Article by Capt. Matt Abell
It has been a bit challenging this week to bend a rod, but those that persisted were those that persevered. From seaside to the Chesapeake anglers endured sea, spray, and swell in pursuit of their passion. As the weekend draws near, our hopes of a screaming drag rises like an incoming tide during a northeast wind. (And we should know after the last couple of days of high water, we could have started fishing in the parking lot at the boat ramp.)
The Chesapeake has offered up some dynamite but diverse opportunities. Bluefish have taken up residence around some of the structure in and around the Tangier and Pocomoke sounds. Casting surface walking plugs like the Rapala Skitterwalk or subsurface suspending baits like the Rap-10 is all that is required to send these toothy turbocharged trophies into an aerial assault that will bend your rod into a frown and your mouth into a smile. The skinny water scene had been anything but scarce as anglers target stripes , specs, and spots with chunks of crab soaked on the edge of grass flats. As the water warms and the tides turn-lures like mirrolures, paddletails, surface plugs and popping corks are starting to get some love. Specs and rock have been the most eager takers in regard to the artificial offerings. Hopefully, some pup sized reds will make an appearance to steal the “spot” light!
The Atlantic has been fairly angry with a northeast wind fanning the flames that result in high tides and tall seas. The Assateague surf has provided pullage from reds, rock and a few remaining black drum. Modified fishfinder rigs with peeler crab anchored with heavy surf style or Sputnik sinkers have brought these brawlers to the beach.
The water, although high the last few days, has been fairly clear leading to some unexpected floundering on the seaside. With the winds and the rain from this past week we would of bet on a slow bite in muddy water. However, to our surprise the water was clear and the wind manageable enough to put some dinner on the table. Lately pink teasers tipped with gulp swimming mullets and silversides have been the first choice for floundering fishermen.
While most are in search of flatfish fillets, others are starting to look for a striped opponent with a sheepish grin (with some wild looking teeth). Sheepshead have started to make their presence known inside the inlets and just offshore of the VA Barrier Islands. These bullish battlers can be targeted around structures like wrecks and pilings with sweeper style jigs and a chunk of crab or sand flea.
As the weekend draws near and we fret about wind, weather, and what kind of fishing we want to do, we do need to remember the ones who gave their lives making this the greatest country in the world. So grab the kids, family, and friends and make this a memorable Memorial Day doing what we love in this wonderful we call home!
