A sheepshead can be one of the most difficult fish to catch. They are very picky about their baits and have an affinity for fiddler crabs. Their bite is very light as they snuggle up to pilings and structure. But they are one of the best easting fish in saltwater. The angler pictured above is certainly in for some fine dining with a citation 10-pounder. The sheeps will hang around for a few more weeks until the bay temperatures drop further, as they are beginning to do now.
Trout and puppy drum continue to be active across the lower bay and up into the tidal rivers and inlets.
Stripers are becoming more active during daylight hours as the water (now in the 60s) cools. The best action has come from inside the Rappahannock and above the Whitestone Bridge. The tautog bite gets better each day and some bragging size bluefish are chasing bait in the lower bay and inside Rudee Inlet. Spot are mostly gone but a few big, yellow bellies are still around.
Offshore bottom fishing continues to produce seabass in good numbers plus a few large flounder, some bluefish and triggerfish.
Little Tunny and Atlantic Bonito are thick on several wrecks where schools are busting glass minnows on the surface.
Further offshore, trollers are finding some Yellowfin, Bluefin, and Big Eye Tuna. Many are successfully targeting swordfish and tilefish.
OBX
The Nags Head/Hatteras surf is producing some larger drum right now, typical for November. The piers are reporting lots of sea mullet, small speckled trout, and black drum. Puppy drum and specks are providing good action in the sounds. Some of the offshore boats are finding Wahoo, and Blackfin Tuna.
Freshwater Fishing
Cooler weather has improved the striper bite at Buggs Island and Anna. Four-inch Sea Shads on 3/8 oz. jigs have been the hot bait. Crappie are scattered and still fairly shallow with the best action around docks, marinas, and bridges.
