Date: 2/16/12

Chesapeake Bay:  Increasing daylight hours has more and more Rockfish moving inside the bay. lower bay structures are a good place to start. Kiptopeke, Cap Charles, and the bridge tunnel are proven areas. Good fish are being caught by pitching plugs and bucktails to the bridge pilings. Speckled Trout anglers are still enjoying a good bite inside the Elizabeth River. Mirro lures are taking the better fish still. There’s big Tautog available for those who target them.

Ocean:  The better bite for Rockfish seems to be just south of Rudee, for those wanting to keep fish, rather than catch and release. “Thousands of birds” are being reported about 2 miles south at Rudee. So there’s plenty of fish inside the 3 mile limit, just farther south. There are also reports of Bluefin Tuna catches still. Coast Guard officials and law enforcement are out checking boats, so know the regulations.

Freshwater Rivers:  The tidal river Ring Perch bite usually peaks around the 3^rd week in February, so now is the time. We’ve already seen catches up to 1lb6ozs. The Potomac, Rapp, Pamunkey, Mattaponi, and Chickahominy Rivers are all good. Bass, Crappie, and Chain Pickerel fishing has picked up on the Chick River and lake. Blue Catfish catches are increasing on the lower James and there’s been some notable catches of Rockfish also. Bass catches have picked up in the pits on the James. The upper James is in fine shape for Smallmouth for those preferring live bait, and crank baits and S&W jigs are preferred for lire choices.

Freshwater Lakes:  Good reports are coming in from Gaston and Kerr now, hopefully the Largemouth virus has run its course.  Lipless cranks and jigs are taking nice fish, small jigs and minnows are stand byes for Crappie, which are also on the increase here as well as Lake Anna. A strong cold front knocked the bite down a bit this past weekend, but hopefully the upcoming weekend will be productive.

Freshwater Ponds:  The smaller lakes and ponds are really starting to turn on for all the species that inhabit them swift Creek Reservoir, Sandy River Reservoir, and private ponds are a good choice now and the next 2 weeks, as the new moon occurs on the 21^st.

Date: 2/10/12

Chesapeake Bay:  It seems more Rockfish are moving into bay waters as warm weather progresses. However, this weekend’s forecast for cold weather should keep many fish from entering the bay. Plenty of nice fish are available for catch and release anglers. There’s also plenty of Speckled Trout available inside the Elizabeth River. For the past few weeks, Mirro lures have been responsible for many sizable catches.

Ocean:  Cape Henry has been a hot area for Rockfish for a while now.  Earlier this week, the late afternoon/evening bite was the best. Large clouds of birds have been hanging around this area. There have been reports of anglers casting large Sassy shads on light tackle to schools of fish with great success. Multiple hookups are quite common. Big Bluefin Tuna are still being caught by those targeting Rockfish. Some are actually lucky enough to land them. These fish are quite the tackle testers.

Freshwater Rivers:  The tidal river Ring Perch bite is coming on strong. The Pamunkey, Mattaponi, Rappahannock, and Potomac seem to get the most attention. The Chickahominy River gives up its share of Ring Perch as well, but some notable catches of Largemouth have been made recently. A lipless crank has been good. The pits on the lower James have been producing nice Bass also. The upper James is right for big Smallmouth right now. Minnows, jigs, and crank baits are top producers.

Freshwater Lakes:  Area lakes like Anna, Kerr, and Gaston have been fishing well for Bass over the last week. Blade baits, jerk baits, and crank baits are what you want to use. Don’t overlook the Alabama style rigs right now either. Bryan Henderson recently caught an 8lb Bass from Sandy River Reservoir on an “A-rig” with a Berkley hollow belly.

Date: 2/3/12

Chesapeake Bay:  Rockfish are still available to catch and release anglers in the bay, even though most are focusing on them in the ocean. Traditional trolling presentations, such as umbrellas, tandem rigs, and stretch baits are still working. The more popular species inside the bay right now is the Speckled Trout in the Elizabeth River. Many impressive catches are happening weekly especially on Mirro lures. These twitch baits are very effective during winter months, even though this winter has been mild. Jigged plastics are also good right now.

Ocean:  Impressive catches of Rockfish continue to keep anglers coming to VA’s oceanfront. Cape Henry has really been quite the hot spot lately, with the news of the 74lb Rockfish caught in late January. Folks are still taking advantage of the Bluefin Tuna bite out of Rudee Inlet. Many are wondering how long this will last. With the fantastic Tuna and Rockfish fishing, not many are targeting the deep drop species such as Tilefish, Rosefish, and Grouper, but a good bite still exist right now.

Freshwater Rivers:  The upper James is in good shape currently and February is what many consider the best month for big Smallmouth. Drifting large minnows is usually a good bet for sure results. Yamamoto grubs and jigs with pork of plastic trailers are also effective. The lower James has been producing some notable catches of Largemouth lately, especially in the barge pit and other pits located in the Dutch Gap area. The lower James catfish bite is outstanding right now. The recent warm weather has also brought more anglers out, which don’t normally venture out during Jan and Feb. the work is out on some fast catches being made on Chickahominy Lake and the river.

Freshwater Lakes:  The warm weather has also sparked an increased bite at Lake Chesdin. Jerk baits and jigs have been good for Bass here. At Lake Anna, the Bass seem to be scattered, as big schools of bait can be found everywhere. The mid – lake section is holding the most bait right now. A spoon or other blade baits are a good option even though warm weather has prevailed lately. The Stripers are hard to pattern right now; it seems as though this crazy weather has them confused.

Freshwater Ponds:  Smaller bodies of water seemed to have turned on however. Some warm, enjoyable days this week has brought many people the idea of heading to these local waters dunking minnows for both Bass and Crappie with good results.

Date: 1/6/12

Chesapeake Bay:  The Chesapeake Bay Rockfish season is now closed. It is unlawful to possess Rockfish inside bay waters. However, big fish are still available for catch and release anglers. Bay temps are hovering around 45 degrees. Bay anglers can also target Tautog at the CBBT structures, although crabs, the preferred bait, may be hard to get. Many are still targeting Speckled Trout, especially inside the Elizabeth River. Trolling minnow plugs is a good method for locating active fish. Once found, Mirror lures, soft plastics, and live bait are all effective.

Ocean:  Many nice catches of Rockfish are taking place within the 3 mile limit of the ocean. Mojos and tandem rigs are taking a lot of fish right now. Reports of massive schools of baitfish are numerous. There’s an incredible amount of fish being caught right now, so expect heavy traffic. There’s also been quite a few Bluefin Tuna being caught by those targeting Rockfish. Offshore charters are reporting Yellowfin and Blackfin Tuna. Deep dropping continues to be option for Tilefish, Rosefish, and Grouper.

Freshwater Rivers:  The upper James is returning to normal levels, and there’s already been a 5lb smallmouth reported this week. Crank baits are working well right now. Water temps are averaging 43 degrees. The lower James continues to provide excellent action for Blue Catfish. The Chickahominy River is another good spot for catfish, but the Largemouth bite is the main attracting, and is doing quite well. Crappie are also biting well on the Chick. All the tidal rivers of VA offer many species to target through the winter.

Freshwater Lakes:  Water temps at Lake Anna vary from 42 degrees uplake to 54 degrees at Dike 3. Many presentations are working for both Stripers ad Bass. A jigging spoon or silver buddy is catching everything that swims right now. The better bite for Stripers seems to be mid to down lake. The Bass bite seems to be the same. 13+lbs win the first winter tournament of 2012. Jeff Jones and Eric Hovey were the winners. Other lakes that are fishing good right now are Swift Creek Reservoir, Sandy River Reservoir, and Germantown Lake, which recently gave up a 10lber.

Date: 12/23/11

Chesapeake Bay:  Anglers are enjoying a great season for Rockfish, scoring great fish are still coming from the bridge tunnel area and the Cape Charles area. Eeling is very productive in the Buoy 59 area and inside the rivers like the James and Rapp. Windmill point has been providing good action lately on a variety of trolled baits, such as umbrella rigs, tandem rigs and stretch baits. Shore anglers are still catching quality fish at the Lesner Bridge in Lynnhaven. The Elizabeth River is the place to be for trophy Speckled Trout. Trolling with jerkbaits is a good way to locate schools of Trout. Once found, soft plastics and Mirrorlures are good producers, Tautog are still available for those targeting them, and able to get crabs for bait.

Ocean:  Rudee Inlet is still giving up catches of Speckled Trout and Puppy Drum. Deep dropping for Tilefish, Seabass, and Rosefish is still popular and productive. Garry Oliver of Fishing Unlimited in Nags Head reports some nice Stripers from Oregon Inlet. A 50lber was caught, along with a 35 and a 20lber. Offshore boats are catching Blackfin, Yellowfin, Tuna, and some Wahoo.

Freshwater Rivers:  The upper James gave up  some impressive catches of smallmouth this week. Live minnows have been working best. For artificials, crankbaits are working well. Substantial rain on Thursday will probably mess the river up again. The lower James has been giving up quality Blue Cats, like an 83lber caught by Courtney Hardy this week.  Bass fishing has been better and more popular on the Chickahominy River.

Freshwater Lakes:  Silver buddies are working on Lake Anna for Bass and Striper seem to be more concentrated around the 208 bridge. Live bait, as usual, is working best. Sandy River and Chesterfield Reservoirs are also fishing good for Bass. Jerkbaits, rattle traps, and silver buddies are working here. Trolling small grubs is an excellent way to located schools of Crappie.

Date: 12/16/11

Chesapeake Bay:  Impressive catches of Rockfish are happening daily all over the bay. a 61lber was recently caught from the Cape Charles area, Kevin Smith weighed in a 40lber on Thursday the 15^th here at the store. He was eeling at the CBBT. Other notable catches have come from the buoy 42 and 59 areas. Stretch baits and 9” storm swim shads and currently red hot. Folks are also catching fish inside the Rappahannock and James Rivers. Anglers are also catching fish by locating birds and casting or trolling through them. These conditions can be encountered anywhere, but most reports of birds are coming from east and north of the Rappahannock. Speckled Trout anglers are enjoying a great bite inside the Elizabeth River. Mirror lures seem to be catching  bigger fish right now, but live Tautog catches are still being made for those who are able to get crabs.

Ocean:  Offshore boats are scoring Yellowfin Tuna, Blackfin Tuna, and King Mackerel. Speckled Trout catches are prevalent at Nags Head and Hatteras. Rudee Inlet is also harboring specks, along with Puppy Drum. Deep droppers are enjoying steady catches of Tilefish, Rosefish, and Seabass.

Freshwater Rivers:  The upper James is still a little high,  but returning to normal levels and conditions. If the rain stays away, this weekend should be productive.  The lower James and Chick have been producing steady catches of Blue Catfish.  Steve Colgin of New Kent recently caught a 61lb Bass from the Chick River. Chick River Bass stay active throughout the winter. A silver buddy is always a good bait in winter.

Freshwater Lakes:  Lake Anna Stripers will also remain active throughout the winter. Dike 3 is already providing good action for both Stripers and Bass. The Splits area of the lake is also good right now. 16lbs won a recent winter Bass Tx out of Sturgeon Creek Marina. Thomas Harris of Beaverdam everywhere are responding to the Alabama rig. We have them in stock and will be receiving more.

Freshwater Ponds:  Pond Bass are still responding to Spinner Baits and rattletraps. A S and W jig is also a local favorite.

Date: 12/2/11

Chesapeake Bay:  Anglers are enjoying great Rockfish catches all over the bay and inside its tributaries. Just about any presentation is working right now. Some folks prefer to cast with light tackle at the CBBT. Others are scoring with eels at the CBBT. Many are catching fish by trolling tandem rigs, Stretch baits, umbrella rigs and various baits behind planers. Good areas also include the mouth of the Rappahannock, Gwynn’s Island, Tangier Sound, and the HRBT. The number of 35-45inch fish is increasing daily. The colder temps that are due this weekend should improve the big bite even more. Speckled Trout action is still very good inside the Elizabeth River. Lynnhaven Inlet and Little Creek are still producing good fish. Mirrorlures continue to be the preferred bait. Tautog action also remains good on lower bay structures.

Ocean:  Flounder and Seabass are still available on offshore wrecks. Sizable catches are being made of both species. Catches of Wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna are being made from charter boats out of Hatteras. Catches of Specked Trout are still happening inside Rudee Inlet. Tilefish, Rosefish, Seabass, and Grouper are available to deep droppers.

Freshwater Rivers:  The upper James Smallmouth bite has been very good lately, however, river levels may not be conducive for fishing this weekend, as the Westham gauge is currently at 10.33’. The lower James has been a great place for Catfish, Stripers and Crappie, but again, the high water may reduce catches of Stripers and Crappie this weekend. Keep an eye on river levels. The Chickahominy River is fishing excellent and should be a good choice this weekend. Rattletraps and jigs are working good for Bass.

Freshwater Lakes:  Lake Anna Stripers are increasingly active as water temps range from 50-56 degrees from mid-lake to up-lake. Live bait presentations are very effective, but if you prefer to cast, swim baits and silver buddys are taking quality fish also. 13.31lbs(5-fish) won the Winter Series Tx out of Sturgeon Creek this past weekend, and 12.89lbs was second.

Smaller lakes like Sandy River and Swift Creek Reservoirs have been a good option for both Bass and Crappie. Some remarkable catches of bass have come from Sandy lately.

Freshwater Ponds:  Local ponds have been fishing better for Crappie than Bass lately, for whatever reason. Chartreuse pepper grubs have been outstanding.