It’s pretty quiet out there on the Chesapeake Bay. Lots of fish have migrated into the ocean, but they’ll return when the spring sun warms things up. In the meantime, most of what little fishing is being done is for catch and release rock-fishing. Live eels are working best for the big fellas, lots in the 40pound class. Tautogs are biting – it seems they always bite. But not many are fishing for them due to cold weather and a shortage of crabs for bait.
Not much is happening in the Nags Head surf, but giant Bluefin are prowling the Gulf Stream waters some 30 milers offshore. A few fish are biting caught at Hatteras where the water is warmer.
Freshwater action is also slow – the tidal rivers are good for a few decent bass and Anna is giving up some large bass. An 8.35-pounder was weighed in at Sturgeon Creek. Anna stripers are most active in the mid-lake section. The Chickahominy Lake (always good in the winter) has been a hotspot for some nice pickerel, alog with bass and a few crappie. Most fish are being caught in the late afternoon. Buggs Island has been slow as crappie have not yet made their moved to shallow water to spawn.
