Fishing during the middle of a hurricane with winds up to 150 miles per hour is not recommended. However, the period right before a hurricane and right after can offer some of the best fishing of the year. The period following a big blow finds the water stirred and baits confused and dislodged, and anglers can often have a hay day. Last year, I fished off the Piankatank River right after a big … [Read more...]

Not stoves. On hooks. There is nothing a speckled trout craves more than a live, fresh shrimp. Dangle one in the creeks feeding the Chesapeake Bay, and if there is a trout around, he’ll eat it. Trout fishing is picking up as the infusion of freshwater from rains subside, and a surge in salty water has them on the move. If you can’t net or buy fresh shrimp, topwater lures and popping corks … [Read more...]

We were fishing off the dock at High Rock Lake in NC where my daughter and son-in-law have a new home. The wind was blowing and the waves from the jet skis were crashing against the bank, stirring up the mud and the fish were biting. We caught catfish up to 5-pounds, but we also caught some huge redear sunfish, sometimes called shellcrackers. My daughter, Angelin, caught a monster, weighing maybe … [Read more...]

The beauty of a Mahi Mahi (dolphin fish) when it first comes out of the water is breathtaking. But when aas soon as they die, the colors fade. Anglers on the Outer Banks have been catching limits of these beautiful and spectacular leapers, some as close as two miles from shore. Occasionally, there are reports of Mahi being caught from the piers. Currently, the piers are reporting spot, … [Read more...]

Fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and offshore remains strong through mid-July, with a variety of species providing exciting opportunities. Tuna, Cobia, Sheepshead, and Drum continue to be popular targets, while Spanish Mackerel and Speckled Trout offer fast-paced action. The CBBT is a hotspot for large Flounder during the summer and into the fall. Live Spot fished around bridge pilings or over the … [Read more...]

Fishing in the Bay is out of sight and offshore excursions are getting better by the day. Along Virginia’s coast and well up into the Bay, Spanish mackerel are going after Clark and Drone spoons trolled slowly behind planers or in-line sinkers. The piers also report good Spanish action Sheepshead are also bending poles. In fact, a whopping 18-pounder was caught this week. Anglers are having the … [Read more...]

It continues to be a spectacular season for catching drum in Virginia’s saltwater. The big fellows (to 50 pounds and more) are actively feeding throughout the bay. Large red drum travel in sizable schools and are often found near structured environments such as wrecks and reefs. They can also be observed moving along the surface in significant numbers. Anglers should keep a rod rigged with a … [Read more...]

If you’re headed to the Outer Banks for the 4th of July, you’re in luck. The fish – lots of fish – are biting. At Nags Head, pier jockeys are hauling in blues, Spanish, sheepshead, spadefish and a few cobia. Surf fishermen are finding spot, sea mullet, blues, and sharks – like the dusky shark above. Swimming anyone? Soundside fishing has been good for trout, drum, sheepshead and bluefish. … [Read more...]

I caught my first fish when I was about 6, a small bluegill. I could only dream about catching a bass – any bass. When I was 8, I caught my first one, maybe 7-inches, but to me it was like a 12-foot blue marlin At 14, I caught my first decent bass, just shy of 16-inches and I was beyond excited. The youngster above caught his nice bass at Lake Orange this week, and it was significantly larger … [Read more...]

Walleye is considered a northern gamefish, but our Game Department has successfully introduced them into Lake Orange, which has become one of the top walleye fisheries in the state. Lake Orange is a rich lake, teeming with shad and small food fish and – one of the walleye’s favorite meals – yellow perch. The picture above confirms the success of the Department Fisheries experts as … [Read more...]