Speckled trout are beginning to pop up everywhere in Virginia waters – from the bay inlets to the oceanfront. The piers around Hampton and Virginia Beach are also reporting nice catches. Puppy drum, too. The specks are going for live bait, like shrimp and spot as well as Mir-o-lures, jigs and topwater baits. Spot are abundant now, moving into inlets and cruising the river bottoms. Rockfish have also moved into shallow water looking for crabs and other morsels. Lots are being caught by anglers tossing lures to trout and pups. Some big sheepshead are still around and big red drum continue to cruise along the Bay Bridge Tunnel. The seabass action is first rate offshore.
OBX
The water is still a little dirty, but fishing is good.
Some big sea mullet are being caught from the piers and in the surf. Specks, blues, and puppy drum are also active. Some giant red drum have moved in along the coast and are being caught from the piers. Inshore boats are finding Spanish, blues, trout, and pups. Offshore, it’s Mahi, yellowfins, and Wahoo.
Freshwater Fishing
The upper James is in good shape and fishing well. Topwater baits are still productive. Bs fishing has been hit or miss on the big lakes as the fish are transitioning from warm water to cooler conditions. Crappie are showing up beneath docks, on deep brush and pilings. Striper fishing has been slow but will improve as the water cools.