As we ease into December, the cold-water fish are taking center stage. The croakers, spot, cobia, flounder and spadefish have moved out of the bay. Remaining are the rockfish, speckled trout, tautogs, sea bass, bluefish and red drum.
December is the peak time for big rockfish as they migrate down the Atlantic Coast and hang a right into the Chesapeake to gorge on baitfish. The best action is off Cape Charles and around the CBBT structures.
The specked trout bite slows a bit as the water dips into the lower 40s, but they are still available in all the inlets and Eastern Shore marshes.
Tautogs love cold water, at least when it’s 40 or better. Tautog fishing is all about structure – reefs, pilings, bridges, etc.
Black sea bass head offshore in December, seeking deeper wrecks and ledges. The lower Chesapeake Bay holds scattered fish, but ocean runs offshore pay bigger dividends. The tasty fish average 1-3 pounds, with an occasional 5-pound plus bull.
Bluefish also hang around through December in the lower bay and surf. The Eastern Shore barrier islands, Chesapeake Bay channels, and coastal waters are choice spots for schools of 1-5 pound “snappers”, with chopper blues up to 10 pounds offshore.
The larger red drum generally head for the ocean in December, but puppy drum still roam the creeks in the same areas that hold specks.
It’s also tuna time offshore as giant bluefins come as close as the Chesapeake Light Tower and all along the Virginia capes. This is an opportunity to catch a 300- or 400-pound fish, maybe even bigger.
So, bundle up and head for the saltwater. The fish are still around and they are hungry.
OBX
Strong north winds rocked the Outer Banks early this week, but there were reports of big red drum and a few blues on the southern beaches and lots of blackfin tuna offshore when boats could reach them.
Freshwater
Crappie are heading for deep water, but they are still biting at Lake Anna. Saugeyes, a cross between a sauger and a walleye, are being caught in the upper section of Anna. Stiped bass catches are improving with the advance of colder weather at both Anna and Buggs Island.
