Date: 5/13/10

Chesapeake Bay:  Big Red Drum are the big headliners in the bay, especially around the Eastern Shore.  Michael Williams of Richmond boated a 48” Drum while fishing out of a kayak.  He was casting a Gulp! Grub.  Black Drum are also increasing in catches, especially on clam and crab baits.  Croaker are thick at West Point right now.  We’ve also had reports of good catches at Waterview, and the James River Bridge.  Trophy Rockfish season opened May 1^st.  One fish over 32” may be kept.  Know the regulations before you target Rockfish!!!  Flounder anglers are catching fish at the Eastern Shore by drifting bait; the CBBT is giving up a few, but hasn’t turned on strong yet.

Ocean:  Rudee Inlet is stacked with Bluefish of all sizes.  Rudee is also producing some Speckled Trout and Puppy Drum.  Big numbers of Cobia were caught this past week in Hatteras by sight casting.  These fish are moving North, so look for action to increase in VA waters soon.  Garry Oliver of Fishing Unlimited in Nags Head reports Bluefish from the piers and surf, a few Trout, Flounder and Spot from the little bridge in Manteo.  Cobia are also in the area, and Spanish Mackerel.  Offshore boats report a strong Yellowfin Tuna bite, a few Blackfin and Big Eye Tuna and Gaffer Dolphin.

Freshwater Rivers:  22 lbs. won a weekend Bass tournament on the Potomac River.  There are still some spawning fish available.  The Upper James is looking good, and customers report a good bite on spinner baits still.  At the Lower James, Blue Cats are providing excellent action.  It was during the month of May when the current state record was caught.  We’ve had some good reports of some very nice catches of Bass on spinner baits lately.  The Chick River has also been putting out quality fish on spinner baits.  There hasn’t been many reports from the Pamunkey and Mattaponi, but don’t overlook these rivers for quality fishing year round.

Freshwater Lakes:  At Lake Anna, Stripers still prefer Herring over everything else.  Try top water lures like pencil poppers and spook baits early and late in the day, and in overcast conditions.  At Kerr Lake, the elevation is 300.77’.  Fishing has been tough for Bass lately, but there’s usually a strong top water and Carolina rig bite.  Briery Creek and Sandy River Lakes are fishing very well according to Green Top customers.  Post spawn patterns like top waters are the ticket.  Grass frogs are working well at Briery.

Freshwater Ponds:  In local ponds, the Panfish are the top billing.  Crickets have been responsible for many large catches of Bluegills and Shell Crackers.  Bass are favoring grass frogs and Senkos.  Of course, live bait such as minnows and worms will produce under all conditions.

This entry was posted on Friday, May 14th, 2010 at 7:05 am and is filed under Weekly Fishing Report. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.