This month transitions into summer by setting the stage for what’s ahead. We will typically see a variety of species and get a peek into the future. So before we look into the crystal ball to see what’s ahead, let’s reflect on what we have experienced thus far this season.
The spring fishery
We had a mild winter, which has become the norm rather than an exception in recent years. Migration patterns have changed due to the moderate water temperatures.
For example striped bass, for many years a mid-bay main attraction during the months of May and June, are traveling further north and up rivers. With their populations also being at lower levels recently, the changes in migration have compounded matters.
Speckled trout remain strong in numbers. Taking advantage of the warmer temperatures, they’ve been arriving in the middle bay and rivers earlier in the spring. In some locations, they actually winter in the feeder creeks of the western rivers.
I have noticed that spot and croaker have moved north along the shipping channel edges a bit ahead of schedule this season as well.
Both the red and black drum bite was good during May at the mouth of the bay and lower eastern shore. Black drum use the bay for an early spawning ground and tend to head back to ocean waters. The early run of reds is encouraging for the June fishery, particularly along the eastern side of the bay. They will continue to fill into the bay throughout the early summer. Limits on reds are18-26 inches with a bag limit of three per person.
Because we have become accustomed to relying heavily on the striped bass fishery, many folks found this to be a disappointing spring. When considering the many other species, We should find it encouraging.
Looking ahead
As we enter June, bluefish have already begun to enter the lower Chesapeake Bay. They can be caught along channel edges and structure by chumming and while trolling small spoons. Catches in upper Virginia bay waters will mature toward the end of June. Individuals may keep three per person on a private boat and five per person on a charter boat.
Spanish mackerel send scouts through the mid-bay area in early June. These are typically larger samples leading the pack on their northbound travels. July and August is when the large numbers of mackerel show up, but don’t be surprised if you catch one while trolling for bluefish this month. Mackerel have a minimum size limit of 14 inches and a bag limit of 15 per person.
Cobia are a popular species among anglers that like to chum and cast for large fish. These big brown fish grow to lengths north of 60 inches and offer a great fight as well as excellent meals. They can be found in near shore waters of 15-20 feet. The western shores of the bay from Windmill Point up to Smith Point have been holding big numbers of these fish over the past few years. During the summer months, cobia venture up the bay into Maryland waters and into the Potomac river. The season opens on June 15 and continues until September 15. Anglers are limited to one fish per person more than 40 inches with a max of two per boat per day. Only one of the two fish may exceed 50 inches in length.
Croaker and spot have already begun to filter into the region. Croaker remain small but they are plentiful in numbers, especially along the channel edges this month. Spot will increase in numbers this month and will settle into their usual haunts on oyster beds and hard bottoms. Both species have a 50 per person bag limit. I find that it’s very rare for an angler to need that many spot in one outing. Keep only what you can eat and release the rest for another day.
Speckled trout has become the most popular species among inshore anglers. These fish will be making strong showings this month and will continue to offer shallow water finesse fishing throughout the summer months. These “specks” range from one to five pounds and can be found along shallows and grassy flats around creeks and outside of marsh areas. This is one fishery that anglers spend a lot of time and effort on. A vast array of lures make up the purist’s arsenal, yet even a simple bull minnow fished beneath a bobber will catch a tasty trout. Tides, weather conditions and patience are all factors in successful speckled trout fishing. Limits are five per person with a minimum of 14 inches with only one fish more than 24 inches.
This fishery with its close proximity to shore, lends itself well to kayak fishing. We’ve seen several kayak anglers fishing out of Ingram Bay Marina in Wicomico Church.
Flounder are scarcely located and will introduce themselves this month. Bag limits are four per person more than 16 inches in length.
Embrace the changes that we are experiencing and enjoy time on the water with family and friends. The Northern Neck and Middle Peninsula offer life’s simple pleasures — including fishing.
Until next time, fair winds.
