Article by Capt. Matt Abell
Ask any old salt, a running tide is typically more productive than a slack or changing tide. As the ESVA cools down, much like the change of tide, warm humid weather is ushered out and cool crisp autumn air floods in. Fishing techniques and targeted species change as well. However, with warm days and cool nights, we on the lower shore are immersed in a figurative slack tide and are anxiously waiting for the flood of cooler fall weather to get us back on a good drift. (If you get my drift!)
The fairly breezy conditions have slowed the flounder bite by introducing turbid water that decimates the ability for these sight feeding doormats to partake in our dinner plans. Luckily the seaside spec bite has continued to improve as anglers cast popping corks with real or artificial shrimp as well as paddle tails on 1/8 - 1/4 ounce jigheads around the shallow grass beds and oyster rocks behind the VA barrier islands. Along with the specs there has also been a few opportunities for puppies that have been seen tailing about. These spot tails have not been as numerous, but when located, eagerly inhale gold spinner baits with a paddle tail trailer. Don’t forget to take your castnet along. Nothing compliments a fantastic fillet of trout better than a handful of fresh caught succulent shrimp snatched up from the same waters…. Gosh we live in an awesome place!!
The middle Chesapeake has started to produce some striped and spotted shallow sportfishing. Rock, reds and specs suck up and assortment of soft and hardbaits as well as chunks of crab and cut spot or mullet soaked in the shallows of the Tangier and Pocomoke sounds. If you are in the need for fast fun action that will put some stretch in your line and a bend in your rod, then cast some x-raps around structure like the target ships. Aggressive blues will soon provide you with airborne acrobatic fights that bring a smile to whoever is cranking on the other side.
The lower bay has produced some pretty strong structure activity. The reef sites and the CBBT have yielded some nice sheepshead along with reds and a few blacks. Most fish have been taking chunks of crab fished on sweeper jigs and t&b rigs. There has still been a few Cobia available for catch and release so keep an eye out for the man in the brown suit, it could put the icing on the cake to an already fun trip.
The surf has been the scene for more than suds and sand. Along with spot and kingfish a few puppies and blues are starting to show up in the wash. Mullet chunks on fireball rigs and modified fishfinders have been the bait of choice. As the days get shorter and the water cools down the action will just get hotter.
While I am finishing up my weekly report and hopefully Sammy is getting the boat ready for a quick afternoon casting trip, I realize how lucky we are and how sometimes we take our way of life for granted. It would be awfully hard to imagine a day without this wonderful place we call home! §
