08/16/2026
The heat and humidity are back with a vengeance as anglers hope the fishing heats up like the weather. With temperatures soaring in the heat of late summer, the only relief is the cool salty spray that soothes the must egregious ailments associated with doldrums
The seaside has supplied most of this weeks pullage. While the offshore action has cooled down a bit, the near shore bite has continued to keep lines tight. The nearshore wrecks and reefs just off the coast of the Va barrier islands are keeping us in keeper flounder. Diftting teaser rigs baited with long strip baits like squid and cut fish has proven to be successful for many. While others have taken to vertical jigging 2 to 4 ounce jigs tipped with 5 and 6 inch gulp curltails. I always like to put a teaser above the jig for added attraction ….I need all the help I can get ! While you are searching these shallower structures, keep an eye out for cobia, triggers, spades, Spanish macs, and even mahi. If you have some mackerel catching clarkspoons, a live eel or two for the man in the brown suit , and some small hooks baited with squid or clams, you’ll definitely be able to pull the trigger on an oceanic ensemble that will make your mouth water!
Further east the fleet is in search of million dollar marlins. However, we have been blessed with dancing dolphin fish and tasty tiles. The weather has kept a lot of the small boats moored to the dock, but between the gusts of wind we’ve had some pretty decent mahi on the troll and tiles pulled from the deep to be relocated to the head of the dinner table as the guest of honor!
The beach has brought us some particularly good panfish opportunities. Small floating bottom rigs tipped with bloodworm , fishbite bloodworm , shrimp, or cut mullet have led to fins flopping on the sand. Spot, hardhead and kingfish, have been the targeted species as anglers fish sometimes just beyond the break for some beach bound bounty.
The Chesapeake has improved a little this week. Anglers fished crab baits around the pilings of the CBBT for drum and sheepshead. Further north in the Tangier sound, oyster rocks relinquished small to medium sized blacks that are perfect for the table. In the lower back Spanish and blues have been trolled up using planers followed by 0 and 00 clarkspoons. While trolling there has been a few encounters with big bull reds. That would be a welcome surprise to anyone that was expecting a meager mackerel. In the next week don’t forget the spawning run of reds will commence, and the lower back will provide the best time to pursue big bulls. Patience, a chunk of spot, and a fishfinder rig is all that is needed to tag a spot-tail trophy!
The weather might be hot and the wind may not cooperate like you would like. However if you look hard enough there is always a leeward bank and a sun sinking behind the horizon to cool off the day. So take advantage of those fleeting moments and get out there and enjoy this wonderful place that we call home!