Virginia Saltwater Fishing

NOAA Fisheries Service has developed a brochure that offers guidelines on how to increase the survival of  hook-and-line caught, large pelagic species.

The objectives of careful catch and release include reducing stress and minimizing injury to a fish caught on hook-and-line, and assisting in its recovery prior to release.

These objectives are especially challenging for large highly migratory species such as tuna, swordfish, and sharks, because of the size and potentially dangerous features (e.g., teeth and swords) of these species.

The brochure provides guidelines for careful catch and release in four topic areas: planning ahead, gear, play and handling, and release and revival.

The information in this brochure will assist anglers in following NOAA Fisheries regulations, which require that any Atlantic highly migratory species that is caught and released, be released in a manner that maximizes its probability of survival.

To obtain the document, visit http://www.nmfs.noaa.gov/sfa/hms/ and click on the brochure to download it, or call 301-713-2347.

As saltwater anglers must to release more and more fish, circle hooks are becoming an important tool. Originally used in commercial fishing, these uniquely engineered hooks work quite differently than most other hook styles. A circle hook has the tip sharply bent back so there is no point exposed to catch on smooth surfaces.

Unlike traditional hooks, which snag anywhere in the gullet, throat or mouth, circle hooks have to be pulled through a sharp turn to penetrate. The hook most often catches in the corner of the mouth, an area where hooks usually stay embedded during the fight.

Due to the design of the circle hook, the angler must not snatch the rod tip when a bite is felt. Instead, anglers give the fish a moment and perhaps even pay out a few feet of line. Once the fish begins to move away with the bait, steady firm pressure is applied to the line. This allows the hook to pull upward from the gullet and towards the jaw. As the fish moves away, the hook is carried into the corner of the mouth, where its design allows it to catch and penetrate.

Although the chances of an initial hook set may be slightly lower than traditional hooks, the benefits usually outweigh this shortfall. In many cases catch rates actually increase when using circle hooks as most fish are hooked firmly in a firm area of the jaw. This not only helps anglers land more fish, but can have a dramatic impact on lowering fish mortality due injuries from deep hooking.

True circle hooks do not have kirbed (offset) shanks, but tackle vendors offer both non-offset hooks as well as modified models that have some amount of point offset. Hooks are also available in several wire sizes as well as color variations which cover a wide range of saltwater fishing applications.

Circle hooks first became popular for saltwater fishing when tuna fishermen began experimenting with them. Their effectiveness was quickly realized and these odd looking hooks have been embraced by fishermen for their efficiency and low fishing mortality.

Circle hooks are often rigged on fishfinder rigs which are used to catch striped bass, drum, cobia and other species. Flounder fishermen find that circle hooks work well, not only to reduce fish mortality, but to provide reliable hookups.

Circle hooks are also available snelled and for use with traditional top and bottom style leaders. Although circle hooks were originally designed to catch large pelagic species, new models work well for catching a variety of species, even spot, croaker, and other inshore species.

For fishing live baits, circle hooks are sometimes fished with a Carolina rig. The setup employs a single circle hook at the terminal end of a monofilament leader. A egg sinker is often included at or above the top of the leader. Typically a crimp or swivel is connected below the sinker to prevent it from sliding down the leader and reaching the hook.

The resulting rig allows a live bait to swim naturally, while the weight carries the fish to the bottom or down to mid-depths. When a fish takes the bait, the leader provides some slack so that the fish does not detect the weight or main line right away.

Along Virginia’s Eastern Shore, thousands of acres of coastal bays, shallow flats and small creeks feed into the Atlantic Ocean. As these estuaries flow towards the Atlantic, they carry baitfish and other food sources which attract a wide range of larger fish species. Understanding tides and knowing their cycles is essential when fishing these tidal environments. In most areas, fish feed based on tidal flow, moving in order to ambush baitfish and other prey.

Often coastal creeks form exaggerated curves along their path. The pattern of turns and straight sections form important structures. When water flows in a straight narrow path, the section acts like a funnel, causing tidal water to rush thru considerably stronger than in other parts of the creek.

Sharp bends in creeks are important areas to investigate. During tidal flow, currents race around the curves, creating rips and other areas where water mixes or collides. On the extreme outside of these hair pin curves, steep edges may rise abruptly to shallow areas where little or no tidal movement occurs. These areas offer protection for baitfish and other food sources. Channel edges along these flats can be productive areas to fish for flounder, bluefish, seatrout, croakers, small sharks and other species.

Eddies in tidal creeks and inlets can be excellent places to fish. In some areas, eddies form during running tides, trapping baitfish and crustaceans. Casting, jigging or pitching live baits into the opposing currents can be effective for catching flounder, striped bass, bluefish, gray trout, drum, cobia or other fish that prey on smaller fish.

In coastal bays, accessible areas near mud flats and grass beds can be good spots to fish. These areas offer spawning habitat as well as nursery environments for young fish. Adult fish move in and out of these areas in spring to spawn and may also lurk nearby waiting for young fish or crabs to stray out of protected areas.

Kayak fishermen can sometimes reach more shallow water habitat than power boaters. Most coastal creeks and bays have small coves, marshes or other areas that are shallow and full of obstructions. Although these areas present some challenges to reach, they can hold incredible numbers of fish.

In December, the American Striper Association (ASA) will hold a National tournament in conjunction with the  Million Dollar Rockfish Challenge in Virginia Beach.

This unique tournament will take place  during the Chesapeake Bay striper season which will allow anglers to fish the Bay as well as the Virginia Coast.

The tournament will have a $100,000 tournament payout as well as an opportunity to win $1,000,000 for a new World Record and $250,000 for a new Virginia State Record.

The Million Dollar Rockfish Challenge is scheduled for December 26-30, at the Marina Shores Marina.

Live eels are very effective live baits for catching striped bass (rockfish). Eels are usually hooked thru the lips or eye sockets and fished on a Carolina style leader, with a no weight or with an egg sinker above the leader. Circle hooks are the preferred hook style as eels tend to be swallowed by striped bass.

Detecting a bite takes a little time to learn as fish sometimes inhale eels without moving much. When movement is felt on the line, a firm steady retrieve may be all that’s needed. Hard snatching is likely to result in lost fish as circle hooks require that line pressure be applied at a steady rate in order to hook set to occur.

Live eels are usually allowed to drift along bridge pilings, wrecks, jetty rocks, rips, drop offs or channel edges where large fish tend to congregate. Most full service tackle shops in Virginia offer live eels during the fall and early winter. Eels remain will remain live for long periods of time if kept cold and wet, but not submerged in water. Do not allow eels to directly contact ice as it may kill them. A good setup is to add ice to a cardboard box and then cover it with damp newspapers. Eels are then laid on top. When properly stored in a bait cooler, chilled eels may live for several days. A rag or handful of sand will help control live eels while rigging them.

A Virginia angler has established a North Carolina state record with the 45-pound golden tilefish he caught off Cape Hatteras this summer.

Guy R. Jones of Newport News, Va., caught the fish using cut bait on 60-pound line test with a Shimano Torium 20, Offshore Angler Model Power Stick.

The fish measured 43.5 inches from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail and had a 30-inch girth. Jones caught the fish July 3 while fishing with Captain Derek Taylor aboard the charter boat The Carolina Girl.

North Carolina previously did not have a state record golden tilefish. To establish a state record fish, the angler must submit an application that is then reviewed by N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries staff and a N.C. Saltwater Fishing Tournament Advisory Board.

“The fish must be exceptionally large for North Carolina waters and within a reasonable range of the world record,” said Carole Willis, sportfishing specialist with the Division of Marine Fisheries.

The world record golden tilefish, caught in 2007 off Maryland, stands at 59 pounds, 3 ounces.

Sunset at a Virginia fishing pier.

Fall is one of the best times to visit a saltwater fishing pier in Virginia. Many of the top fishing piers of the Mid-Atlantic Coast are found in Virginia. These include several Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic coastal fishing piers.

On the Eastern Shore, anglers can fish from the Saxis Pier, Occohannock Pier, and the Kiptopeake State Park pier. Mid-way between the eastern and western shore is the Sea Gull Pier, located on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. On the Western Shore, Chesapeake Bay fishing piers include the Ocean View, Buckroe Beach, and James River piers. Oceanfront piers include the Lynnhaven, Virginia Beach and Sandbridge (Little Island) piers.

On most Virginia fishing piers, anglers fish with bottom rigs and baits such as bloodworms, squid strips, pieces of shrimp, cut peeler crab, mole crabs or the newer synthetic baits. Several piers feature T sections where anglers fish live baits for cobia, king mackerel, sharks, striped bass or other species.

During the fall, much of the fishing effort focuses on catching spot, croaker, bluefish, striped bass, tautog, flounder and sea bass, all species that arrive in schools as they begin migrating out of the Chesapeake Bay.

For catching smaller species such as spot and croaker, no special tackle is needed. A simple medium class spinning or baitcasting outfit and top and bottom rigs will catch most fish. For more intense fishing, pier specialists bring not only a favorite rod and reel but often arrive with a special pier cart or wagon, which carries rods, cooler, bait and other essentials. These pier carts allow fishermen to quickly set up as well as making the end of day pack up go a little easier.

Weather, tides and time of day can be a big factor on Virginia’s fishing piers. Wind and tides can dictate which side of the pier will be fishable. Some piers allow night fishing, which can sometimes be productive. When fishing a pier for the first time, its a good idea to all ahead if possible or talk to one of the regulars. Fishing regulations vary, so its a good idea to check with Virginia Marine Resources Commission before visiting a saltwater fishing pier.

As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, a few anglers continue fishing as long as striped bass (rockfish) are caught from local piers.

White marlin fishing off the coast of Virginia has been unbelievable during the last few weeks, with most of the action occurring around Washington Canyon. Boats from as far away as Virginia Beach have been making the trip to the deepwater canyons off the Virginia coast to catch white marlin and other offshore species.

Beginning August 23, the Ocean City record for catch and release white marlin was broken by multiple boats on multiple days culminating on August 30, when Captain John Duffie and his crew on the Billfisher out of Sunset Marina caught and released 57 billfish. On the same day, nine boats combined for 267 released white marlin.

“This is the best white marlin bite I’ve ever experienced,” said Steve Linhard of Annapolis, Maryland’s representative on the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council and Captain of the Hot Tuna.

“Fishing with Captain Sylvain Cote and Karl Bieberich onboard Espadon out of Ocean City last week, we raised 30 and had 11 bite. At one time we counted seven fish in the spread. Ocean City continues to prove itself to be the White Marlin Capital of the World.”

The fishing was put on hold temporarily as Hurricane Earl passes by the Virginia Coast. On September 3rd, waves heights off Virginia Beach reached 18 feet as the storm approached.

September thru October is a prime time for catching speckled trout in Virginia. Although some anglers will harvest their fish, many will choose to release them. Before releasing a speckled trout most fishermen take a quick photograph.

These tips will help anglers photograph a trophy speckled trout without harming the fish:

* Make sure that equipment is working and ready before handling fish.

* Keep fish in the water until the photo is taken. Every second that the fish spends out of the water can affect its chance for survival after release.

* When ready for the picture, barely lift the fish out of the water.

* Have the angler support the fish by cradling it in their hands. Place one hand under the fish’s belly and one at the fish’s tail.

* When lifting the fish, keep it horizontal and support it’s full body weight. Avoid holding fish in a vertical position by the jaw.

* Avoid taking fish out of the water for more than 20 seconds. A good habit is to have the angler hold their breath until the picture is taken.

* After the photo has been taken, lower the fish into the water and gently move the fish back and forth in the water to revive it. When the fish tries to swim away, release it.

As Virginia summer fishing nears an end, anglers begin gearing up for Fall spot and croaker runs. Spot and croaker are among the most sought after fish in Virginia during the early fall. Both species are known for their habit of schooling up and feeding heavily before moving into the ocean for the winter.

Spot and croaker fishing is easy; fishermen need only a sensitive rod and reel in good condition. Tackle is basic, consisting of top and bottom rigs and baits such as bloodworms, squid strips, pieces of shrimp, cut peeler crab or one of the processed bait products that do not need to be kept cold.

By late summer and early fall, piers and local fishing spots often experience excellent fishing for both species. As the season goes on, a larger class of spot arrive, known for their bronze or yellow coloring.

Spot and croaker fishing often improves until hurricanes or Noreasters pass thru Virginia. Many anglers prefer the fall as the summer crowds have left and the temperatures are cooler. During the fall runs, spot and croaker are joined by bluefish, sea trout, rockfish and others.