From the Potomac River to Oregon Inlet, the word on the saltwater streets is “stripersâ€. The Virginia season is winding down (ends on Dec. 31), but some big stripers from the ocean have moved within the bay. Umbrella rigs have been effective weapons. The rivers are also giving up nice fish to 10 pounds.
In North Carolina, there are scads of stripers back in the sounds, mostly hanging near the bridges. In addition, cooler weather has not slowed the trout and puppy drum bite. Jumbo seabass are taking baits over the ocean wrecks and some nice togs are biting along the CBBT. With mild weather in the forecast, things are still looking good for saltwater anglers.