Way South Fishing Reports

Way South Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, February 6 Update:

Another winter of brutally cold temperatures is bad news for the resident speckled trout, redfish, and other species that are susceptible to cold stun events. The latest round of arctic air has hit the Virginia and North Carolina tributaries hard with fish kills. It even prompted North Carolina to shut down commercial and recreational harvest of speckled trout until July 1st. The fish in the tributaries around Norfolk and Virginia Beach were not spared either, as we have reports of anglers observing dead fish in those areas over the past week. Last winter caused widespread cold stun events in these areas, so let’s hope warmer weather is on the way soon because the surviving fish are fragile at this point. Many of the creeks and tributaries are partially covered with ice, which has not made it easy for anglers to get out and fish. The overwintering reds and specks are likely to have lockjaw or be very lethargic at best. The reds tend to handle the cold better than the trout and may be more active, but this cold weather has really shut down the bite.

The special February black sea bass season offers an opportunity for Virginia anglers to fish for sea bass at the offshore grounds through the end of the month. It is a good time of year to catch some of the knotheads hanging around the wrecks and reefs in 150-300 feet of water. These fish can provide some of the most exciting bottom fishing action with fish ranging anywhere from three to 10 pounds. Vessel captains or operators must obtain a no-cost Recreational Black Sea Bass Permit through the VMRC’s online system and adhere to mandatory trip reporting requirements. Tautog are another species that offer winter opportunities at wrecks, reefs, and other structures. Anglers will need to monitor weather windows for both of these offshore species, because it is a decent run to get to the grounds.