Say it ain’t so, Spanish mackerel. Tell us you’ll stay a little longer!
What a great season it’s been for Spanish mackerel. They came early and in good numbers, then the big boys moved in – 4 and 5 pounders. But now, it’s almost time to say goodbye as the sleek fish begin to move out to sea. They were caught in huge numbers this week off the coast of Virginia Beach. Clark spoons did the most damage.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is proving to be the prime spot for increasing flounder catches, rivaling the consistent yields from ocean wrecks. With spot now more abundant, they are becoming the bait of choice for landing the larger flounder.
Red drum are still making a strong showing, from the Potomac’s mouth to the bay’s entrance, with numerous reports of large schools feeding at the surface and being caught over hard bottom areas.
Cobia are beginning to migrate out of the bay, but they are still being caught, particularly in the lower bay near the CBBT – a hotspot for action.
Sheepshead anglers are finding good numbers of fish, especially around the CBBT, and the artificial reefs in the lower bay.
The inlets and rivers within the bay are productive grounds for speckled trout and puppy drum, thanks to the grass flats that provide ample feeding and hiding spots. These areas are teeming with bait such as minnows and shrimp, the latter being particularly abundant and a significant food source for various species. This abundance is likely why the popping cork rig, which emulates the sound of shrimp, is so effective.
Spot catches are trending upward, with reports mainly coming from the lower bay piers and river areas within the bay. While bloodworms remain a popular choice, lugworms and Fishbites are also proving to be effective alternatives.
Along Sandridge, bottom fishermen are landing red drum, sharks, and sea mullet on bait, and are also hooking bluefish and Spanish mackerel on lures and plugs.
Meanwhile, offshore boaters are finding Mahi, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, and billfish, with tilefish adding to the exciting variety offshore.
OBX
Wednesday produced a rough surf for anglers on the Outer Banks. A few drum and mullet were caught along with some ribbonfish. The piers saw better fishing with false albacore, triggerfish, sheepshead, pinfish, and croakers. With a strong current, the piers are the best bet. The nearshore fleet has ribbons, blues, Spanish, drum. Offshore, it was yellowfin, blackfin, wahoo, mahi, some sails, and marlin.
