The cooler water temps have stirred the appetites of many fish in the Bay and tributaries. Some stud-sized flounder are coming from the humps and structure near the CBBT. Speckled trout fishing is beginning to boil in shallow waters and near grass beds. Puppy drum are right there with them.
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) islands are productive for Tautog and Sheepshead near pilings and rocks feeding on crabs, mollusks, and small crustaceans.
Night fishing for rockfish around lighted docks and bridges is most productive as the lights draw menhaden and bay anchovies, which in turn attracts the rockfish. Slack tide is best as the stripers move closer to structures.
Offshore, anglers targeting reefs are hauling in plenty of nice black sea bass.
Deep droppers are focusing on swordfish in deeper offshore waters. They are typically found in depths of 1,000 to 2,000 feet during the day, rising slightly at night to feed.
OBX
Tuesday was a picture-perfect day on the Outer Banks. The ocean was calm for a change and the sun was shining. Drum were caught in the surf and from Jennette’s Pier, along with trout, flounder, mullet, pompano, croakers, and blues. Offshore boats are stuffing their fish boxes with Mahi, with Wahoo and blackfin tuna also in the mix.
