It continues to be a spectacular season for catching drum in Virginia’s saltwater. The big fellows (to 50 pounds and more) are actively feeding throughout the bay. Large red drum travel in sizable schools and are often found near structured environments such as wrecks and reefs. They can also be observed moving along the surface in significant numbers. Anglers should keep a rod rigged with a bucktail, swim bait, or a large topwater plug readily available for these opportunities. Regulations require the release of Red Drum over 26 inches and under 18 inches.
Keeper-sized Puppy Drum can be located in shallow areas of rivers and inlets, particularly near hard structures like docks and piers, as well as grass beds. Effective lures for puppy drum include topwater baits, 4-inch swim baits, and popping corks with scented baits. These methods and locations are also effective for Speckled Trout, which often prey on baitfish in grassy areas. Productive fishing spots include Lynnhaven Inlet, Elizabeth River, Mobjack Bay, the Piankatank River, and the Rappahannock River, among other bay tributaries.
Cobia are now very active within the Chesapeake Bay as they enter their spawning phase. Anglers using sight-casting techniques are finding success with bucktails, eels, and live baitfish like croaker. Those utilizing anchoring and chumming strategies are also achieving favorable results, typically with eels, croaker, and occasionally crab. While chumming effectively attracts cobia, it’s worth noting that it may also draw in sharks and skates.
Sheepshead angling is surging with lots of fish biting. The “sheeps” are commonly found around hard cover, including rocks, concrete rubble, wrecks, and pilings. Crabs, clams, and sand fleas are preferred baits and are also effective for Black Drum, which share similar habitats. A monster 18-pound 2-ounce Sheepshead was registered over the 4th of July weekend.
Spanish Mackerel fishing is hot now both within the bay and along the oceanfront. Successful anglers are trolling Drone spoons and Clark spoons. In-line weights and diving planers help achieve the desired depth, when trolled at approximately 6 knots. If Bluefish are around, a slightly faster speed triggers more bites
Flounder catches are consistent, with bridge tunnels and ocean structures yielding the best results.
Some large Spadefish are now available, but their numbers appear to be on a decline. The Chesapeake Light Tower remains the preferred location for Spadefish.
Pier anglers are reporting catches of Spanish, Croaker, Bluefish, Sea Mullet, Redfish, and occasional Flounder.
OBX
A strong current slowed the pier and surf fishing on the OBX earlier this week – except for sharks. They seem to like nasty currents. By Thursday there was a steady bite going on of mullet, croakers, black sea bass, and sheepshead on the piers. The offshore fleet has been returning to the dock with a nice grade of yellowfin and blackfin tuna plus a bunch of Mahi. Nearshore boats ran into some big drum hanging around the inlet, along with Spanish and bluefish.
