Fishing during the middle of a hurricane with winds up to 150 miles per hour is not recommended. However, the period right before a hurricane and right after can offer some of the best fishing of the year. The period following a big blow finds the water stirred and baits confused and dislodged, and anglers can often have a hay day. Last year, I fished off the Piankatank River right after a big storm and caught 50 puppy drum in 2 days from the dock.
Hurricane Erin, the first major storm of the 2025 Atlantic season, delivered its winds offshore of the Virginia and NC coasts on Friday, but when things settle down, look for some great fishing opportunities.
Spot, for one. Spot are bottom feeders and hurricanes deliver the goodies for the hungry spot. The big ones are called yellow bellies and they love blood worms but will also go for Fish Bites and shrimp. Trout, redfish, croakers, tautog, sheepshead and flounder will also be looking for free food in the coming few days. Plus, Spanish mackerel and bluefish are scattered from the mouth of the Potomac down to the bay’s entrance and along the oceanfront,
Cobia are still around but beginning to head out to sea. As the water cools, rockfish are on the move, and hungry.
When boats can sail, the offshore fleet is finding strong runs of Tuna, Wahoo, Mahi, and billfish, including Blue Marlin, White Marlin, and Sailfish.
Next week should be a good one for Virginia saltwater anglers.
