kicks off Virginia’s world-class red drum fishing. More giant reds are caught in the lower Chesapeake Bay than anywhere else.

If you prefer smaller drum, you can find pups and a few speckled trout in local inlets, Little Creek, Lynnhaven and Rudee. These fish are fun to catch on light tackle and artificial lures.

Sheepshead are another fish that have arrived in the Chesapeake Bay. These fish are hard to hook, but they are delicious to eat. The first 2023 citation sheepshead of the season was a 14 lbs 7 oz fish, caught by Joseph Kennedy. You can catch them on crab baits near pilings or rocks.

The Virginia Beach Pier and surf are also producing some nice fish. You can catch red or black drum and speckled trout on cut bait or lures. You might also hook into a bluefish or a croaker.

Tautog fishing remains good in the Bay and offshore. These fish are found near wrecks or reefs, and they love crabs or clams. The heaviest tautog caught so far in 2023 is a 21 lb. fish caught offshore at the Triangle Wrecks by Chong Chae . You can also catch black sea bass there when the season reopens on May 15.

OBX NC Report

Fishing is excellent on the Outer Banks, from the surf to the gulfstream. Yellowfin tuna, dolphin, wahoo, king mackerel, and even sailfish are biting offshore. Dolphin numbers have been great this week!

Drum of all sizes are plentiful in the surf, especially at Buxton point and Oregon Inlet. Sea mullet, bluefish, black drum, and puffers are also common.

The piers have sea mullet, trout, puppy drum, black drum, bluefish, puffers, and some huge stripers.

Sheepshead are showing up at the Bonner Bridge Pier. Use live fiddler crabs for them.

Red drum and trout are still good on the sound side, along with black drum, bluefish, and flounder.

So what are you waiting for? Book your charter today!

RUDEE INLET CHARTER BOATS

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/04/30/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-6/

Apr 28 2023

World Class Red Drum Fishing, Virginia Beach

April 28, 2023

AquaMan Charter Action!

If you’re a fishing enthusiast, you realize that Virginia’s coastal waters are about to become home to a “World Class Fishery”. One of the most amazing fish you can catch, red drum, also called channel bass, redfish, or simply drum. These fish are huge and powerful, weighing up to 90 pounds or more. They belong to the Croaker family, and make a drumming sound when they are hooked.

The peak season for catching them is in May and June, when they are plentiful and hungry. You can find them near the surface along the ocean front beginning in late April. They also like to hang out around the shoals near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, the Inner Middle Grounds, and the Latimer Shoals, as well as the shoals off Fisherman’s Island.

You can use different kinds of baits and lures to catch them, such as bucktails, spoons, blue crab, peeler crabs, fresh menhaden, spot, or clam. A great way to fish for drum is to anchor your boat over the shoals and use chum to lure them in. When a school is spotted on the surface you can sight cast them with lures. As long as you don’t spook the school you can catch and release multiple fish.

Be ready for a challenge, as these fish are strong and stubborn. You will need a large net to bring them on board. Catching LARGE drum is a fun and satisfying adventure that you will never forget!

VBSF charter boats fill up early for this great fishery, so book your trip ASAP!

CHARTER LINK: Charter Fishing Virginia Beach 2023

Enjoying your catch!

If you’re looking for a simple and delicious way to cook red drum, try this recipe. All you need is some fresh red drum fillets, butter, lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a baking dish. Rinse the fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared dish. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter and stir in the lemon juice, garlic, parsley, salt and pepper. Pour the mixture evenly over the fillets. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Enjoy your red drum with some rice or salad on the side.

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/04/28/world-class-fishing-developing-off-virginia-beach/

Apr 23 2023

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

April 23, 2023

Knot Wish’n Custom Charters

This week, red drum have been sighted and landed by boats fishing along the ocean front, and some of them have been caught by anglers fishing off the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier. These fish are heading to the Bay, where they will look for shallow waters near Latimer Shoal. In May, you will have more opportunities to spot and sight cast to schools of these huge fish.

Tautog are also biting well right now. You can catch them around any structure that offers shelter, such as wrecks, reefs, rocks and the CBBT pylons. The current state record for tautog is 24 lbs 3 oz, set by Ken Neill in 2012. Don’t miss your chance to catch them before the season ends on May 15th.

Bluefish

Flounder, speckled trout. puppy drum and bluefish are beginning to appear in the inlets. Some nice specks have been caught this week in Rudee and Lynnhaven Inlets. Connie at Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle reports that the puppy drum bite is hot inside Lynnhaven Inlet. The best spot to catch flounder is still Wachapreague on the Eastern Shore, but you can also find some along the CBBT. As the water warms up, you will see more flounder in the Bay.

Chris and crew had a great day of flounder fishing near Wachapreague. They caught them in 25 feet of water on pink Gulp grubs, during the outgoing tide.

Sheepshead are also in the Bay now, and they will be more plentiful in May and June. They like to stay near structure, so use fiddler crabs or mole crabs as bait and fish close to the bottom or next to bridge pylons.

Black drum are still along the channel edge from Fisherman’s Island to Cape Charles. You can find them by looking for boats anchored near Kiptopeake, the Cabbage Patch and the Concrete Ships.

If you go offshore you can catch sea bass, but the season is closed until May 15. Tilefish and tuna are available. Captains have been marking a lot of black fin tuna in 895 to 010 area. One crew recently brought home five.

Outer Banks of North Carolina Report

Zach Small with Capt. Spencer Gaskins of South Wind Charters. Beautiful 42” citation red.

There’s plenty of options to choose from on the OBX now. Whether you prefer the surf, the sound, or the offshore waters, you can find a variety of fish to catch and enjoy.

In the surf zone, red and black drum are abundant from Duck to Hatteras. You can catch them in different sizes, from small to large. Some nice trout are also biting in the mornings on the northern beaches. And if you are after sea mullet, you can find a few decent ones starting to show up. At the Point, you can try your luck with some big sharks and a few big drum.

In the inshore waters near Hatteras, you can find some large sheepshead that will put up a fight. You can also encounter some schools of big red and black drum just off the beach. And if you are lucky, you might see and catch a nice cobia, they have been spotted recently.

On the sound side, the schools of drum are still roaming around the flats near the inlet. You can catch some puppy drum as well as some bigger ones. The trout bite has also been good lately, with some bigger fish being caught. In addition, you can find some nice bluefish and black drum in the sound.

The offshore bite has been a bit slow, but not too bad. You can still catch some yellowfin, blackfin, wahoo, and king mackerel. These fish are always fun to catch and delicious to eat.

So what are you waiting for? Book your charter today!

RUDEE INLET CHARTER BOATS

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/04/23/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-5/

Apr 17 2023

Virginia Saltwater Fishing Report

April 17, 2023

taug fish

Virginia’s spring fishing season is picking up as the Bay water temperature hits the magic 60 degree mark!

Tautog fishing remains excellent. Look for them around underwater obstructions, wrecks, reefs and rocks. Many anglers like to pylon hop along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Blue crabs or fiddler crabs are the best bait, but some are caught using clam or whelk. The average size tog is 3 to 6 pounds, but in Virginia large ones can top 20 pounds.

Black Drum are showing up along the shallow channel ledge running from Fisherman’s Island to north of Cape Charles. Good spots are Kiptopeake, the Cabbage Patch, the Concrete Ships, as well as the highrise and 2nd & 3rd Islands of CBBT. Running tides, late afternoons and evenings and full moons are considered the best time to fish for them. Whole clam, peeler crab, whelk or a combination is the best bait. The average size Virginia black drum is 40 to 60 pounds, but they can easily top 100 pounds. Black drum are one of the largest fish in the bay and can put up a tremendous fight. They have a distinctive drumming sound that they make with their swim bladder. The optimum setup is a heavy-duty rod and reel, braided line and a large circle hook to land these giants.

red drum

Red drum averaging 25-50 lbs are showing up on the shoals at the mouth of the bay. Latimer Shoal and the shallow water near the northern section of the CBBT are good spots. Their numbers will continue increasing into May and action will peak in early June. Also known as channel bass or redfish, they are prized for their beauty and strength. They have a coppery-red color and a black spot near their tail. They can grow up to 60 inches long and weigh over 90 pounds. They are often found in schools and feed on crustaceans and fish. Trolling spoons like 3 1/2 Drones or similar, over and around the shallows or anchoring on top of the shoal and setting out lines are the best methods. When anchored use 7/0 or 8/0 long shank hooks with peeler crabs. Short shank hooks or circle hooks work well with cut baits like fresh spot and menhaden. Use a medium-heavy rod and reel, monofilament line and a variety of lures and baits to go after these fish.

flounder

Flounder numbers are on the rise in seaside inlets. Some nice catches are coming from Wachapreague and Chincoteague on the Eastern Shore. Flounder lie on their side on the bottom and camouflage themselves with their surroundings. They change colors to match their environment. They feed on small fish and shrimp that pass by their mouth. Drift fishing with live minnows, or fresh strip baits fished behind bucktails are a good choice. Try using live spot or small mullet for big fish in deep water around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel.

trout

A few speckled trout, gray trout and puppy drum have been reported in Rudee, Lynnhaven and Little Creek Inlets. Numbers should increase as the water warms up. Speckled trout are also known as spotted seatrout or specks and have dark spots on their back and fins. They can grow up to 25 inches long and weigh up to 10 pounds. They feed on shrimp, crabs and small fish in shallow water near grass beds and oyster bars. Puppy drum are juvenile red drum that have not yet reached maturity. They have similar markings as their adult counterparts but are smaller in size. They can grow up to 18 inches long and weigh up to 5 pounds. They feed on crabs, shrimp and small fish in shallow water near marshes and docks.

OBX, NC

Action on the Outer Banks is good. The red drum bite at the Point in Buxton has been phenomenal, with many anglers scoring big fish and earning citations at local tackle shops. You can also find plenty of puppy drum, jumbo bluefish, sharks, blow toad, sea mullet and some nice flounder in the surf and sound.

red drum

blue fish

But that’s not all. The offshore fishing out of Oregon Inlet and Hatteras has been equally amazing, with lots of yellowfin tuna. Mahi, wahoo and black fin tuna are available as well. Whether you troll or jig, you’re sure to have a blast and fill your cooler with some tasty fish.

Don’t miss this opportunity to experience some of the best fishing on the East Coast. Book your trip today and get ready for some rod-bending fun!

Permanent link to this article: https://vbsf.net/2023/04/17/virginia-saltwater-fishing-report-4/

Apr 12 2023

Chesapeake Bay Water Nearing 60 Degrees!

April 12, 2023

Ken Neill, Red Drum

If you’re ready to do some fishing, you’ll be happy to hear the Bay water temperature at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel is 59.5 F. Red drum usually show up by the time it hits 60, and big red drum reports are already coming in! Look for them around the CBBT islands or on the shoals at the mouth of the Bay, near the northern end of the CBBT. Their numbers will peak in May.

black drum

More exciting news is that black drum are being landed in the surf on Virginia’s eastern shore. Look for good catches to develop bayside near the Cabbage Patch, the Concrete Ships, near Buoy 13, the high rise of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, around 36A and off of Cape Charles. Best baits are clam and crab used separately or together. These big fish can weigh over 50 pounds and put up a great fight!

More good news, flounder are starting to show up inshore. The best early season action usually occurs over on the Eastern Shore of Virginia. A few short flatties have been caught inside Rudee and Lynnhaven Inlets. They feed on minnows or squid. A minnow/squid combo on a bottom rig is a proven way to catch them. Remember larger baits usually produce larger flounder.

Tautog and sheepshead are biting on hard structure in the lower bay. Look for them around the CBBT, Back River Reef, the Cell, Tower Reef, the Concrete Ships, Cape Henry Wreck, the Santore, the Winthrop, and the Triangle Wrecks. Best baits are crab, clam or a combination. These fish have strong teeth and jaws, so you need a sturdy hook and leader. Crab is the preferred bait for both species. Use a dropper rig or a jig head to present your bait close to the structure.

Knot Wish’n Custom Charters

Speckled trout and puppy drum are active in the tributaries of the bay, such as Lynnhaven Inlet and the Elizabeth River. These fish are ambush predators that like to hide in grass beds, oyster bars, docks, and other cover. You can catch them with live bait such as shrimp, mullet, or croaker, or with artificial lures such as jigs, soft plastics, or topwater plugs. The best time to fish for them is in the afternoon when the water is warmer. Captain Todd and crew with Knot Wish’n Custom Charters landed a few puppy drum in Rudee Inlet this week.

These are some of the best fishing opportunities in Virginia right now. Don’t miss your chance to catch some trophy fish and have a blast on the water!

Outer Banks, North Carolina (OBX)

Reds In The OBX Surf

Ready for a road trip, head south to the OBX of North Carolina! Big red drum, large sharks, and nice trout are available now. Whether you fish in the surf, the sound, or offshore, you will find plenty of action and variety.

In the surf, some nice trout and puppy drum are around Oregon Inlet. These fish are great for light tackle. You can use soft plastics, jigs, or live bait to entice them. Down south, from the Point to Ocracoke, the big drum showed up in decent numbers over the weekend. These are the fish of a lifetime, reaching up to 50 inches or more. You will need heavy tackle and fresh cut bait to hook them. However, be prepared to deal with a lot of sharks as well. Sea mullet, puffers, bluefish, and small croaker were also reported on Hatteras Island beaches. These are fun fish to catch for kids and beginners. You can use bottom rigs with shrimp, squid, or bloodworms to catch them.

Sound side, anglers are finding puppy drum and speckled trout as well as a few decent black drum. These fish are also great for light tackle and fly fishing. You can use topwater plugs, jerkbaits, or live shrimp to catch them. The sound is also a beautiful place to enjoy the scenery and wildlife of OBX.

Offshore, the yellowfin tuna have been biting very good the last few days with multiple boats catching early limits! These are powerful fish that will test your endurance and skill. You will need trolling rigs with ballyhoo, cedar plugs, or skirted lures to catch them. Along with the yellowfin, we have heard reports of blackfin tuna, wahoo, and even a white marlin that was caught. These are all trophy fish that will make your trip unforgettable.

So what are you waiting for? Book your charter today!