The Chesapeake Bay water is cold at about 48 degrees, but offshore boats are finding big sea bass, tautog, and even flounder. BTW, you can catch Black Sea Bass in February if you have a permit. . Visit the VMRC website for more info.
Some anglers are taking advantage of the recent warm spell, and are catching trout, puppy drum and stripers in the warmer rivers. Stripers, of course, must be released. Dr. Ken Neill tried his luck with specks and said purple was the preferred color. He caught a half dozen in the 18 to 20-inch range and had about the same number pull off.
On the OBX, there has also been some good trout action, plus pups and stripers. Black drum and sheepshead are biting near the Bonner Bridge. Offshore, there are plenty of tunas to catch, both bluefin and yellowfin.
Freshwater
The best action now is on the tidal rivers for yellow perch, crappie, largemouth, and catfish. The Rapp, in particular, has been a hotspot for perch and crappie. The perch bite on the Chick is also picking up. The Chickahominy Lake is another good option, especially for trophy pickerel. Largemouth and stripers are biting well on the larger lakes, like Smith Mountain, Buggs Island and Anna.
Things are starting to look up.