The last several years have seen ever improving catches of nice bluefish and 2026 looks to continue that trend. Big bluefish up to 10 pounds are currently ravaging schools of bait in the lower Bay, in the Virginia surf and from piers. No reports of those 15- and 20-pound gator-sized blues from the past, but an 8- or 10-pounder is certainly no slouch
Croakers are spreading throughout the bay, though most are small. Whiting are running along with the croakers, some in the 12-inch class. Red drum have now followed the black drum into Bay waters. A few Spanish have entered the Bay and are hitting Clark Spoons.
The trout and puppy drum bite is improving with the influx of warmer waters.
OBX
The offshore fleet is finding plenty of blackfin and yellowfin tuna along with Mahi and some Wahoo. Fishing is picking up nearshore and in the surf for blues, redfish, Spanish and a few cobia. Sheepshead have been biting along bridge pilings and on structure.
