With water temperatures at the Chesapeake Light Tower hovering around 50 degrees, the stage is set for the bluefin tuna season, which reopens January 1. As colder water pushes bait offshore, anglers are closely watching temperature breaks and deep-water structure east of the Virginia Capes and the arrival of giant bluefin.
For recreational anglers in the HMS Angling category and charter vessels fishing recreationally, you can keep one bluefin tuna measuring 27 to less than 73 inches in curved fork length per vessel per day or trip. Additionally, you’re allowed one trophy bluefin of 73 inches or larger per vessel per year, as long as the regional trophy sub quota remains available.
For citations, the capture minimum is 100 pounds, while release citations require a fish measuring at least 60 inches. Virginia waters are becoming known for producing true giants, highlighted by the current state record bluefin of 708 pounds, landed in 2020 by Jake Hiles. For many offshore anglers, hooking, fighting, and safely releasing a giant bluefin is the ultimate bucket-list achievement — a test of skill, teamwork, and endurance that often ends with an unforgettable, healthy release at boatside.
Closer to shore, striped bass fishing remains solid in the Chesapeake Bay, but it closes on December 31. Fish are still being caught in the Bay, rivers, channels, and around structure, especially during low-light periods as bass continue their late-fall movement. Soft plastics, bucktails, and live bait have all been productive, making now the time to capitalize on the final days of the open season.
Once the season closes, catch-and-release fishing for striped bass is allowed, giving anglers the opportunity to stay on the water while helping protect the resource. Use circle hooks, minimize fight times, handle fish gently, and keep them in the water as much as possible.
OBX
Offshore, the blackfin tuna are still schooling and biting flashy baits. In the surf, it’s an occasional drum, plus dogfish and skates. Trout and rockfish are biting in the sounds.
Freshwater
Apparently, the bass in Lake Anna don’t know it’s winter. Last week in a late December tournament, the winning 5-fish bag of bass weighed a whopping 30.87 pounds. That’s a little better than 6-pounds a fish. Wow!
Crappie at Anna, Kerr, Gaston, and Smith are deep and snuggling up to bridge pilings and structure but will still snatch a minnow on a hook if they see one. Smallmouth on the upper James are few and far between, but this is the time to catch a monster. Big blue cats on the lower James are looking for chunks of cut bait.
