Andy Reams of Winchester had this report on a recent tautog venture on the Chesapeake Bay.
My son Brad, his friend Matt and I caught 10 tautogs this past Saturday and Sunday over a man-made wreck near the CBBT. Three of these fish were just under the legal size of 17″, thus we had to send them back to get bigger for next year. The largest two weighed just at 6 pounds each. When these fish hit your line they lead you to believe you have a 25-pounder on. Pound for pound they are one of the hardest hitters on the bay.
As you well know, many times they are able to get back in their home territory, the rocks, and cut your line. The weather was just fabulous both days, around 73 degrees, with the sea as slick as glass. You don’t see those fishing conditions on the Chesapeake Bay that often.
From left to right in the photo are Brad Reams of Hampton, Matt Esper of Virginia Beach, and Andy Reams of Winchester.
Virginia Saltwater
Dr. Julie Ball
Windy conditions are keeping boats at home for a few days, but once the weather clears, expect the rockfish action to pick up where it left off as schools of big striped bass enter the Bay. Some impressive fish are hitting the docks lately, with several rockfish weighing in at over 40- and 50-pounds. The larger fish are still coming from the fleet of boats drifting with live eels off the eastern side of the Bay. Anglers trying their luck dunking eels along the High Rise section of the CBBT at night are also finding some respectable takers up to 30-pounds. But hurry if you want to keep one of these brutes, as the Bay season ends at the close of the year. Boats can also still find school-sized stripers ranging from 22- to 38-inches along the lower Bay bridges and tunnels, and under working birds in open Bay waters.
Speckled trout enthusiasts continue to pick away at what whatever is available. Most backwater locations are reporting similar results, with Rudee, Lynnhaven, and Little Creek Inlets, as well as the Elizabeth River hosting catches of trout ranging from 16- to 20-inches. Casters are finding luck using a variety of baits, including jigs, Mirrolures, and GULP baits. Puppy drum are also a possibility in these same areas.
Limits of keeper-sized togs are still coming from offerings of crab on several Bay and inshore structures this week. Offshore wrecks will become more attractive to tog hunters as the waters cool and other species become less available. Folks targeting sea bass on deeper water wrecks are catching plenty of jumbo fish, with some exceeding five pounds, but these tasty fish become off limits at the end of the month. This may also be your last opportunity to boat some big wreck flounder, which are still taking bait drifted over both inshore and offshore structures, along with some big triggerfish. Small pods of false albacore are most everywhere near the Triangle wrecks this week. Chopper-sized bluefish are likely on the move, but a these fish can be intercepted on offshore structures for a while longer. Bluefin tuna are also a possibility, but be sure to check the regulations before you target these massive tuna.
Offshore, the bite can be good with nice yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, and mahi the primary catch lately. Swordfish are still a possibility at the Norfolk Canyon if boats can find a good weather window for overnight trips.
Nags Head
TW’s Daily Fishing Report on 12/24/15
The weather was wretched yesterday. We had torrential rains in KDH last night. Sun is trying to show this morning. There were some Bluefish and Drum at the point for those who ventured out to fish. A few Drum at ramp 43. No news from the northern beaches.
Jennette’s Pier continues catching small Gray Trout and Sea Mullet. The wind is S at 17 and the water temp is 59 degrees.
On Wednesday, there was a new regulation from Albemarle Sound management. The Striper fishing has been great, but needs a cut back. From the Dec 24th until Dec 31st you can keep 1 fish per day fish. On January 1st, you can increase your catch to 2 per day.
Despite the rain, anglers were fishing yesterday. There was a good Bluefish bite at the point. Avon as well. Most was caught on metal lures. A few keeper Trout caught at ramp 43/44 using a Mirrolure. Buxton also had a few Trout. I have no news from our beaches.
Oregon Inlet
Not much action out of Oregon Inlet. On Sunday, however,
Rock Solid SLAYED the stripers in the sound Sunday! The Blue Fin Tuna should start running soon, so stay tuned.
Hatteras Surf
On Wednesday, Red Drum & Tackle had this report:
Some Blue Fish and Drum were caught at the point today, Puppy Drum at Ramp 43 and Flounder and Drum behind the motels. Even with the rain, it still was a pretty day temperature wise. Maybe the sun will show itself tomorrow.
On Tuesday Red Drum reported: A nice December day until this rain moved in. Lots of bluefish on bait and metal at the point this morning for those who ventured out. Blues were at 43 and 44 as well. Talked to a gentleman that caught a few keeper speckled and gray trout on a Mirrolure around the 43/44 area this evening. Keeper and short flounders around 43, and 44 as well for those who were jigging. Merry Christmas and a happy new year to everybody!
Hatteras Offshore
Hatteras Harbor reported that Monday was a beautiful day if a bit overcast. Rain scattered through in the early morning but soon cleared off. The winds were nothing, making the sound a mirror all day long. It was hard to tell where the horizon ended and the sky started it was so calm. Charters reported excellent King Mackerel fishing with limits, some huge ones being brought in that were citation sized.