Bluefish seem to be making a comeback. Some really nice fish have been caught this spring in both the Bay and in the surf and sounds off Virginia and Carolina. Blues were once the most popular gamefish in saltwater leading to big-dollar tournaments and mass migrations of fishermen to the Carolina Coast in November. Then they largely went away, the big ones anyway. This spring, though, lots of bulky blues to 5 pounds and more have been ripping lines apart. Dr. Ken Neill caught the nice fish above over the rocks at the 4th island of the CBBT.
In Virginia waters, Red and Black Drum are showing in strong numbers across the shoals near the Eastern Shore.
Captain Nolan Agner of AquaMan Charters reports good fishing off the VB oceanfront for Red Drum, Blues and Spanish. Cobia have officially arrived in our waters and are steadily pushing north through the Bay, as far as the Poquoson Flats. Reports from the south—especially off Nags Head—indicate a strong migration heading our way. While the Virginia harvest season remains closed until June 15th, anglers can catch and release them until then.
Back in Lynnhaven Inlet, anglers are finding quality Bluefish, along with some Puppy Drum and the first good signs of Flounder. Sheepshead are being caught around bridges pilings. Flounder fishing is picking up along coastal wrecks and around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) very soon.
Water temperatures have been rising and the Spanish Mackerel that have been along the oceanfront are making their way into the Bay. When that we’re reach that critical 70°F mark, the bite really turns on.
Striped Bass and Bluefish continue to be caught around the CBBT islands, with some smaller Stripers showing up in local inlets. Sheepshead are holding near the CBBT pilings and other structures in the lower Bay, while Spadefish should soon be available near the Chesapeake Light Tower.
Tuna fishing has been productive to our south, with a few Virginia boats making successful runs. Mahi action is heating up off the Outer Banks. Closer to home, deep-dropping has yielded nice catches of tilefish and grouper.
