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Well, I guess the Lord has heard our prayers in regards to the hot and humid weather, and has blessed us with some divine A/C straight from the Atlantic. While the temperature is refreshing, we could stand to have the fan turned down a bit. Either way, there is still plenty of fish to fry on the southern Eastern Shore.
While the big boats get to play in the angry Atlantic as they participate in the famed WMO, the rest of us get to organize our tackle, perform maintenance, and dream of light westerly winds. The stiff NE winds have really cut down on opportunities both near and offshore. Even inside the inlets of the Va Barrier Islands, sheltered waters still offered immense challenges that were influenced by turbid water, high tides, and lots of grass to foul up your rigs. The steadfast and stubborn anglers who refused to surrender to the elements, were able to boat a few flounder and some hardheads which were hard earned. Hopefully, next week will bring lighter breezes and clearer water for targeting flounder inside the inlets and on near shore structures as well as mahi under the floating oasis of the deep.
The central Chesapeake has been the main stay for positive pullage. The water has dropped into the upper 70 degree range and this hospitable decline has improved the casting/ shallow water bite exponentially. Surface plugs and rap-10’s have tempted rock from around bay born structures to the dinner plate. Specs have also made a fashionable appearance while chasing popping corks and paddletails slowly worked over the grassy flats.
The southern bay has continued to have some Cobia action from both sight fishermen as well as anglers soaking cut baits on fishfinder
rigs. There has even been a couple bull reds clumping on cut spot and hardhead in the same areas which include the channel edges from Pungoteague Creek down to Cape Charles. This late summer red bite should continue to improve as these big bronze bruits school up the spawn. Some cut spot, 8/0 circle rig, running tide and an Eastern Shore sunset is all you need to do battle with the fish of a lifetime.
This weeks weather didn’t allow for a lot of opportunity to take customers fishing. However, with Wednesday’s trip canceled, I was approached by two young boys who asked to help me fish minnow pots. I was delighted to take them and show them why school is so important ( so they aren’t selling bait forever) . We had a great time pulling pots, dumping minnows, baiting up, and looking / identifying the many crabs and fish that were incidentally caught and released in our little pots. We even had some of the smallest speckled trout you have ever seen, all while driving down shallow ditches like crazy people that know how to have fun! The fact is, even when the deck it stacked against you, there is always something fun to do in the wounderful place that we call home!
While the big boats get to play in the angry Atlantic as they participate in the famed WMO, the rest of us get to organize our tackle, perform maintenance, and dream of light westerly winds. The stiff NE winds have really cut down on opportunities both near and offshore. Even inside the inlets of the Va Barrier Islands, sheltered waters still offered immense challenges that were influenced by turbid water, high tides, and lots of grass to foul up your rigs. The steadfast and stubborn anglers who refused to surrender to the elements, were able to boat a few flounder and some hardheads which were hard earned. Hopefully, next week will bring lighter breezes and clearer water for targeting flounder inside the inlets and on near shore structures as well as mahi under the floating oasis of the deep.
The central Chesapeake has been the main stay for positive pullage. The water has dropped into the upper 70 degree range and this hospitable decline has improved the casting/ shallow water bite exponentially. Surface plugs and rap-10’s have tempted rock from around bay born structures to the dinner plate. Specs have also made a fashionable appearance while chasing popping corks and paddletails slowly worked over the grassy flats.
The southern bay has continued to have some Cobia action from both sight fishermen as well as anglers soaking cut baits on fishfinder
rigs. There has even been a couple bull reds clumping on cut spot and hardhead in the same areas which include the channel edges from Pungoteague Creek down to Cape Charles. This late summer red bite should continue to improve as these big bronze bruits school up the spawn. Some cut spot, 8/0 circle rig, running tide and an Eastern Shore sunset is all you need to do battle with the fish of a lifetime.
This weeks weather didn’t allow for a lot of opportunity to take customers fishing. However, with Wednesday’s trip canceled, I was approached by two young boys who asked to help me fish minnow pots. I was delighted to take them and show them why school is so important ( so they aren’t selling bait forever) . We had a great time pulling pots, dumping minnows, baiting up, and looking / identifying the many crabs and fish that were incidentally caught and released in our little pots. We even had some of the smallest speckled trout you have ever seen, all while driving down shallow ditches like crazy people that know how to have fun! The fact is, even when the deck it stacked against you, there is always something fun to do in the wounderful place that we call home!
This week did not bring alot of changes in the lower Eastern Shore fishing scene. Warm water dominates the bayside and seaside as anglers work extra hard to bring some of our fishing passion to the frying pan!
The Atlantic has allowed for some activity with pelagic pullage as well as near shore sport. The deep blue water of the canyons of the southern Eastern Shore have continued to host some tuna entanglements that get your heart pumping and your mouth watering. Sidewinders and skirted ballyhoo trolled in the spread have rung the dinner bell for these tenacious torpedoes. We even got to watch Crazy Larry and my son Sammy take a nice yellowfin to the scales during the Big Fish Classic. Mahi are also showing up from the tips of the canyons to inshore of the 20 fathom line. Floating flotsam have offered oasis’ to help locate concentrations of the “scrappy“ sport fish. Mahi’s can be targeted with trolled lures , chunk baits like butters or squid or merely by casting a trusty x-rap with a light tackle spinning outfit. But hold on tight because if they hanging out in the shadows and hungry, you’re about to engage in a breaching battle with a colorful competitor that be the guest of honor at your next family feast. On some of these same areas, particularly the nearshore opportunities, cobia and triggers are also abundant and can add to an already awesome day.
Closer to the beach anglers have been trolling up some blues and Spanish with clarkspoons trailing a small planer. Size 0 and 00 spoons of silver, gold, chartreuse, and pink tempted these little toothy trophies to the fish box. The flounder fishing , while a bit more hit and miss, is still fairly good on the nearshore reefs and wrecks. Jigging gulps or strip baits over structure has done the trick and coerced fillets to the fryer.
The surf has had a bit of a “wave” of excitement washing up. Some unexpected summertime bull reds charged the beach. Anglers are using cut baits like mullet, spot, and even peelers to persuade these trophies from the suds to the sand. While you wait for a bull on the beach, cast a small t&b rig with floats just beyond the break, tipped with bloodworm or fishbites for kingfish and spot. They may be small, but they are scrappy, scrumptious, and will save a uneventful excursion.
The Chesapeake continues to struggle with blues being the main and most consistent attraction in the middle bay. Casting topwater lures to breaking fish like the popular “Lonely Angler” will ensure that you won’t be lonely for long. Farther south the cobia fishing gotten a little better. Plenty of fish have been spotted and some have been landed when presented with a live eel or colorful jig. A lot of the fish fell short of the 43” size limit but still offered a bunch of rod bending fun.
This week I had the chance to take my good friend Mr Mike Howard fishing for a fun reel’n retreat. We were trying to target sheepshead, however, a mixed bag of tog, flounder, cobia and the highly salt after oyster toad were what the Lord had in store. What I’m trying to say is, while the fishing was not flourishing, the fellowship was beyond “fintastic”. Time is just like the tide, on going, and as you get older you don’t get to reclaim missed opportunities. So get out there and don’t miss a chance to enjoy this wonderful place that we call home!
The Atlantic has allowed for some activity with pelagic pullage as well as near shore sport. The deep blue water of the canyons of the southern Eastern Shore have continued to host some tuna entanglements that get your heart pumping and your mouth watering. Sidewinders and skirted ballyhoo trolled in the spread have rung the dinner bell for these tenacious torpedoes. We even got to watch Crazy Larry and my son Sammy take a nice yellowfin to the scales during the Big Fish Classic. Mahi are also showing up from the tips of the canyons to inshore of the 20 fathom line. Floating flotsam have offered oasis’ to help locate concentrations of the “scrappy“ sport fish. Mahi’s can be targeted with trolled lures , chunk baits like butters or squid or merely by casting a trusty x-rap with a light tackle spinning outfit. But hold on tight because if they hanging out in the shadows and hungry, you’re about to engage in a breaching battle with a colorful competitor that be the guest of honor at your next family feast. On some of these same areas, particularly the nearshore opportunities, cobia and triggers are also abundant and can add to an already awesome day.
Closer to the beach anglers have been trolling up some blues and Spanish with clarkspoons trailing a small planer. Size 0 and 00 spoons of silver, gold, chartreuse, and pink tempted these little toothy trophies to the fish box. The flounder fishing , while a bit more hit and miss, is still fairly good on the nearshore reefs and wrecks. Jigging gulps or strip baits over structure has done the trick and coerced fillets to the fryer.
The surf has had a bit of a “wave” of excitement washing up. Some unexpected summertime bull reds charged the beach. Anglers are using cut baits like mullet, spot, and even peelers to persuade these trophies from the suds to the sand. While you wait for a bull on the beach, cast a small t&b rig with floats just beyond the break, tipped with bloodworm or fishbites for kingfish and spot. They may be small, but they are scrappy, scrumptious, and will save a uneventful excursion.
The Chesapeake continues to struggle with blues being the main and most consistent attraction in the middle bay. Casting topwater lures to breaking fish like the popular “Lonely Angler” will ensure that you won’t be lonely for long. Farther south the cobia fishing gotten a little better. Plenty of fish have been spotted and some have been landed when presented with a live eel or colorful jig. A lot of the fish fell short of the 43” size limit but still offered a bunch of rod bending fun.
This week I had the chance to take my good friend Mr Mike Howard fishing for a fun reel’n retreat. We were trying to target sheepshead, however, a mixed bag of tog, flounder, cobia and the highly salt after oyster toad were what the Lord had in store. What I’m trying to say is, while the fishing was not flourishing, the fellowship was beyond “fintastic”. Time is just like the tide, on going, and as you get older you don’t get to reclaim missed opportunities. So get out there and don’t miss a chance to enjoy this wonderful place that we call home!
While latter July on the lower Eastern Shore mainly involves beach bbq’s and watching wild Pony’s wash up on the east side of Chincoteague, fishing tends to slide a bit out of the spotlight. However, never fear, the ESVA has still got a few opportunities for those of us who would rather cast a line than sit and watch the waves no matter how good the burgers are!
The seaside once again steals the attention of anxious anglers with slow but steady action. Offshore activity has centered just shy of the Norfolk canyon where a mixed bag of yellowfin and mahi make for smiles all the way to supper time. Most action arrives on trolled baits like Sidewinders and skirted hoos. The Sidewinders are a planing spreader bar that keeps baits well off the beam in clean water with out taking up outrigger rod spots. For what ever reason, purple and black have been a productive palette, but the classic blue, white, pink, and, green should always have a place on your pelagic picnic table. If the trolled targets are delinquent from the point of the gaff than drop for a deep water tile. Both blues and golden have done their part in subsidizing subpar trips to ensure overall success.
The near shore scene has gotten a bit more selective as reef residents are not quite as cooperative as previously observed. Flounder, while still pretty prevalent, have slowed a bit as anglers continue to pound on the pressure. While not all boats are heading home with a limit of fillets, most are dirtying up the frying pan for a somewhat satisfying meal. At least we have started to get some delicious Eastern Shore sweet corn to help fill our bellies. The best technique has been twitching 2-4 oz jigs tipped with gulp or strip baits directly of the structure. Productivity has been encouraged by using colors like orange, pinks, chartreuse, and good ol’ white. If the flat fish are not cooperating, there have been opportunities of spade and triggers on small chunks of clam, blues and Spanish on trolled clarkspoons, and a handful of Cobia on brightly colored jigs and live eels. If you’re ready for any opportunity thrown at you, you will definitely be ready for success!
The Chesapeake unfortunately has been on the quieter side. Highlights include schools of nice blues and a few reds in the main stem of the bay. Finding them has been challenging but when they are located, the rewards are plenty. Hopefully, some long awaited puppy drum will finally show up in the shallows, but so far they have been MIA. Regardless, there are some exciting opportunities on the horizon for big reds as well as other fisheries just waiting for a little cool down.
Fishing may not be at its best right this second but try to make the most of the opportunities we are given. Whether it’s getting friends and family together to watch the 100th Anniversary Pony Swim or slipping out on the Pocomoke for a relaxing bass trip ( like Michelle and I did last evening) to try something new-there still plenty to do in the water around this wonderful place to that we call home!
The seaside once again steals the attention of anxious anglers with slow but steady action. Offshore activity has centered just shy of the Norfolk canyon where a mixed bag of yellowfin and mahi make for smiles all the way to supper time. Most action arrives on trolled baits like Sidewinders and skirted hoos. The Sidewinders are a planing spreader bar that keeps baits well off the beam in clean water with out taking up outrigger rod spots. For what ever reason, purple and black have been a productive palette, but the classic blue, white, pink, and, green should always have a place on your pelagic picnic table. If the trolled targets are delinquent from the point of the gaff than drop for a deep water tile. Both blues and golden have done their part in subsidizing subpar trips to ensure overall success.
The near shore scene has gotten a bit more selective as reef residents are not quite as cooperative as previously observed. Flounder, while still pretty prevalent, have slowed a bit as anglers continue to pound on the pressure. While not all boats are heading home with a limit of fillets, most are dirtying up the frying pan for a somewhat satisfying meal. At least we have started to get some delicious Eastern Shore sweet corn to help fill our bellies. The best technique has been twitching 2-4 oz jigs tipped with gulp or strip baits directly of the structure. Productivity has been encouraged by using colors like orange, pinks, chartreuse, and good ol’ white. If the flat fish are not cooperating, there have been opportunities of spade and triggers on small chunks of clam, blues and Spanish on trolled clarkspoons, and a handful of Cobia on brightly colored jigs and live eels. If you’re ready for any opportunity thrown at you, you will definitely be ready for success!
The Chesapeake unfortunately has been on the quieter side. Highlights include schools of nice blues and a few reds in the main stem of the bay. Finding them has been challenging but when they are located, the rewards are plenty. Hopefully, some long awaited puppy drum will finally show up in the shallows, but so far they have been MIA. Regardless, there are some exciting opportunities on the horizon for big reds as well as other fisheries just waiting for a little cool down.
Fishing may not be at its best right this second but try to make the most of the opportunities we are given. Whether it’s getting friends and family together to watch the 100th Anniversary Pony Swim or slipping out on the Pocomoke for a relaxing bass trip ( like Michelle and I did last evening) to try something new-there still plenty to do in the water around this wonderful place to that we call home!
