The jumbo striped bass are beginning to enter the bay and are tugging on rods on the Eastern Shore near Cape Charles. Smaller “Rocks†are being caught around the CBBT and up into the Rappahannock and James Rivers. Big, speckled trout continue to prowl the inlets on the western side of the bay. Puppy drum are available as well. Some terrific sea bass action is happening on the deep-water wrecks and nice size togs are hitting at the Tunnel.
OBX
Some blustery, cold weather slowed the action along the OBX, but nicer weather has improved the fishing substantially.
The piers have been reporting Bluefish, Black Drum, Sea Mullet, and Puffers. Surf fishing has been steady with reports of Sea Mullet, Black Drum, a few Trout, and sharks.
The inshore fishing boats and anglers have probably had the best luck lately. There have been lots of reports of Stripers and Speckled Trout. Brett Forbes his crew caught lots of stripers on a recent trip. Their best was a 31-inches!
The local offshore fleet has been catching Yellowfin Tunas. The fleet out of Hatteras has been catching Wahoo and Kings!
Freshwater
Cooler water has triggered the striper bite in Lake Anna, Buggs and Smith Mountain. Big largemouth are being caught at Anna but crappie have moved to deep structure and brush. The tidal rivers are giving up some nice bass.
Trout stocking is underway, though many streams are still quite low.