Speckled trout have been biting in Virginia rivers for a couple of weeks. Connie Barbour at Long Bay Pointe Bait & Tackle says they’re available inside Lynnhaven and Rudee Inlets now. The mild winter should bring terrific trout fishing for the foreseeable future – plus an early arrival for most saltwater species.
Tautog are already at the CBBT and on nearly all near-shore structures.
Red drum are making an early showing at The Point in Buxton. Here’s hoping the Covid-19 emergency action doesn’t keep anglers away from The Point the entire season. Currently only locals have access.
Anglers fishing the northern OBX are catching blow toads, trout, flounder, puppy drum and sea mullet.
Tuna action out of Oregon Inlet North Carolina has been fantastic all winter for yellowfin, bluefin and blackfin. And of course, there are plenty of sharks available. A bad storm Tuesday night closed the highway below Oregon Inlet, but no damage was done to the pavement.
Shad, Shad and more Shad
The Shad have arrived in force, especially on the Rapp. Richmond anglers are hooking up within the city limits. The shad bite will greatly improve with each warm day and as daylight hours increase. Dart rigs, spoon rigs, and shad flies will be the hot tickets, according to Stan Cobb at Greentop. White perch are right behind the shad, so the James and other tidal rivers are about to explode. Bloodworms are an excellent bait for white perch. This means the bass are about to explode as well. Swim baits, spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, are just a few of the moving baits that will work well. When the shad are in the rivers, the larger swim baits will often trigger bites from the bigger bass. Alabama rigs work well also, as they have a high triggering effect. Bass and crappie are biting extremely well just about everywhere. Lake Anna is producing big catches of these two species all over the lake. Stripers are also turning on at Anna. Exploring shallow flats with swim baits, and live bait, are perhaps the best bets. The upper sections of both arms would be the place to start. Kerr Lake is known for world class crappie fishing, and now is the time to do it! Boat docks, brush piles, and stumps should be targeted. The bass at Kerr and Gaston are responding to crankbaits, spinnerbaits and jigs.