Captain Billy's Charters 9/16/08

Five years ago today, this region was preparing for Hurricane Isabel. This week we feel the pain of those affected by Hurricane Ike. The vastness of that storm not only decimated the Texas coast and its gulf coast neighbors, but it also wreaked havoc as it proceeded up to Canada. I heard that shrimp and fish were found as far as one mile inland. Folks, count your blessings and pray that we remain unscathed through the remainder of the season.The bay water temperature remains at a warm average of 77 degrees. On the rivers, the mercury is a line below that. The trend has been moving towards warmer fall seasons and that usually relates to a later migration pattern. This is a good thing in that we can enjoy more bluefish and Spanish mackerel action through the end of September and enjoy a prolonged striped bass season in the bay waters.

Although breezy conditions have hindered fishing over the past week we have been gathering a mixed bag of fish for the coolers.

STRIPED BASS fishing continues to improve on the Middle Grounds located east of Smith Island this week. Fair numbers of fish are frequenting the chum lines. Sizes are mixed with many falling under the 18 inch minimum size. Through careful catch and release, we are able to bring home 20-23 inch fish. The preferred technique is drifting live spot. That is a very effective means of gathering fish. Using spot for live bait has grown at such an alarming rate that many researchers and biologists have already noticed a drop in spot populations. The jury is still out on that but it does warrant some thought.

BLUEFISH and SPANISH MACKEREL are both available in the middle bay region. Even though the bait has been scattered, they are available to the diligent angler that is persistent in the chase. The channel edges continue to be the best bet as they search out shiners frequenting the drop-offs.

The Northern Neck Anglers Club held its annual Fall Grab Bag tournament last weekend. Three of the six winning fish were checked in at Ingram Bay Marina. The marina has an official citation weigh station, the deepest ramp in the county and boasts being the closest marina to the bay. Congratulations to the fishing prowess of the winners.

NNAC Fall Grab Bag winners:

Flounder - Frank Brewer - 3# 13 ozs.
Spanish mackerel - Matt Bruington - 2# 6ozs.
Croaker - Matt Bruington - 1# 2ozs.
Spot - Mark Tumlin - 12ozs.
Bluefish - Jay Straughan - 2# 3ozs.
Rockfish - Mark Roy - 3# 12ozs.

BOTTOM FISHING has taken a breather and is now beginning to pick up in numbers. There are large numbers of fish, yet many are substandard sized and require culling. Nevertheless, action is good and I'm looking forward to the heavy influx at months end.

The Rappahannock river mouth is holding a mix of SPOT, CROAKER and GREY TROUT. The main emphasis has been the spot fishing. The larger yellow belly specimens have yet to arrive but are anxiously anticipated.

Inshore fishing remains good with a variety of species hitting the rails. Numbers are not as important as the cross section of species. Feeder creeks and shallow water locations on the rivers has gained focus. I had the opportunity Sunday evening to set aside my chores and take a busman's holiday to take my son Billy and his friend Colin Vaughn fishing in a local creek near Ingram Bay. We enjoyed a diverse catch of which we brought home enough grey trout and spot to have a hearty meal. You see, it is not about having the biggest or most fish, the true pleasure of fishing is knowing that you participated in a memorable experience for a child or even someone who otherwise may not be blessed with the same opportunities as you have.

There is more to life than your destination; I have found more enjoyment in the ride.

Until next week…Fair winds.

Captain Billy's Charters

Chesapeake Bay, VA

804-580-7292