The Fall Season for stripers (rockfish) kicks off Saturday October 4 and extends through December 31. The limit is one per person with a minimum size of 19 inches with a maximum size of 24 inches. That means all the big stripers go back to reproduce. It is said that those big ones – the 40 and 50 pounders – lay far more eggs and eggs of a higher quality than the smaller females. Allowing anglers to keep 19” and 20” stripers will create more opportunities for weekend anglers and tourists. The lower rivers and tributaries are beginning to produce some nice catches.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) area remains a hotspot for those seeking diversity in their catch. Here, sheepshead, tautog, flounder and red drum are abundant.
The red drum, especially the larger ones, are known to feed in the surf along Sandridge and the adjacent wildlife refuge, particularly when the surf is churning.
Cobia have started their migration, presenting an opportunity for anglers to catch and release these robust fighters. Meanwhile, the Spanish mackerel, a prized summer catch continue to be available, but in dwindling numbers as the season progresses.
Speckled trout enthusiasts are reeling in some impressive specimens. Reports from Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle indicate that speckled trout and puppy drum are actively biting inside Lynnhaven Inlet.
Flounder fishing in the Bay has been yielding good results, with anglers taking advantage of the favorable conditions to land the flatfish.
The Virginia Beach Pier has been producing puppy drum, trout, spot, small croaker, and flounder.
Weather was a factor last week for the blue water fleet.
OBX
By midweek, the surf had calmed along the OBX, but the water is still murky. The piers are reporting drum, croaker, spot, and mullet. Surf fishermen should expect the same. Nearshore boats are back on the water with nice catches of ribbonfish and bluefish, The offshore boats are loading up on Mahi along with wahoo and marlin. Sound side boats are catching plenty of keeper drum.
