The group pictured above found tons of Spanish and blues around the islands at the CBBT, plus a keeper King Mackerel. The big Kings are beginning to patrol the waters off Virginia Beach and ribbonfish are their favorite meal.
Elsewhere, bull red drum are active around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel pilings and shoals, while smaller puppy drum and speckled trout populate the tidal rivers and lower bay tributaries. Trolling and pier fishing remain productive for Spanish mackerel and bluefish, with concentrations noted around the lower bay and the CBBT islands. Anglers exploring shallow marsh areas and tidal creeks are finding white shrimp and scattered speckled trout.
Offshore action featured catches of sailfish, blue marlin, and white marlin. Mahi and wahoo are also being reported by the blue water fleet. Deep wrecks are holding good numbers of black sea bass and flounder.
OBX
The water is still stirred up following the Northeast blow, but it’s starting to clear. Speckled tout, blues and black drum were caught in the surf, though most were small. Charter boats returning to Pirate’s Cove scored bigtime with tuna and Mahi
Freshwater
Lake Anna is still 2 feet low with water temps in the upper 70’s. Bass are found on secondary points and along grassy edges. Stripers are schooling at The Splits in 18-22 feet of water. Lots of crappie are being caught at the Rt. 208 and 522 bridge pilings as well as in brush piles at 14-22 feet.
The James remains very low but smallmouth are hitting topwater baits if you can get to them.
