One of the most exciting moments in saltwater fishing is motoring up to a huge school of red drum, especially when the bronze monsters are running 30 and 40 pounds. Anything you throw to them will be eaten and you are in for a war. Such has been the case for many along the coast of Virginia Beach. Big schools are actively cruising the oceanfront, offering exciting opportunities. Saturday, Captain Todd Beck, Knot Wish’n Charters snapped this picture of a large school on the surface. Captain Todd said the water temp has been hovering between 71 and 75 degrees.
Sheepshead fishing is red-hot. The tough fighters are feeding around pilings, on lower Bay bridges and around lower Bay reefs. Spanish mackerel action has been hit-or-miss lately. Anglers are finding fish, but it’s taking effort to get a consistent bite.
Flounder catches have been outstanding. Anglers are finding success both inside the Bay and around offshore structures.
Cobia season is finally open in Virginia. They remain elusive along the oceanfront for most, but Bay areas are producing some catches. While spadefish are present in their typical spots, they’re proving finicky. Patience is key.
Offshore bottom fishing has been producing excellent seabass catches on reefs and wrecks while golden tilefish are lurking in the canyons.
Offshore charters are returning with plenty of yellowfin tuna.
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At Nags Head, the dreaded sea grass made things difficult for surf and pier fishing earlier in the week, but a change in wind and tides moved the grass offshore. Some big sharks have been wrestled up on the sand recently and pier fishing has been good with Spanish and bluefish along with other assorted bottom fish. The nearshore fleet is hammering Spanish and blues. The blue water charters are boating plenty of yellowfin, Mahi, wahoo, sails, and white marlin, as the offshore fishing continues to be very good.
