Coastal Mid-Atlantic Fishing Report, December 5 Update:
The surf fishing is relatively quiet right now, but there are still a few bites to chase. Migratory striped bass are moving down the coast, so there is a chance to run into them within casting distance of the beaches. The bulk of the fish will likely be out of casting range, but we have a few reports of stripers being pulled from the suds of the Virginia beaches. Captain Steve’s Bait and Tackle reports that anglers are checking in some stripers, red drum, and plenty of dogfish. Anglers hitting the beaches of Assateague are also reeling in some dogfish while throwing cut bait. Despite the cold, now can be an enjoyable time to visit the beaches while they are less crowded.
Inside the Ocean City Inlet, striped bass are being caught near the Route 50 and Route 90 bridges. Anglers are also finding some along the marsh edges in the coastal bays. Tautog are hanging out at the rock jetties at the inlet. Cape Henlopen has also been a hotspot for nearshore tautog fishing at the large jetty bulkhead. Off the coast, the wreck and reef sites are holding plenty of sea bass. Some flounder and porgy have also been in the mix. The boats heading off the coast of Virginia Beach are still catching plenty of jumbo sea bass and even some late season trophy triggerfish. The Big Worm fishing out of Virginia Beach reported several boat limits on sea bass this week including some flounder, bluefish, and triggers. Don’t let the cold weather fool you; the bite can still be hot in our coastal zone.