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...]

I spent a few days in Urbanna last week where a group of friends attended the Oyster Festival. A few of us also got in a little fishing in Urbanna Creek, about a half-mile from the Rappahannock River. The fishing from our deep-water dock was actually pretty good. Before the rest of the party arrived on Thursday, my regular fishing companion, Tim Tigner, went down to the dock equipped with a … [Read more...]

Capt. Reese Stecher has the stripers right where he wants them. “The water temperature and water quality is just about where we need it to be,” he said. “A group of clients from Fredericksburg caught these fish last Wednesday. They were nice, healthy keepers. Hopefully, by this coming week all the nasty Hurricane water will be gone and the stripers will be doing what they were doing this time the … [Read more...]

By Capt. Alan Caine   I just wanted to send out a quick report on Louisiana. I made it here late last week and the fishing has been good. We had one very windy day, which was tough, but the other four days offered many shots at big redfish, 20-pounds or more, as well as countless opportunities at fish under 15-pounds.. We have been catching them on fly and light tackle spinning gear … [Read more...]

By Dr. Julie Ball The extreme winds and historic flooding that hit our area can change fishing patterns considerably, so watch for fall patterns to return slowly. Until the waters settle out, much of the best action will continue to come from the shallows and protected inlets. Puppy drum tend to thrive in turbulent water. Masses of pups are thrilling anglers in most backwater locations, … [Read more...]