Chincoteague Island Virginia Saltwater Fishing
Spring can be windy but when a calm day presents itself, anglers can catch tautog or sea bass over local shipwrecks and artificial reefs.
By June, bluefish arrive and are often present in large schools along the 20 fathom line. This fishing is 25-30 nautical miles from the inlet.
Sharking begins in June, with anglers fishing for several species of sharks, the most sought after being the mako. Sandbar, tiger, thresher, blue, blacktip, bull, hammerhead and other sharks also begin to appear about this time. Local anglers attract sharks by chumming with ground fish, then using wire leaders baited with whatever bait can be attained.
By early summer tuna usually arrive. Bluefin tuna prefer cooler water and usually move into the 20 fathom depths. In the early spart ofthe summer, bluefin are caught by trolling. By July, many anglers switch tactics and fish for tuna with cut butterfish. About the same time, yellowfin and dolphinfish begin to appear and many anglers troll for them from 20 fathoms out to Washington, Poorman's and Norfolk Canyons. Some of these trips can exceed 70 nautical miles although good fishing is often just 25-30 nautical miles from home.
By late summer fishing heats up as tuna school up. Marlin, wahoo and Mahi Mahi are caught as well. Hurricane season has effects on fishing, sometimes keeping anglers from fishing, and other times bringing fish closer to the island resort. Patient anglers wait for a few nice days and enjoy good offshore fishing into the fall.
By October, most ocean fishermen fish for sea bass, flounder and tautog. As the waters cool further, red drum and striped bass or "rockfish" migrate down the coast. By this time offshore fishing has ended and most anglers either end fishing, begin hunting, or fish for striped bass which goes on throughout the winter months.
One of the advantages of Chincoteague's location is the easy access to surf fishing in nearby Assateague Island. Surf fishing is relatively inexpensive, peaceful, requires little in specialized tackle and no boat is needed. Anglers can reach the surf on foot from Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, or drive on designated areas with a 4 wheel drive vehicle. A permit is required for oversand vehicles.
Basic surf rods and spinning or bait casting reels are typical for surf fishing. Common setups use 17 – 20 lb test monofilament line.
Most anglers use just a few basic rigs for bait fishing. A hi-lo rig catches smaller fish, while the finder rig is used for larger catches. The hi-lo rig is a leader with a weight snap at the bottom and two dropper loops about 16" apart. The fish finder consists of a 7/0 – 8/0 circle hook (or larger) tied to 20"-30" of leader which in turn is tied to a 3-way swivel, which has a weight and the main line attached. A variation uses the same size hook tied to the end of a 12-20+" leader with a weight slide above the swivel end of the leader. The second fish finder rig casts farther and easier and the fish can pick up the bait and go further before noticing the weight. Using circle hooks help prevent deeply hooked fish and don't require setting the hook.
Local tackle shops will have a variety of baits for surf fishing. General baits for a variety of fish will include squid, bloodworms and clams. Fresh or frozen bunker, cut into chunks and heads are a good bait of choice for drum, bluefish and striped bass.
Fishing begins in March but most anglers concentrate on fishing from Mid April-through late fall. Species vary from week to week. Local fish may include red and black drum, flounder, striped bass, trout, croaker, spot, kingfish, bluefish, small sharks and others.
Flounder Fishing Chincoteague Island is well known for it's flounder fishing opportunities. Many vacationers try their hand at the sport, and some anglers come to the island specifically to fish for these fish. Anglers may target flounder only at certain times. Or choose to fish the entire season. Fishing varies with the weather, tides, time of year, location and water quality.
Flounder fishing is done by drifting the bays and creeks around Chincoteague and Assateague in search of a good days catch and an early season tan. The first flounder arrive in late March or April, with the main spring run usually coming from the end of April and into May. Mixed in with flounder are bluefish, gray trout, kingfish, rockfish, black drum and red drum.
By November, flounder fishing ends and outdoor enthusiasts can try striped bass fishing and waterfowl hunting!
The author maintains seafood related websites including Fresh-Seafood and Chincoteague Island Virginia.
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