A few reports indicate that tautog catches are scattered on inshore and offshore wrecks. Wrecks and hangs beyond the Light Tower are beginning to draw interest for tog. Other than the weather, finding tog bait is becoming a challenge. Big bluefish are circling some of these structures, and jumbo seabass will take your offering. But remember that seabass are out of season.
Once a weather window presents, boats venturing to scour deeper ocean floors will find nice blueline tilefish in 300 feet of water. Other species such as golden tilefish, grouper and blackbellied rosefish will provide some variety in deeper water along the Canyon walls.
Dr. Ken Neill III of the Peninsula Salt Water Sport Fisherman’s Association reports boats are running into rockfish from just south of Rudee Inlet to Oregon Inlet. It depends on the day how far south you need to go to find fish. Most action is occurring in North Carolina waters, so make sure that you have both Virginia and North Carolina fishing licenses. Fish larger than the current North Carolina record have been caught, with the latest being a 64-pounder.
Speckled-trout action remains very good in the Elizabeth River. There will be a speckled-trout tournament in the Elizabeth this weekend.
Tautog are available on the coastal wrecks. Right now, most anglers are focused on striped bass and speckled trout. Tuna fishing continues to be slow out of Hatteras, although bluefin and blackfin are possible and should be good this time of year.
Hank Sibley Bluewater Yacht Sales 