Dr. Ken Neill, III   Cobia is closed for 2017. Well, the fishery is closed in federal waters and with a new administration settling in D.C., and we will see if it stays closed. But for now, it is closed for the year. Based on estimated catches greatly exceeding the allowable catch the previous two years, and the assumption that states will keep cobia open in state waters, federal waters … [Read more...]

From Stripers Forever   Striped bass anglers from North Carolina to Maine, responding to the 14th annual fishing survey from the national striped bass conservation organization Stripers Forever had mixed reactions to the fishing they experienced during 2016. Overall, there was some modest improvement in sentiment with only 66% reporting the fishing as worse or much worse than during the … [Read more...]

By Capt. Reese Stecher   There has not been much in the way of striper fishing in the sound for the past couple weeks. I did take two clients out for a couple of hours on New Year's Day afternoon. We hit a wreck for Tautog. The boys weeded through a couple of throwbacks and landed four fish for dinner. Henry did something that I haven't seen in 20 years of charter fishing. He landed a … [Read more...]

A program called the Virginia Saltwater Tournament has been in place since 1958. The program awards anglers who catch fish of a certain size and promotes the saltwater fishery in Virginia. It also generates vital fishing data and records catches of species not otherwise available. However, in the Governor’s proposed budget for fiscal 2018, the program would be cancelled. But wait a minute! … [Read more...]

By Dr. Julie Ball Ushered in by a sobering cold front, there is no denying that winter has arrived in Virginia. On gusty days paired with plummeting temperatures, it makes getting out on the water a challenge. Although the weather may be frightful some days, most anglers are not complaining since it seems their holiday wishes for a good rockfish season may become a reality this year and just … [Read more...]

By Dr. Julie Ball   As the water temperatures continue to cool, some windows of opportunity are allowing boats to venture further off shore, where anglers are having some decent catches. Wreck fishing is improving off the Virginia coast, with good hauls of jumbo sea bass ranging to over 4-pounds reported. A few triggerfish are also available around the Triangle Wreck area, along with … [Read more...]

TWs reports: Surf Fishing: Wednesday day was another good day for surf fishing anglers. Keeper Black Drum and Trout, some Bluefish, Sea Mullet and small Puppies. I was told there are plenty of Trout in the surf this morning with some keepers. Amy (picture) caught her trout this morning. Jeff VanZile caught his first Red Drum at the point. He said he has been chasing trophy Drum for about 8 … [Read more...]

TW’s Tackle at Nags Head says that surf fishing is good. Black drum, bluefish, sea mullet, speckled trout and plenty small puppy drum with a keeper pups are being beached. The winds on Wednesday were N at 16 and the water was 59 degrees. Sound Fishing: The Little Bridge on the Manteo causeway reported slow fishing. Pier Fishing: Avalon: Small trout. Nags Head: Little … [Read more...]