Virginia Saltwater Fishing

Light tackle jigging (LTJ) is one of the most popular saltwater fishing techniques. Jigging can be effective for catching a variety of saltwater fish species. A variety of lures are popular, including metal slab jigs, bucktails, soft plastics, and other rigs. In the Chesapeake Bay and Virginia’s coastal bays anglers jig for rockfish (striped bass), white perch, bluefish, flounder, trout, Spanish mackerel, and other species.

A successful light tackle jigging trip usually begins by studying charts or maps of the areas to be fished. Jigging can be productive along channel edges, oyster bars, reefs, tidal rips, and other structure. Tides and currents are also important when jigging. Fast running currents make jigging near impossible. Slack tides can also be unproductive as fish often stop biting. In between the two events, peak fishing often occurs.

Light tackle jigging is sometimes done by following flocks of gulls and other birds. Although frustrating at times, this technique can yield results. Inexperienced anglers often move from flock to flock, only to find the fish have moved each time they arrive. A more effective strategy at times is to watch for a general pattern of movement and then slowly approach a school of fish from upwind or upcurrent. Although the birds may move away at a moment’s notice, fish often remain below. By patiently jigging these areas at lower depths, anglers often catch striped bass, weakfish, or other species.

This technique relies on a key element of fish behavior. When schools of fish push bait to the surface, the upper water column is often dominated by small stripers, bluefish, and other species. Often undetected by onlookers and surface casters are larger fish that shadow the school. The fish below feed on injured baitfish that sink to the bottom. The action of struggling baitfish is exactly what light tackle jigs must accomplish in order to be effective.

Anglers use a variety of lures for light tackle jigging. Metal slab jigs are the most common, although other types of jigs are effective. Jigs are usually selected that are similar in size to baitfish. In most areas, bay anchovies are the most abundant baitfish. Lure weight can be critical when light tackle jigging, especially when currents are strong. Most anglers stock several sizes of metal slab jigs and other lures, each being designed for a specific range of currents and depths.

When strong currents warrant additional weight, some anglers resort to using tandem rigs. These special rigs combine two lures, either twins, or unbalanced, on a single outfit. Some tandem rigs are useful when extra weight is not a requirement. These lighter rigs combine two light jigs, or possibly a weighted jig with a soft plastic body, fly, or other specialized lure. The pairing of two lures on a single line has countless variations and is known for being extremely effective.

Tandem jigs are usually most effective when jigged vertically. Their movement mimics fleeing baitfish, which in turn triggers fish to attack one or both lures. Another popular tandem rig design combines a large bucktail or other jig with a much smaller lure. When jigged properly, the rig looks much like a small fish chasing its prey.

When light tackle jigging, only basic outfits are needed in most conditions. Anglers typically choose spinning or baitcasting outfits rated for 10-20 pound line. Graphite rods are preferred as most are stiff, yet very sensitive. As with most saltwater applications, the use of braided line for light tackle jigging is debated.

Braids, although difficult to use, offer several advantages for jigging. Braided lines cut through the water much more effectively than mono, allowing anglers to jig at greater depths and in higher currents. Braided lines are also more sensitive which helps anglers detect light bites. Despite these qualities, braided lines have several disadvantages. They are hard to tie successfully, vulnerable to cuts, tangle easily, and are expensive to purchase.

Saltwater kayak fishing is extremely popular in Virginia, with anglers catching a variety of species. Throughout the state, fishing habitats range from tidal creeks and sheltered estuaries to the waters of the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean.

In much of the state, flounder fishing is possible by kayak. The eastern shore has hundreds of miles of narrow creeks and shallow bays, many of which are accessible by kayak.

Popular launching areas for flounder fishing on the eastern shore include Chincoteague Island, Gargathy, Accomac, Wachapreague, Quinby, and Oyster.

Flounder are also caught by kayakers around the concrete ships at Kiptopeake State Park and in the creeks and bays on the southern tip of the penninsula.

In Hampton Roads, kayakers fish the Lynnhaven River,  Rudee and other areas for flounder.

Many of these same areas offer excellent fishing for croaker, spot, kingfish, bluefish, trout, and other species.

Striped bass, known locally as rockfish, are another popular fish in Virginia. Advanced level kayak anglers target these species in areas such as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT), Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel (HRBT), Rudee Inlet, concrete ships, and others.

Along the Chesapeake Bay, kayak launching areas are available near most towns.  From Point Lookout, south to Norfolk and all along the Eastern shore, kayakers will find a variety of areas suitable for saltwater fishing.

Many of these launch areas provide access to Virginia’s most productive rivers where striped bass, croaker, trout and other species are likely to be found.

Rather than go downstream, many anglers prefer fishing the backwater coves and small creeks that feed into rivers or the bay itself. These areas often have excellent fish habitat, especially grass beds, tidal rips, oyster beds and other fish attracting structure.

These shallow, remote areas are home to some of Virginia’s most sought after species, including monster red drum, striped bass, speckled trout and even tarpon.

The following tips may be useful to saltwater kayakers:

Pack light whenever possible. Re-use items. A lunch cooler can double as fish storage. Bring only essential lures and rigs, packed and ready to use

Always check weather forecasts and tidal information before making a trip. Wear a PFD at all times and carry safety equipment.

Research potential fishing areas before launching. Study a navigational chart, topographical map or maps.google.com to find and analyze fishing spots before a trip.

Visit the Virginia Marine Resources Commission website for fishing regulations, safety tips, launching locations, and other information. Additional launching areas can be found in most state parks.

To find productive kayak fishing areas, talk to local anglers or join a fishing club.

Consult a field guide to saltwater fish to learn more about fish identification.

In Virginia, anglers have several choices of bait, tackle and equipment for catching flounder.

Flounder Baits

Mummichogs, known locally as “bull minnows” are by far the most popular bait for catching flounder in Virginia. These hardy baits are inexpensive, readily available and catch fish in a wide range of environments.

Silversides are another popular bait. Like bull minnows, these fish are found in Virginia in great numbers and are a mainstay of flounder diets. Silversides are available frozen from local tackle shops. Silversides are usually hooked thru the eyes with a kahle hook. Anglers sometimes add 2-3 fish per hook in hopes of attracting a greedy fish.

Flounder frequently bite off the back half of silversides, which frustrates many novice anglers. This problem can be lessened by keeping a loose drag and paying out line when a bite is detected.

Spearing have gained popularity in recent years as flounder bait. These fish are not found locally, but catch fish when fished correctly. Spearing are long and slender, resembling a small eel.

Spot are highly prized for catching trophy flounder, especially in the late summer and fall. In many areas, small spot can be caught in advance using a variety of methods, or purchased from local suppliers. Live spot are often fished around structure such as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel or other areas of wreck, reef or rubble.

Croaker can be an excellent flounder bait. In the Chesapeake, large bait strips are made from croaker fillets and fished on a long, single hook leader. Like spot, croaker can be fished live, although it is usually harder to find small individuals.

Finger mullet are popular among surf anglers. These cigar shaped baitfish can be purchased or caught fresh with a cast net. Small mullet can be fished whole or cut into strip baits.

Squid is the most widely available bait for flounder. Options range from frozen grocery store variety calamari to pre-cleaned jumbo squid mantles. Regardless of the origin, squid should be white, fresh smelling and firm. Squid works best when cut into long strips that resemble a baitfish when passed thru the water.

Soft crabs are a top flounder bait in certain areas. In much of the Chesapeake Bay, flounder lie in ambush along channel edges, gorging on soft crabs that are swept into deeper water. During peak periods of the crab molting season, fishing a half or whole soft crab can provide anglers with trophy class flounder.

A little known bait for fishing ocean structure is strips made from dolphin fish belly. These colorful fish have a section of brilliant yellow skin along their underside that normally gets discarded during the cleaning process. Experienced anglers often save these for use as flounder baits. Dolphin bellies should be cut into strips and coated liberally with kosher salt before freezing. If properly brined and frozen, these baits retain their color and tough texture for months.

Flounder Rigs

The most popular leader for catching flounder is a basic 2 hook flounder rig. There are many variations of this rig, but most feature some combination of plain hooks, teasers, beads and spinner blades.

The single hook flounder rig is also popular and has several important applications. This rig typically includes a single long (36-42″) leader which is attached to a 3 way swivel. The 3-way swivel allows for the sinker connection as well as the running line. These rigs usually include a series of beads, a rotating blade and bucktail hair teaser.

In rare cases, a carolina rig is useful for catching flounder. These rigs employ a long leader, with an inline egg or torpedo sinker set from 18-36″ above the bait. Similar to the single hook rig, the carolina rig usually employs a teaser and perhaps a spinner blade.

A variety of jigs are useful for catching flounder. These include basic rigs such as a bare jig tipped with a live minnow as well as more intricate setups. Some anglers choose to combine bucktail jigs with live or cut baits while others may use only artificial components.

Each of these leader types offer several variations. Some anglers prefer the bare essentials, while others choose to add attractants, such as bucktail deer hair, mylar or vinyl skirts. Other fish attracting components include colored beads, spinner blades and scented sprays.

Most leader types allow anglers to use any of several hook styles. Ready made 2 hook rigs almost always come equipped with kahle style hooks. These light wire hooks offer several advantages. They usually straighten out and release when snagged, thereby saving the leader. Their design also helps hook the fish, which aids novice anglers with hookup ratios.

A relative newcomer to flounder fishing is the circle hook. Several variations of this design are popular, with anglers split on offset vs. non-offset styles. Circle hooks can be extremely useful for experienced anglers. Although they require a slightly higher skill lever to use, they have a couple very important advantages. First and foremost, circle hooks reduce mortality by hooking most fish in the corner of the mouth. Secondly, they seldom pull out as they almost always embed in a strong part of the jaw.

Although circle hooks are not accepted by everyone, their use has increased dramatically in the last decade. These revolutionary hooks can be a great took to help reduce gut hooking, which reduces flounder stocks and wastes a valuable resource.

Rods and Reels

Depending on the water depth, current and weather conditions, anglers may need a variety of rod and reel combinations. The basic flounder fishing outfit is a spinning rod and reel spooled with 10-15 pound line.

Some anglers prefer using baitcasting outfits, which have several advantages. These reels are particularly useful for feeding line out during the initial bite. Baitcasters are often used when fishing deep water, such as ocean wrecks or deep channel edges of the Chesapeake Bay. Depending on the application, lines may vary from 15-30 pound, either monofilament or braided line

Several trolling rigs are sometimes used to catch Virginia flounder. Heavy trolling gear is necessary in areas such as the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. These specialized outfits usually employ braided or single strand wire or new generation braided lines. Depending on current flow, weights may vary from 8-32 oz. Trailing as much as 30′ behind is one or 2 jigs or a single strip bait. While ungainly to use, these rigs can be extremely productive in hard running currents.

In other areas, conditions may allow lighter rods, smaller lines and less weight. Anglers sometimes troll very slowly over productive areas when conditions do not produce a suitable drift.

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