Fishing has been very good throughout the region with the month of August ending on a high note. Despite some breezy conditions over the past week, catches remain good.TROLLING action continues to provide consistent action. SPANISH MACKEREL have made a strong showing from the Rappahannock river mouth up to the lower Potomac river. Schools are numerous and feeding is spread throughout the day. Many schools hold pure mackerel, yet others hold a mix of BLUEFISH as well. In some cases, particularly near Point Lookout, Maryland, ROCKFISH round out a feeding trio.

Surface feeding fish are on the move constantly and are not easily followed. Fortunately for the occasional fisherman, waves of more fish are constantly moving into the area. Some of the most consistent locations for trolling action this week have been off Dividing Creek, the channel edge from Buoy 62 up to Smith point, outside the Great Wicomico River, the lower Potomac river from Vir-Mar Beach up to Lewisetta, and northward to Point Lookout. These schools most often are mixed fish with the mackerel averaging 20 inches, blues running 2-3 pounds and the rockfish ranging from 14-20 inches. Keep in mind that these fish are often found at depths of 15-20 feet. They are not always surface feeding. When targeting deeper feeding fish, use a #2 planer.

The Drone spoon remains my not so secret weapon. The hot pink flash and chartreuse flash are the most productive at this time. These colors seem to draw a diverse group of fish whereas other colors may be more species select. Mackerel are known to be attracted to gold lures and will eat up a #13 Tony Accetta, while bluefish have a strong attraction to red. I have gone to the There are days that an angler would look like a hero with an old time hook and straw lure yet there are days that color, speed and other variables are key to the discriminating palates of these fish.

CHUMMING continues to offer results for bluefish on the SW Middle grounds and a mix of rockfish and blues on the channel edge above Buoy 70. Chumming action is sporadic in Virginia waters where most anglers are trolling at this time.

BOTTOM FISHING remains good in most areas although many species, particularly croaker, have been showing their juvenile class more often than the mature specimens. There is a scattering of croaker and trout east of the bridge. Anglers need to cull through catches as they land them, yet at days end a respectful catch is recorded. The mouth of the Rappahannock River is loaded with large spot from Butlers hole down to Gwynn's Island.

Other locations holding bottom feeders are the lower Tangier Sound, RN2 buoy, and the eastern side of the shipping lanes above the Cut Channel.

FLOUNDER action has slowed but remains a viable option at the Cell and Buoy 42 areas. Although many are below the 19 inch minimum, the flat fish are also being landed in the RN2, Buoy 62 and Smith Point bar areas. Patience is key to this fishery. Several folks have been jigging them up. This is not a new technique, but one that has been placed on the back burner by many anglers. A large bucktail donned with a long strip of cut bait or squid, or even scented bait will land you some light tackle fun with flat fish.

With Labor Day weekend upon us, let's salute the working man. We are all an integral part of the engine that drives America. Let's take some well earned rest and relaxation while enjoying our favorite pastime on the bay and rivers.

If you would like to have your special catch included with "The Fishing Line" e:mail them to me captbilly@captbillyscharters.com.

Until next week…Fair winds.

Captain Billy's Charters

Chesapeake Bay, VA
804-580-7292