Chesapeake Bay – Cobia are still one of the biggest interest in the bay, and when weather conditions allow, anglers are having good luck in the lower bay. The CBBT structures are always attracting these fish, probably due to the abundance of cover and food. Many prefer to sight fish around the bridge tunnel, while the shoals and channel or contour drops are favored by the chummers. However, the sharks and rays are out in full force. Flounder fishing success usually depends on the water clarity. Find clean water, and success is easier to achieve. Jigging structures with 1 ½ – 2oz jigs dressed with strip bait or Gulp! jerk shads is one method often used, as is dragging live bait or strip bait on 3-way swivels. Fish up to 7lbs have been reported lately. Croaker action is consistent in many areas, but Poquoson Flats, The York River, and the Rappahannock River have been better. Spot are also a common catch in these areas. Look for Spadefish catches to increase as the water clears also. Clam bits along with chumming produces better. Puppy Drum are usually a species to target along the shallows and when grass is present, the Speckled Trout often show themselves. Gulp! grubs and shrimp are good offerings for both species. Live minnows and top water baits excel also.
Ocean – Offshore boats are finding plenty of Dolphin, fair amounts of Yellowfin Tuna, and an occasional Wahoo. An 85lb Wahoo was caught from a Carolina charter in the last week. Inshore boats out of Rudee and Oregon Inlet are finding Spanish Mackerel, Bluefish, and Spadefish when fishing structures. Deep droppers are scoring Tilefish, Rosefish, and Grouper. Ocean wrecks are good for Seabass.
Freshwater – The Chick and James are consistent producers of quality Bass almost weekly. More and more 8lb+ Bass are being caught from these waters than just about anywhere else. Crankbaits, buzzbaits, and soft plastics usually top the list for 1st grabs. These tidal waters along with the Potomac, Pamunkey, and Mattaponi are producing big numbers of Blue Cats. Night fishing is often best during summer. Tidal rivers are often better choices during summer due to the multiple species available. The upper James offers good night fishing for both Flatheads and Smallmouth. Live Bluegills work well for both. Early morning topwater action is often best for larger Bass just about anywhere, but especially in lakes like Anna, Gaston, and Kerr. Once the sun climbs, target the 12’-18’ zone with cranks, Texas rigs, and Carolina rigs. Jigging spoons are another option for limits of Bass Stripers in these lakes. This can often be a more consistent pattern. Live bait, however, shines for both species, especially Stripers. Down lines are most often used, as precise depth can be targeted easily. Smaller lakes like Sandy River Reservoir, Swift Creek, and Briery Creek hold quality Bass and Crappie just as the bigger bodies of water and less time is often spent finding fish. These lakes produce trophy fish of both species. Small ponds can offer big results also. A buzzbait fished early and late is a good tool to find the biggest Bass wherever you fish. A weedless frog is another good choice, as vegetation often has to be dealt with.