Fishing guide - Newport News Tourism Development Office

Transcription

Contents
Giant Taugs from Virginia Beach /// 10
Cobia Town, AKA Hampton, VA /// 22
Spade Fishing with Spears from Norfolk /// 34
Chesapeake’s Species Jackpot /// 46
Flounders at the Bridge /// 58
Tackle Shop Spotlight /// 70
Marina Spotlight /// 72
Boat Ramps /// 74
Coastal Virginia Fishing Calendar /// 75
Guide to Catching Virginia Species /// 76
Online Resources /// 78
Produced by Harry R. Hindmarsh /// Cabin Fever Communications
www.FishCoastalVirginia.com /// 757.965.7799
Coastal Virginia Destination
Virginia Beach, Virginia
TAUG-ZILLA
If catching a giant tautog is on your bucket list, then you better book
your trip to Virginia Beach as quickly as possible. Few people have ever
seen a 20-pound taug and even fewer people know where to catch
them. After reading this article, you’ll have the hardest part of the equation
P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y |
Harry R. Hindmarsh
figured out. Find Captain Neal Taylor and you’ll find Taug-Zilla.
“Virginia Beach Taugs are some of the biggest in the world... ”
Every fish loves structure, which makes the wa-
you can find fish from 5 to 9 pounds. Your best
ters off Virginia Beach, Virginia the best place
chance at catching one over 15 pounds starts by
(perhaps in the world), for these fish to call home.
calling Neal Taylor.
Taugs love fast running water and spend their life
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Captain Neal Taylor | Seaduction Charters
waters are normally clearer and con-
60 pound braided fishing line. You’ll
tain more oxygen. When the winter is
want to stay away from monofila-
One of the reasons taug are so pop-
at it’s coldest, these waters become
ment, as mono tends to bow and
ular is because they can be caught
the only game in town as the warm-
cannot withstand the sharp, jagged
booked during the hot season.
under and around rocks or any underwater debris.
Captain Neal Taylor has spent a lifetime catching
all year long. To catch a wall-hanger
er water will be located closer to the
structure. Braid will cut through the
Inshore, the Concrete Ships, the Cell, the Tower
just about every fish imaginable, but has perfect-
taug, you’ll need to focus your ef-
gulfstream.
water, remain vertical, and allow you
Reef and the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel are
ed the art of catching giant taugs. With boats
forts from October through May and
loaded with respectable taugs. On any given day,
ranging from 17’, 31’, and 48’, Neal can reach
move to the off-shore waters. Water
When prepping your tackle for taug,
Remember, the success of this fishery
2, 3, to 4 pound fish are caught in most condi-
taugs in all the area’s hot spots. But if you want a
clarity and temperatures play a major
it’s recommended that you use 20
depends on your ability to pull the
tions. Move around the bridge-island pilings and
charter, you’d better call fast because Neal stays
role in targeting these fish. Offshore
to 30 pound class gear with a 50 to
fish away from the structure before it
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to feel the bottom with every bounce.
W W W . F I S H C O A S T A L V I R G I N I A . C O M
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TAUG
“The best time is any chance you can go. The taugs are big, old,
and have been there for over 50 years. ”
- Captain Neal Taylor | Seaduction Charters
dives down and hides within the structure, so a solid braid and a
rod with a firm, fast action is required. Should you lose the battle
with the hooked fish taking cover, give the fish some slack line
and often they’ll swim out of the hole for you. When it comes to
leaders, most experts agree that fluorocarbon is the way to go
because of the water clarity you’ll be fishing. A single hook rig on
50/60 pound fluoro is the preferred method as double hook rigs
just result in losing twice the bait. You’ll want to have about 3’ of
leader, with a dropper loop for the hook and a surgeon’s loop on
the end for your smooth 12-ounce sinker. If you’re not losing sinkers, you’re not getting to the right places.
So what’s the secret bait?
The truth is, taug love crustations. Find some fresh clam or squid
and you’ll find the taugs. But to really gain the interest of the bigger taugs, you should use cut-crabs or sand fleas. Sand fleas (or
mole crabs) are found on any beach all summer long. Just visit the
water’s edge of any surf line at low tide and dig in the wet sand.
They don’t have claws and they’re the perfect size for your hook.
Once you’ve found the wreck, the challenge then focuses to finding the bigger fish. The most experienced taug experts will swear
that fish of a certain size congregate on specific portions of the
wreck. One piece might be infested with small taugs, while another chunk will be covered in monsters. This theory has been
observed and witnessed by reef divers for many years confirming
what old-salts have often debated.
On a recent trip with Neal Taylor, Justin Wilson, Jamal Esfahani,
and 9-year-old Jordan Nester, Jordan landed a giant 21lb., 6oz.
taug that sent him to the record books for the Youth Anglers Small
Fry world record. Just about every taug we caught was over 12
pounds and all anglers received Virginia Citations for our catches.
While some think this is luck, the truth is, the giants are here. Call
Neal Taylor today and catch one for yourself.
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“It’s such a pleasure to fish Virginia Beach. We’re so lucky
to have these fish and so many other speices too.”
“They’re so big, that when they come into the boat, they almost
don’t look natural. They’re true giants of their species. ”
- Angler Jamal Esfahani | Virginia Saltwater Fisherman
- Captain Justin Wilson | Just Right Charters
Regardless of the season, even the most dedi-
sures fun for the entire family of fishermen. Stay
Virginia and explore the teachings of famed psychic and holis-
cated anglers hang up their rods occasionally in
close to the water aboard a seasonal dolphin or
tic pioneer Edgar Cayce at the Association for Research and
search of other activities, if only for a distraction
whale-watching boat trip, sign up for a summer
Enlightenment.
from the hunt. The resort city’s wide selection of
surf camp, splash around at Ocean Breeze Water
indoor and outdoor amenities and activities en-
Park or scuba dive around a coastal shipwreck.
Virginia Beach’s reputation as a premier, year-round fishing destination is second only to its southern hospitality and easy access.
A four-hour drive southeast from Washington, D.C, the resort city
welcomes anglers to explore its waters and shores any season of
the year. For more information about deep-sea sport fishing, boat
charters, ramp access, pier fishing and other waterborne adventures,
visit www.vbfun.com or call 1-800-VA-BEACH (1-800-822-3224).
Immerse yourself in the Virginia Aquarium and
or tee up a round of championship golf on any of
Marine Science Center, brimming with more than
the city’s nine courses boasting designs by some
700,000 gallons of aquariums, a towering 3D
of the world’s leading architects including Arnold
IMAX theater, and more than 300 interactive and
Palmer, Rees Jones, Fred Couples, George Cobb
educational exhibits.
and more.
Explore the great outdoors on a kayak tour, hike
Learn legends of the sea of the Old Coast Guard
or bike along meandering interpretive trails, camp
Station and the skills of a carver at the Atlantic
under the stars, and blade down the famous Vir-
Wildfowl Heritage Museum. Peruse the chang-
ginia Beach Boardwalk. Practice your putt-putt
ing exhibits of the Contemporary Art Center of
“It always makes me smile when visitors
discover how amazing the fishery is in
Virginia Beach. Just about everything
that swims can be caught here.”
- Captain Justin Wilson | Just Right Charters
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VIRGINIA BEACH
Directory Listings
CHARTER FISHING
HEADBOATS
BOAT RAMPS
Backlash Sport Fishing
757-286-0711
Native Girl
757- 427-3357
Dockside Fishing Center
757-481-4545 | www.FishingVaBeach.com
Bubba’s Marina
Capt. Cheryl
757-639-8363
Ocean Pearl
757- 481-7517
Rudee Inlet Charters
757-422-5700 | www.RudeeInletCharters.com
First Landing State Park Boat Ramp
Fin Chaser Charters
757-729-2072
Okee II Charters
757- 237-4298
Frog Pile Sportfishing
757-641-3900
Bubba’s Marina
757-481-3513
Pungo Ferry Marina
757-721-3299
Gulf Stream Charters
757-717-7676
Rebel Sportfishing
757-761-6402
Fisherman’s Wharf Marina
757-428-2111
Rudee Inlet Station Marina
757-422-2999
His Doghouse Too
757-572-9236
Rest Assured III
757-285-4652
Long Bay Point Marina
757-321-4550
Virginia Beach Fishing Center
757-491-8000
Howlin’ Sportfishing Charters
757-301-2027
Right Tide Charters
757-373-6034
Lynnhaven Marine Boatel
757-481-0700
West Landing Marina
Jeanie Lee
757-715-3474
Seaduction Charters
757-646-4449
Lynnhaven Municipal Marina
757-496-6845
Westneck Marina
Just Right Charters
757-639-1571
Tideline Charters
757-717-2012
Marina Shores
757-496-7000
Katherine Anne
757-646-4449
Top Notch
757- 681-8068
Knock Down
757-200-0200
Unreel Sport Fishing
757-646-7291
Matador
757-749-6008
Waterman Charters
757-753-3113
Mega Bite
757-377-5091
Wave Runner
757-377-5018
Pier in Sandbridge features complimentary
fishing for children 8 and younger; Virginia
Pretty Work
757-464-3974
Virginian
757-286-1162
The city offers four piers: Little Island Fishing
Seashore State Park Ramp
Non-motorized boats only:
Gannet
757-619-6655
Marco Polo
757-460-2272
Off the Boat:
Owl’s Creek Ramp (Rudee Inlet)
Paige II
757- 672-9381
757-426-1326
757-426-6735
■ Back Bay National Wildlife Refuge Boat Ramp
■ Harbour Hill Landing
■ False Cape Landing
■ Wash Woods Landing
■ Little Island Park
Airtime Water Sports
757-499-2628
Lynnhaven Marine
757-460-1900
Captain Max King’s Marine
757-460-2201
Norfolk Marine
757-461-3391
Dare Yacht Sales
757-248-0267
Virginia Beach Boats
757-962-8710
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Bridge-Tunnel puts anglers in the middle of the
required at any pier, and most also offer tackle
to rent.
Other Top Attractions:
Virginia Aquarium, First Landing State Park,
dolphin and whale-watching boat trips, Cape
Henry Lighthouse, Old Coast Guard Station mu-
38th Annual Harborfest | June 5 - 8, 2014
seum and Contemporary Art Center of VA.
Visitor Infomation:
The city operates a primary welcome center on
HarborFEAST Seafood Sampler | June 5 - 8, 2014
Interstate 264 East as visitors enter the resort
area or en route at the facility on the Chesa-
9th Annual Bayou Ball | June 19, 2014
peake Bay Bridge-Tunnel’s southernmost island.
Advance trip planning is always available at
The Norfolk Nato Festival | April 26, 2014
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stretching 1,500 feet into the Chesapeake Bay,
action 3.5 miles out in the Bay. No license is
ANNUAL EVENTS
Rudee Inlet Charters
757-422-5700 | www.RudeeInletCharters.com
of the resort area, and Lynnhaven Fishing Pier,
Sea Gull Fishing Pier off the Chesapeake Bay
BOAT DEALERS
FISHING PIERS
Dockside Fishing Center
757-481-4545 | www.FishingVaBeach.com
Beach Fishing Pier, at 15th street in the heart
are open 24/7 from Memorial Day to Labor Day;
61st NATOfest Parade of Nations | April 26, 2014
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Virginia Beach
Lynnhaven Inlet Boat Ramp
Munden Point Park Boat Ramp
MARINAS
Vacation In
Drum Point Boat Ramp
www.VBfun.com or by calling 1-800-VA-BEACH
(1-800-822-3224).
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Hampton, Virginia
COBIA TOWN
In case you haven’t heard the news, cobia are Virginia’s newest saltwater
rock stars which makes Hampton, Virginia the prime destination
for catching these big time game fish. The open waters in and around
Hampton offer some of the region’s best cobia fishing from May through
Harry R. Hindmarsh
September. Better get your sunblock ready, cause you’re gonna need it.
“The waters off Hampton are loaded with big cobia. ”
So where exactly are these cobia? When you look
at a map of Hampton, you’ll notice the entire eastern and southern coastline is one with the water.
From Buckroe Beach to Salt Ponds and Windmill
to Dandy Point, the places to get your feet wet
are plentiful.
Cobia are fast growing fish that come to the Chesapeake waters to spawn, eat and grow. They are
a strong, solid fish that easily handles the catch
and release process under a variety of conditions.
They’re creatures of habit and tend to roam the
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same areas year to year. We know this from the
extensive and successful tagging program managed by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science
(VIMS).
As the seasonal clock ticks to spring, mid-May
is the time to be thinking shallow water for early season cobia. Depending on your preference,
most early season fishermen start the year by
chumming for cobia off Gandview, Bluefish Rock
and the Rock Pile. Chum can be purchased at
any of the local tackle shops or marina stores
like Bass Pro Shops, Dandy Haven,
Sunset Boating Center and Joy’s
Marina. Cobia have huge appetites and will eat all day. They’re
not picky live-bait eaters and will
munch spot, croaker, menhaden or
mullet and they’re especially big
fans of live eels. Anglers can chum
all season and will sometimes find
a bull red, jack or flounder as the
season moves on.
The other preferred method exploding in popularity is sight casting.
Boats that specialize in cobia fishing
come with a “cobia tower” equipped
with a second steering station, rod
holders, and a GPS chart plotter.
The sad truth is, if you’re not 10’ to
15’ in the air, your odds of successful
cobia fishing decrease dramatically. Perched with a “bird’s eye view”,
the sun behind your back and winds
Captain Zach Hoffman | SALT TREATED FISHING
under 10 knots will produce optimum
conditions for seeing cobia swimming in the upper water column. On
most days, you’ll see singles and doubles swimming together about three
to five feet under the waterline. It’s
also common to see groups of five
or more swimming together with the
biggest fish leading the way.
Perhaps one of the most thrilling (and
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“Cobia are famous for going crazy at boat side and inside the boat
once landed. You need to be ready for a fight all the way around. ”
COBIA
- Captain Zach Hoffman | SALT TREATED FISHING
personal favorites of mine) is when you see a school of rays swimming and the cobia are just underneath or trailing them. Catching
these cobia takes the most skill at sight casting because if you’re
not careful, you’ll foul-hook a ray and kiss your cobia goodbye.
Captain Zach Hoffman of Salt Treated Sport Fishing has built a
reputation for sniffing out cobia all season long. His business has
exploded with cobia charters almost every day. If you want to fish
with Zach, you’d better book him early.
“Every year, we see a different quality of cobia. Sometimes the big
groups are comprised of smaller fish while the big fish prefer to
swim alone. Sometimes it’s the other way around. Regardless, the
cobia fishery is exploding and we’re so thankful to have it here,”
says Hoffman. Zach and I caught 40 cobia in two days filming
and shooting photos for this article. “During the summer those
are pretty typical numbers… and of course sometimes it’s less fish
too”. (To see the high definition video of our sight casting fishing
trip, log on to www.FishCoastalVirginia.com or www.salttreatedfishing.com.)
For most, sight casting is the preferred method. You tend to see
more fish, rays, and big schools of drum. And since cobia love
structure, one of the most popular sight casting strategies is to
fish the buoys littered all throughout the bay and ocean.
During late summer, cobia use the pilings along the Chesapeake
Bay Bridge-Tunnel as their structure of choice. This requires team
fishing as the sights are quick, the casts are quicker, and pulling
the fish away from the pilings requires an angler and captain to
be on the same page. You cast a 1/0, 2/0 or 3/0 ounce jig (or
livebait) and hold on. Another strategy is to have your first caster
throw live bait with the captain (or second angler) ready with the
bucktail jig. While they pretty much eat anything, they do get “finicky” from time to time. Sometimes it takes a couple of different
presentations for it to make up its mind.
If you are new to the area or here on vacation, we strongly recommend calling Zach Hoffman or one of Hampton’s other charter
captains. Their numbers are listed behind this article on the city
resource page. You can call our offices or visit us online and we’ll
help you get started! If you’re bringing your boat to Hampton,
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“The cobia, arguably is the most exciting fish to catch in the Chesapeake
Bay. They get big, with some weighing in at over 100 pounds. ”
“You need to work your jig hard when throwing to cobia. If you let it get
a good look at it, it will probably detect something is wrong. ”
then you’ll find at least three boat ramps ready to
put you on the action.
Start your cobia trip in Hampton’s Bass Pro Shops,
located on Power Plant Parkway. With 105,000
To make the most out of your visit to Hampton,
be sure to make time for all amazing attractions close to the fishing.
History buffs will want to begin at the Hampton History Museum and Visitor Center, the Virginia Air & Space Center, Fort Monroe, and the
Hampton University Museum. Shoppers will enjoy cruising the specialty shops located downtown and in Phoebus, and also the myriad of
stores and dining destinations located in the
Peninsula Town Center near Coliseum Drive.
sq. ft. of floor space, a 19,000 gallon fresh water
aquarium, waterfall, hundreds of wildlife mounts,
virtual reality arcade, and a full archery range, they
carry a full-range of boating, fishing, and tackle for
any style fisherman.
City of Hampton was built upon these tasty crustaceans.
So after a hard day on the water, anglers and sailors can relax and enjoy a beverage and a great
seafood meal at The Old Hampton Seafood Kitchen, Marker 20, The Surf Rider, or the Taphouse on
Queens Way, among many other restaurants.
Of course, Hampton’s maritime history is organically intertwined with its national reputation as a major seafood hub, and commercial
fishing and seafood processing has had a major influence on local culture.
In the early 20th century, the seafood industry
was revolutionized as local businesses perfected the canning process and pasteurization of
seafood. Crabbing developed to such an extent
that Hampton was dubbed ‘Crabtown,’ and it
would not be an exaggeration to say that the
|
757. 8 1 7.1 3 8 8
“There is no secret spot when sight casting for cobia.
You need to move with the fish and be ready to run
where ever they are. That makes the difference.”
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HAMPTON
Directory Listings
CHARTER FISHING
Black Magic Sport Fishing
757.617.8422
Pride Charters
757.675.5010
Captain Hogg’s Charters
757.876.1590
Pursuit Sportfishing
757.329.1372
Catori Renae Charters
804.317.2423
Rock Hound Charters
757.256.6305
BOAT RAMPS
Dandy Point Ramp (Fox Hill Landing)
Gosnold Hope Park
Old Point Comfort Marina
FISHING PIERS
Vacation In
Buckroe Beach Fishing Pier
330 S Resort Blvd.
757.851.9146
HAMPTON, VA
Sandy Bottom Nature Park
1255 Big Bethel Rd.
757.825.4658
Sunset Creek Ramp
West Bank Ramp
Off the Boat:
Fort Monroe Engineers Fishing Pier
Freetyme Charters
757.810.9514
Salt Treated Charters
757. 8 1 7.1 3 8 8
Hot Stuff Charters
757.592.6510
Sellfish Charters
757.288.1081
Matty-J Charters
804.314.2672
Speckulater Charters
804.693.5673
BASS PRO SHOPS
757.262.5200
Norfolk Marine Mobile
757.461.3391
Nevaquit Charters
804.441.3523
York River Charters
855.257.2628
Bluewater Yachts
757.723.0793
Tracker Marine
BASS PRO SHOPS
757.262.5200
BOAT DEALERS / RETAIL
Dandy Haven Store
757.851.1573
HEADBOATS
MARINAS
West Marine
757.825.4900
Nautique Marine Sunset
757.722.2628
Four Winds Charting / Headboat
757.713.2275 | www.FourWindsChartering.com
Ocean Eagle Fishing Charters
757.868.FISH | www.HamptonRoadsCharter.com
Sally T Fishing Headboat Fishing
757.515.3051 | www.VisitHampton.com
Belle Isle Marina
757.850.0466
Old Point Comfort Marina
757.788.4308
Bluewater Marina
757.723.6774
Salt Ponds Marina Resort
757.850.4300
Blackbeard Pirate Festival | May 30 - June 1, 2014
Customs House Marina
757.868.9375
Virginia Beach Fishing Center
757.491.8000
The Hampton Cup Regatta | August 2 - 3, 2014
Hampton Public Pier
757.727.1276
Southall Landings Marina
757.850.9929
ANNUAL EVENTS
Virginia Air & Space Center
and Riverside IMAX Theater
Hampton History Museum
Showcasing Hampton’s 400-year history as oldest, continous English speaking settlement
Hampton Carousel
Fully restored 1920s merry-go-round
Buckroe Beach Park
Bay front location with lifeguards, bandstand,
playground and neighboring Buckroe Pier
Miss Hampton II Harbor Cruise
Hampton Roads harbor tour featuring the island
Garrison Fort Wool dating to 1819.
St. John’s Church
The oldest English speaking parish in the nation
Fort Monroe / Casemate Museum
Visit the cell where Confederate President
Jefferson Davis was imprisoned following
the Civil War
Visit us Online:
Hampton Bay Days | September 5 - 7, 2014
www.VisitHampton.com
www.facebook.com/boathampton
Hampton Maritime Center
757.727.1276
Joy’s Marina
757.723.1022
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Sunset Boating Center
757.722.3325
Holly Days Lighted Boat Parade | December 6, 2014
Hampton Visitor Center:
120 Old Hampton Ln,
Hampton, VA 23669
8 0 0.8 0 0.2202
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Norfolk, Virginia
SPADE GUNS
Spear fishing for spadefish is quickly becoming one of the most
exciting, fun, and new ways to enjoy the waters off Norfolk, Virginia. It
brings together the best of two sporting worlds (hunting and fishing)
for the sportsmen who enjoy both of these outdoor activities. You’re
Harry R. Hindmarsh
just a breath away from seeing Norfolk in a whole new way.
34
“When the water is clear, you see a complete other world that you can’t from the boat.”
Patrick Hayes
Once upon a time, spadefish were considered a
Bordered by water on three sides, the waters off
Due to the vast amounts of structure
you’ll be lucky to see the end of your
you and are aware of your presence.
nuisance species as they were often “in the way”
of Norfolk offer exceptional spear fishing options
in our region, the fish stay in depths
spear gun! Although, even when the
Fishing structure is ideal because the
while anglers targeted other game fish. But once
with spadefish topping the list of most desirable
that can easily be reached on one
water is murky, most experienced
fish start associating you as a piece of
anglers scaled their tackle accordingly and dis-
spear-species. The major benefit to spear fishing
gulp of air offering anglers the per-
spear fisherman are able to earn their
the structure, relaxing them to swim
covered how fun spades are to catch, their pop-
(compared to diving) is it is almost completely
fect shot as long as water clarity is
limit regardless of the conditions.
within range. It’s important to note
ularity quickly vaulted them to one of summer’s
done without the use of scuba equipment. Other
at optimum range. Visibility can vary
“must do” fisheries. From ocean to bay, Norfolk
than a good set of fins, mask and a snorkel, the
day-to-day as tides, currents, and
For spear fishing, it’s almost para-
the gun plus the length of your cord
has everything you’d want to package a perfect
only other thing you need is to be able to hold
water conditions change by the hour.
mount that you fish structure for the
attached to the gun, which is often a
fishing trip.
your breath while making free dives.
Anglers can expect 10’ to 15’ of visi-
most successful harvests. Under most
total of about 10 feet. However, most
bility on great days while other days
conditions, the fish can clearly see
shots are much shorter than that. In
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that “range” is typically the length of
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spadefish
“Ideal conditions occur when the tide is slack, the water is clear, and the
fish are finning all around you. It happens more than you think. ”
- Captain, Ken Dolan | Spear Fisherman
perfect conditions, the ideal shot is about 20 inches away from
the spadefish.
Spearfishing is a team sport requiring at least two people to make
the trip successful. Upon arrival, you’ll need to hoist your dive
flags and alert nearby boats that you’ll have people in the water. Because the structure is located in open water, it’s best to
have one person in the boat at all times to pick you up in case
the current carries you away. When the boat is on anchor, it is also
recommended to float about 100’ of line (with a float on the other
end), behind the boat used as a safety line.
A few other important items to note before you go, is to be sure
to research the dive site to best determine anchoring techniques,
depths, and water flow as they relate to currents. An often overlooked item while spearfishing is a sharp (sheathed) knife. For
safety reasons, you’ll never know when you need to cut yourself or
your partner free of any entanglements, fishing lines, or old rope.
Spadefish inhabit our waters from June through September and
are found all over the ocean wrecks and inshore structure locations. Anglers leaving Norfolk waters typically leave from Vinings
and Little Creek marinas. Both locations offer the shortest run to
both bridge-tunnels and the region’s other wrecks and dive sites.
If you’re trailering your boat, the public ramp at Norfolk’s Willoughby site is well-lit, complete with three ramps, and plenty of parking
for both truck/trailer and guest parking.
After doing your homework to learn the sites, you’ll want to make
the CBBT, Plantation Light, York Spit Light and the buoys at the
mouth of the bay if you’re planning on fishing the bay. If you
venture further out to the ocean, you’ll need to start at the Chesapeake Light Tower, the Tower Reefs, and some of the more popular
wrecks including the Tiger, Santore, Anglo-African and the Wolf
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“Once you’re in the water you realize how big those schools really
are. What looks like 30 fish on top is actually 300 below. ”
- Angler, Patrick Hayes | Spear Fisherman
“With rod & reel, you just get what you catch. With spear
fishing, you actually pick the fish you want. ”
- Captain, Ken Dolan | Spear Fisherman
Trap to name a few. If the islands of the CBBT are
While off the boat, Norfolk offers upscale shopping at MacArthur
your first choice, you’ll need to remember that
Center, maritime science adventures at NAUTICUS, a living histo-
these locations tend to get crowded in summer,
ry aboard the Battleship Wisconsin, nature strolls through Norfolk
especially on the bluebird days that are perfect for
Botanical Garden, or you can go wild at the Virginia Zoo. Norfolk
spades. Don’t be afraid to venture out!
also is home to a pair of professional sporting teams with tickets
available seasonally: the Tides, the Baltimore Orioles’ top minor
When fishing some of the deeper wrecks, you’ll
league baseball team; and the Norfolk Admirals, the American
want to anchor above the structure and then
Hockey League’s affiliate for the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning.
chum the fish to the surface. Within minutes, large
schools of spades will see your boat as another
From docks and deep water fishing to its sophisticated urban
piece of structure and eventually start circling.
attractions, entertainment and vibrant night life, Norfolk is truly
You’ll want to pay attention to the water condi-
poised to take its place as one of the East Coast’s most exciting
tions as you’re looking for low current and calm
and captivating destinations. For more information about plan-
sea conditions. When this happens, the spades will
ning your Norfolk fishing trip, please call toll-free 1-800-368-3097
actually be seen “finning” on the surface in large
or visit www.VisitNorfolkToday.com.
numbers.
From ocean to bay to freshwater, Norfolk has everything you’d want to package a perfect fishing
trip. If you’d prefer to keep your land-legs steady,
visit one of the city’s always-open fishing piers.
Reaching nearly 1,700 feet, the Ocean View Fishing Pier makes it easy to reel in some fun around
the clock with 24 operating hours from Memorial
Day through Labor Day. Its on-site restaurant is
open seven days a week, and the tackle shop is
well-equipped with fresh bait, rod and reel rentals,
or anything else that “got away” with that last big
fish story. It’s also the docking site for the 65’ Judith Ann, a daily head boat that also offers private
charters for up to 100 persons.
“People constantly ask if I’m afraid of sharks. Honestly,
the sharks are more afraid of you than you are of them.
We’re all out there working together to catch a meal. ”
- Angler, Patrick Hayes | Spear Fisherman
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NORFOLK
Directory Listings
CHARTER FISHING
Blue Dragon
757.321.0693
Hold Fast
703.980.5297
Blind Date
757.686.2443
Kaylyn
740.590.0866
Cane Pole
804.730.6448
Key Dreams
757.406.0943
Catch N ZZZZ
757.482.0670
Miss Behaven
757.531.0955
BOAT RAMPS
Haven Creek Ramp
FISHING PIERS
Vacation In
Ocean View Fishing Pier
400 W. Ocean View Ave.
757.583.6000
Lafayette Park Ramp
Lambert’s Point Park Ramp
NORFOLK, VA
Willoughby Fishing Pier
1525 Bayville St.
757.583.4150
Willoughby Landing
Off the Boat:
Lake Smith
Dare Ya Sportfishing
757.642.1307
Prior Engagement
804.314.0977
DeDee G II
757.548.6991
Reel Time Sport Fishing
757.292.7702
His Doghouse Too
757.572.9236
Right Tide Charters
757.373.6034
HEADBOATS
MARINAS
Harbour Marine
757.961.9411
Norfolk Marine Mobile
757.461.3391
Norfolk Marine
757.461.3391
West Marine
757.825.4900
Norfolk Marine Parts
757.461.8105
Yamaha Engines
Sales and Service
757.461.3391
Marine Concepts
757.313.8787
Chrysler Museum of Art
The Chrysler offers a comprehensive program
of changing exhibitions and activities for
visitors of all ages.
Hampton Roads Naval Museum
The Hampton Roads Naval Museum, located
inside Nauticus, is an accredited museum
operated by the United States Navy
MacArthur Center
World-class shopping in the heart of downtown
Norfolk just a few blocks from the waterfront
Four Winds Charting / Headboat
757.713.2275 | www.FourWindsChartering.com
Judith Ann Fishing Charters
757.583.6000
Battleship Wisconsin
Berthed at Nauticus, the Battleship Wisconsin is
one of the largest and last battleships ever built
by the U.S. Navy.
Bay Point Marinas
757.362.3600
Pelican’s News Marina
757.362.2541
Cobbs Marina
757.588.5401
Vinings Landing Marina
757.587.8000
61st NATOfest Parade of Nations | April 26, 2014
Cutty Sark Marina
757.362.2942
Waterside Marina
757.625.3625
The Norfolk Nato Festival | April 26, 2014
East Beach Marina
757.362.5000
Willoughby Bay Marina
757.588.2663
38th Annual Harborfest | June 5 - 8, 2014
Little Creek Marina
757.362.3600
Willoughby Harbor
757.583.4150
ANNUAL EVENTS
Nauticus
Nauticus is a contemporary museum that
uses the natural setting of Norfolk’s harbor
to showcase global maritime commerce and
the world’s largest Navy.
Visit us Online:
HarborFEAST Seafood Sampler | June 5 - 8, 2014
9th Annual Bayou Ball | June 19, 2014
www.VisitNorfolkToday.com
www.Facebook.com/VisitNorfolkToday
Twitter.com/VisitNorfolkVA
Instagram.com/VisitNorfolkVA
Norfolk Visitor Center:
Visit Norfolk
232 East Main Street
Norfolk, VA 23510
8 0 0.368 .30 97
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Chesapeake, Virginia
!! JACKPOT !!
Every angler has a tackle box filled with lures for that one
species. When you fish Chesapeake’s branch of the Elizabeth River,
you might need two tackle boxes, because the number of species
you can catch in a single day may just surprise you. With this kind
Harry R. Hindmarsh
of variety, Chesapeake is the best choice for year-round fishing.
“When the water is clear, you see a complete other world that you can’t from the boat.”
No matter the time, month, wind or tide,
(thus, explaining the name “hot ditch”).
there is always something biting in the Eliza-
46
Patrick Hayes
the Elizabeth River Boat Landing and Park or access
cause there’s a lack of predatory sharks eating their
the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway via Great Bridge
young. Many of these species have a chance to grow
Locks Park and Top Rack Marina.
and hunt in a waterway that has all the ingredients
beth River. Probably the most famous fishing
Centrally located within the Hampton Roads
hole in the state of Virginia, the “hot ditch”
region, Chesapeake provides easy access to
is home to world-class trophy trout, hungry
plenty of fishing hot spots.
More than 22
When you have warm water, you have bait fish and
puppy drum, stripers, and about 10 other
miles of fresh, salt and brackish waterways
when you have bait fish, you have an entire marine
While stripers, drum, trout and bluefish tend to be
species. Warm waters discharged from the
meander through the city, serving up serious
system of species there to eat the bait fish. It’s been
schooling fish, it’s not uncommon to see a bass, cat-
Dominion Power Plant flow into the Elizabeth
options for the angler who enjoys variety. Put
long believed that stripers, drum, trout, cobia and
fish and flounder cruising the same water. Mullet, her-
River keeping the water warm all year long
in at any of the city’s public ramps including
more use the hot ditch as a spawning ground be-
ring, spot, and croakers all call the ditch home. On
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required for sustaining a healthy life.
47
A “Ditch Slam” is when an angler catches a trout, drum and
striper in one day. This occurance happens often thanks
to the abundance of bait.
TROUT
most days, you’ll see a trophy trout herding a school of baitfish along a shoreline. Mullet jump high enough to clearly see
their full body and fins.
The big three (trout, drum, and stripers) are the most abundant species and the most targeted in the river. Catching all
three species in a day is often referred to as the “Ditch Slam”
by locals and it’s something that happens often.
While speckled trout topping eight pounds are common in
this area, it’s those over ten pounds reeled in each season on
the Elizabeth River that earn it accolades as one of the top
trophy speckled trout fisheries in the country.
Aside from
the bait fish and water temps, the area waterways are loaded
with oyster beds and structure. Natural structure (in the form
of ledges and deep holes) provides holding areas for fish to
congregate, while man-made structure (construction debris
and old dock pilings) accommodate the trophy trout as the
ideal place to ambush anything that swims by. Find a trout
and you’ve probably found a school. Find a school and you’re
in for action as long as they’re eating.
Usually not far from the trout are puppy drum. Puppy drum
prefer many of the same demographics as the trout with a
few particular geographical differences. Drum are built to
root sand and mud bottoms for sand flees, crabs, crustations, clams, and mollusks. Not only does the hot ditch have
the structure, it has the mud flats that soak into sea grass,
weeds, and flooded banks. Drum wait for high tide to flood
the bank, driving life and vegetation into the shallows. Never
far from their school, drum will poke through the waterlines
in very shallow water looking for a meal. This is the perfect
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A 7’ light rod with 10 pound braid (or mono) is the perfect size
for catching fish in the 20” to 35” range all day.
Kayakers flock to Chesapeake for the calm waterways, ease-of-access,
and the big numbers of a variety of fish.
views to watch marine traffic parade through the Great Bridge Locks and offers a wide American menu that includes the area’s top-rated burger since 1993. Top Rack Marina makes for an
unexpected home to a four-star dining experience at the Amber Lantern. Dinner is served in
both the award-winning fine dining room and outdoor covered patio overlooking the Atlantic
Intracoastal Waterway.
Steadily establishing itself as a destination interwoven with a tapestry of outdoor experiences
including fishing, Chesapeake’s appeal is au natural. Its abundance of waterways, parks and
al fresco amenities put it at the top of any active outdoor traveler’s must-visit list and yet still
remains unspoiled and attractive. Explore any or all of the city’s ten scenic parks for hiking,
biking, horseback riding, camping and stargazing.
While the appeal of landing a trophy trout may lure anglers to Chesapeake the first time, the
city’s wide selection of complementary outdoor amenities is sure to bring them back again.
For more information about planning your trip, click on www.visitchesapeake.com/fishing or
call toll-free 1-888-889-5551.
time to throw your red-head, quarter-ounced
dedicated to kayaking, canoeing and stand-up
jig with the tail of your choice. Paired with
paddle boarding at Great Bridge Lock Park,
a light-tackle rod, you’re in for the fight of
Oak Grove Park, and Northwest River Park in
your life.
Chesapeake. There’s live entertainment, kayak training, and kayaks onsite for you to try.
One of the most attractive aspects to fishing/
(June 21-22, 2014. For more event information,
visiting Chesapeake is that it’s kayak friendly.
Call 757-421-7151 or 757-382-6411)
Some of the best fishing is only strokes away
50
from Chesapeake Yachts, a private marina
When you’re ready to step ashore and refuel,
with ample (lighted) parking, floating docks,
Chesapeake restaurants serve plenty of fresh
and ramps for a $10 launch fee. If you’re new
fish and seafood with waterfront dining op-
to kayaking, every June the annual KayaXpe-
tions to please the eye as well as the palate.
dition takes place which is a two day event
Kelly’s Tavern at Lock’s Pointe affords premier
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Every turn of the river leads you to somewhere new.
It’s hard to beleive that industrial infastrcuture, duck
hunting, pleasure crafting, bird watching and worldclass inshore fishing, all live side-by-side in Chesapeake.
51
CHESAPEAKE Directory Listings
CHARTER FISHING
BOAT RAMPS
Right Tide Charters
Blake Hayden
757.373.6034
Katherine Anne
Neal Taylor
757-646-4449
Ballahack Boat Ramp
Just Right Charters
Justin Wilson
757-639-1571
Gator Trout Charters
Ross Hinds
757.535.8484
Centerviille Waterway Marina
Bob’s Fishing Hole on the Northwest River
FISHING PIERS
Great Bridge Lock Park
100 Lock Road, Chesapeake, VA 23320
757.382.6411
Elizabeth River Boat Landing & Park
103 Poindexter Street, Chesapeake, VA 23324
757.382.6411
Great Bridge Lock Park
Elizabeth River Boat Landing & Park
CHESAPEAKE WATERWAYS
MARINAS
The historic Dismal Swamp Canal connects southeastern
Virginia to northeastern North Carolina and is recognized
as the oldest, continuously operating waterway in the United States. Originally built in the early 1790s, the canal historically served as a trade route from Virginia to North Carolina. Today, the canal is part of the Intracoastal Waterway
and hosts pleasure boaters navigating their way between
the Chesapeake Bay and the Albemarle Sound.
Amber Lantern
Restaurant at the Marina
757.227.3057
Nearby Lake Drummond feeds the Dismal Swamp Canal and
controls its overall depth. Minimum canal depths average 6
feet with the canal, its locks and bridges accommodating
watercraft up to 50 feet wide and 300 feet in length.
Bob’s Fishing Hole
and Tackle Shop
757.421.2855
The 22-mile canal flows through the heart of the Great Dismal Swamp, offering explorers magnificent terrain views
and glimpses of its diverse wildlife. Atlantic white cypress
trees line the canal banks as deer, river otters and the occasional black bear romp in this outdoor refuge. Travelers
navigating the canal during spring and fall migration can
spot migratory, neo-tropical birds passing through the region during their bi-annual pilgrimage.
The Dismal Swamp Canal’s two locks and bridges operate
365 days a year, weather conditions permitting. The two
locks that bookend the Dismal Swamp Canal operate four
times a day at 8:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers maintains the canal as
part of the Intracoastal Waterway.
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Atlantic Yacht Basin
757.482.2141
Centerville Waterway Marina
757.547.4498
Top Rack Marina
757.227.3041
Bay Propeller and
Marine Supply
757.485.5681
Budget Boats
757.543.7595
Centerville Boats
757.547.4498
Cummins Atlantic
757.485.4848
KAYAK FISHING
Cutting Edge Watersports
757.436.0904
Gail’s Bait and Tackle
757.546.9770
Norfolk Marine Mobile Fleet
757.461.3391
Yamaha Engines Sales
and Service
757.461.3391
ANNUAL EVENTS
37th Annual Oyster Roast | Mar 29, 2014
For an entirely new twist on the sport, climb into a kayak
and spend a day jockeying for power with your prey. Nothing
beats the tug-of-war feeling you get from not having a powerboat anchored beneath your feet when a fish takes a hit on
your line.
Extremely popular and easy to learn, kayak fishing may be
limiting when it comes to gear, but thrilling when it comes to
execution. Live crickets are the perfect bait for landing bountiful bream -- a great fish to catch for first-timers or kids just
starting out. Perch and both white and black crappie regularly patrol for meals along the Northwest River in the warmer
months, while largemouth bass, chain pickerel and catfish top
the charts when the waters cool. Schooling yellow and white
perch also are plentiful in the winter months.
Paddle for the Border | May 5, 2014
Chesapeake Jubilee | May 15 - 18, 2014
Vacation In
CHESAPEAKE, VA
Off the Boat:
Great Dismal Swamp National Wildlife Refuge
The Great Dismal Swamp, located in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina
has long been recognized as a mysterious place
and a place in which people have easily lost
their way.
Chesapeake Veterans’ Memorial
The Chesapeake Veterans’ Memorial commemorates the service and sacrifice of Chesapeake
citizens and loved ones who are serving or who
have served in all branches of the military.
Battlefield Historic Park
The Battlefield Historic Park serves as a tribute
to the history of the Battle of Great Bridge.
Chesapeake Square
Chesapeake Square is anchored by 5 major
department stores, including JCPenney, Sears,
Macy’s, Burlington Coat Factory and a newly
remodeled 101,000 square foot Target! With
stores such as American Eagle, New York &
Company, Victoria’s Secret, Aeropostale, Rack
Room Shoes and Men’s Wearhouse and Tux,
you’re sure to find everything you’re looking for
and more!
KayaXpedition | June 21 - 22, 2014
Visit us Online:
Celebrate Freedom - Concert & Fireworks | July 3, 2014
www.VisitChesapeake.com
On Facebook, search Chesapeake Parks,
Recreation and Tourism
Chesapeake Tourism Office:
860 Greenbrier Cir, Chesapeake, VA 23320
757.502.4898
53
Newport News, Virginia
BOTTOM OUT
When the James River Bridge in Newport News, Virginia was
completed in 1928, it was the longest bridge in the world over
water. Designed to connect with Isle of Wight County, little
did they know it would become one of the hottest homes for
P H OTO G R A P H Y B Y | R I C B U R N L E Y / H I N D M A R S H
bay flounder. Read on and get your jigs ready.
“The JRB is perfect for kayak fishermen because of the structure and short paddle...”
Nestled at the eastern foot of the James River
warmer waters between 56 degrees to 75 de-
the ability to change color and pattern to match the bot-
River Bridge sits at the mouth of the James River, strong
Bridge, you’ll find boats and kayaks launching fe-
grees with their favorite water being around 66
tom, and with eyes perched on the top of their head, they
flowing tidal water oxygenates the region making it the
verishly all summer long with coolers full of ice
degrees. Throughout spring and summer, floun-
have excellent visibility, which allows them to identify a
perfect place for flounder to reside. They will lay in a
in anticipation for their limit of flounder. Strong
der move into shallower water to feed on schools
meal. Their ability to explode from a stealthy hiding spot
prime spot, which might be over or along the edge of a
incoming and outgoing tides as the James Riv-
of bait such as silversides, juvenile menhaden, and
usually ends in instant death to whatever swims by.
channel drop off, near a weed bed, beside piling rocks, or
er ebbs and flows, creates the perfect home for
anchovies while using the strong currents flowing
flounder hiding along the JRB pilings.
through the bridge to ambush whatever swims by.
Summer flounder, as their name implies, prefer
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Tom Thorton
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As the ultimate ambush predator, flounder have
off a sand bar and wait for the tide to deliver prey to their
Water temperature has an effect on flounder (as it does
waiting teeth. When a good flounder hole has been dis-
on all fish). The warmer the water becomes, the less abil-
covered, it usually stays good because it has all the prop-
ity it has to hold dissolved oxygen. Because the James
erties required for them to hunt with stealth conditions.
59
flounder
“Newport News holds all the properties to house big flounder. There’s
endless structure and several ways to fish it.”
- Captain, Robert K. Byard
During the summer, smaller flounder (in the 10” to 16” range) move
into shallow warm waters to feed, while the “doormats” of 20” and
above will seek out deeper, cooler water in 60 to 100 feet where
they feed on eels, squid and other fish.
Newport News holds all the properties to house big flounder. Running parallel to the James River Bridge are 30 power-line trusses
with four legs firmly planted in the river. Not impressed yet? Then
add the longest fishing pier in the state as a third major structure,
in between the bridge and the trusses to the picture, and you have
a flounder mecca. Just add the tidal waters and you’re in business.
Because of the endless structure, anglers have several ways to
hunt these hunters. Drifting bait along the bottom is the most
common method using the high-low bottom rig. Hooks usually
have squid on one and a minnow on the other.
For the more experienced angler, rigs with a three-way swivel attached to the main line offers a better option to finding/feeling
the fish. There is a short line from the swivel to a heavy sinker, which allows you to feel the bottom and to bounce along
rocks. The second line should be 3 feet long and can be a jig
or simply a baited Kahle-style hook. If you’re using bait on the
hook, you might want to use a long piece of dead bait to get
their attention. Strips including flounder belly, shark, squid or
bluefish work very well.
Live bait is another extremely effective method for making the
flounder bite. Using the three-way swivel rig, try using small
croaker, spot or minnow. Using a 3 to 7 ounce sinker while slow
drifting the bottom will surely land you a decent flounder in time.
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Because the James River Bridge sits at the mouth of the James
River, strong flowing tidal water oxygenates the region
making it the perfect place for flounder to reside.
“Their ability to explode from a stealthy hiding spot usually
ends in instant death to whatever swims by.”
- Captain, Robert K. Byard
Don’t have a boat? No problem. At 6/10 of a mile,
croaker and spot year-round, while striped bass,
captivating look at centuries of seafaring adventures. The dramat-
the James River Bridge Fishing Pier is one of the
flounder, grey trout and red drum are caught sea-
ic USS Monitor Center brings to life the “Battle of the Ironclads,”
longest fishing piers on the East Coast. Open
sonally. There is a bait and tackle shop that also
and offers visitors the chance to walk the deck of a full-scale-
from April through November, anglers can catch
sells snack foods. The pier is adjacent to Crab
Monitor replica. Other treasures await at this maritime gem. The
world-class collection includes 35,000 maritime paintings, artifacts, figure heads, ship models, decorative arts and small craft
from around the world. Shop for unique souvenirs in The Museum
Shop and dine in the Compass Café. Special events and evening
programs are held year-round and parking is free.
Shack Restaurant in Huntington Park. Admission
October. Adjacent to hiking trails, picnic shelters
Keeping in line with the outdoors, you’ll also want to visit the Virginia Living Museum. Virginia’s
for adults is $9 and children and seniors is $7. Fall
and a 5-mile mountain bike trail are also available.
natural heritage is the star at the Virginia Living Museum. Here, visitors can see red wolves, bald
hours: 9AM - 11PM daily.
Launching for private watercraft (electric motors
eagles, a loggerhead sea turtle, fish with no eyes and frogs that change colors. Living exhibits
only) is available year-round.
depict Virginia’s natural heritage from the mountains to the sea, including a cypress swamp and
a mountain cove. An observatory, state-of-the-art digital planetarium theater, outdoor board-
On the southeastern end of Newport News Park
in York County, Harwood’s Mill is a 265- acre
After spending a day catching your limit of floun-
walk, living greenhouse and conservation garden add to the experience. Shop for unique souve-
freshwater reservoir containing bass, pickerel,
der, make time to visit the Mariner’s Museum.
nirs in the Wild Wings Museum Store and dine in the Wild Side Café.
and a variety of sunfish. Boat and motor rentals
Designated by Congress as America’s National
available weekends from Memorial Day through
Maritime Museum, The Mariners’ Museum offers a
So get your rods ready and your rigs tied because with the numbers of keeper flounder at the
James River Bridge, you won’t have to travel far to catch your limit.
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NEWPORT NEWS Directory Listings
FISHING
Harwood’s Mill
Located at the southeastern end of Newport News Park in
York County, Harwood’s Mill is a 265- acre freshwater reservoir containing bass, pickerel and a variety of sunfish. Boat
and motor rentals available weekends from Memorial Day
through October. Adjacent to hiking trails, picnic shelters
and a 5-mile mountain bike trail. Launching for private watercraft (electric motors only) year-round.
James River Bridge Fishing Pier
At 6/10 of a mile, this is one of the longest fishing piers on
the East Coast. Open from April through November. Croaker
and spot are caught year-round, while striped bass, flounder,
grey trout and red drum are caught seasonally. Bait shop,
some tackle and snacks available for purchase. Adjacent to
Crab Shack Restaurant in Huntington Park. No permit required;
admission for adults is $9 and children and seniors is $7. Fall
hours: 9AM - 11PM daily.
James River Reserve Fleet
Commonly known as “The Ghost Fleet,” over 100 retired navy
and merchant ships anchored here once carried cargo, missiles,
rescue equipment, helicopters, satellite-tracking devices, and
troops around the globe. The ships are rusted and corroded
and slowly deteriorating.
Lake Maury
For decades the local community has treasured this scenic
lake, hiking its trails, marveling at its statues, all skipping rocks
across its shore. Early mornings are spent listening to its whispering waves and the soft plunk of a fishing lure sinking beneath its tranquil surface. The sweet sound of laughter ripples
across its surface as you laugh with your buddies over “the one
that got away.” Whether a die-hard fisherman or just in need
of a relaxing day, visit Lake Maury and start creating your own
memories today.
Leeward Marina
“Set your course” (37 degrees 1’ N, 76 degrees 27’ W) for Leeward Marina, conveniently located on the historic James River
at the base of the James River Bridge. From this centralized location, you will find easy access to Hampton Roads Harbor and
the Chesapeake Bay. Leeward Marina has floating docks with
full length finger piers for easy and safe mooring of vessels up
to forty-three feet. Three concrete seawalls provide protection
from severe weather. Each of our 200 wet slips is equipped
with water and electrical hookups.
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PARKS
King-Lincoln Park
Overlooking the Hampton Roads waterfront at the east end
of Newport News, King-Lincoln Park features tennis, basketball, picnicking, playgrounds, a saltwater fishing pier and an
interpretive center (open weekends in summer months). Special events are held on an outdoor stage during the summer
months.
Newport News Park
One of the largest municipal parks (7,500+ acres) east of the
Mississippi River, Newport News Park offers a wide variety of
activities, including hiking, biking, mountain biking, picnicking, paddleboating, canoeing, archery and freshwater fishing.
Year-round camping is available at 188 campsites, most of
which include grills, electrical hook-ups and concrete pads.
Each campsite loop has a separate facilities building with hot
showers and restrooms.
Newport News Park Discovery Center
Located in Newport News Park, the Discovery Center features
nature programs and exhibits on site. It is also location for
the Wildlife Rehabilitation program in Newport News. It is in
close proximity to the Newport News Visitor Center and the
Lee Hall fishing area. Championship disc golf course and a
30-acre aeromodel flying field. Boat and bicycle rentals are
available and there is a camp store. Fishing licenses (available
at many area sporting goods stores) are required for Virginia residents and non-residents 16 years of age and older. The
Discovery Center has hands-on activities, historical artifacts
and nature displays, located in the park, across from the Dam
No. 1 Bridge. Floral gardens, include the Japanese Peace Garden with an authentic tea house. Newport News Park is part
of Virginia’s Birding and Wildlife Trail.
Victory Landing Park
Located in downtown Newport News, this 5.44 acre park
gives a beautiful view of the James River. It also overlooks
the Virginia Advanced Shipbuilding and Carrier Integration
Center building at Northrop Grumman, where you might be
lucky enough to see one of the amazing ships being built
there every day! This greenspace park is also located in close
proximity to the Victory Arch.
MARINA
Leeward Marina
“Set your course” (37 degrees 1’ N, 76 degrees 27’ W) for
Leeward Marina, conveniently located on the historic James
River at the base of the James River Bridge. From this centralized location, you will find easy access to Hampton Roads
Harbor and the Chesapeake Bay. Leeward Marina has floating docks with full length finger piers for easy and safe mooring of vessels up to forty-three feet. Three concrete seawalls
provide protection from severe weather. Each of our 200 wet
slips is equipped with water and electrical hookups.
7499 River Road
Newport News, VA 23607
757-247-2359
GOLF
Kiln Creek Golf Club & Resort
The Kiln Creek Golf Club & Resort is a traditional 18-hole
championship golf course built in 1990 and designed by Tom
Clark. We offer our guests a full-service clubhouse, driving
range and pro shop. Also available are banquet facilities,
hotel with restaurant, pool and tennis courts. Yards: 6,888;
Rating: 73.4 and Slope: 130 from Blue tees. Meetings of up to
200 people can be accommodated.
Newport News Golf Club at Deer Run
Newport News Golf Club at Deer Run offers two courses; the
Deer Run Course, awarded a four-star rating in Golf Digest’s
Best Places to Play, and the Cardinal Course, currently rated 3 1/2 stars. Clubhouse with dining facilities, driving range,
putting greens, pro shop, PGA Pros. Cardinal Course - Yards:
6,645; Rating: 72.3 and Slope: 125 from Black tees. Deer Run
Course - Yards: 7,206; Rating: 74.4; and Slope: 132 from Black
tees. The 6,400 square-foot Pavilion can host up to 300 people. For smaller groups of up to 75 people, Deer Run Grille
is perfect.
Vacation In
NEWPORT NEWS, VA
Off the Boat:
The Mariners’ Museum/USS Monitor Center
Designated by Congress as America’s National
Maritime Museum, The Mariners’ Museum offers
a captivating look at centuries of seafaring
adventures. The world-class collection includes
35,000 maritime paintings, artifacts, figure
heads, ship models, decorative arts and small
craft from around the world. Shop for unique
souvenirs in The Museum Shop and dine in the
Compass Café. Special events and evening programs are held year-round. Parking is free.
Virginia Living Museum
Our state’s natural heritage is the star at the
Virginia Living Museum. Here, visitors can see
red wolves, bald eagles, a loggerhead sea turtle,
fish with no eyes and frogs that change colors.
Shop for unique souvenirs in the Wild Wings
Museum Store and dine in the Wild Side Café.
Special events and evening programs are held
year-round. Parking is free. Discount tickets are
available for seniors, military and AAA members.
Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center
The Downing-Gross Cultural Arts Center houses
the Ella Fitzgerald Theater, 276-seat venue.
Visit us Online:
www.Newport-News.org
On Facebook, search Newport News, VA Visit
Newport News Tourism Office:
13560 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23603
Call 888-493-7386 or 757-886-7777
65
FISH Coastal Virginia Spotlight
| Bait & Tackle
OCEAN’S EAST BAIT & TACKLE
Southeastern Virginia’s Largest Tackle Shop Gets Bigger
Eye protection on the water is vital for both
are finally available to round out your fishing ex-
eye-fatigue and sight-fishing. Oceans East is now
perience.
home to one of the largest Costa Sunglass displays in the region. You no longer need to shop
The staff at Oceans East is comprised of area fish-
from a catalog. Stop by, try them on and take ’em
ermen that have local knowledge along with deep
home. It’s that easy.
passion. The owners are committed to making
your shopping experience as satisfying as being
Kayak fisherman will be happy to know that
on the water.
Oceans East is home to an ever-expanding accessories selection with products that are essential
The sportsmen of Hampton Roads made Oceans
to paddling. Rod holders, anchors, cleats, spray
East what it is today. As a way to repay the com-
skirts and more are now in stock.
munity, the shop is planning to have more targeted sales throughout the year to give more
As retailers scramble to sell you products online,
see rods that are lighter in weight but designed
Oceans East Bait and Tackle is preparing to see
to handle big game like white marlin, tuna, smoker
Throughout the shop, you’ll notice new hardwood
people opportunities to save money. Seasonal
you in the shop because the owners know it’s
kings and all the pelagics.
floors, new product displays, a one-of-a-kind new
sales combined with product sales are planned all
sales counter and a new look that will certainly
year long. What’s the best way to hear about the
hard to see, touch and feel a product online. They
also know you can’t buy crabs, eels and minnows
Leading rod and reel makers are finally working to-
place you in the mood to fish. As you make your
sales? Simply log onto www.FishOceansEast.com
online either.
gether to produce “systems” that are targeted for
way through the newly renovated shop, you’ll
and join our mailing list. Also, find us on Facebook
“species-specific” fishing. Pairing a Shimano Stella
also notice a new apparel section with hard to
and start benefiting from the local knowledge
With 10,000 square feet of floor space, almost ev-
with a 7’2” medium heavy Shimano Terez rod will
find fishing attire. Shirts, hats, sweats and more
and their great prices.
erything you need from inshore to offshore and
feel like air in your hands, however that combo will
from the rivers to the creeks are available on site.
retrieve cobia, drum, and tuna with ease.
There’s over a million dollars of inventory for shoppers to browse.
Also new this year is their expanded reel selection. Bass anglers will be pleased to see more
70
For 2014, Oceans East is increasing their rod se-
selection of conventional and spinners designed
lection from Shimano, Penn, and Diawa and will be
to be lighter and to work with braids and mono.
expanding the rod selection to include G-Loomis
Inshore/offshore fisherman will have a broader
and St. Croix. Inshore anglers will be happy to see
choice of reels designed for this region’s strong
a selection of rods that are uniquely designed for
red/cobia/striper/flounder bite. The most notable
area hot spots like the Hot Ditch, Lynnhaven and
inclusion is an expanded selection of Penn and
Rudee Inlet. Offshore anglers will be pleased to
Shimano off shore reels.
F I S H
C O A S T A L
V I R G I N I A
Oceans East Bait & Tackle | 5785 Northampton Blvd. | Virginia Beach, VA 23455 | 757.464.6544
71
FISH Coastal Virginia Spotlight
| Dry Storage
LITTLE CREEK MARINA AND VININGS LANDING MARINA
Best solution for keeping your boat safe and new looking.
that time comes, you simply call ahead and they’ll
Dry storage is available for boats up to 30’ and
place your boat in the water for your next trip.
can also accommodate boats over 9’ tall. Once
Fuel, water, bait, tackle and ice are available on-
you have your boat stored in the dry rack, they
site. Both marinas house a ships-store for many
can also store your boat trailer too. This becomes
essential items like drinks, sun screen, snacks and
a must for people who live in neighborhoods with
apparel.
Home Owners Associations, as most do not allow
for boats or trailers in their communities.
Big boats aren’t the only vessels worth protecting.
Skiffs in various sizes and jet skis are also perfect
Little Creek and Vinings Landing Marinas are
for dry storage. In fact, you may find that by stor-
located inside the Chesapeake Bay. Boaters love
ing your smaller boat or jet ski, you’ll use them
that you can pick a beach to anchor off and wade
far more than you would if trailering. It holds true
safely to shore, while fisherman love how close it
After making a big investment in your new boat,
enced (and trained) lift drivers that are comfort-
for most vessels as the load and launch time is
is to southeastern Virginia’s prime fishing lo-
you expect it to last. Leaving it outside is a
able moving your boat no matter the size. They
far less time consuming than trailering your in-
cations such as the Hampton Roads and Chesa-
guarantee that the elements will begin to age
accommodate center consoles, dual consoles,
vestment. When you get return from your out-
peake Bay Bridge-Tunnels.
your boat within weeks. That’s why bigger boats
walk-arounds and expresses. They’re used to
ing, simply unload the boat, flush the engine and
sitting in the water have a full-time captain and
outriggers, cobia towers, antennas and radars
you’re done! They do the rest.
mate to wash and detail the boat weekly. Don’t
while lifting and setting your boat.
have that in your budget? Then you seriously
need a dry storage solution.
total peace of mind. Visit their facilities anytime
Leasing options include annual contract terms,
The next thing you want is a fully enclosed, modern
Keeping your boat in mint condition will give you
online or stop by and wet a line seven days a week.
semi-annual terms and month-to-month options.
facility with freshwater hoses for engine-flushing
For most marinas, water slips are the only option
and boat bathing. Once inside, both buildings
for your boat. But if you live or fish in southeast-
house marine storage dry-rack systems to hold
ern Virginia, you’re in luck because one of the
most boats of every size up to 30’. They are beam
best inlets on the Chesapeake Bay is home to
and height friendly and accommodate inboards
Little Creek Marina and Vinings Landing Marina,
as well as outboards. The rack systems are fabri-
both housing the two largest dry storage facilities
cated iron with carpeted racks.
in Norfolk.
When storms, heat, snow and ice are damaging
There are several important details you want
others boats, your boat will be dry, safe, clean
when your boat is in dry storage. You want experi-
and ready to go for your next outing. And when
Little Creek Marina | 4801 Pretty Lake Avenue | Norfolk, VA | 757.362.3600
72
F I S H
C O A S T A L
V I R G I N I A
Vinings Landing Marina | 8166 Shore Drive | Norfolk, VA | 757.587.8000
73
BOAT RAMPS
VIRGINIA SALTWATER FISHING CALENDAR
SPECIES
CHESAPEAKE
NORFOLK
■ Lake Prince
■ Deep Creek Locks Park
■ Haven Creek Ramp
■ Western Branch Reservoir
■ Great Bridge Locks Park
■ Lafayette Park Ramp
■ Elizabeth River Park
■ Lambert’s Point Park Ramp
VIRGINIA BEACH
■ Route 17 Boat Ramp
■ Willoughby Landing
■ Bubba’s Marina
■ Cobbs Marina
■ Drum Point Boat Ramp
■ Lake Smith
■ First Landing State Park Boat Ramp
HAMPTON
FEB
MAR
P u p py D r u m
P u p py D r u m
P u p py D r u m
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
| Peak Season
OCT
NOV
DEC
P u p py D r u m
P u p py D r u m
Amberjack
Atlantic Mackerel
■ Lynnhaven Inlet Boat Ramp
■ Dandy Point Ramp
JAN
| Available
■ Gosnold Hope Park
PORTSMOUTH
■ Munden Point Park Boat Ramp
■ Old Point Comfort Marina
■ City Park Boat Ramp
■ Owl’s Creek Ramp (Rudee Inlet)
■ Sunset Creek Ramp
■ Elizabeth River Park
■ Princess Anne WMA
Black Drum
Blue Marlin
Bluefin Tuna
Bluefish
Cobia
Croaker
■ Seashore State Park Ramp
■ West Bank Ramp
Dolphin
POQUOSON
NEWPORT NEWS
■ Bennetts Creek Landing
Non-motorized boats only:
■ Anderson Park
■ Messick Point Landing
■ Back Bay National Wildlife
■ Denbigh Park Ramp
■ Plum Tree Island Wildlife Refuge
■ Deep Creek City Pier
■ Rens Road Ramp
Refuge Boat Ramp
■ Harbour Hill Landing
■ Carolanne Farm Park Boat Launch
■ James River Bridge Park Ramp
■ Seafood Industrial Park Ramp
SUFFOLK
■ False Cape Landing
■ Lee Hall Reservoir
■ Western Branch Reservoir
■ Wash Woods Landing
■ Harwood’s Mill Reservoir
■ Crane Lake
■ Little Island Park
■ Peterson’s Yacht Basin
■ Butler Tract Lake
■ Huntington Park
■ Bennetts Creek Park
Flounder
Gray Trout
King Mackerel
Kingfish (Roundhead)
Red Drum
Sailfish
Sea Bass
Sheepshead
Spadefish
Spanish Mackerel
Speckled Trout
Spot
Striped Bass
Tarpon
Tautog
Wahoo
White Marlin
Yellowfin Tuna
Note: Chart shows availability of fish in local waters; fishery regulations may establish varying open and closed seasons.
[PICTURED:] James River Bridge Park Ramp
74
F I S H
C O A S T A L
V I R G I N I A
75
76
77
Offshore ocean waters
Chesapeake Bay along shallow portion of channel ledge running from Fisherman’s Island to north of Cape
Charles, especially off Kiptopeake, at Cabbage Patch and buoys C-10 & C-12; around middleground bars of
Eastern Shore seaside inlets; 2nd & 3rd Islands of CBBT
Shoal areas at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, especially Inner Middle Ground Shoal and Latimer Shoal; Eastern
Shore Bayside channel edge form Kiptopeake to Buoy 42-A; Parker’s Island and flats north of Parker’s Island
off Onancock; surfcasting the Eastern Shore barrier island and Sandbridge/ False Cape beaches; trolling and
casting lures in Smith Island Inlet area; Rudee and Lynnhaven Inlets for small fish.
Bottomfishing with bait, anchored or drifting from boats, piers, docks, shore and surf
Trolling with lures, balao and squid; casting to schools of dolphin around weedlines and floating
debris with cut bait (fish or squid) and lures (bucktails, surface plugs, streamer flies)
Bottomfishing with bait on “fishfinder” rig. Running tides and late afternoons and evenings
considered best, occasionally caught on bucktails or metal squids by casting or jigging to a school
of fish
Bottomfishing with bait on “fishfinder” rig, trolling and casting spoons, plugs and jigs
Drift fishing with live or dead natural baits fished on the bottom; slow trolling natural baits on bottom; casting from beaches and piers; trolling small buck-tails dressed with strip baits (especially
for big fish along Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel); casting bucktails
Jigging to schools of suspended fish
Slow trolling, drifting or anchoring with live bait; trolling with artificial lures, strip bait and balao
Trolling; casting to schools of fish
Trolling
Trolling; occasionally casting live baits to marlin “balling” bait or swimming on surface
Trolling; also, sailfish seem to be attracted to slow trolled live baits fished in similar
methods as used to slow troll for king mackerel
Peeler crab, bloodworms, cut bait, squid, shrimp
Artificial lures - offshore trolling lures
Cut bait, balao, squid
Whole clam, peeler crab, whelk, peeler crab/clam
“sandwich”, bucktail and leadhead jigs
Cut bait - fresh mullet, spot, menhaden, peeler crabs
Artificial lures - spoons, large plugs, jigs
Live bait - minnows and small fish, frozen minnows, bluefish,
flounder, shark belly, squid, minnow/strip combination
Artificial lures - bucktails; big strip baits and live spot or small
mullet often used for big fish at the CBBT
Bloodworms, shrimp, small pieces of cut bait, squid, sand fleas
Small tube worms and jigs
Live bait - menhaden, mullet, spot, small bluefish
Artificial lures - spoons, feather lures, nylon jigs, strip baits
and small whole balao
Small artificial lures - spoons, metal lures, feather and nylon
lures Small live baits - menhaden, mullet
Whole dead fish - balao, mullets, spanish mackerel, squid
Artificial lures - offshore trolling lures, and live small dolphin,
bonito and skipjack tuna
Whole dead fish - balao, mullet, squid, strip baits, eels
Artificial lures - offshore trolling lures, pilchards, cigar minnows
Whole dead fish - balao, small mullet, strip baits, squid
Artificial lures - small offshore trolling lures, live bait (small fish)
Whole dead fish and cut fish; live bait (fish)
Fiddler crabs, mole crabs (sand fleas), clams
Pieces of fresh mussels and clams; pieces of jellyfish
Bloodworms, peeler crab, clam
Croaker
Dolphin
Black Drum
Red Drum
Flounder
Kingfish
(Roundhead,
witing)
Mackerel, Atlantic
(Boston Mackerel)
Mackerel, King
Mackerel, Spanish
Blue Marlin
White Marlin
Sailfish
Sharks
Sheepshead
Spadefish
Spot
Trolling
Trolling, chunking and chumming
Trolling, chunking and chumming
Trolling, casting metal lures to surface fish
Trolling
Whole dead fish - bally hoo, squid
Artificial lures - feather lures, cedar plugs, offshore trolling
Artificial lures - cedar plugs, feather lures, spoons, squid, small
fish
Whole dead fish - bally hoo, squid,
Artificial lures - feather lures, cedar plugs, offshore trolling
Artificial lures - small feather & nylon lures, spoons, cedar plugs
Strip baits
Artificial lures - offshore trolling lures, feather
lures, spoons, large plugs, small dead fish
Tuna, Bigeye
Tuna, Bluefin
Tuna, Yellowfin
Tunny, Little
(False Albacore)
Wahoo
Offshore and coastal ocean waters; occasionally in lower Chesapeake Bay
Offshore ocean waters, especially the Southeast Lumps, the Fingers, 26 Mile Hill, 20 Fathom
Finger; off Chicoteague
20 – 40 lbs
6 – 14 lbs
30 – 70 lbs
30 – 70 lbs
100 – 175 lbs
2 – 4 lbs
Spring: Mobjack Bay area (North, Ware, East, Piankatank Rivers); submerged grass flats and marshes of
northern Eastern Shore bayside, Rudee Inlet with lures. Fall: Lynnhaven Inlet, Rudee Inlet; Eastern Shore
bayside creeks, Mobjack Bay area, Windmill Point and Gwynn’s Island; Poquoson Flats
Spring method: peeler crab baits fished near shore of marshy or grassy areas on flooding tides;
Fall method: casting artificial lures; also some live bait fishing, trolling and jigging
Artificial lures - mirro-sided plugs, bucktails, plastic tail jigs
Live bait - small spot, mullet, live shrimp
Trout, Speckled
1 – 8 lbs
Artificial lures - bucktails, lead jigs with plastic tails, metal jigs
Live bait - spot and small mullet, peeler crab, squid, cut bait
Trout, Gray
(Weakfish)
Large fish: Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, Chesapeake Bay over deepwater rocks, and along channel edges,
and occasionally in Eastern Shore seaside inlets small fish: Coastal ocean waters and inlets of Eastern Shore
seaside, Chesapeake Bay along channel edges and over deepwater rocks, Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
(especially between 4th Island and High Level Bridge), Chesapeake Bay tributary rivers (especially James,
York & Rappahannock)
Jigging or casting artificial lures to schools of fish on bottom or suspended above the bottom;
bottomfishing with live and natural baits from anchored or drifting boat; surfcasting with cut bait
or squid
3 – 6 lbs
Crab (blue, fiddler, green and mole crabs); clams; whelk
Wrecks and reefs in ocean waters off the coast and in lower Chesapeake Bay; along Chesapeake
Bay Bridge-Tunnel
Anchor and fish live bait under floats, fish dead bait on the bottom and at various depths.
Cast artificial lures to rolling fish
Whole dead fish - spot, croaker, menhaden
Live bait - spot, croaker, menhaden, mullet, whole squid
Artificial lures - plugs and weighted streamer flies
Bottomfishing with bait over underwater obstructions (wrecks, reefs, rocks)
Fish at night from a drifting boat using natural baits with chemical lightsticks, with baits
weighted to maintain specific depths
Whole dead squid and fish
5 – 25 lbs
40 – 80 lbs
All coastal inshore and Chesapeake Bay waters (tidal waters, including Bay tributary rivers and Eastern Shore
bayside creeks); best concentrations of fish in main portion of Chesapeake Bay and around Chesapeake Bay
Bridge-Tunnel; large fish most often found along CBBT, main portion of Chesapeake Bay and off the Virginia
Capes at the mouth of the Bay.
Troll artificial lures around bridges, piers, Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, jetties or troll in vicinity
of schools of fish (where gulls diving and slicks on the water); cast bucktails and plugs around
bridges, piers, and jetties; bottomfishing with bloodworms in deep holes, creeks and rivers that
flow into Chesapeake Bay during winter peeler crab baits fished in tributary rivers and creeks near
shore during summer
8 – 12 oz
3 – 8 lbs
Inlets, interior marsh areas, and ocean waters along the beaches of Eastern Shore seaside barrier islands; fish
deep holes on low tides and shallow areas on high tides
Chesapeake Bay and Bay tributary rivers, coastal ocean waters, inlets — all inshore coastal waters
Bottomfishing with bait; anchored or drifting from boats, also caught from docks, piers, shore and
surf; big runs of fish in the fall in lower Chesapeake Bay and in surf and piers of Virginia Beach
Artificial lures - spoons, plastic eels, bucktails, surface plugs,
swimming plugs, peeler crab, bloodworms, eels, cut bait, live
bait
Coastal ocean waters and the lower Chesapeake Bay; fish consistently found at the Cell, Plantation Light,
York Spit Light, Tiger wreck, 4A-buoy, Chesapeake Light Tower, and CBBT
Fish visible schools of fish around obstructions (buoys, towers, etc.) with small
(#1 or #2) double strength hooks
3 – 8 lbs
50 – 250 lbs
Offshore and coastal ocean waters, particularly around and over obstructions (wrecks, reefs, towers),
ledges and lumps; Eastern Shore seaside coastal waters and inlets
Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel; wrecks in nearshore coastal waters and lower
20 – 40 lbs
40 – 60 lbs
150 – 400 lbs
1 – 3 lbs
5 – 20 lbs
0.5 – 3 lbs
0.5 – 1.5 lbs
1 – 3 lbs
2 – 20 lbs
0.5 – 2 lbs
20 – 50 lbs
1 – 5 lbs
8 – 16 lbs
Coastal ocean waters, particularly off inlets, along tidelines, and over coastal wrecks; lower Chesapeake Bay
Coastal and offshore ocean waters, particularly around wrecks, towers, obstructions, ledges, lumps and
other “structure”; mouth of the Chesapeake Bay and off ocean inlets
Coastal and offshore ocean waters, from 5-35 miles offshore
Surf zone of coastal waters from Sandbridge to Assateague Island; ocean piers; lower portion of
the Chesapeake Bay, including lower bay piers
Seaside inlets of the Eastern Shore; Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel area; lower Chesapeake Bay; Rudee Inlet;
the Cell and eastern end of the Channel in the middle Chesapeake Bay
Chesapeake Bay, tributary rivers of the Bay, coastal ocean waters, inlets,
Fishing bait near the bottom (suspended off the bottom) near submerged structures
Anchor, chum and fish dead and live fish baits in chum slick and on bottom
Tautog
Tarpon
Swordfish
Striped Bass
30 – 50 lbs
Buoys in lower Chesapeake Bay, at the mouth of the Bay and along coastal beaches; CBBT; Bluefish Rock
off Hampton, Cabbage Patch and Kiptopeake areas off Cape Charles, and York Spit area; coastal buoys and
wrecks; Chesapeake Light Tower; Latimer Shoal; Inner Middle Ground Shoal; York Spit area
Cast, drift or slow troll live baits around buoys, underwater obstructions and schools of fish swimming on the surface. Anchor, chum and fish live baits, fresh dead baits and cut bait in chum slick
and on bottom. Cast and troll lures around buoys, obstructions and to schools of bullfish (rays) or
schools, pods or individual cobia swimming on surface
Live bait - eels, spot, menhaden, mullet
Artificial lures - spoons, white bucktails, plastic eels, plugs
Cut bait - menhaden or spot
Cobia
Bottomfishing with bait
40 – 60 lbs
Chesapeake Bay, coastal ocean waters, ocean surf, inlets
Trolling or casting to schools of fish with artificial lures
Surfcasting and bottom fishing with cut bait and surfcasting with artificial lures
Artificial lures - spoons, feather lures, metal squids, surface
plugs and cut bait
Bluefish (small)
Offshore and coastal waters; Chesapeake Bay; Eastern Shore barrier island surf
Trolling, casting or jigging to schools of fish with artificial lures; surfcasting with cut bait or lures
Chumming while using cut bait. Bluefish can be taken on streamer flies with a fly rod
Artificial lures - spoons, tube eels, metal squids, surface plugs
Cut bait - fresh menhaden, mullet, herring, spot, balao or
mackerel
Bluefish (large)
1 – 3.5 lbs
Ocean waters; species less plentiful (especially large individuals) in lower Chesapeake Bay
Bottomfishing, generally near and over underwater obstructions
(wrecks, reefs, rocks and rough bottom areas)
30 – 60 lbs
AVE. WEIGHT
Squid, crab, cut fish, clam, shrimp, diamond jigs, metal jigs
Black Sea Bass
LOCATION
Ocean waters over and around wrecks & underwater obstructions
The Chesapeake Light Tower
METHOD
Drifting and slow trolling live bait over and around obstructions (wrecks, reefs, towers, buoys)
Casting and trolling artificial lures over and around obstructions
Live bait - spot, croaker, bluefish, menhaden, small fish
Artificial lures - spoons, surface plugs, diamond jigs, bucktails,
squids
BAIT OR LURE
Amberjack
SPECIES
A “HOW TO” GUIDE TO CATCHING VIRGINIA SPECIES
109 lbs
25 lbs 4 oz
203 lbs
573 lbs
279 lbs
16 lbs
19 lbs
24 lbs
130 lbs
381 lbs 8 oz
77 lbs
2 lbs 6 oz
14 lbs
19 lbs
1099 lbs 2 oz
68 lbs 8 oz
131 lbs 10 oz
1093 lbs 12 oz
9 lbs 13 oz
63 lbs 1 oz
None
2 lbs, 9 oz
17 lbs 8 oz
85 lbs 4 oz
111 lbs
71 lbs 8 oz
8 lbs 11 oz
109 lbs
N/A
25 lbs 4 oz
10 lbs 4 oz
118 lbs
VA RECORD
Online Resources
FOR THE HAMPTON ROADS REGION
There are more helpful online resources for fishing and boating than ever before. Novice or
seasoned angler, there is something for everyone. From new techniques and products to the
latest weather information, the sites below promise to make your fishing more enjoyable.
VA CITATION
Requirements
Minimum Requirements for 2014
SPEICIES
FISHING /// BOATING /// WEATHER /// TIDES /// RESOURCES
www.FishCoastalVirginia.com
www.FishCrazy.info
www.boatsafe.com
Blog and website featuring the photography
and videos of Harry R. Hindmarsh, local
fisherman and sport fishing photographer.
Outdoor writer Ric Burnley provides
up-to-date, reliable fishing reports,
step-by-step how-to articles, news and
events, professional guides and everything you need to fish the Mid Atlantic.
Boating safety courses with boating simulations, animations, boating safety quizzes and boating tips
for powerboaters and sailboaters.
http://vbsf-hookedup.net/healthygrin/
Blog and website of local legend Dr. Ken
Neill. IGFA representative, writer for
Saltwater Sportsmen and local leader.
www.KayakKevin.com
Highly regarded as the worlds authority on
kayak fishing. Kevin is the star of many
DVD’s and a personality in many of the
major fishing publications nationally.
Lee Tolliver’s Fishing Forecast appears on PilotOnline.com and in the
Virginian Pilot sports section every Thursday from the first week in
April through Thanksgiving Day.
Comprehensive fishing resource including, tournaments, articles, forums, pictures and video.
www.mrc.state.va.us/swr/saltwaterreview
Includes weekly Virginia Marine Resources Commission fishing report.
www.stripersonline.com
Brings you the most complete striped bass
fishing information, including saltwater,
surf and fly fishing articles, tackle, techniques, fishing reports and discussions.
www.cbf.org
www.takemefishing.org
Features education material, access to critical bay issues, and tools for citizens to take
action on behalf of the Chesapeake Bay.
Serves as a one-stop resource for
those seeking boating, fishing and
conservation information.
www.dailypress.com/fishingspot
www.tidalfish.com
The National Weather Service is the
primary source of weather data, forecasts
and warnings for the United States.
Chesapeake Bay Guide provides information on boating, fishing, travel, events, and history for many
areas throughout Virginia.
Official website of the Daily Press
Newspaper Fishing Section. Offers
forums and weekly fishing report.
Provides fishing reports and fishing information covering saltwater fishing, freshwater fishing, fly fishing, fishing reports, etc.
www.wunderground.com
www.fishva.org
www.discoverboating.com
www.vbsf.net
Provides weather forecasts for the
US and the world with a fast, easy
to use interface. Includes weather
maps, graphics and radar images.
An online resource for choosing a VA
Saltwater Fishing charter service. Over
100 licensed Captains in the organization.
Provides a variety of information
on safety, maintenance, destinations and tips on buying a boat.
Virginia Beach Sport Fishing website links to fishing chat, fishing
guides, and catches of the week.
www.boat-ed.com
www.seatow.com
www.vcanaccess.com
www.saltwatertides.com
The official site for boater education. Boat
Ed is the only place on the Web where
you can study the official boating safety
manual developed specifically for your
state government’s boating agency.
The best and most dependable company
on the water. if you own a boat, you need
to have a Sea Tow Membership.
Virginia Coastal Access Now (VCAN)
is a non-profit organization that represents
recreational anglers.
www.noaa.gov
Provides low and high tide predictions, sunset, moonrise, moonset,
and moon phase information.
www.weather.com
Provides a national and local weather forecast for cities worldwide.
78
www.PilotOnline.com | Lee Tolliver
www.sportfishermen.com
ANGLERS CLUBS
F I S H
C O A S T A L
V I R G I N I A
www.baydreaming.com
www.chesapeake-angler.com
A comprehensive fishing network dedicated to all types of Virginia fishing.
www.pierandsurf.com
www.mrc.virginia.gov
Provides Virginia pier and
surf fishing reports.
Official site of the Virginia Marine Resources Commission. Provides easy access
to regulatory and management information
related to Virginia marine resources.
Eastern Shore Anglers Club
www.esanglersclub.org
Great Bridge Fishing Association
www.fishgbfa.com
Norfolk Anglers Club
www.NorfolkAnglersClub.com
Peninsula Sw Sport Fisherman’s Assoc.
www.pswfa.com
Pirates Of Lynnhaven
www.PiratesOfLynnhaven.org
Portsmouth Anglers Club
www.PortsmouthAnglersClub.net
Tidewater Anglers Club
www.TidewaterAnglersClub.org
LENGTH
WEIGHT
Amberjack
50”
N/A
Albacore - False
32”
N/A
Albacore - True
N/A
40 lbs.
Black Drum
46”
80 lbs.
Black Sea Bass
N/A
5 lbs.
Bluefish
36”
16 lbs.
Blueline Tilefish
N/A
10 lbs.
Cobia
50”
55 lbs.
Crevalle Jack
40”
N/A
Croaker
20”
3 lbs.
Dolphin
N/A
25 lbs.
Flounder
26”
7 lbs.
Gray Triggerfish
20”
4 lbs.
Gray Trout
30”
9 lbs.
Kingfish
16”
1 lb., 8 oz.
King Mackerel
N/A
20 lbs.
Marlin - Blue
Any*
N/A
Marlin - White
Any*
N/A
SPEICIES
Tidewater Kayak Anglers Association
www.tkaa.org
Virginia Anglers Club
www.VirginiaAnglersClub.org
Virginia Beach Anglers Club
www.VirginiaBeach AnglersClub.org
Virginia Beach Bluewater Fishing Club
www.vbbfc.org
Virginia Coastal Fly Anglers
www.vcfa.org
LENGTH
WEIGHT
Pompano
16”
1 lb., 8 oz.
Red Drum
46”
N/A
Sailfish
Any*
N/A
Shark (any)
72”*
N/A
Sheepshead
24”
10 lbs.
Spadefish
22”
9 lbs.
Spanish Mackerel
26”
4 lbs.
Spearfish
Any*
N/A
Speckled Trout
24”
5 lbs.
Spot
13”
1 lb.
Striped Bass
44”
40 lbs.
Swordfish
Any*
100 1bs.
Tarpon
36”
N/A
Tautog
23”
9 lbs.
Tuna, Bigeye
N/A
70 lbs.
Tuna, Bluefin
60”
100 lbs.
Tuna, Yellowfin
N/A
70 lbs.
Wahoo
N/A
35 lbs.
79
Boating is my first love.
now it’s my second income.
Turn your love of recreational boating into a
second career. Earn your Coast Guard-approved
captain’s license at TCC. Start your own fishing,
cruising or assistance towing business, lower
your insurance rates and more. All with no
testing at the U.S. Coast Guard. Enroll today!
For more information: tcc.edu/boating | [email protected]
1700 College Crescent, Lynnhaven Building, Room E-151
Virginia Beach, VA 23453
757- 822-7733
CHESAPEAKE
I
NORFOLK
|
PORTSMOUTH
I
SUFFOLK
I
VIRGINIA BEACH
Buckroe Fishing Pier
PEOPLE HAVE
Explored HE RE F O R O VER 400 Y EARS .
COME MAKE A DISCOVERY. 800.800.2202 VisitHampton.com

Fishing guide - Newport News Tourism Development Office

Transcription

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