As summer draws to a close, the saltwater fishing scene in Virginia is heating up. Especially for flounder. Flounder fishing has been excellent, with many fish exceeding the minimum size limit of 16.5 inches. The best areas to look for flounder are the coastal wrecks, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT), and the lower bay shoals. Live bait, such as spot, croaker, or minnows, is the … [Read more...]

Billfish flags, that is. From the Norfolk Canyon off the Virginia Coast to the blue waters out of Hatteras, boats are hooking up with blue marlin, white marlin, and sailfish. Last week, several boats out of Oregon Inlet had more than 10 billfish releases. Along with the “bills”, first mates were pulling good numbers of dolphin and wahoo and some tuna across the stern. Elsewhere on the Outer … [Read more...]

  So, what about all those invasive Northern Snakehead fish that were supposed to wipe out Virginia’s bass population? Turns out that even though their range is spreading, they are not a direct threat to any of our native species. According to the DWR, Virginia officials are reporting more findings of the Northern Snakehead fish. Biologists have confirmed the presence of the fish in a … [Read more...]

Door mats. Big flounder. Fun to catch and even better to eat. Below are some tips from the VA Beach Fishing Center on how to snag a few. Flounder feed near the bottom, so you need to present your bait or lure close to where they are hiding. There are several effective tactics for catching them. One of the most popular methods is drifting with a baited rig, such as a Fluke Killer or a … [Read more...]

    From VA Beach Saltwater Fishing Report   If you’re new to fishing in the Chesapeake Bay, you might be wondering what kind of baits to use to catch the most fish. The Chesapeake Bay is home to a variety of fish species, from panfish like spot, croaker, and perch, to larger predators like striped bass, bluefish, red drum, and cobia. Depending on what you’re targeting, … [Read more...]

  VBSF Staff Virginia tarpon are a prized catch for anglers who enjoy a thrilling fight and a spectacular display of aerial acrobatics. These silver giants can grow up to eight feet long and weigh over 200 pounds, making them one of the most sought-after game fish. Virginia tarpon season typically runs from July to October, when the water temperature is warm enough for them to migrate … [Read more...]

  This article is not meant for the guys with Grady Whites that have their GPS systems locked in on flounder hotspots. Nor is it meant for those fellows who know all the red drum haunts and how to catch the big boys. This article is targeted for Tommy Tourist who is taking his family to the Bay or the Outer Banks and might want to try his hand at catching a fish or two. In that regard, … [Read more...]

  Along with drum, Cobia is the most sought-after fish in the lower bay right now. They offer exciting sight-casting opportunities and hard-fighting battles. Cobia can be found from the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel to Windmill Point. Sight-casting is the most effective technique, as cobia are curious and will often investigate anything that moves near them. Live eels are the best bait, but … [Read more...]