I’ve been a licensed charter captain for 34 years, a guest speaker at countless fishing seminars and published over 500 fishing related articles. Needless to say, I have never been at a loss for words—until this week.
A precious little girl named Maylee walked up to me at the marina one evening and innocently asked me, “What’s the best bait to catch fish?” My first thought was; Wow, she sure painted that question with a wide brush!
Typically, after asking a few questions of my own, a well thought-out, detailed answer would follow. In this case, I paused, and pondered just how to answer her question. Since her family was staying in one of the vacation rentals here at Ingram Bay Marina, I surmised that she would be fishing off the dock. The answer then became clear that a simple bottom rig with a couple pieces of worm would suffice in providing her with plenty of spot and a smile that will melt even the most seasoned captain.
Often we find ourselves entangled in a bird’s nest of questions regarding the multiple species available in our region and how to catch them. Live bait verses lures, color, presentation, line type, equipment, boat speed… . Sometimes it takes a question like Maylee’s to bring us back to our youth—simplify life, relax and just enjoy catching a fish.
Where to find ‘em
This has been a fantastic summer of fishing in the Northern Neck and surrounding areas. Action has been widespread with multiple species available.
Shallow water holds many of the species available during August. The small boat owner can find a large variety of fish along the shorelines and channel edges of creeks and small rivers—all ideal locations to find speckled trout, spot, perch and puppy drum.
Speckled trout are making a big comeback in shallow grassy areas. Mirrolures and soft baits are enticing plenty of action as well as a simple bull minnow fished under a popping cork. Sizes are ranging from a modest 14 inches up to 26 inches in length.
Although not as plentiful as the trout, puppy drum are finding their way into many of the same shallow water areas.
This has been another great year for spot on oyster beds and over hard bottoms. The mouth of all the rivers and creeks are full of these small, yet tough fighting fish.
Trolling action will land Spanish mackerel and blues this month. There’s been a strong showing of mackerel since late June. The blues and mackerels are often found schooling together. Locations holding these fish are Windmill Point, outside of Ingram Bay, Smith Point, along both the eastern and western edges of the shipping channel and the lower Potomac river.
Bluefish have been running a larger 2-4 pounds on the flats east of the shipping channel and near the wrecks, while smaller snapper blues are scattered throughout the western shores.
Small Drone and Clark spoons trolled behind #1 planers are a sure bet.
Chumming is popular for gathering catches of cobia. For cobia, the standard grind of menhaden chum works well. Live eels, spot and cut bunker are good baits to draw action on the 40+ inch fish. They are more free-swimming and can be drawn to the boat with chum, but can also be caught by sight casting eels and bucktails.
Red drum fishing has picked up along the shipping channel in recent weeks. Schools as large as a half acre make regular appearances between Buoy 62 and Smith Point as they mug schools of peanut bunker and shiners. They are often hooked with the same small #1 spoons that are landing mackerel and bluefish. Set drags loose to avoid lost opportunities on these strong fighters. Most are well over the maximum 26-inch limit, but are a blast to catch and release.
Every once in a while, slow your roll and enjoy a simple moment of fishing off the dock. That little spot on the end of your line will give you the same smile as Maylee. Fishing creates memories…and memories are forever!
Until next time…Fair winds.
Capt. Billy Pipkin, a saltwater fishing columnist, owns and operates Capt. Billy’s Charter Service and Ingram Bay Marina located in Wicomico Church 580-7292. www.captbillyscharters.com
