The saltwater water temps have poked up into the 60s and things are starting to happen.
The striped bass bite has been excellent in the industrial areas of the Elizabeth River. The fish are hanging out around bridges and larger docks near deeper channels. A kayak angler reported that he had an excellent week targeting stripers in the Norfolk area catching over three dozen fish. Most of the fish were 20- to 30-inches, but a few went over the 40-inch mark. The group also caught five red drum ranging from 28 to 32 inches. The flounder action in the coastal bays has been very good with the stretch of warmer weather.
Black drum continue to pour into the lower Bay. The High Rise has been a hot spot. Tautogs are also bending a few rods. Hunks of blue crab or fiddler crabs have been most productive.
In the lower Bay and tidal rivers, blue catfish are chasing shad and are eager to bite a hook with cut bait. In the Fletcher’s Cove area, anglers are hooking up with blue catfish in the 20-to-40-pound range with regularity. Another hot zone has been the James River near Richmond. Flathead catfish are also abundant in the same areas. Crappie fishing in the tidal rivers has been nothing short of spectacular.
OBX
Fishing is still on hold at Nags Head with reports of a few drum and some croakers along with skates and dogfish. In the Hatteras area, surf fishermen are finding lots of drum along with some nice bluefish. Offshore, the yellowfin tuna are waiting for the charter boats to come find them.
