An early saltwater surprise this year is the large number of bluefish being caught all the way from the sounds behind Nags Head up to Virginia Beach and across the bay. Many of the fish are running 2 to 5 pounds, but some monsters in the 10-15 poundclass have also made an appearance. Biting alongside the blues, are Spanish mackerel which are now well up into Bay waters.
Cobia are now along the oceanfront and in the lower bay. They are hitting live eels, spot, menhaden, mullet, large spoons, buck tails, plastic eels, swimming plugs, and cut bait.
The red drum bite continues along the oceanfront and in the lower bay. Latimer Shoal, at the mouth of the bay, is a hot spot for 25 to 50 pounders. Trolling spoons or bucktails over and around the shallows or anchoring nearby and fishing fresh cut spot, menhaden, or blue crabs are preferred methods.
The black drum season has been outstanding along the shallow channel ledge running from Fisherman’s Island to Cape Charles. Good spots are Kiptopeake, the Cabbage Patch, and the Concrete Ships.
Sheepshead numbers are increasing, and these tasty fish will be available through September. The best baits are fiddler crabs, sand fleas, or clams. The average size fish is 3 to 8 pounds.
Spadefish will, arrive shortly. The early bite is the most aggressive. The flounder and croaker action is slow now, but will pick up soon. Virginia Beach Pier, anglers are catching a few Spanish, some bluefish, roundheads, and skates.
Offshore, the water temps are in the low 70’s and bait is everywhere, but so far boats are only finding scattered tuna, mako, and a few dolphins.
OBX
The fishing at the Outer Banks is being described as “epic!”
Everything is biting, it seems. The sounds, the surf, from the piers, nearshore and the blue water action are red hot.
Early June vacationers have hit is just right!
