Article by Capt. Matt Abell
The lower Eastern Shore has been the scene of another scorcher this week. The only thing hotter than the weather has been the oil in the frying pan. Thankfully there is still some good fishing to make the skillet sizzle.
The biggest news of the week had been an up tick of positive reports from the deep. The deep shades of azul are finally relinquishing some pelagic prizes. Surprisingly, there has been a few bluefin boated around the 20 fathom line with mahi, king mac’s and even wahoo to bloody the decks with delicious dinners just waiting for the grill. Even deeper into the Atlantic, the yellowfin have kept a modest presence while billfish have made a much more impressive appearance. Bottom fishing for tiles has still been the most consistent component to a belly filling fishing trip.
The near shore report from the coast of the ESVA had been as unpredictable as a cold front in July. The flounder have been hit and miss with one day offering limits of fillets for the fryer, only to follow up on the subsequent day with a cooler fit for a weight watchers meeting. The spades have been very prevalent but suffering from some of the same unpredictable lockjaw as the flounder.
The inland waters of the barrier islands are still producing some flounder despite the hot water. Anglers from Chincoteague down to Wachapreague have enjoyed good action with a few keepers mixed in. The last of the flood tide and the first hour or so of the ebb have been the most prudent part to insure parched prosperity. The cool(er) water flows in from the Atlantic and the slacking current allows it to clear up. All important components to complete a flounder filled excursion. If flatfish have you famished, you can try for some hardheads (croakers) or kingfish. These tasty treats have taken bits of bloodworm, Fishbites, squid, and shrimp presented on small rigs with and without floats. The have been readily available and help fill the gaps in a fish oriented feast.
The Chesapeake has slowed down and settled into a dul”drum” pace. The spec bite is still alive but contained in the twilight hours of dawn and dusk. This week Capt C. L. Marshal invited me to go on a reconnaissance mission to find some sweat… I mean sweetwater. After wrestling some Pocomoke Sound barracuda’s (hound fish) we both boated nice specs on popping corks trailed by paddletails. There have also been decent numbers of puppies patrolling the grass flats.
Don’t forget, no targeting MD rockish as the season allows for a 2 week fishery reprieve during these hot weeks.
The cobia bite had been hot and cold as a few lucky anglers have had the opportunity of a late season brown suit.
The Southern bay from the cell to the CBBT has started to produce spanish bites as anglers troll an assortment of Clarkspoons to tempt toothy trophies over the gunwale.
While fishing may not be as hot as the temperature, it is still a great way to find friendly fellowship on the water. It’s amazing how the sound of a threshing speckle at the surface of the water can cool the soul on a sweltering day. We are so lucky that we have opportunities given to us that actually make you feel better. So get out there and feel better in this wonderful place we call home. §
