The lower Eastern Shore has been the scene of another scorcher this week. The only thing hotter than the weather has been the oil in the frying pan. Thankfully there is still some good fishing to make the skillet sizzle.
The biggest news of the week had been an up tick of positive reports from the deep. The deep shades of azul are finally relinquishing some pelagic prizes. Surprisingly, there has been a few bluefin boated around the 20 fathom line with mahi, king mac’s and even wahoo to bloody the decks with delicious dinners just waiting for the grill. Even deeper into the Atlantic, the yellowfin have kept a modest presence while billfish have made a much more impressive appearance. Bottom fishing for tiles has still been the most consistent component to a belly filling fishing trip.
The near shore report from the coast of the ESVA had been as unpredictable as a cold front in July. The flounder have been hit and miss with one day offering limits of fillets for the frier, only to follow up on the subsequent day with a cooler fit for a weight watchers meeting. The spades have been very prevalent but suffering from some of the same unpredictable lockjaw as the flounder.
The inland waters of the barrier islands are still producing some flounder despite the hot water. Anglers from Chincoteague down to Wachapreague has enjoyed good action with a few keepers mixed in. The last of the flood tide and the first hour or so of the ebb have been the most prudent part to insure parched prosperity. The cool(er) water flows in from the Atlantic and the slacking current allows it to clear up. All important components to complete a flounder filled excursion. If flatfish have you famished, you can try for some hardheads (croakers) or kingfish. These tasty treats have taken bits of bloodworm, fishbites, squid, and shrimp presented on small rigs with and without floats. The have been readily available and help fill the gaps in a fish oriented feast.
The Chesapeake has slowed down and settled into a dul”drum” pace. The spec bite is still alive but contained in the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. This week Capt C. L. Marshal invited me to go on a reconnaissance mission to find some sweat… I mean sweetwater. After wrestling some Pocomoke sound barracuda’s ( hound fish) we both boated nice specs on popping corks trailed by paddletails. There have also been decant numbers of puppies patrolling the grass flats. Don’t forget, no targeting MD rock , as the season allows for a 2 week fishery reprieve during these hot weeks. The cobia bite had been hot and cold as a few lucky anglers have had the opportunity of a late season brown suit. The Southern bay from the cell to the CBBT has started to produce spainish bites as anglers troll an assortment of Clarkespoons to tempt toothy trophies over the gunwale.
While fishing may not be as hot as the temperature it is still a great way to find friendly fellowship on the water. It’s amazing how the sound of a threshing speckle at the surface of the water can cool the soul on a sweltering day. We are so lucky that we have opportunities given to us that actually make you feel better. So get out there and feel better in this wonderful place we call home.
The biggest news of the week had been an up tick of positive reports from the deep. The deep shades of azul are finally relinquishing some pelagic prizes. Surprisingly, there has been a few bluefin boated around the 20 fathom line with mahi, king mac’s and even wahoo to bloody the decks with delicious dinners just waiting for the grill. Even deeper into the Atlantic, the yellowfin have kept a modest presence while billfish have made a much more impressive appearance. Bottom fishing for tiles has still been the most consistent component to a belly filling fishing trip.
The near shore report from the coast of the ESVA had been as unpredictable as a cold front in July. The flounder have been hit and miss with one day offering limits of fillets for the frier, only to follow up on the subsequent day with a cooler fit for a weight watchers meeting. The spades have been very prevalent but suffering from some of the same unpredictable lockjaw as the flounder.
The inland waters of the barrier islands are still producing some flounder despite the hot water. Anglers from Chincoteague down to Wachapreague has enjoyed good action with a few keepers mixed in. The last of the flood tide and the first hour or so of the ebb have been the most prudent part to insure parched prosperity. The cool(er) water flows in from the Atlantic and the slacking current allows it to clear up. All important components to complete a flounder filled excursion. If flatfish have you famished, you can try for some hardheads (croakers) or kingfish. These tasty treats have taken bits of bloodworm, fishbites, squid, and shrimp presented on small rigs with and without floats. The have been readily available and help fill the gaps in a fish oriented feast.
The Chesapeake has slowed down and settled into a dul”drum” pace. The spec bite is still alive but contained in the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. This week Capt C. L. Marshal invited me to go on a reconnaissance mission to find some sweat… I mean sweetwater. After wrestling some Pocomoke sound barracuda’s ( hound fish) we both boated nice specs on popping corks trailed by paddletails. There have also been decant numbers of puppies patrolling the grass flats. Don’t forget, no targeting MD rock , as the season allows for a 2 week fishery reprieve during these hot weeks. The cobia bite had been hot and cold as a few lucky anglers have had the opportunity of a late season brown suit. The Southern bay from the cell to the CBBT has started to produce spainish bites as anglers troll an assortment of Clarkespoons to tempt toothy trophies over the gunwale.
While fishing may not be as hot as the temperature it is still a great way to find friendly fellowship on the water. It’s amazing how the sound of a threshing speckle at the surface of the water can cool the soul on a sweltering day. We are so lucky that we have opportunities given to us that actually make you feel better. So get out there and feel better in this wonderful place we call home.
Well, if the fishing was as hot as the weather than every rod on the shore would be bent to the water. Unfortunately, the temperature is scorching… I mean scoring higher than our fish count. Nevertheless, there’s still some pretty “cool” fishing to do on our lower Eastern Shore.
The Seaside has probably been the most notable action from this week. A fresh batch of flounder moved inshore and took up residence at some of the nearshore structures such as the blackfish banks site. Catches have been down this past week. However, Monday and Tuesday, just before the wind kicked up again, the bite was much more aggressive. Our buddies Crazy Larry, and Jigging Jacob, drifted away with a limit of tasty flounder fillets. There has also been a good number of spades, sheepshead, and even a couple of cobia spotted on some of these same structures. These bonus bites have been fairly uncooperative and will hopefully get more consistent as the hot summer continues.
The little town of Chincoteague, not only was able to commence with their famous firemans carnival and delicious oyster fritters, but also has been able to offer folks some pretty good mid summer inshore floundering. The fish have been aggressively taking Sea Hawk Flounder Rigs, along with Fishing OC’s deadly doubles. Chartreuse and pink have done the trick with gulp shrimp and swimming mullets tipped with a silverside or big bull minnow to sweeten the deal. Most fish have been fairly shallow, at the top of a ledge during the time surrounding high water.
The deep depths of blue continue to conceal palegic pullage, as anglers troll the canyons abreast of the ESVA. A few yellowfin, some mahi, and a white or two are what is available to bloody an otherwise clean boat deck. Bottom fishing for tiles continues to be the saving grace for those looking for a fair table fare.
The central Chesapeake surprisingly is still providing potential puppy play. These spot tails are keeping to the shallows and around structure while taking paddletails as well as chunks of crab died both on the bottom and on popping corks. Anglers with the “guts” to fish the “guts” have found some nice perch in these sheltered waters. Small hooks and little pieces of crab are all that is required to procure a pile of pan fried heaven. Remember that Stiped Bass season goes out on 7/16 and will reopen on the 1st of August. So we’ll have to refrain from our Rocky pursuits for a couple of weeks.
The southern Chesapeake has been the setting of this week’s best cobia combat. Anglers are both sight casting eels as well as jigs to battle with the brown suits. The CBBT has offered some red to go along with the brown as rods have been bent by battling drum around the pilings.
Let neither rain, wind, or wives stop you (with this weather you’ll already be in hot water)… get out there grab a rod and catch a fish in this wounderful place that we call home!
The Seaside has probably been the most notable action from this week. A fresh batch of flounder moved inshore and took up residence at some of the nearshore structures such as the blackfish banks site. Catches have been down this past week. However, Monday and Tuesday, just before the wind kicked up again, the bite was much more aggressive. Our buddies Crazy Larry, and Jigging Jacob, drifted away with a limit of tasty flounder fillets. There has also been a good number of spades, sheepshead, and even a couple of cobia spotted on some of these same structures. These bonus bites have been fairly uncooperative and will hopefully get more consistent as the hot summer continues.
The little town of Chincoteague, not only was able to commence with their famous firemans carnival and delicious oyster fritters, but also has been able to offer folks some pretty good mid summer inshore floundering. The fish have been aggressively taking Sea Hawk Flounder Rigs, along with Fishing OC’s deadly doubles. Chartreuse and pink have done the trick with gulp shrimp and swimming mullets tipped with a silverside or big bull minnow to sweeten the deal. Most fish have been fairly shallow, at the top of a ledge during the time surrounding high water.
The deep depths of blue continue to conceal palegic pullage, as anglers troll the canyons abreast of the ESVA. A few yellowfin, some mahi, and a white or two are what is available to bloody an otherwise clean boat deck. Bottom fishing for tiles continues to be the saving grace for those looking for a fair table fare.
The central Chesapeake surprisingly is still providing potential puppy play. These spot tails are keeping to the shallows and around structure while taking paddletails as well as chunks of crab died both on the bottom and on popping corks. Anglers with the “guts” to fish the “guts” have found some nice perch in these sheltered waters. Small hooks and little pieces of crab are all that is required to procure a pile of pan fried heaven. Remember that Stiped Bass season goes out on 7/16 and will reopen on the 1st of August. So we’ll have to refrain from our Rocky pursuits for a couple of weeks.
The southern Chesapeake has been the setting of this week’s best cobia combat. Anglers are both sight casting eels as well as jigs to battle with the brown suits. The CBBT has offered some red to go along with the brown as rods have been bent by battling drum around the pilings.
Let neither rain, wind, or wives stop you (with this weather you’ll already be in hot water)… get out there grab a rod and catch a fish in this wounderful place that we call home!
After the fantastic firework finales, fellowship, and most of all July fourth reminders to ourselves as well as the world, that we are the foremost nation to ever grace our wonderful world …we can get back to doing what we love… fishing!
The inshore seaside flounder bite has improved this week with what seems to be a new batch of flatties to bend rods and fill a coolers . The fish have been most active on the last of the flood and the first of the ebb from Chincoteague inlet down to Quimby. Silversides or big minnows , coupled with Gulp have provided anglers with action around the steep ledges and the inlets of the Va Barrier Islands.
The nearshore reef’s have provided some superb spade action as well as a few flounder to find their way into the frying pan. The spades have taken small chunks of clam suspended under a slip bobber with a split shot to help keep the bait in the strike zone. A small #4-#1 octopus hook tied up on 20 pound fluorocarbon is required to tempt these striped scrappers into a sporty line stretching duel. Chumming is not always necessary but does add to the pursuit of these tropical trophies. The flounder have been most receptive to jig’s bounced across and along structure like the rail cars of the blackfishbanks reef site. The jigsaw have mainly consisted of spro or tsunami jigs tipped with a 5”- 6” gulp curltail grup or swimming mullet.
The deep waters of the Atlantic have still been a bit of a disappointment as anglers continue the quest for this year’s palegic prizes. The canyons have produced a limited number of yellowfin and bigeyes, the 20 fathom line has been the seen of the first mahi action around commercial fishing floats and flotsam that’s found off our coast. The bottom fishing remains good as tiles of gold and blue, have bent rods and added excitement to a lackluster offshore season. My buddy Capt Crazy Larry of the 10-4 joker had a beautiful haul of goldens , which conjured smiles and wounderful meals that made all happy.
The Chesapeake is still producing some warm water action as specs and redfish continue to provide some summertime sport. Popping corks have been the most effective method on bringing these spotted trophies to the gunwale. Most of these fish have been found in the expansive grass flats of the middle bay, however, some have taken up residence around some of the many structures off the Tangier and Pocomoke sounds.
Nothing says style like a fancy brown suit. And the style from Cape Charles down to the CBBT has been in high demand. Cobia have offered high jumping, hard running, heated fights for anglers who cast a chunk of bunker on a fish finder rig. While the bait doesn’t always help with the wait, some casting connoisseurs spend their time concentrating on finding fish on top by tempting with live eels and brightly colored jigs. If the cobia bite is off that day, peeler crab on bottom sweeper jigs is a sure bet for reds and sheep’s around the pilings
Grab the kids, your buddy, your dog or even the wife, and get out there and make some memories. After all, we have a responsibility to make the most of this wonderful place we call home!
The inshore seaside flounder bite has improved this week with what seems to be a new batch of flatties to bend rods and fill a coolers . The fish have been most active on the last of the flood and the first of the ebb from Chincoteague inlet down to Quimby. Silversides or big minnows , coupled with Gulp have provided anglers with action around the steep ledges and the inlets of the Va Barrier Islands.
The nearshore reef’s have provided some superb spade action as well as a few flounder to find their way into the frying pan. The spades have taken small chunks of clam suspended under a slip bobber with a split shot to help keep the bait in the strike zone. A small #4-#1 octopus hook tied up on 20 pound fluorocarbon is required to tempt these striped scrappers into a sporty line stretching duel. Chumming is not always necessary but does add to the pursuit of these tropical trophies. The flounder have been most receptive to jig’s bounced across and along structure like the rail cars of the blackfishbanks reef site. The jigsaw have mainly consisted of spro or tsunami jigs tipped with a 5”- 6” gulp curltail grup or swimming mullet.
The deep waters of the Atlantic have still been a bit of a disappointment as anglers continue the quest for this year’s palegic prizes. The canyons have produced a limited number of yellowfin and bigeyes, the 20 fathom line has been the seen of the first mahi action around commercial fishing floats and flotsam that’s found off our coast. The bottom fishing remains good as tiles of gold and blue, have bent rods and added excitement to a lackluster offshore season. My buddy Capt Crazy Larry of the 10-4 joker had a beautiful haul of goldens , which conjured smiles and wounderful meals that made all happy.
The Chesapeake is still producing some warm water action as specs and redfish continue to provide some summertime sport. Popping corks have been the most effective method on bringing these spotted trophies to the gunwale. Most of these fish have been found in the expansive grass flats of the middle bay, however, some have taken up residence around some of the many structures off the Tangier and Pocomoke sounds.
Nothing says style like a fancy brown suit. And the style from Cape Charles down to the CBBT has been in high demand. Cobia have offered high jumping, hard running, heated fights for anglers who cast a chunk of bunker on a fish finder rig. While the bait doesn’t always help with the wait, some casting connoisseurs spend their time concentrating on finding fish on top by tempting with live eels and brightly colored jigs. If the cobia bite is off that day, peeler crab on bottom sweeper jigs is a sure bet for reds and sheep’s around the pilings
Grab the kids, your buddy, your dog or even the wife, and get out there and make some memories. After all, we have a responsibility to make the most of this wonderful place we call home!
I only was wishin’ that the fishin’ was as hot as the weather. However, the best course of treatment for high temperatures is and increased introduction of water to combat dehydration that often accompanies an early summertime doldrum. So for safety’s sake get out there and enjoy a bit of cool refreshing salt spray and fill up with fine fintastic seafood fair!
The Chesapeake has been the steadfast foundation amongst these hot, dry , and unsettled periods. In particular, redfish or “puppy drum” have been the main character in the Eastern Shore saltwater saga. I had the privilege of taking my little buddy Nick and his Dad James on a shallow water casting trip this past Tuesday. Once we stumbled upon an actively feeding flurry of fish, the rods stayed bent and the smiles were big. Lil Nick cranked a pile of these spotted scrappers into the net while using popping corks on grass beds in 2-4 feet of water. The fish were mainly in the slot with only 1 fish below the minimum size of 18 inches and a couple encroaching the maximum size of 26 inches, which Nick renamed “Doggy Drum” . Along with
the spotted sport we had blues and rock stretch our lines and test our drags.
The lower and middle bay have also been the setting for a good time cranking on some cobia. Fresh bunker ( when available) has accounted for most of these cocoa colored critters. A little chum, a chunk of menhaden, of fish finder rig with a 8/0 circle is all that is critical in the pursuit of a brown suit. Most fish have been from the CBBT to the Tangier targets in depths of 12-15 feet. Sight casting has also had some positive results as big cobia have succumb to live eels and jigs teased in front of their noses.
The Atlantic has been fairly angry this week with windows for fishing which have been battened down do to wind and wave. The tuna bite has been sporadic at best with most reports of yellowfin and a few big eyes coming from well east of the tip of the canyon. The deep water bottom fishing has helped offset what seems to be a somewhat lackluster first half of the season. However, who knows what this weekends easterlies will pull into our reach.
The near shore seaside bite has consisted of flounder both inside the inlets of the ESVA, and the deeper reefs just of the Barrier Islands. The inshore action has been driven by anglers drifting flounder rigs tipped with Gulp and baited with silversides or bull minnows around high tide, while the offshore option has required 1-1/2 to 2 oz Gulp loaded Spro bucktails jigged over the fish laden structures. Be sure to take some small hooks and clam to be prepared for a spade or trigger opportunity which can add the icing to an already good day on the water.
While the weather may seem hot, and air feels thick remember the only way to make memories it to put on some sunscreen, grab a case of water, and head to your favorite fishing spot. After we all need take advantage of every chance we get to enjoy this wonderful place we call home! Happy Independence Day!
The Chesapeake has been the steadfast foundation amongst these hot, dry , and unsettled periods. In particular, redfish or “puppy drum” have been the main character in the Eastern Shore saltwater saga. I had the privilege of taking my little buddy Nick and his Dad James on a shallow water casting trip this past Tuesday. Once we stumbled upon an actively feeding flurry of fish, the rods stayed bent and the smiles were big. Lil Nick cranked a pile of these spotted scrappers into the net while using popping corks on grass beds in 2-4 feet of water. The fish were mainly in the slot with only 1 fish below the minimum size of 18 inches and a couple encroaching the maximum size of 26 inches, which Nick renamed “Doggy Drum” . Along with
the spotted sport we had blues and rock stretch our lines and test our drags.
The lower and middle bay have also been the setting for a good time cranking on some cobia. Fresh bunker ( when available) has accounted for most of these cocoa colored critters. A little chum, a chunk of menhaden, of fish finder rig with a 8/0 circle is all that is critical in the pursuit of a brown suit. Most fish have been from the CBBT to the Tangier targets in depths of 12-15 feet. Sight casting has also had some positive results as big cobia have succumb to live eels and jigs teased in front of their noses.
The Atlantic has been fairly angry this week with windows for fishing which have been battened down do to wind and wave. The tuna bite has been sporadic at best with most reports of yellowfin and a few big eyes coming from well east of the tip of the canyon. The deep water bottom fishing has helped offset what seems to be a somewhat lackluster first half of the season. However, who knows what this weekends easterlies will pull into our reach.
The near shore seaside bite has consisted of flounder both inside the inlets of the ESVA, and the deeper reefs just of the Barrier Islands. The inshore action has been driven by anglers drifting flounder rigs tipped with Gulp and baited with silversides or bull minnows around high tide, while the offshore option has required 1-1/2 to 2 oz Gulp loaded Spro bucktails jigged over the fish laden structures. Be sure to take some small hooks and clam to be prepared for a spade or trigger opportunity which can add the icing to an already good day on the water.
While the weather may seem hot, and air feels thick remember the only way to make memories it to put on some sunscreen, grab a case of water, and head to your favorite fishing spot. After we all need take advantage of every chance we get to enjoy this wonderful place we call home! Happy Independence Day!
Well, if you couldn’t figure it out, summer is here. The water temps are rising faster than a tide during a stiff nor-east blow. So hurry and get out there before the summer duldrums chase away fin and fun!
The biggest change ( other than the weather) is the arrival of a few tuna on the local docks. Yellowfin and bigeye have made an appearance on the rod and the dinner plate. The action is still deep with the canyons but is a welcome change to the bottom fishing that was carrying the load for deep sea, satisfying smiles.
The inshore reefs and wrecks are starting to produce more flounder activity , as anglers jig up some tasty fillets. The quantities of eager flat fish has been less than expected, however, the quality is pretty good. The best reports have come from a bucktail, such as a spro, tipped with a curly tail gulp. Hopefully in the next week bites will become more frequent and coolers a little heavier.
The inshore wrecks have also had a few spades and triggers swarming about. A piece of clam on a small hook with fluorocarbon leader is all that is nessasary to engage in a battle with these tropical tussler’s .
The seaside has also offered some action inside the inlets. Flounder have actively taken Sea Hawk flounder rigs during the last of the flood and first hour or so of the ebb. The new size limit of 17.5 inch have definitely reduced the number of fish invited to dinner, however, there is still a good chance at a family flounder feast.
If flounder isn’t your fancy and you desire fast fighting foes. The inshore seaside shark fishery is in full swing. If you would like to take a kid and make a memorable experience that points them in the direction of a fishing future… then this is for you. Large sharks are making their way inshore and this is the time of year to enjoy a catch and release fishery that is second to none. All you need is a bucket of chum and some cut bait and you shall need find yourself in a battle with a toothed trophy that will make permanent bite mark in the memory of a young fisherman.
The Chesapeake is still producing specs and reds in shallow water. Anglers offer chunks of crab to entice puppies as well as mature bulls into the net. There has still been a structure oriented bluefish bite that has yielded some awesome sport that is super on the smoker. The structure from the CBBT to the targets and rock piles of the Tangier have also relinquished a few quality sheepshead. These striped subjects have succumb to bottom sweeper jigs tipped with peeler crabs.
The cobia have been fairly consistent. The middle bay south to the CBBT have seen a good number of brown suits. A fishfinder rig tipped with bunker in about 15-25 feet of water along the natural sloughs as-well as man made structures have produced rod bending brawls. Site fishing has also produced good results as anglers offer everything from live eel to brightly colored cobia jigs to entice an arial battle that brings a smile to every angler with a bend in their rod.
While the temperature is high and the weather is muggy don’t forget it’s pretty cool to be able to enjoy this wonderful place we call home!
The biggest change ( other than the weather) is the arrival of a few tuna on the local docks. Yellowfin and bigeye have made an appearance on the rod and the dinner plate. The action is still deep with the canyons but is a welcome change to the bottom fishing that was carrying the load for deep sea, satisfying smiles.
The inshore reefs and wrecks are starting to produce more flounder activity , as anglers jig up some tasty fillets. The quantities of eager flat fish has been less than expected, however, the quality is pretty good. The best reports have come from a bucktail, such as a spro, tipped with a curly tail gulp. Hopefully in the next week bites will become more frequent and coolers a little heavier.
The inshore wrecks have also had a few spades and triggers swarming about. A piece of clam on a small hook with fluorocarbon leader is all that is nessasary to engage in a battle with these tropical tussler’s .
The seaside has also offered some action inside the inlets. Flounder have actively taken Sea Hawk flounder rigs during the last of the flood and first hour or so of the ebb. The new size limit of 17.5 inch have definitely reduced the number of fish invited to dinner, however, there is still a good chance at a family flounder feast.
If flounder isn’t your fancy and you desire fast fighting foes. The inshore seaside shark fishery is in full swing. If you would like to take a kid and make a memorable experience that points them in the direction of a fishing future… then this is for you. Large sharks are making their way inshore and this is the time of year to enjoy a catch and release fishery that is second to none. All you need is a bucket of chum and some cut bait and you shall need find yourself in a battle with a toothed trophy that will make permanent bite mark in the memory of a young fisherman.
The Chesapeake is still producing specs and reds in shallow water. Anglers offer chunks of crab to entice puppies as well as mature bulls into the net. There has still been a structure oriented bluefish bite that has yielded some awesome sport that is super on the smoker. The structure from the CBBT to the targets and rock piles of the Tangier have also relinquished a few quality sheepshead. These striped subjects have succumb to bottom sweeper jigs tipped with peeler crabs.
The cobia have been fairly consistent. The middle bay south to the CBBT have seen a good number of brown suits. A fishfinder rig tipped with bunker in about 15-25 feet of water along the natural sloughs as-well as man made structures have produced rod bending brawls. Site fishing has also produced good results as anglers offer everything from live eel to brightly colored cobia jigs to entice an arial battle that brings a smile to every angler with a bend in their rod.
While the temperature is high and the weather is muggy don’t forget it’s pretty cool to be able to enjoy this wonderful place we call home!
