Flounder activity in Virginia waters is improving, and some nice fish have been caught on inshore and ocean wrecks. There has also been an upswing in flounder catches at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, but the wrecks have been much more consistent. Sea bass are also on coastal wrecks.
Sheepshead and spadefish are around structures like the CBBT, the tower and buoys. Fresh clams are the key to success. Croakers are being encountered throughout the bay. Spanish Mackerel are along the Virginia Beach oceanfront and their numbers are on the increase inside the bay.
There is a tremendous number of small cobia in the bay, but with enough larger fish around to keep things interesting. Don’t forget the Monarch Cobia Classic coming up on July 19th.
Big red drum continue to be caught on the Eastern Shore shoals and tarpon are now a possibility in their usual holes. Lynnhaven and Rudee Inlets have been known to produce speckled trout at this time.
Offshore, the tuna bite has been a little slow at Norfolk Canyon lately, the best action has been up around the Washington Canyon. Dolphin fishing is good at the Norfolk Canyon and a number of both white and blue marlins have been caught. There’s scattered grass lines at 50 fathoms loaded with dolphin. Look for amberjack at the towers. Deep dropping is excellent for tilefish and the occasional grouper.
Outer Banks
Oregon Inlet NC boats have been finding some yellow fin and big eye tuna but mostly dolphin these days. The OBX Marina out of Wanchese had a nice mix of tuna, dolphin, Spanish, ribbons, shrimp & crabs.
TW’s in Nags Head file this report: All the south beaches reported Bluefish Pompano, Sea Mullet and plenty of Sharks. Hatteras had a Bluefish bite on metal off and on doing the day. Sheepshead at the Jetties. Sea Mullet and Bluefish north of the Inlet.
Sound Fishing Report:
The Little Bridge on the Nags Head/Manteo causeway reported catching lots of undersize Trout pn Wednesday morning.
Pier Fishing Report:
Avalon: Part of the pier is close getting ready for fireworks. Small bottom fish. Nags Head: Spot and Spades. Jennette’s: Bluefish, Spades a nice size Sheepshead. Outer Banks: Small Mullet, Bluefish and Spot.
Hatteras Harbor says that hot weather and hot fishing go hand in hand right now. Our Offshore fleet was racking up billfish points with Good Times, Native Son and Release all releasing White Marlin. Bite Me, Good Times and Predator released Sailfish. Dolphin were limits on the dock (10/person) with some Tilefish and Grouper rounding it out. Inshore boats were doing well with Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish and a few Cobia.