The lower Bay has been giving up black drum and red drum, especially back in the inlets. The best bite is on a falling tide as bait is flushed from the grass flats. A few flounder, mostly undersized, are still around.
Speckled trout are the most cooperative species now for Virginia’s saltwater anglers. The Rappahannock has been giving up some nice fish as have Lynnhaven, Little Creek, the Elizabeth River and Rudee Inlet. Trout are feeding shallow, chasing minnows and shrimp. Best baits have been Mirr-o-lures and swim baits.
“Rocktober” is over, but rockfish are even more aggressive now that November has arrived. Rip-rap, points, bridges and hard cover areas are best. The tautog bite gets better each day, and some fat sea bass are biting for ocean charters. Surf fisherman at Sandbridge are still finding a red drum or two to bite.
Offshore anglers are running into some stiff winds, but a few giant swordfish were landed during a recent tournament.
OBX
Jennette’s Pier reports that both blues and speckled trout are keeping anglers busy as the ocean temps hold at 65. The northern beaches and piers have had catches of black and red drum, speckled trout, blow toads, scattered mullet, and even the random spot. The Little Bridge is picking up a trout here and there and the occasional puppy drum. Hatteras Island has had good catches of red drum the past few days. There have also been reports of sea mullet, blow toads, spot and bluefish. Some big bull reds are biting at night for surf anglers. The offshore boats are reporting Mahi, Wahoo, and Blackfin Tuna.
Freshwater
The striper bite at all the major lakes is picking up steam. Both live bait and deep trolling are effective. Some huge crappie area coming from Buggs Island, though the lake remains very low. Anna fishermen are catching some slab crappies under the bridges.
