Coastal Fishing Reports

Coastal Mid-Atlantic Fishing Report, July 1 Update:

The AIC reports that a trip offshore to the edge south of the Washington late last week produced a few yellowfin bites, but just a few, and one of the two tuna cranked up to the boat was undersized (the other around 40 pounds). Blueline tilefish were biting much better when squid baits were dropped to bottom in about 300 feet of water, with a couple in the 10-pound class swinging over the gunwales. He also mentioned that the entire Virginia Beach fleet seemed to be in the area, there was a lot of moaning and groaning on the VHF airwaves, and although they heard of a bigeye being caught most boats had zero or one yellowfin in the box. Other reports mirrored this, with many anglers ranging from the Poor Mans down to the Norfolk striking out on the troll then turning to tilefish to get a bent rod. An interesting catch of note out of OC this weekend, angler Steve Schad went for the deep drop when it became apparent the tuna wouldn’t cooperate, and came up with a pair of cusk in the 20 to 30 pound class in 1,300 feet of water. Now that’s one we don’t hear about too often!

Sea bass are providing a very summerish bite on the inshore wrecks and reefs, with most anglers catching enough to keep them happy but fewer limits than a red-hot bite would provide. Capt. Monty on the Morning Star says some of his anglers are hitting double digits most of the time. He also had an influx of cutlassfish plus a few flounder during the past week. Congrats go out this week to “inshore” oceanic angler Farral Stackhouse, who boldly beach-launched his kayak from Assateague during the Fish N Paddle Saltwater Slam tournament last weekend, sighted a 46.25-pound cobia, cast to it (with 20-pound gear no less), and smashed numerous tournament records after landing the beast. WTG, Farral!

The inlets and back bays are producing a strong, ongoing flounder bite. Drifting squid chunks and bouncing lures off bottom is working for them with catches bigger on the ESVA than in Maryland, where throwbacks are very common. Some readers have begun fishing the Virginia Beach inlets at night for redfish - successfully - as the daytime crowds and summer mid-day slowdowns arrive. One noted catching them on the fly, using small brown and orange crab flies with some tinsel (thanks for that tip, Tim!)