After a “ rocky “ start to November fishing, the tunas, rock , and river opportunities have reminded us of how really lucky we are to be on the Eastern Shore.
The seaside coast has provided good seabass , and tog fishing which have led to tight lines and tasty dinner plates. However, the bluefin have stolen the spotlight, and tested anglers strength and skill. These big blue bullet shaped trophies have taken heavy chute style lures ahead of ballyhoo trolled well beyond the transom. Blue, white, pink , and chartreuse combos like bleeding dolphin have been the most impressive color combinations to entice a palegic to the dinner plate. Whether it’s bottom fishing or bluefining, it’s time to look to the Atlantic this autumn.
The Chesapeake has mainly transformed from a spotted “red” sunset of early autumn to a striped sunrise of winter. After a slow start we have finally earned our stripes with quality rock showing up around the shallow structure of the Tangier sound. We have had the most striped success on suspending slashbaits like Rap-10’s.
These baits ripped over the structure and stopped for a pause, leaves a tantalizing treat that is irresistible to its striped pursuers. Most fish have been in the 19-24 inch slot with a few overs. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been many unders which is a failing future forecast.
The panfish of the Pocomoke are ready to play. Last week Dean-o and myself pursued a panoramic purse of pickerel, bass , yellow perch bluegill, blue cats, and a bunch of crappie for a 6 species creel. We used the typical trolling tactics which tempt tantalizing bite sized trophies to the dinner plate. 2” twister tails tipped with small minnows did the trick in short order. The fish were fairly shallow and tight to structure on a falling tide.
It doesn’t matter if you desire a tangle with a tuna, or a shallowater striped struggle, or even a frying pan full of Pocomoke panfish… the opportunity is just a cast away, so grab a jacket, get out there, and enjoy this wonderful place we call home!
The seaside coast has provided good seabass , and tog fishing which have led to tight lines and tasty dinner plates. However, the bluefin have stolen the spotlight, and tested anglers strength and skill. These big blue bullet shaped trophies have taken heavy chute style lures ahead of ballyhoo trolled well beyond the transom. Blue, white, pink , and chartreuse combos like bleeding dolphin have been the most impressive color combinations to entice a palegic to the dinner plate. Whether it’s bottom fishing or bluefining, it’s time to look to the Atlantic this autumn.
The Chesapeake has mainly transformed from a spotted “red” sunset of early autumn to a striped sunrise of winter. After a slow start we have finally earned our stripes with quality rock showing up around the shallow structure of the Tangier sound. We have had the most striped success on suspending slashbaits like Rap-10’s.
These baits ripped over the structure and stopped for a pause, leaves a tantalizing treat that is irresistible to its striped pursuers. Most fish have been in the 19-24 inch slot with a few overs. Unfortunately, there hasn’t been many unders which is a failing future forecast.
The panfish of the Pocomoke are ready to play. Last week Dean-o and myself pursued a panoramic purse of pickerel, bass , yellow perch bluegill, blue cats, and a bunch of crappie for a 6 species creel. We used the typical trolling tactics which tempt tantalizing bite sized trophies to the dinner plate. 2” twister tails tipped with small minnows did the trick in short order. The fish were fairly shallow and tight to structure on a falling tide.
It doesn’t matter if you desire a tangle with a tuna, or a shallowater striped struggle, or even a frying pan full of Pocomoke panfish… the opportunity is just a cast away, so grab a jacket, get out there, and enjoy this wonderful place we call home!
