Febuary 6, 2009

In general, the striped bass bite along the Virginia coast is slowing up. Between the wind and plummeting water temperatures, anglers are working hard for the few fish they are catching. The fish are scattered from north of the Eastern Shore, down to Corolla, with some venturing as far as Duck, North Carolina. But if targeting fish in Carolina waters, be aware that a North Carolina fishing license is required. Since the fish are often pushed out of range past the 3-mile demarcation line, finding legal fish may be challenging. For some good catch and release action, head for the islands and pilings of the CBBT, where anglers casting and jigging are releasing fish ranging up to around 34-inches.

Folks fishing from the jetties within Rudee Inlet are catching keeper schoolie striped bass on finger mullet and Storm lures. Speckled trout ranging up to 6-pounds are also biting in Rudee Inlet this week. Specks are also active in the Elizabeth River, where anglers are catching fish by casting and live baiting around the cove and the hot ditch area. The favorite lure color of late is the popular electric chicken. James Cossell of Norfolk scored this week with a nice 5.5-pounder he tricked while casting a Mirrolure. Puppy drum are also still biting in the same areas. As many anglers know, the Hot Ditch and the surrounding Elizabeth River is an oasis for many species during the winter months. Because of this, unusual catches will occasionally come from this area. Terry Bradley of Pulaski, Virginia had one of those unusual catches when he released a 49-inch black drum while fishing with cut bait in the Elizabeth River this past week.

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