We finally got a little relief from the extreme heat this week and the fish responded accordingly. Bottomfishing this week improved somewhat in both the Piankitank and Rappahannock rivers making for some happy anglers. Spot fishing charters are averaging 40-75 good number 2 spot per angler. Not a "load the boat" type of trips at this time but damn good for August. The past couple of days we are seeing a fair number of keeper trout in the mix now with several 16 inchers coming in on yesterdays trip. Look for both spot and trout fishing to improve dramatically as we start to settle into cooler temperatures and our fall weather patterns. Usually the first hard Northeaster in late August or early September will be the magic switch the cuts the bigger fish on.
Our trolling trips this week faired extremely well. The mackerel bite was hot on Sunday with windmill bar and the sloughs off of Indian creek being very productive. Sundays group had over 50 mackerel and bluefish combined for their days effort. The mackerel were very large averaging 22-26 inches.
Flounder fishing turned on well this week also with the area South of buoy 40 being very productive for most anglers.
Upper bay captains have reported excellent numbers of medium bluefish being caught on the troll in the mouth of the Potomac river and the Smith point bar area. A nice class of eating size blues in the 3-6 pound range are keeping the boys up the bay in the meat.
Cobia are definately exiting the scene as reports are indicating cruising fish around the buoys of the shipping channel on their way out of the bay. A few can still be had for those dedicated anglers willing to put the effort in.
Striper season is just around the corner and we are currently filling up fast for these trips. Interested persons should call soon to reserve a prime date for both the bay amd ocean season.