Way South Fishing Reports

Way South Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, December 1 Update:

Speckled trout are the main target for many light tackle anglers in this region of the Bay right now, and fishing for them has been speck-tacular. They are being caught in most of the tidal inlets, creeks, and rivers. Virginia Beach Sport Fishing let us know that Captain Todd Beck with Knot Wish’n Charters reported a fantastic trout bite at Rudee Inlet last weekend, with almost every cast producing a fish for three hours. However, most of them were undersized. Another angler fishing in an undisclosed location reported having one of his best days on the water in a long time during the cold snap this week. He worked hard in the strong winds and cold temperatures but was rewarded with four citation sized speckled trout all between 24 and 26 inches, plus a bunch more that were over 20 inches. He noted that despite the cold weather, he didn’t slow down his presentation and the fish were still hitting aggressively. A boat fishing in one of the tidal tributaries (they didn’t name which one) had a great day catching redfish in the shallows. In total, they caught 16 mid-to-upper-slot reds using soft plastics during an incoming tide. Surprisingly, the fish were all in two to four feet of water. There was also a report of a 24-inch red caught on a pink MirrOlure in Rudee Inlet.

Striped bass are also increasing in numbers in the tidal tributaries and major rivers like the Elizabeth and York, as well as around the CBBT. These fish are starting to be caught in the same areas as the trout and using the same type of tactics will catch both fish. Fishing at night around docks lights can be particularly effective as the rockfish will be feeding on the baitfish attracted to the lights. Trollers are doing the best out in the Bay where tandem rigs and small umbrellas are doing most of the catching. There have been a lot of big rockfish off the coast of New Jersey and it is about time for some of those fish to head south and enter the Bay. Be on the lookout for some big fish to show up soon. Main stem water temperatures are hovering in the lower 50s which means that more tautog are showing up at structures like the CBBT, wrecks, and reefs. A variety of crab baits work well, but tog will also hit clams and whelks. This seasonal fishery is just getting started and should improve through the winter months.