It takes a tough son-of-a-gun or a lifelong Canadian to brave the weather we’ve had and go fishing, but the few that did have had some exciting catches. Big bluefins, for example.
Off the coast of Virginia and North Carolina, the giant bluefin tuna continue to attract lots of attention. The ocean temperature around the Chesapeake Light Tower is currently in the low 40s, presenting a unique set of challenges for anglers. Recently, a crew reported an absence of surface activity but noted plenty of baitfish and lots of promising large tuna marks down deep.
Saturday off Rudee Inlet, Captain David Wright put his crew on the High Hopes over the marks and landed an 808-pound bluefin. Other monster fish have also been caught off Oregon Inlet, near the point, 32 miles southeast of the inlet, where the water temperature is a warmer 72 degrees. One broke the 1000-pound mark. Mixed with the bluefins are large Big Eye tuna and some blackfins.
Despite the chilly conditions, die-hard anglers have been reeling in speckled trout and slot-sized puppy drum. These resilient fish respond best to a very slow retrieved lure when the water is cold, making patience and technique essential for a successful day on the water.
Rockfish, though elusive, have been landed by persistent anglers. It’s a challenging pursuit, but the reward of hooking one of these prized fish makes the effort worthwhile.
Meanwhile, tautog catches are being reported on structure both in the bay and in the ocean. With fresh crab largely unavailable, shrimp and clam have become effective baits of choice. The special black seas bass kicks off in February.
