Date: 7/22/10
Chesapeake Bay: Croaker are still biting at West Point, the James River Bridge and the mouth of the Corrotoman River. Flounder anglers are still catching nice stringers from Buoy 42, the Cell and the CBBT. Strips of squid on Flounder rigs and Jerk Shads on buck tails are the top presentations. Spadefish are also biting at the CBBT, along with Plantation Light and the Cell. Red Drum are still hanging around the Eastern Shore, especially Fisherman’s Island. Many fish over 46” were caught and released this past week. Chumming has been working well for these fish as well as for Cobia.
Ocean: Rudee Inlet has been a good place for Spot lately. Spanish Mackerel are still being caught at Cape Henry. Keep an eye out on the ocean side of the Eastern Shore for Tarpon. Offshore boats out of Virginia Beach are reporting some nice Yellowfin Tuna and some Bluefin Tuna. The deep drop bite for Tilefish, Rosefish and Grouper is still strong if you’re willing to fish very deep- 300’ to 900’.
Freshwater Rivers: Jim Sutton and Jim Whitman won the Fishers of Men tournament on the James River out of Osbourne Landing this past weekend with 15lbs. This is a good winning weight for this time of year. The Chickahominy River is also fishing well. The tidal James River and the Chickahominy River are also good places to fish for giant Blue Catfish. The catfish bite is very fun for all and is also good training for young anglers to learn to land big fish. The Pamunkey River and the Mattaponi River are also fishing well for Bass and Catfish. On the Potomac River, 17lbs won a Bass tournament this past weekend. Swim baits, punch baits and grass frogs are very good right now.
Freshwater Lakes: Kerr Lake elevation is 298.70’ right now. Fishing has been tough here for quite some time. Shakey heads have been the most reliable. Deep crank baits and football jigs are also working. Lake Anna Bass are in the same patter here as Kerr. Stripers are stil being caught by trolling Red Fins and live bait on down lures. Sandy River is fishing good right now, probably better than most lakes in the state.
Freshwater Ponds: Young Austin Rose of Goochland caught a beautiful 9lb 3oz Bass on 7/21/10 on a grub. Gabe Beverly caught a 22” and a 23” Bass on back to back casts with a spinner bait this week. So, don’t let the hot weather keep you from fishing this weekend!!