Date: 7/9/10
Chesapeake Bay: The Flounder bite has increased greatly with the hot weather that has settled in. Many fish over 22 inches have been caught at the CBBT. Bucktails with Jerk Shads are producing very well, along with drifting live bait. Other paces worth trying are Back River Reef and the Cell. Green Top customers report excellent Cobia action right now. Live bait such as eels and Spot work well. Cut bait has been producing more fish lately. We’ve heard of a few fish at Windmill Bar, along with the regular hot spots like York Spit and Bluefish Rock. Spade fish catches have increased at the Cell, the CBBT and Chesapeake Light Tower. Most people use clam chum and a small piece of clam on a #4 hook. West Point has been the best area for the biggest Croaker lately. The Rappahannock River has been steady in the areas of Urbanna and Waterview. Squid and Bloodworms have been working best for both Croaker and Spot.
Ocean: The Spanish Mackerel bite is increasing at Cape Henry and inshore at Nags Head. Dolphin have been very plentiful out of Hatteras and Nags Head. Rudee Inlet is a god option for small boats that want to catch lots of fish. Spot and Croaker have showed up. Increased catches of Amberjack are making headlines also.
Freshwater Rivers: The Potomac River remains the place to be for Largemouth Bass fishing. Senkos, Swimming Senkos, and other swim baits are hot righ now. Grass frogs are also procducing fish. The James River and the Chickahominy River are other tidal water options. Wood structure and pad banks are normally the places to be. Reports have been very good from the Pamunkey River also. The Blue Catfish bite is still outstanding, especially at night. Wading for Smallmouth Bass and Flathead Catfish is a fun way to cool off and catch fish at the same time. The river level at the Westham Gauge is 3.40’.
Freshwater Lakes: Bugg’s Island elevation is 299.19’. Current reports have the Bass following schools of baitfish out in open water. A spoon is a good lure to have on at all times Stripers are reported to be in the Goat Island area. Lake Anna Stripers are still responding to trolled Redfins and live bait in the Sturgeon Creek area. Keep a spoon on and ready for both Bass and Stripers.
Freshwater Ponds: Big 10” worms and buzzbaits are responsible for the biggest catches of Bass lately. Wacky rigged Senkos are still working also. Crappie seem a bit slow, but a 2” Powerbait Grub always seems to work.