It’s slow going on the saltwater scene. Bay water temps have plunged into the 30’s, but so far, so good. No fish kills have yet been reported because of cold water.
A few speckled trout are biting as they can tolerate the cold water better than most species. Some puppy drum have also bundled up and are hitting. Some very nice sized specks are being tugged out of the Elizabeth River and some of the inlets. MirroLures have accounted for most catches.
The ocean wrecks are giving up a few togs and some anglers are playing catch and release with lower bay stripers.
On the OBX, it’s skates and dogfish on the northern beaches and a puppy drum here and there at Buxton.
Yellowfin and some giant bluefin tuna are feeding off Oregon Inlet when boats can get out to them.
Freshwater
The cold water hasn’t affected the bass fishing. Fewer numbers of largemouth have been caught, but the ones that are biting are big boys. Jigging spoons have been very effective. Vibrating blade baits have been catching a few stripers at Anna and Buggs.
Each week brings more reports of yellow perch catches as they begin their spawning runs. Stripers are being caught in many tidal rivers but must be returned to the water.
Some major size blue cats are biting on the lower James, but fresh bait has been hard to come by.
