Date: 8/5/2010
Chesapeake Bay: Flounder fishing took off this past week in the lower bay, especially at the bridge tunnel. The number of keepers really increased. Gary Atwell of Mechanicsville, Captain of the Reel Hoos vessel, limited out for all on board with an 8lb, 10 oz. big fish. Bucktails with jerk shads were the hot ticket. Cobia fishing also increased this past week. Jess Cadwallender of Richmond had four very nice fish – three between 30 & 40, and one 60lb. + fish. He was fishing the west side of the bay near Sunset Marina. There’s also been a report of a 100lb. + fish from the 4th island. Numerous catches of Triggerfish are being had at the CBBT, along with many catches of Sheepshead. There’s still good spot fishing on the Rappahannock. Around Waterview Windmill Bar produced a lot of Spanish Mackerel over the weekend. The mouth of the Potomac has also produced good mackerel action.
Ocean: The Amberjack bite at the South Tower is almost guaranteed. Chesapeake Light Tower has also produced for these brute fish. The ocean side of the Eastern Shore has been frequented by Tarpon this week. Red Drum are also being encountered. Garry Oliver of Fishing Unlimited reports Bluefish, Spot and Croaker from the Outer Banks Pier. Spanish Mackerel and bluefish were reported from inshore boats and surf fishermen. There have been big schools of Red Drum sighted from the piers and along the beaches. Offshore boats reported White Marlin, Sailfish, Blue Marlin and a few Dolphin.
Freshwater Rivers: Grass fogs and punching mats are the top producers on the Potomac River. 16 to 18lbs. has been the average weights for winning weekly TX’s. Bass fishing on the James has been fair to good this week, with topwaters and crankbaits producing better results. The Upper James is always a fun place to fish and cool off at the same time. Yamamoto grubs and topwaters are good lures, and live bait will catch anything in the river, especially Flatheads.
Freshwater Lakes: Kerr Lake elevation is 298.20. The fishing has been tough here for a while. The down lake region has been more productive. Topwaters and big worms have been the most reliable. Lake Anna has been tough also. 12lbs. has been the winning weight lately.
Local Ponds: Sandy River Res is a good option right now. Big worms, topwaters and deep crankbaits are the ticket. Texas rigged worms and buzzbaits are good bets in small ponds, and senkos are always a good option.