As water temperatures rise, Virginia’s tautog bite is picking up. The water temperature is now up to 49.1 degrees at Thimbles Shoals. Ocean wrecks usually produce first, but now the bite has moved into the bay. Look for ‘togs anywhere there’s structure. Popular areas include the CBBT, Back River Reef, the Cell, Tower Reef, the Concrete Ships, Cape Henry Wreck, the Santore, the Winthrop, and the Triangle Wrecks. The best bait consists of crab, clam or a combination.
On the Outer Banks, there is nothing happening at Nags Head, but red drum have been caught at the Point and near Ramps 48 and 55 in Buxton. As many as ten per day have been reported by local tackle shops. There are plenty of sharks and skates around. Blow toads and sea mullet are scattered up and down the beaches.
The Oregon Inlet fleet has been returning to docks with limits of yellow fin and now a few Mahi are in the mix. There continues to be some giant bluefin tuna around.
Out of Hatteras last weekend, charters reported calm seas, bountiful sunshine, and a warm breeze. The tuna bite was fair with blackfin and yellowfin being caught. At least one wahoo was reported. Add in a couple of king mackerel and scattered Mako shark action for additional excitement. Bottom fishing was good for black sea bass and triggerfish.
Charters.
