Not stoves. On hooks.
There is nothing a speckled trout craves more than a live, fresh shrimp. Dangle one in the creeks feeding the Chesapeake Bay, and if there is a trout around, he’ll eat it.
Trout fishing is picking up as the infusion of freshwater from rains subside, and a surge in salty water has them on the move. If you can’t net or buy fresh shrimp, topwater lures and popping corks are very effective, and you’ll also find puppy drum going after the same offerings. Current hot spots include Mobjack Bay, the Piankatank River, Lynnhaven Inlet, and Rudee Inlet.
Flounder fans are rejoicing. Jigging over hard cover at the bridge tunnel has produced lots of quality fish. If you land several nice ones in a certain spot, switch things up and try live spot—often the ticket for truly monster flounder. Spot are a must-have on board, appealing to nearly every big gamefish, and croakers can also be a secret weapon for catching the giants.
If you’re after cobia, the bite is still hot. Though they are just beginning their bay exit, cobia are still plenty prowling near channel buoys and around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. Local piers can also surprise with sudden flurries of cobia action.
For heart-pounding excitement, bull red drum are stealing the spotlight around the first and second islands of the Bridge Tunnel. Fleet after fleet of boats have been targeting these aggresive fish, with live croakers topping the list of baits. When schools surge along the surface, it’s epic feeding competition. Anchoring up for night fishing brings its own thrills, as both red and black drum will go for fresh clam, crab, or cut mullet.
The sheepshead bite is still going strong, with many anglers swearing that September is the peak time. Target slack tides, work your way through the pilings, and be ready—if there is a sheepshead around, you’ll find out quickly.
For those seeking reliable action, bluefish and Spanish mackerel are always ready to strike, even when other bites slow down. The oceanfront, the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel delivers keepers in impressive numbers, as do the Hampton Bar, York Spit, and Windmill Bar. Bluefish aren’t just fun to catch—they make excellent cut bait for flounder, cobia, and anything lurking along the bottom.
And keep your eyes peeled—the spot run is about to turn on.
Offshore, the excitement builds even higher. White Marlin, Blue Marlin, Mahi, and Tuna are thrilling anglers with some jaw-dropping catches. The White Marlin Open out of Ocean City, Maryland wraps up on Sunday. Virginia Beach will soon take center stage with the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament August 20-23.
OBX
On Wednesday, anglers reported catching sea mullet one after another throughout the day. At low tide that afternoon, bait was boiling, and the Spanish bite was on. The pier action has picked up with nice catches black sea bass, bluefish, pigs, and pins along with Spanish. The nearshore boats are hauling in some big Spanish and blues, with a couple of mahi and bar jacks in the mix. The extended trips are catching mahi. The offshore fleet is mainly after marlin as there is another tournament going on, but the private charters had plenty of flags flying with a ton of mahi. The crab and shrimping boats are also doing very well.
Freshwater
Most lakes and ponds have water hotter than a bathtub, and the fish are in a funk, biting mostly at night or at the crack of dawn. Night fishing has been very productive for Buggs Island crappie anglers. Some huge flathead catfish have been caught in the upper James on live bluegills. The smaller lakes have been fishing better than the large lakes lately, partly due to the lack of recreational boat traffic.
