Weekly Sportfishing Rundown By Dr. Julie Ball

IGFA Representative, Virginia Beach
www.drjball.com

25 July 2008

The mid-summer bite is on, and two of the most esteemed Virginia species are taking the spotlight. The elusive Virginia tarpon is making an unheard of emergence with multiple landing this week. The most amazing catch was made by a lone boater live-baiting off of False Cape. Keith Cole of Virginia Beach landed the catch of a lifetime when a 78-inch tarpon crashed his bait. After a two hour battle, the fish came to net and was quickly measured and released. This is one of several reported tarpon hookups off the Virginia coast. The folks at Chris' Bait and Tackle convey that an exceptional number of tarpon are also coming from the usual holes on the Eastern Shore. At least eight sliver kings were landed lately, with most coming from near Ship Shoal Inlet using live bait.

King mackerel are also making an extraordinary introduction as boats scramble to get in on this exciting bite along the Virginia Beach shoreline. Many boats are experiencing multiple hook-ups with most fish ranging around 20-pounds. A few scattered fish are pushing over 30-pounds. Mack McDonald of Virginia Beach hit it big when he landed a 60-pound smoker on a live bluefish while fishing from the Little Island Fishing pier this week. Trollers in the same areas are also picking up some nice Spanish mackerel, with a few fish noted over four pounds in the mix.

Cobia are making a good late season comeback for chummers. Boats anchored off of Fisherman's Island are hooking into good numbers of fish averaging around 40-pounds using eels and fresh bunker in a chum slick. Big red drum are also taking bait intended for these cobia, but no one is complaining. Several big cobia are taking baits from anglers casting at inshore buoys along the beach this week. Large schools of bull reds swimming on the surface are becoming more common in the lower bay, making easy casting targets. Boats are reporting multiple hookups of citation reds this week.

Anglers are still picking away at pods of black drum roaming the islands of the CBBT. Storm lures and buck tails are the lures of choice, with the 3rd and 4th islands producing the best numbers.

Spadefish are more predictable lately, but the run of the larger fish is over. Most boats are content tangling with 6 to 8-pounders along the structure of the CBBT, the 3rd and 4th islands, and several inshore wrecks and navigational beacons. Clams and Clam flavored Fishbites are working well.

With flounder off limits until the 31st of July, anglers are keeping busy with triggerfish. A large run of these feisty little fish are making anglers take notice. Triggers are easy to catch, and will hit squid, clams, live bait, cut bait, or anything that is within easy reach.

Although a few fish are coming from the Bay Bridge Tunnel complex, the incredible sheepshead bite of years past may be just that. It is already late into July and the numbers are still way behind.

Croaker are everywhere from the HRBT to the CBBT. The best hauls are coming from the backwaters of Oyster where a handful of anglers are earning citations for tipping the scales over the 3-pound mark. The spot run seems promising this year, with nice fish already showing within Lynnhaven and Rudee inlets. Puppy drum are also offering action in the same locations, where several pups measuring to 30-inches are hitting cut and live mullet. Speckled trout are also a possibility.

Amberjack are taking most any live bait offered at offshore wrecks and the South Tower, with a good run of larger fish. Take plenty of bait, and plan for a full day if you make the run south.

The offshore action is still on the upswing, with several boats returning with multiple white marlin releases and big bull dolphin catches. Captain Mike Romeo, skipper of the Gannet out of the Virginia Beach Fishing Center, scored on a trip with four whites this week. He reports that the marlin are scattered between the 350 and 450 lines, in 40 to 60 fathoms of water. The Backlash, also out of the Fishing Center, also had a great day offshore with seven white marlin flags flying back at the dock one day this week. Big wahoo are also making a showing.

Please check out our online forum site and upload your pictures to our gallery.

Our Sponsors
Shimano
Fishbites
Virginia Beach Boats
Old Point National Bank
Wynne Ford
Power Pro
Braid Products
Yo-Zuri
The Virginia Beach Fishing Center
Long Bay Pointe Bait & Tackle
Mountain Breeze Taxidermy 757.726.2225
Aqua Skinz
J Kruz Eyewear
The Sportsman's Magazine
Ocean Pearl Charter Fishing
Chum Churn
Secret Spoons