Red and black drum numbers are very good throughout the lower bay. Anglers have had a lot of success with reds on the shoals near Smith Island. Black drum are also feeding near the Eastern shore, both seaside and bayside. Another good location is near the islands of the CBBT.
Large schools of Cobia have been cruising the surface along the oceanfront and in the lower bay. Anglers have been sight casting to them. Don’t forget, the Virginia cobia season doesn’t open until June 1st.
The Spanish mackerelseason is off to a great start. Look for them along the Virginia Beach oceanfront from Capy Henry to Sandbridge. Some nice fish have been caught off the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier. Croaker and sea mullet are also being caught by pier anglers.
Sheepsheads and spadefish have arrived. Their numbers will increase in the coming weeks. Sheepshead are feeding along the CBBT and spadefish are showing up at the Chesapeake Light Tower, on buoys and at the CBBT. They will become more aggressive feeders as water continues warming.
Trout, flounder and puppy drum are scattered in the local inlets and tidal rivers.
Outer Banks
Surf fishermen were catching citation Pompano and citation Sea Mullet all week from the south beaches. There was also a good Spanish bite on metal at ramp 44 and 45. North of the inlet, it’s small Trout, Spot, Sea Mullet and Bluefish.
Sound Fishing Report: The Little Bridge on the Nags Head/Manteo causeway reported Spot, Black Drum and Trout.
Nearshore anglers are catching an abundance of Spanish and Bluefish, some King Mackerel, False Albacore and Cobia. Inshore boats are gaffing Cobia, Bluefish, Albacore and Ribbonfish.
Despite the wind becoming a problem on Wednesday afternoon, the offshore fleet out of Oregon Inlet managed to catch lots of Yellowfin, plus citation Bigeyes weighing in at 109 and 185 pounds.
At Hatteras Harbor, the heat settled in over the island Wednesday. Inshore charters made half day trips out into the Pamlico Sound. The catch consisted of Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and “keeper” Red Drum. Offshore charters ran out to the Gulf Stream for a full day of fishing. They experienced a great catch of Dolphin on Wednesday.
Summer Patterns on the Potomac
Capt. Steve Chaconas
One of the best things about post spawn is the opening of the tackle box. The right bait at the right time will produce, but one technique all of the time will produce.
If water is clearer and there’s low water and low light, use topwaters. Buzzbaits get fish to show themselves Bigger poppers are a good way to get fish to bite when water isn’t quite so clear. Walking baits work too, but don’t let them stop.
Mann’s Baby 1-Minus work over wood and grass, especially in low light conditions. This week should be a good time to use them…on 12 pound test Gamma Edge fluorocarbon line.
Spinnerbaits are also effective. Run them just below the surface over and through pads and wood. Use 12-pound or 14-pound test Edge fluorocarbon line. Make shorter and targeted casts.
Pitching plastics is going to be a reliable technique all summer. I prefer tubes. A 3/0 Mustad Mega Bite hook fits 4-inch River Craw and Blue Craw Mizmo tubes. Use 12-14-pound test Edge on casting gear or a 15 pound Gamma Torque braid with a 12 pound Edge leader for spinning gear. For pitching, peg 1/8- 1/4 ounce bullet weights. If you don’t peg on short pitches, it’s likely fish will eat baits and create separation with the weight which can affect hooksets as anglers key on weight location for hooksets. Longer rods, up to 7’4”. Shorter rods help accuracy around docks.
Target docks and pads with sun and high tides. Shallow cover away from the shore are better at lower tides. Contact Capt. Steve at info@nationalbass.com