Virginia saltwater temperatures are creeping near 60 degrees. Along the oceanfront and near the CBBT. It’s 58 or 59. Along the beach at Oceanview and in the Elizabeth River it has reach 61.
Sheepshead have arrived in the Bay. Wes Blow caught 2 while togging with Dr. Ken Neill. Their numbers will increase in May and peak in early June. The best baits are fiddler crabs or mole crabs, fished very close to structure.
Tautog fishing remains good around underwater obstructions like wrecks, reefs, rocks, and the pylons of the CBBT. The Virginia season closes May 15th. Craig Irwin and friend Paul got in on the tog action. They released a lot of smaller ones, but Paul boated a nice 24-inch, 8-pounder.
Red drum are on the shoals at the mouth of the Bay. Next month as water warms and the number of fish increases, anglers will begin having success sight casting near the islands of the CBBT.
Black Drum are still along the shallow channel ledge running from Fisherman’s Island to north of Cape Charles. Look for boats anchored close together near Kiptopeake, the Cabbage Patch and the Concrete Ships.
Flounder, speckled trout and bluefish are starting to bite inside inlets. The best flounder catches are still coming from Wachapreague, Oyster and Chincoteague on the Eastern Shore. A few flounder have been caught along the CBBT. Numbers will continue to improve as the water warms.
Anglers fishing off the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier are catching skates, rays, puffers, small blues, and a few puppy drum.
OBX
High winds and dirty water slowed the bite down in the surf. Mullet, blow toads and puppy drum had been biting. Lots of drum are patrolling the sound waters.
The tuna bite has been good when boats can sail.