Red drum, that is. There was a nice run of the Reds on Virginia’s Southern Beaches this week. Many anglers had luck after dark. Captain Craig Page and guests aboard the Paige II also landed some impressive red drum near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel proving that the fall fishery is still strong.
Captain Todd Beck of Knot Wish’n Charters reported 62-degree water and a strong speckled trout bite in Rudee Inlet. Good trout reports are coming from all the local inlets and rivers. Long Bay Pointe Bait and Tackle says trout, puppy drum and strippers are proving steady action inside Lynnhaven.
Tautog are becoming more active inshore, providing great opportunities for those fishing near structure.
Offshore reefs are now teeming with black sea bass and keeping the head boats busy. However, shoaling at Rudee Inlet has forced head boats to adjust departure times to avoid low tide. A dredge has reportedly arrived to address the issue, which should improve access soon.
Captain David Wright and guests on the High Hopes had a stellar trip, hauling in plenty of tilefish and even a late-season mahi-mahi. Other boats out of Rudee Inlet have also reported strong dolphin catches recently. Swordfish anglers are finding success offshore.
Virginia anglers are already buzzing about the upcoming bluefin tuna season this winter. Recent social media posts from Oak Island, NC, show stray bluefins in shallow waters, hinting at what’s to come. Historically, the first bluefin bite kicks off around early December near Morehead City, NC, and Virginia anglers are gearing up for their arrival.
OBX
The fishing was excellent on the OBX until a mid-week storm brought lots of wind and rain. In the past few days there have been reports of a few bluefish and some small pompano, plus a huge skate – maybe 25 pounds. This weekend should see much improved fishing.
Freshwater
It took only a couple days to turn streams and rivers that were at a trickle into gushing waters. A good rain will do that for you.
This is prime time for smallmouth on the James, New and Shenandoah rivers as the bronze backs put on the feed bag in advance of cold weather.
Things are also looking up for striper fishing on our lakes with water temperatures now in the high 50’s to low 60’s. Dock fishing for crappies at Lake Anna has been especially good.
