Fishing Report by Dr - Dr. Julie Ball's Website

Weekly Fishing Rundown
By Dr. Julie Ball
IGFA Representative, Virginia Beach
24 Aug 2007
As the heat eases into the upper eighties, many favorite species are easing into the lower
section of the bay as fall approaches. Cobia are gathering around lower bay and coastal
structures in preparation to leave the bay. Anglers are pulling both big and small fish off
buoys and bridge pilings. Soon, these brown fish will school up and leave in masses,
making them easy casting targets.
Flounder are still attracting attention as they also begin grouping in the lower bay. Big
flatfish are coming from the 3 rd and 4 th islands of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel,
while drifters are finding good luck along lower bay channels and shoals. Lots of nice
fish in the 5-pound range are coming from around the 1 st island of the CBBT this week.
Decent fish are also on the inshore and offshore wrecks, along with 4-pound sea bass.
Red drum are still ripping up the 9-foot shoals and the barrier islands on the Eastern
Shore. Puppy drum are the most dependable fish around right now. Whether it is cold,
hot, blowing, or raining, they seem to come through no matter the conditions. Ocean’s
East 2 reports that surf anglers are still taking pups from the shoreline along the entrance
to the Public Boat Ramp within Lynnhaven using shrimp and small spoons. Bayside Bait
and Tackle reports speckled trout are beginning a hit and miss pattern within Lynnhaven
Inlet. Black drum continue to roam the artificial islands, with many anglers taking
advantage of this showing. Be sure to take time to revive these large fish before releasing
them.
Croaker are everywhere from the HRBT to the CBBT. Bigger fish are also starting to
show within the lower bay inlets. A pending world record croaker was caught by Norman
Jenkins off of New Point this week. This 8lb, 11oz hardhead will shatter the previous
world record caught in Alabama by over 3 pounds.
Bigger spot are starting to roll in, with Ocean View, Lynnhaven and Rudee Inlets, and the
rivers further up the bay holding the larger spot. In a few weeks, expect this fishery to
explode with yellowbellies. A few sheepshead were hooked from the Seagull Fishing Pier
this week, along with scattered catches along the southern section of the Bay Bridge
Tunnel. Triggerfish are mixed in with the sheepshead and spadefish along the Bridge
tunnel and wrecks. Spades are moving to inshore and offshore wrecks, but they are
finicky as they fin along the surface.
Trollers are still picking up Spanish mackerel along the buoy-lines, tide rips, and the 3rd
and 4 th island tubes. A decent king mackerel bite is enticing many anglers to the ocean
front in the hopes of encountering a smoker, but finding hook-ups can be a challenge.
One king mackerel angler lost a big sailfish while targeting kings inshore this week.

The tarpon action seems to be behind this year, with few hook-ups or landings so far.
Amberjack are available on wrecks and navigational towers, with the Chesapeake Light
Tower also offering a shot at a jack crevelle and big barracudas.
Bluewater anglers are experiencing good billfish action, with white marlin, some blues,
and a few sails on the prowl. One boat even weighed in a 232lb swordfish hooked on the
troll. The best billfish action is still coming from the area southeast of the Cigar. The 5 th
Annual “Wine, Women, and Fishing” Ladies Only Charity Billfish Tournament, which
benefits breast cancer research, had good results. First place went to the lady crew of the
Triflin, second place was taken by the Striker, and third place went to the ladies onboard
the Fast Cast. All had a great time, with many billfish caught. Scattered catches of 50 to
60-pound class yellowfin tuna and some nice wahoo are also available. For more
information, go to www.drjball.com.