Article by Capt. Matt Abell
It’s hard to believe that just a few weeks ago the skies were clear, the ground was as dry as Sahara dust and we were praying for a breeze to help dissipate the perspiration from our brow. Now, we count ourselves lucky if we get a window to fish without a driving rain or much less a full blown squall. However, suns set, tides turn and opportunities for Eastern Shore fintastic fun never cease.
The southern Chesapeake has stolen the spotlight in an otherwise cloudy stretch of time.
Spanish mackerel have leapt into anglers sights as these toothy trophies use their speed and scrappy sport to scream some drags and stretch some line. Trolled Clarke spoons behind number 1 and 2 planers have done the trick on silver, gold, pink and chartreuse spoons trolled at 4-6 knots near channel edges in 25-45 feet of water from Pungoteague creek down to the CBBT.
The cobia bite has been fair. Bait fishermen have boated brown suits with bunkers and bent rods. While the action has been sporadic, a 8/0 circle and a fish finder rig still have brought trophies to the net and invited a few to dinner. The folks sight fishing have had their work cut out for them, as cloudy conditions have concealed cobia from an onslaught of casted concoctions from live eels to brightly colored jigs.
The shallows of the Chesapeake have been a little cooler and more importantly productive as precipitation has plummeted water temperatures from metaphorically boiling to just plain ol’ hot.
Slot reds and a few specs have given us hope in the heat. Popping corks with paddle tails or chunks of crab seem to be the best way to spot a spot-tail at the end of your line.
The seaside has provided some flounder action that hasn’t been flat at all. The weather has kept most folks inside the inlets of the Va Barrier Islands. Keepers have been hard to come by, but shorts keep you cranking for most of the time around high water. While you are searching for scarce scrumptious fillets, some small hooks and an assortment of baits like squid, bloodworm, fish bites, and shrimp are all that is needed to fill your plate with tasty fillets of kingfish and hardheads. These same baits and tactics have also lured pan sized prizes from the suds of the beaches of Assateague. While you enjoy the sand between your toes, remember that a few reds have still been lurking in the surf to offer a summertime surprise.
The lower eastern shore has had a rough week but there is always something to enjoy. This past week we had the opportunity to enjoy the 99th Chincoteague pony swim. While it’s not a the pursuit of a prize fish, it is one of the many things that make the eastern shore so special. So even when the conditions contribute to a fish-less frying pan get the family out and enjoy this wonderful place we call home! §