The big news on the Virginia saltwater scene is that large red drum have arrived on the shoals near Fisherman’s Island. Dr. Ken Neill, Stan Simmerman and David Brabrand made a run over and caught a shark, had two drag screamers, and pulled the hook on one. But David did manage to tag and released their first bull red of the season.
Good puppy drum action continues in Virginia Beach inlets. Connie at Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle reported good catches inside Lynnhaven Inlet. Knot Wish’ Charters reported good action at Rudee Inlet. Most fish are being caught on soft plastics. The Elizabeth River has also been excellent.
Lots of black drum have been caught in the surf and in inlets from North Carolina to Maryland. There should be plenty in the Bay off Cape Charles now. Anglers are also finding increased numbers of Speckled Trout.
April flounder action is improving as the flatfish move into shallows. The Wachapreague area on the Eastern Shore is usually very good.
Tautog are biting at the triangle wreck and now in the Bay at the CBBT.
On the OBX, things are starting to pick up a bit along the beaches of Nags Head and Hatteras, with anglers reporting sea mullet, black drum, puppy drum, and blow toads. Nice puppy drum are also being caught in the sound. Some big reds are also being beached, mostly from the Point in Buxton.
Freshwater
According to Greentop Sporting Goods in Ashland, shad are in full swing on the tidal rivers, with the James and Rapp the most popular. Lures with pink seem to be doing better right now. Spoons, darts, flies, and small curly tailed grubs are all productive. White perch catches are increasing on the James. Catfish and rockfish are especially fond of the abundant perch.
Bass catches are up considerably in the tidal rivers, particularly on the James and Rapp. Twenty-five pounds was the winning weight from the James over the weekend. The tidal rivers are practically unbeatable in April. The Chick and Appomattox rivers are excellent. Many are throwing Alabama rigs, spinnerbaits, jigs, and chatterbaits with good success. The Potomac River has been fishing well for bass. The aquatic grass is beginning to emerge in many places, offering more areas to hold bass, than in previous years. The Rapp, and James are giving lots of crappie. At Buggs Island, lots of 3-pound fish are reported. The elevation level at Kerr is currently 301′.
Nice bass continue to come from Anna, where the crappie bite is on fire.