Date: 5/21/10
Chesapeake Bay: Croaker are biting well on the Rappahannock River in places like Waterview and Urbanna, on the York River at West Point, and the James River Bridge. Rockfish are being caught at the islands of the CBBT, especially early and late in the day. Top waters and bucktails are producing a lot of fish. The Eastern Shore has produced a few keeper Flounder, but for the most part the bigger fish haven’t showed up in the usual haunts yet. The Eastern Shore is producing good catches of Red Drum of up to 45 inches. Crab and cut bait are the best offerings. The Black Drum bite is increasing at the Eastern Shore surf with crabs and cut bait. Try Mobjack Bay and the Corrotoman for Speckled Trout.
Ocean: If you’re after Bluefish, go to Rudee Inlet, where you’ll find them just about all sizes. A few Speckled Trout are also being caught here. Garry Oliver of Fishing Unlimited in Nags Head reports a blitz of Spanish Mackerel within the past few days, a 52” Drum at Ramp 55. In the surf, Sea Mullet and Bluefish are being caught. Offshore boats are still reporting Bluefin and Yellowfin Tuna.
Freshwater Rivers: Big Blue Cats are providing the most consistent action on the Lower James. Giant fish can be had anywhere between the City of Richmond to Jamestown. Fresh Shad and Eels are usually the best baits. Bass Fishing on the Lower James is usually very good in May. Spinner baits, top waters, and soft plastics are the go to baits. 20lbs won a weekend tournament on the Potomac River. Grass frogs are coming on strong, and there’s also a good flipping bite.
Freshwater Lakes: The elevation at Kerr Lake is 301.12’. Bass fishing has been tough lately, with 12-14lbs the average winning weight. Boat docks are the best targets to fish at Lake Gaston. Wacky and Texas rigged plastics are good to use. At Lake Anna, Stripers are being caught on live Herring and Shad, especially in the Rose Valley and Jett’s Island sections. Try top waters like Pencil Poppers, Zara Spooks and Red Fins for exciting strikes. Bass are hitting top waters also, along with Shakey Heads and Carolina Rigs.
Freshwater Ponds: Shell Crackers and Bluegills have been biting very well, with many trophy sized fish brought in to Green Top!! Bass are being caught on buzz baits, wacky rigged worms and grass frogs.