There are still lots and lots of Spanish Mackerel roaming throughout the bay, reports Stan Cobb at Greentop. Folks are having quite a time trolling for these tasty fish. Drone spoons and Clark spoons pulled behind in-line weights or behind diving planers are probably the most popular methods for taking the Mac’s, some up to 5 pounds. Pulling a surface bird with a spoon behind it on a 10-foot line is also a good tactic. Gold seems to be the most productive color this year. The Spanish are being caught from the Potomac River to the mouth of the Chesapeake, and along the oceanfront. Red drum are showing to show up again more frequently in the lower bay. Cobia anglers, using towers, are spotting them easier. Cobia anglers are reporting finding more fish inside the schools of bunker than in years past. Many reports are coming from areas to the north, such as the mouth of the Rappahannock. However, there are tons of fish in the lower bay, near Cape Charles and CBBT area. A pleasant surprise for many is the presence of larger gray trout in many areas of the bay. The artificial reefs are an excellent place to find keeper-size grays. The spot bite is becoming more pronounced as we approach September. Inside the Rappahannock River is a prime area to catch the spot. Rudee Inlet is usually another productive area, but reports so far have been light. Speckled trout catches are on the rise. Anglers are reporting keepers from areas like Mobjack Bay, Gwynn’s Island, the Piankatank river, and the mouth of the Rappahannock river. Many prefer to use Berkley Gulp! baits, such as swimming mullets, and shrimp on light jig heads. Mobjack Bay has been producing a wide variety of fish. Some of the species reported include flounder, trout, Spanish mackerel, croaker, spot and puppy drum. The offshore charters are reporting good hookups of Wahoo, and Mahi. Look for the white marlin bite to spike shortly, as September always brings the best action for these fish. Surf anglers along the Outer Banks are reporting pompano, flounder, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, spot, and sea mullet. Offshore excursions are producing Blackfin, Wahoo, Yellowfin, Dolphin and had some Blue Marlin citations.At Hatteras, inshore anglers enjoyed a beautiful Wednesday on the Pamlico Sound catching speckled trout and bluefish. One charter fished the wrecks catching triggerfish, then brought in some dolphin as well. Fishing has picked up offshore with good wahoo action, bailer dolphin, and some blackfin tuna, big eye and sailfish.
Freshwater
The not-so-hot weather has made fishing a little easier on the anglers over the past few days. As the daylight decreases, look for more fish to inhabit the shallower areas on many bodies of water. Baitfish migrations are starting to take place in the lakes, especially the larger lakes with bigger main tributaries. The cooler water draws the attention of the bait, along with the predators. Shallow docks can be outstanding at this time. Twenty pounds was the winning weight from Lake Anna on Sunday. Docks were reportedly a key. Although there’s not a lot of docks on Kerr Lake, some have reported catching quality fish from shallower areas containing stumps, and brush. The mid to deep depths are still more reliable, but if the slightly cooler weather stays upon us, there could be an early fall bite. Buzzbaits are outstanding for shallow cover areas in the fall season. However, we still have about a month of official summer left.. Chatterbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics seem to be the main players. The drop shot has become quite popular on the tidal rivers lately. The shallow vegetation in area ponds should be targeted now, and the next few months, as the cooler nights trigger shallow movements overnight and during overcast days. Live bait fished along the edges of lily pads and grass lines can be outstanding anytime, but especially during the fall months. Spinnerbaits, super shallow crankbaits, flukes, and Senkos should be tied on. Topwater baits are always a good option.
At Lake Orange, the water temperature is around 80 degrees and the lake is clear with fish on the move. They’re coming out of their summer patterns moving to the shallows looking for baitfish. Bass can be caught on a variety of baits but shad imitations seem to be best, along with some topwaters in the lowlight periods of the day. Crappie are holding on brush and around the pier in 10-feet of water. Catfishing remains strong with the upper end producing best. A few walleye have been caught down lake near rocky areas.