Excitement is growing in the Northern Neck as the fishing season warms our hearts after a long winter.

Over the past few weeks there have been huge numbers of striped bass (rockfish) moving through our area. They have been heading to the spawning grounds both up the bay and rivers. Many of my fellow anglers have hit the waters already in the form of catch and release. Not just guys like me that do it for a living and need an early fix, but everyone from bankers to firemen are already wetting their lines. These are the good ole’ “Rivernecks.”

Water temperatures have been steadily inching upwards with Virginia’s bay waters averaging 52 degrees, and upper river locations boasting levels in the mid 50 degree range. The migration of fish is moving at a hurried pace this spring.

STRIPED BASS have been available in bay waters nearly all winter long. This is the second winter running that a sizable population of these fish never left the rivers and bay waters. Although it is known that the majority of the striped bass winter between Virginia Beach and Oregon Inlet, exceptions to the rule surely exist. Despite a relatively cool February, there were many fish that never ventured into Carolina waters.

Many anglers opted to fish locally through the winter months. Joe Bessler and his wife fished out of kayaks in tributaries of the Rappahannock River all winter. They landed and released several large rockfish throughout the cold weather. Some folks as far up the bay as Cambridge, Maryland were catching these fish through the winter as well.

With early signs pointing to an abundance of these rockfish in local and upper bay waters, I predict a very strong spring season.

Shad and herring are running up the rivers at this time and with them the trek of their predators. If you’ve never caught these fish on light tackle up river, it is a blast. I would recommend that everyone try it at least once.

Get your boats ready for the big spring run. If you don’t have access to a boat, try fishing off piers or the shore. If you want to get out on the water, give us a call and I will take you out on a charter that is sure to show you a great time of fishing.

‘Rivernecks’, we hunt, fish and live life to its fullest. Come join us for a great spring fishing season.

Until next time…fair winds.

Captain Billy’s Charters
Chesapeake Bay, VA
804-580-7292