Date: 8/26/11

Chesapeake Bay:  The Cobia bite is still quite good in the lower bay and oceanfront. Anglers are mostly cruising the CBBT pilings looking for targets to cast bucktails, live Spot, Menhaden, and Eels. Schools have also been seen in many areas by those fishing for Flounder.  It’s a good idea to keep a Cobia rod rigged and ready to go. Many species are on the move, like Red Drum. Large schools of Drum can be seen from long distances, for instance Steve Lane of Goochland recently caught a 50 inch drum while searching for Cobia. He was fishing with Mike Campbell. Gary Attwell of Mech. was jigging for Flounder, and caught a 46 inch Red Drum. Flounder fishing has been outstanding the last few weeks, and the month of September is typically best for the biggest flounder of the year. The CCBT, Back River Reef and the buoy 42 area have all been excellent. The HRBT has also been a consistent producer of Flounder. Windmill Bar is still producing good catches of Spanish Mackerel. Mackerel are also being caught around the CCBT. Spot and Croaker are being caught all over the Bay, but better areas have been the Rappahannock River, and the York River.  The Speckled Trout bite is increasing in areas like Mobjack Bay, Lynn Haven Inlet, and Poquoson Flats. This bite should continue in increase in months to come.

Ocean:  Schools of Red Drum and Cobia can be found cruising in ocean waters from Cape Henry, and just south of Rudee Inlet. A few Spot are starting to show up in Rudee Inlet.  Recent reports have been slow due to the oncoming hurricane. Hopefully the damage will be minimal and our thoughts go out to those in Coastal areas, as well as all those affected by this oncoming storm.

Freshwater Rivers:  Conditions will likely change over the next few days, however, the lower James has been producing excellent catches of Blue Catfish. Bass fishing have been fair to good this week, with the best bites being on soft plastics and crank baits. A small spinner bait has been working well also. On the Potomac River a jig is perhaps the most consistent producer of Bass, but a Top-water frog is the most exciting.  There’s still a good hard cover bite in DC. The upper James remains good for Flathead Catfish, and Smallmouth Bass. Many are using live Goldfish for Flatheads.  The river level at the Richmond Westham Gauge is 3.74, low and clear. At this level, live bait is usually your best option for Smallmouth Bass.

Freshwater Lakes:  The Kerr lake elevation is 297.14 currently. Deep water presentations are generally more stable at this level. Crank baits, Texas rigs, and Carolina rigs are producing in rocky areas. Catfish anglers are also faring well at Kerr Lake. A jigging spoon has been productive at Kerr, and Lake Anna, but live bait is still producing the biggest fish. Look for smaller lakes such as Swift Creek Reservoir , Briery Creek, and Sandy River Reservoir for more consistent catches of Bass. The oncoming hurricane should raise water levels significantly thus improving catches.

Date: 8/19/11

Chesapeake Bay:  This week has been outstanding for Cobia. We weighed in a very nice 71lber just Wed. night. Vance and Mickey Hopkins went out with Tony Horseley Wed and caught 12 Cobia, and reported seeing over 100 fish! The bridge tunnel has been a good area, and so has the Baltimore Channel. Most are using bucktails, but live Spot, Menhaden, and Eels have been dynamite. Another species that’s quite abundant in the lower bay is the Red Drum. Large and small schools are being encountered by many, especially those seeking Cobia. The same baits being used for Cobia are working well for the Drum. The Flounder action has been remarkable lately. These fish are being caught more widely throughout the bay. The Cell has been very productive, as has the CBBT, 36A, and   Back River Reef. Anglers that are jigging seem to be catching more fish, but drifting strip baits and live bait offerings are working for big fish. Some nice Speckled Trout were caught from  Mobjack Bay this past week, and  Lynnhaven Inlet is still giving up a few. Croaker and Spot are abundant throughout the bay and it’s tributaries. Reef areas have been consistent for good catches of Croaker lately. Spanish Mackerel are common throughout the lower bay and oceanfront. As usual, trolled spoons are a staple for targeting these fish.

Ocean:  As mentioned earlier, Spanish Mackerel are a common catch at the Va. Beach oceanfront. The seaside of the Eastern shore is  still good for Croaker, and although quiet, Tarpon catches are still being had. Garry Oliver of Fishing Unlimited in Nags Head reports good action from the Outer Banks Pier, including Bluefish, Pompano, Spot and some decent Croaker. Brooke Philpy and son of Mechanicsville, scored some very  impressive  catches of Red Drum from the Nags Head area. Offshore boats are still catching Dolphin, Yellowfin Tuna, and Wahoo.

Freshwater Rivers:  The Potomac River continues to provide excellent catches of Bass from the grass and hard cover. The frog bite is very strong still, but the jig bite never seems to go away. On the James River, worms and crankbaits seem to be the top two. Ringworms are a local favorite. Chris Eberwein reports an excellent week of catfishing this week, with 6 fish over 60 lbs. Chris is a very knowledgeable guide. The upper James has come up a bit, making for more favorable conditions. Yamamoto grubs are a staple here, along with small topwater baits like the Rico. The days are getting shorter, and river fish seem to react quicker to the changing conditions.

Freshwater Lakes:  Kerr Lake elevation is 297.64 at the present time. The lower water conditions typically call for deeper presentations with crankbaits, Texas rigs , and Carolina rigs. However , a good shallow cover bite exists up the main tributaries, such as the Staunton River, Dan River, and the Hyco River. As the fall season nears, this bite will increase significantly. The same holds true for other lakes such as Anna and Smith. Stripers will also make their migration routes up-river, but for now they are holding in the mid-lake areas. Live bait has been best. Smaller bodies of water will change over quicker, so be aware of the changes going on. Don’t be afraid  to try very shallow patterns such as a buzzbait or a baby minus. A hard swimbait such as a Sebile magic swimmer is a worthy choice, especially on a windy afternoon.