Virginia Saltwater Fishing

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.

For many anglers, Spring flounder fishing along the Eastern Shore of Virginia is an annual event that marks the beginning of the saltwater fishing year. As waters warm, flounder enter and begin to feed in the inlets, creeks and coastal bays of the region.  A few flounder sometimes arrive in March but the main thrust of fish is usually in April, with the surge of incoming fish continuing into May.

Spring time flounder fishing success in Virginia is dictated factors such as by wind, water temperature and water clarity. A basic rule of thumb is that flounder start biting when water temperatures reach 50 degrees, with the best springtime fishing usually in water between 60 and 70 degrees.

Experienced flounder anglers seek conditions when the tide will be high in the mid morning thru afternoon hours. The theory is that the cold ocean water comes in and flows up onto the flats were the sun can warm it a significant amount in just a few hours. When the tide changes, warmer water flows into the channels, triggering the flounder to feed aggressively. This phenomenon doesn’t always happen but when conditions are right, flounder fishing can be excellent.

Top baits for spring fishing include several of the natural prey species of summer flounder. These include frozen silversides, live minnows, squid strips and fresh cut strips of fish if available. Favorite fish for making cut strip baits include small croakers, perch, bluefish or other suitable fish. Finding these species in the early season is not easy, but some anglers set aside catches of early season fish specifically for use as flounder strip baits.

Related Links

How to Clean and Fillet Flounder

Virginia Fishing Guides

2010 may shape up to be a good year for flounder fishing in Virginia. After a harsh winter, anglers have had several days of mild weather in the early season. Catches of flounder along Virginia’s eastern shore came as early as the second weekend in March. More mild weather is expected to improve catches as the season progresses.

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission has voted to lower the size limit for flounder this year.  The new regulations set the new size limit at 18.5 inches, down from 19 inches, but reduce the bag limit from five to four flounder per day for the rest of the year.

In Virginia’s Potomac River tributaries the minimum size limit, closed season, and possession limit will be the same as established by PRFC for the mainstem Potomac River.