Tactical Angler: Fishing Tactics

Fishing tactics and techniques used on the Chesapeake Bay, Atlantic Ocean, and surrounding freshwater fishing areas are covered in depth.

November 5, 2018
Over the years, I’ve come to realize that small, 1/12th to even quarter-ounce spoons can be absolute dynamite when fishing for species including bluegills, crappies, and white and yellow perch. The…
October 28, 2018
After spending the season with a new Minn Kota Riptide Ulterra equipped with Spot-Lock and integrated with a Humminbird SOLIX MEGA SI MFD, Capt. Pete Dahlberg has the scoop on how an electric…
October 12, 2018
Deceivers, Clousers, epoxy flies – all get gulped up by rockfish due to their ability to get down in the water column. But what about those days when the fish are close to the surface, eager to…
October 10, 2018
Will big stripers come back into the Bay this fall? Season to season this run varies quite a bit, and there’s no telling whether or not we’ll see ocean-run fish this year. Hopefully they’ll turn…
August 29, 2018
The inshore mahi fishing options are over for the season, and you want to cap off your offshore action of the year with some nice mahi-mahi to stock the freezer - before the weather gets too chilly…
August 25, 2018
Those who engage in Chesapeake Bay fishing during the coming months will likely spot fish on the meter which are suspended at mid-depth. Suspended fish represent a big challenge to many anglers. How…
August 19, 2018
The night before an offshore fishing trip is usually set on a tight itinerary, but before you attempt to catch some Zs prior to a canyon excursion you should look up the latest offshore waters sea…
August 10, 2018
Surf fishing isn’t always the most productive form of angling, but it’s incredibly relaxing, and at times can produce a nice cooler full of fish. Ready to get in on some action in the suds? Be sure…
July 9, 2018
The next time you go wreck or reef fishing out of Indian River, Ocean City, Virginia Beach, or any other Mid-Atlantic port for sea bass or flounder at one of the many inshore sites, don’t forget that…
July 9, 2018
If you need to get deep, there’s no competition when choosing fly line. Sinking lines have the ability to dive deep at varying rates, which makes them integral to specific species and locales.…
June 23, 2018
Fly fishing takes many different forms, and fly fishing in saltwater is very popular in the Mid-Atlantic region, but a very different type of fly fishing called Tenkara is growing in popularity.…
June 8, 2018
With a bite pressure of four tons per square inch and dozens of dagger-sharp teeth, the mako shark jumps to mind when considering what species might be the most dangerous in the ocean. But that would…
May 21, 2018
Crappie are a great panfish to target, they make for a great fried fish dinner, and they're a species that you can catch while fishing in the Mid-Atlantic year-round. Ready to go on a crappie hunt?…
April 9, 2018
A light breeze, blue skies, gentle southern swells, and clear clean water – it's the type of day every angler dreams of after their head hits the pillow for a couple hours of restless sleep the night…
April 6, 2018
You’ve re-spooled the reels, combed out the parachutes, taken the boat for its shake-down cruise, and as you read this right now your hands are probably shaking with anticipation of the fact that one…
March 26, 2018
Up and down the Mid-Atlantic coast this spring, offshore anglers will be watching with their fingers crossed for an early run of migratory yellowfin. This is a boom-or-bust bite, with lucky fishermen…
March 8, 2018
You may not be able to keep American shad and hickory shad, but these species are one heck of a fun catch and historically, are an icon in our region – salted, smoked, and packed in barrels, during…
March 2, 2018
Stripers are one of the most popular fish in the Mid-Atlantic region (which is why we have so darn many striped bass fishing articles on FishTalk), but why do stripers act the way they do? How do…