LOCATION: Eastern Bay, Lower Chesapeake Bay
SPECIES: Striped Bass, Atlantic Croaker, Cow Nosed Rays, White Perch, Red Drum, Cobia
UPDATE: June 21, 2010
FISHING CONDITIONS: Another week with hot and humid just reinforces
that summer is here. Still no significant amount of bird action on the water in the Upper Bay but that should start in earnest very soon. Lower Bay, Reds are in the surf, flounder are starting to run well in shallower waters, Cobia are getting caught on lumps and at buoys, and Spade Fish are at the CBBT and Plantation Light.
WATER TEMPERATURE: Mid Bay 75 Degrees, Lower Bay (CBBT) 73 Degrees, Near Coastal 74.
MOST COMMON BAIT: Bunker, Herring, perch, spot, and more.
“MUST HAVE” FLIES IN DESCENDING ORDER OF IMPORTANCE: Large (four inch) half and half’s, blue and white is still working best although all white and chartreuse and white are good choices as well. Smaller Clouser style minnows (1 ½ inch) in various dark and white colors are working at times better than half and half’s. Having a little flash tied in seems critical. When you find breaking fish, poppers or gurglers are working well on top water fish. These are working with some success at dusk and dawn in shallow water.
RECOMMENDED LEADER: 20 to 30 pound test, 7 ½ foot or 9 foot non-tapered.
BEST FLY ROD AND REEL OUTFIT: 9 weight with large arbor reel
IDEAL FLY LINE TYPES: Full sink line in the fastest sink rate for waters around 6 to 12 feet and full float in skinny or if you happen to see fish on the surface or when fishing at dawn and dusk.
BEST TECHNIQUES: Sticking with use of electronics is the best for Upper Bay fishing and catching. No marks on the sonar and no fish are getting caught. Incoming and outgoing tides are working but current speed is important as noted on the outgoing tide the other day. Really caught some nice fish in the strongest of current, keeping the fly down was the problem. Fish size is around 18 to 24 when on an active school. Areas that have the most fish are getting fished the most. Start early and have the luxury of catching without a crowd.
COMMENTS: Larger fish (picked up one at 28 inches this week) are present but difficult to catch. Keep a lookout when other fish area being pulled in and if another angler is on board they should be casting at your fly caught fish to pick up followers. This can be a nice bait and switch method to find better fish.
7-DAY OUTLOOK: It’s warming up to be a great summer. Weekday trips are better for fishing with less boat traffic and starting either early or late in the day and fishing for four hours in twilight conditions can be a very nice alternative to mid day sun.
