Way South Fishing Reports

Way South Chesapeake Fishing Report, June 2 Update:

Water temperatures around the CBBT are around 65 degrees which means the spring fishery is starting to switch into summer mode. Fishing has been improving in almost every area when conditions are right but persistent wind has made it tough on many anglers. The inlets and rivers in the Virginia Beach area are providing good fishing for several species, along with a bit more protection from the breeze. Speckled trout and puppy drum are abundant in Rudee Inlet, Little Creek, and Lynnhaven Inlets where anglers are catching them on both artificial lures and cut bait. We got a report from an angler who hit the Elizabeth River with his flyrod. He was able to catch lots of fish, but most were on the smaller side. His catches for the day included eight rockfish, two flounder, one puppy drum, one speck, 15 croaker, and around 20 small sea bass. Another angler fishing Rudee inlet earlier in the week found what he described as “the only calm spot in the inlet.” Despite the wind, his protected spot treated him to a bunch of small tautog.

One fish that has anglers excited about their arrival is cobia. We are starting to see larger schools move into the Bay around the CBBT. The season for cobia opens on June 15, so until then it is catch and release fishing only. Sight casting is one of the best ways to catch cobia using either bucktails with soft plastic trailers or by casting out a live eel in front of them. Schools of bull reds have also entered the Bay and are making their way north. These fish can be found near the islands of the CBBT and at the shoals along the lower eastern shore of Virginia. Drifting crab baits is the preferred method but the most exciting is when a school starts breaking on baitfish at the surface. That is a sight which can only be described as pure chaos.

Virginia Beach Sport Fishing checked in to let us know that spadefish should be arriving at the Chesapeake Light Tower. These fish can be caught using small pieces of clam on small hooks. Despite their smaller size, they fight amazingly hard. Sheepshead are also available at the CBBT where they will be holding close to the pilings. They prefer fiddler crab, shrimp, and clam baits. VBSF also reported that Spanish mackerel have entered Virginia waters in the Chesapeake Bay. Anglers are steadily catching them at the Virginia Beach Fishing Pier and more fish will move into the area as water temperatures approach 70 degrees. These fish are fast and aggressive, so it is best to troll for them with drone spoons or cast to them with metal jigs and gotcha plugs.