Virginia Saltwater Fishing News
The Virginia Recreational Fishing Advisory Board (RFAB) will meet to review the projects, listed below, which are currently under consideration for funding from the Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing Development Fund (saltwater recreational fishing license funds). The meetings, on these proposals, will be held on Monday, September 8, 2008, 7:00 p.m., at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Avenue, Fourth Floor, Newport News.  Written comments, on the proposals, should be mailed to: Sonya Davis, VMRC Fisheries Management Division, 2600 Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, Newport News, VA 23607 or E-mailed to: sonya.davis@mrc.virginia.gov .  Complete project proposals and additional information are available on the Internet at http://www.mrc.virginia.gov/vsrfdf/index.shtm .

Tentative Agenda

I.    Introduction, Announcements, Comments.

II.    Status of Fund.

III.    Review of Minutes from the July 2008 RFAB Meeting.

IV.    Multi-Year Projects for Renewal.

A)    2009 Children’s Fishing Clinic (Year 12). Rob Cowling, Newport News Rotary Club and Coastal Conservation Association-Peninsula. $6,000.

B)    2009 Kiwanis Club Children’s Fishing Clinic (Year 8).  Wesley Brown, Capital District Kiwanis Club.  $6,000.

C)    Federal Assistance (Wallop-Breaux) Matching Funds FY 2009.  Jack Travelstead, VMRC.  $321,820.

D)    Improving Stock Assessment of Weakfish (Cynoscion regalis) – Year 2.  Y. Jiao, D. Orth, VPI & SU, and R. O’Reilly, VMRC.  $130,876.

E)    2009 Virginia Game Fish Tagging (Year 15).  J. Lucy, VIMS and L. Gillingham, VMRC.  $86,698.

V.        New Projects.

F)    Migrations of Adult Summer Flounder from Chesapeake Bay:  Implications for Stock Structure.  M. Fabrizio, M. Henderson, VIMS.  $83,605.

G)    Use of Pop-Up Satellite Archival Tags (PSATs) to Determine the Fate, Movements, and Habitat Utilization of Red Drum Released from Virginia’s Recreational Fishery.  J. Graves, A. Horodysky, J. Lucy, VIMS.  $93,569.

H)    Seasonal Caloric Needs and Energy Intake of Chesapeake Bay’s Predatory Fishes:  Which Prey Fuel Growth and Reproduction?  A. Horodysky, R. Latour, VIMS.  $40,060.

VI.      Dates for Future Second Cycle 2008 RFAB Meetings.

Work Session (5:30 p.m.) & Final Recommendations (7 p.m.)    November 10

New All Tackle World Record Snowy Grouper
I met a very excited angler, Jere Humphries of Norfolk, VA to assist with the processing of a new pending IGFA All Tackle World Record Snowy Grouper.

The fish weighed in at 68 pounds, two pounds larger than the existing record. The fish was caught on August 17th, 2008 using a Boston Mackerel at the Norfolk Canyon off Virginia Beach. The boat was a privately owned vessel named “Bone Daddy,” The owner and Captain is James Collier.

This is an amazing record!

Congrats to the angler and crew!

The fish is also under consideration as the new Virginia State record Snowy Grouper.
Dr. Julie Ball

Virginia Fishing Report: Covering the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Inshore and Virginia Offshore Fishing by Tidal Fish Correspondent Julie Ball
With water temperatures close to eighty, the flounder action is hit-and-miss, depending on which person you ask. Larger fish are responding for live baiters along the entire span of the Bay Bridge Tunnel. Although the 3rd and 4th islands are usually the hot spots, more and larger fish are now showing around the 1st island of the CBBT. Drifters are finding keepers in the lower bay inlets, the small boat channel at the CBBT, the Baltimore Channel passing near Cape Henry, buoy 42, and Back River Reef.

Cobia are continuing their late summer trend of favoring buoys and bridge pilings. A smattering of fish cruising along the surface on the ocean front is also contributing to the latest catches. This pattern should only improve over the next several weeks. Cobia chummers are also scoring with some decent fish within bay waters. (Picture above is from post by TidalFIsh member Healthy Grin, check out their awesme day offshore report here .) Spadefish are swarming around pilings of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, with sheepshead lurking underneath. Most spades are on the smaller side lately. The sheepshead have responded a little better this week, but nothing to indicate a turn around. The trigger fish action is still a go with a few bigger fish starting to show. With no limits on these fish, anglers are loading up on lower bay and coastal wrecks, as well as the CBBT structure.

Spanish mackerel action is still off the charts, with several citations up to 5-pounds registered recently. These fish will chase small Clark and Drone spoons trolled at a quick clip along the ocean front and the Cape Henry tide rips. The good run of king mackerel off Virginia Beach is still going on. The easterly wind direction this week should push in clearer water, and kick the king action up a notch. Fish are falling mostly trolled live bait, with menhaden the top performer lately. Several smokers over to 30-pounds were boated from Sandbridge to False Cape this week. Robert Warren of Portsmouth scored with three nice kings up to 37-pounds he hooked while slow trolling bunker in about 20 feet of water. Trollers are also reporting catches of small mahi in these same areas.

Tarpon are elusive relatives of the bone fish and the lady fish. These air-gulping wonders will roll and frolic all around your bait, as you roast in the heat without a hit. These fish are still active in the back waters of the Eastern Shore, with Oyster a favorite location.

Red drum are on a late-season roll, with good action through the full moon cycle last-week on the Nine Foot Shoal. Black drum are still schooled at the 3rd and 4th islands, with several releases reported.
Count on the big croaker numbers to climb as Fall approaches, with some anglers already complaining they are a nuisance. The back waters of Oyster are still providing good hardhead action on squid and shrimp. Spot are also active at the first island, and the Concrete ships with plenty of keepers available.

Jack Crevelle are lurking around the CLT, and big amberjack will take any offering at the South A tower. Be prepared, anglers are sorting through dozens of fish before earning a Virginia state citation, which is common for this time of year.

Offshore, billfish is spread out, but the action should improve through the month. Blue marlin, white marlin, and a smattering of sails are possibilities. Christopher Pratscher of Virginia Beach released a big blue marlin while fishing aboard the Backlash out of the Virginia Beach Fishing Center this week. Tuna action can improve, with reports of scattered yellowfin to 60 pounds and a few bigeye tuna around. Plenty of dolphin with some big gaffers mixed in, are hanging on pots and weed lines. Wahoo are available in about 30 fathoms of water.
Until next week, good luck fishing!

Julie
Dr. Julie Ball
IGFA Representative,

Virginia’s Middle Bay Fishing Report
by Jerry Thrash From Patriot Charters and Queens Creek Outfitters
Jerry writes: “We saw our first cobias of the season on Friday.  The two anglers fished the York Spit area and registered two release citations, kept two fish and released their fifth and sixth fish.  All were caught on unspecified live bait.  More than one fish “tail danced” on being hooked. The first pan sized keeper Gray Trout have made a showing in the Piankitank, biting on bloodworms. Spanish in good numbers are still available  in lower Fleets Bay, along the drop off at Windmill Bar.  Spanish bite best at 6-8 knots as shown on the GPS.  Slower speeds produce bluefish.   A charter aboard LESS STRESS had 29 keeper Spanish and over 40 keeper Bluefish Sunday. Good size Spot continue to be caught at Cherry Point, off Gwynn Island in 25-30 feet of water and at  the Spike (#3 Rappahannock marker) and at Butlers Hole.  White perch and croaker are mixed in.  Flounder fishing improved this week with 4 citation fish.  Jigging cut bait and Gulp Jerk Shad has been effective as has been jigging live spot.  The huge 11 lbs, 9 oz specimen we registered on Thursday was one of 6 keepers caught jigging  strips of squid.

Citations:
Flounder:
31″,11 lbs, 9 oz  caught 8/14 at Buoy 42 on a jigged squid strip by David Hamnett of Richmond.
26.5″,8 lbs, 3 oz  caught 8/14 at Buoy 42 on a jigged live spot by Bill Sherman of King George.
26.5″,7 lbs, 12 oz  caught 8/16 at Buoy 42  on cut bait by William C. Jarrell of Gloucester.
27″,7 lbs, 0 oz  caught 8/13 at the Cell  on cut bait by Rommie L. Head, Jr. of Hampton.
Cobia:
Patrick Winter of Gloucester earned a citation for releasing a 52″ cobia caught 8/15 at York Spit on live bait”

There has been a lot of talk from stiped bass anglers all along the east coast and though out the Chesapeake Bay about the Striped Bass population. Some claim it’s declining, some say it’s fine, some say it’s so fine that striped bass are eating all the crabs in the Chesapeake and we should harvest more then we ever have (that last part is more of a smartypants comment based on a previous blog post here) I am not that old, but I have been around to see some really good striped bass fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and along the Alantic Coast. When I say “good” I mean a lot of fish and a lot of big fish. After the mortorium we had that “good” fishing. The last few years I have to say that I have seen less and less big fish in the Chesapeake as well as along the Atlantic Coast. However,  that is just my experience and it’s certianly not based on a scientific experiement. At the same time I also hear anglers double my age saying the same thing. One friend who is in his early to middle 60’s has been fishing and targeting big striped bass his whole life. He says the same thing, simply not as many big fish. This is a guy that chases them all along the east coast every year and has been for decades. And there are a lot of guys like him I talk with that share the setiment. Even some editors/wrtiers of some magazines in the northeast have been suggesting we do not have as many striped bass and certainly not as many big striped bass as before. Are we overharvesting? Do the striped bass not have enough to eat? Is the habitat decreasing where they live and spawn meaning less fish? Is it a combination of two or all three? I do not know the answer, but a report was released the other day that suggests the Striped Bass population along the east coast is healthy. What “healthy” means I have yet to figure out. More to come on this from me as I do some reseach, but in the mean time read below and see what you think. Comments are welcome.

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Updated Biological Reference Points for Atlantic Striped Bass Confirm Previously Released Stock Status

The Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board approved new estimates of the biological reference points established in Amendment 6, as well as improved estimates of female spawning stock biomass for 1982-2006 (see accompanying Table 1 and Figures 1 & 2). This action was taken in response to recommendations of the 46th Stock Assessment Review Committee, which reviewed the 2007 striped bass stock assessment.

With these updates, the stock status of Atlantic striped bass remains not overfished and not experiencing overfishing. The new estimate of female spawning stock biomass (SSB) in 2006 (40,639 metric tons) is above the new threshold and target levels (30,000 mt and 37,500 mt, respectively). The 2006 estimate of fishing mortality (F) from the statistical catch at age model (0.31) is below the new threshold of 0.34. Retrospective estimates of F from the statistical catch at age (SCA) model, as well as tag-based estimates of F, indicate that the 2006 fishing mortality is likely below the target F rate, which remains at 0.30.

In its review of the 2007 stock assessment, the Review Committee recommended that the Striped Bass Technical Committee reconsider the ratio of male to female fish used in the estimation of female SSB. The Review Committee also recommended that the Technical Committee re-estimate the fishing mortality threshold based on data from the new preferred assessment model (the SCA model), and that the female SSB target and threshold be linked to the new assessment. The estimates of these reference points for Amendment 6 were based on data from the 2001 virtual population analysis stock assessment. Implementing these changes to the biological reference points does not change their definitions, but rather updates them with new data and estimates of stock size.

The Technical Committee undertook the recommended work. Based on biological sampling data, new estimates of the sex ratio at age were developed, resulting in the improved estimates of female SSB for 1982-2006. Included in this time series was a new estimate of female SSB in 1995 (29,985 mt), the year the Atlantic coast stock was declared restored, and the value upon which the management program female SSB threshold is based. Given that Amendment 6 set the female SSB target as 125 percent of the female SSB threshold, the Technical Committee recommended an updated female SSB threshold of 30,000 mt and an updated female SSB target of 37,500 mt.

The Review Committee’s recommendation to update the F threshold meant re-estimating FMSY, the fishing mortality rate that allows for maximum sustainable yield. Using the new estimates of female SSB and age-1 recruitment from the 2007 assessment, the Technical Committee adopted a model averaging approach to account for uncertainty in the stock-recruitment relationship. The resulting estimate of FMSY was 0.34, which the Technical Committee recommended to the Board for use. The F target in Amendment 6 of 0.30 remains the same because it was not based specifically on estimates of stock size, but is based on the objective to maintain an age structure that provides adequate spawning potential to sustain long-term abundance of striped bass populations.

Figure 1. Atlantic Striped Bass Female Spawning Stock Biomass Estimates and Biological Reference Points
Amendment 6 defines the female SSB threshold as the 1995 level of female SSB, when the stock was declared restored, and the female SSB target as 125 percent of the female SSB threshold. The old female SSB threshold and target are based on data from the 2001 virtual population analysis, while the new female SSB threshold and target are based on data from the 2007 statistical catch at age (SCA) model, incorporating an empirical (based on data) sex ratio. Both sets of female SSB estimates are from the 2007 SCA model; however, the new set incorporates the same empirical sex ratio.

Figure 2. Atlantic Striped Bass Fishing Mortality Estimates and Biological Reference Points
Amendment 6 defines the F threshold as FMSY, and the F target based on management objectives. The old F threshold is based on data from the 2001 virtual population analysis, while the new F threshold is based on data from the 2007 statistical catch at age (SCA) model. Estimates from the SCA model were preferred by the 46th Stock Assessment Review Committee for comparison to biological reference points. However, estimates from the tag-based catch equation (CE) model, as well as retrospective estimates of F from the SCA model, are used to indicate that the terminal year F estimate from the SCA model is likely overestimated and will decline below the F target with the addition of future years of data.

For more information, please contact Nichola Meserve, FMP Coordinator, at (202) 289-6400 or nmeserve@asmfc.org.

I have written a lot about shad and herring, thought everyone should know about the public meetings taking place along the east coast.

Previous posts that are worth reading
Protect Shad at Sea
Herring Hearsay In what should be America’s most important river-herring refuge superstition suppresses these imperiled fish by Ted Williams
Industrial Herring Trawlers Threaten New Englands Ocean - Could This Explain the Shad Collapase Along the East Coast?
Susquehanna American Shad down 90% this Year - Crisis Fisheries Management…again

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The Commission’s Shad & River Herring Management Board has approved sending forward Draft Amendment 2 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for River Herring for public review and comment. It seeks input on proposed requirements for population and bycatch monitoring, as well as commercial and recreational management measures. It is anticipated that the majority of coastal states will be conducting public meetings on the Draft Amendment; information on those meetings will be released once they become finalized.

The Draft Amendment has been developed in response to widespread concern regarding the decline of river herring stocks. While many populations of blueback herring and alewife, collectively known as river herring, are in decline or remain depressed at stable levels, lack of fishery-dependent and independent data makes it difficult to ascertain the status of river herring stocks coastwide. Between 1985 and 2004, commercial landings of river herring dropped by 90 percent from 13.6 to 1.33 million pounds. In 2007, Commission member states reported river herring landings of approximately 1.1 million pounds. In response to declining stocks within their own waters, four states — Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, and North Carolina — have closed their river herring fisheries. River herring stocks are a multi-jurisdictional resource occurring in rivers and coastal waters. River herring bycatch continues to be a significant concern. Preliminary analyses indicate that, in some years, the total bycatch of river herring species by the Atlantic herring fleet alone could be equal to the total landings from the entire in-river directed fishery on the East Coast.

The Draft Amendment proposes a suite of management measures to address these concerns and ensure the survival and enhancement of depressed stocks or the maintenance of presently stable stocks. The Draft Amendment proposes mandatory data and bycatch monitoring provisions, as well as options to close fisheries by river system or establish a coastwide moratorium on the river herring fishery.  Specific commercial measures include area closures, escapement provisions, and landings reductions by river systems, as well as limited access. Recreational measures include recreational license/permit, limiting recreational harvest by the days of the week, coastwide creel limit, gear restrictions, and area or seasonal closures by river system.

The Draft will be available by early September and can be obtained by contacting the Commission at (202) 289-6400 or via the Commission’s website at www.asmfc.org under Breaking News.  For more information, please contact Toni Kerns, Senior Fisheries Management Plan Coordinator for Management, at (202) 289-6400 or tkerns@asmfc.org

It’s summer here in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay and while that means vacations and fun on the water for many humans, it means tough times for fish, crabs and other marine species in the Chesapeake. During these high water temperature months we experience dead zones because of algae blooms that are a result of pollutants such as run off from fertilizer and other like substances. The blooms suck all the oxygen out of the water in the lower depths which basically kills everything below. More scientifically speaking, when the algae dies it sinks to the bottom and decreases the amount of oxygen available in the bottom waters, a process called , killing all the fish, crabs and other species as well as their food sources.

Those of us who live and fish in and around the Chesapeake Bay have been aware of these dead zones or red tides as they are sometimes called, for some time now. Striped Bass this time of year are almost always found in the upper water column, generally from 15ft and above. It’s the only place they can get oxygen to breathe.

A US-Sweedish report was released last week suggests that dead zones are increasing all over the world. Dead zones have been steadily increasing over the past five decades and now encompass 400 coastal areas of the world. Dead zones now comprise around 245,000 square kilometers (95,000 square miles), according to researchers Robert Diaz of the Marine Sciences Institute at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, and Rutger Rosenberg, a marine scientist at Gothenburg University in Sweden.

“The formation of dead zones has been exacerbated by the increase in (pollution) … fueled by riverine runoff of fertilizers and the burning of fossil fuels,” the study said.The phenomenon, called eutrophication, is caused by industrial pollution as well as runoff of water containing phosphates and nitrates into the oceans.

“From 1970 to 1990, the hypoxic zone on the northwestern continental shelf of the Black Sea has expanded to 40,000 square kilometers (15,500 square miles),” the study stated. “However, since 1989, the loss of fertilizer subsidies from the former Soviet Union reduced nutrient loading by a factor of two to four, with the result that by 1995 the hypoxic zone had gone.”

Baiscally if these dead zones increase it will reduce where fish can live. With that means fish as a food source decreases. What would life with out fish, crabs, shrimp lobsters or other marine species look like? A heck of a lot of chicken and beef. Not that that is the end of the world, but think about it and what an impact that would have on food availaibly around the world. Hard to even phanthom. Scarey? It scares the heck of of me. Think about it the next time you fertilize your yard or pour other types of chemicals into the enviroment. With a little work we can reduce these dead zones, it just takes us wanting to.

Anytime you are in any sort of “boat” which includes kayaks, canoes, one man paddle boats and/or other like water going vessel you should have a life vest. You never know what can happen and it only takes a few seconds to get into trouble. In all my years kayaking I always have had a life vest aboard. Most states it is required to have a life vest.  I received the below note from the North Carolina Wildlife Division and thought it was a good reminder for all of us
(Pictured is Lateral Line Ambassador Cory Ruthelss Routh catching a redfish from the kayak. He is sporting the Lateral Line Crisfield Summer Fishing Shirt)

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North Carolina Canoes and Kayaks Not Exempt From Life Vest Law

In North Carolina, having a life vest for everyone onboard a canoe or kayak is smart, potentially lifesaving — and the law.

Wildlife Officers with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will work to inform paddlers about an update to state regulations and begin enforcement on waterways. General Statute 15 NCAC 10F .0201 now requires that vessels be equipped with personal flotation devices.

The regulation previously stated “motorboat” and not “vessel,” which excluded canoes, kayaks and rowboats. All vessels are required to have at least one PFD (Type I, II or III) for each person onboard. If the vessel is over 16 feet in length, it is also required to have a throwable flotation device (Type IV PFD). The regulation update brings state law in line with existing federal regulations.

Any child younger than 13 is required to wear an appropriate life vest whenever they are on a recreational vessel that is underway. The life vest must be of proper size and have a U.S. Coast Guard approved label.

Important recreational boating information is available online at www.ncwildlife.org, including the Vessel Operator’s Guide, a safe boating checklist and how to enroll in a free boating education course, or by calling (919) 707-0031.

AMBROSE TOWER, RIP
There are those special places that are responsible for burning permanent memories in an angler’s brain.   Spots where extraordinary things have happened.  Spots where there exists so many possibilities…  So much opportunity.   Ambrose Tower, located approximately 7 miles SSE of Breezy Point, NY was just such a place.   “The Tower” marks the convergence of several main shipping lanes in Lower New York Bay.

Unfortunately, because of idiots standing poor navigation watches on the birdge, the Tower had been hit by wayward tankers 3 times in the last decade, one of which required a total rebuild.  On July 25, 2008, with nary a public hearing, the Coast Guard announced that Ambrose Light would be taken down once and for all.   That’s a bummer.

The thing about The Tower is that no matter what was going on inshore, I could always count on, at the very least, to be able to shoot out there and tangle with some exceptionally big bluefish, and man there were some bruisers out there.  A couple of years ago we weighted a fish on the boga that was 19.5 pounds!  But bluefish weren’t all that was out there.  The water at The Tower is a good 100’ deep.  Any good angler knows that once you get into that kind of depth, all sorts of species can show, and all sorts did indeed show at The Tower.

Indeed, I’ve had my best bluefin tuna days there ever.  I can remember being out there on a slick calm day and throwing crease flies into boiling pods of 20 to 40-pound footballs.  Bluefin would leap out of the water to grab those things.  I can also remember seeing 200 pound fish leap clear out of the water at Ambrose although I can’t say I every hooked any of them.  I can, however, remember hooking “things” that would just swim straight to the bottom and which we couldn’t budge, much less have any hope of landing.  We’ve caught big jacks out there…  Many a Mahi.  Once we even hooked and lost a big cobia at the boat.  Now that was cool!  The Tower was a stopping ground for various whale species as well.

Perhaps the most memorable moment at the tower came in 2005 during the best (and might I add one of the few) bluefin years we ever saw, and perhaps ever will see.  While chasing sparse pods of busting bluefin, out of the corner of my eye I saw a big animal breach and come crashing down.  It was quite far away, but being that I had two marine biologists on board from Environmental Defense I thought I’d ask what type of whale was gunmetal gray and had a white belly.  The response I got was that there was no such whale.   Twenty minutes passed and maybe 20 yards directly off the bow of my 20’ skiff an adult Great White, maybe 20’ in length came flying out of the water, shook it’s body in mid air, then came crashing down with a massive splash.  Everyone’s jaw dropped.  100% true!  There was chatter all over the radio from other folks who had seen the shark as well.  Cool sht.

On my last outing to The Tower, at approximately 9:00AM a big barge with a crane and other equipment pulled up and went to work, as if we weren’t even there.  That was it for Ambrose.  The demolition comes almost 41 years after Ambrose Tower replaced the Ambrose Lightship.  She is no more, yet she will always be remembered.  May she rest in peace…

Fishing Reports
Summer doldrums continue in most areas.  Inshore in Jersey, there isn’t much but the occasional bottom fish.  Roving schools of big and/or small bluefish can be found here and there, but even they aren’t very consistent.    Way, way off of the Jersey Coast, there has been some action with bluefin that are north of 100-pounds, but the midshore spots are relatively barren.  In New York Harbor, the topwater bluefish action has been pretty good.  Find structure with a swift moving current around it and you’re likely to score.  There have also been plenty of medium bluefish under the birds throughout the day.  It’s worthy of noting here that the amount of bait skyrocked over the weekend.  There are a ton of bay anchovies on the outside and a ton of peanut bunker on the inside.  So far it’s just been the bluefish on them as well as a few random bass.  It’s only a matter of time before bonito and/or false albacore get on these abundant baits.  Across the Island it’s been very similar.  Lots of bait, but only bluefish.  Expect that to change soon.  On the North Shore the first reports of bonito have been coming in.  Not a whole lot of them, but indeed, folks are scoring.  Connecticut, Rhode Island and Mass were into bonito this week as well, but most folks believe that the big push is yet to come.  The bass fishing in those states remains in the typical summer patterns.  Early morning and nights are producing for the sharpies, but it certainly isn’t gangbusters.

New York Saltwater Fishing Reports
From Lower New York Harbor, Capt. Chris Hessert from Manhattan Fly checks in with this report:
Well, to continue with reporting more of the same…poor conditions along the shore line with this continued southerly thats bring the brackish water and weeds, I have been running out to the Mud Hole and Monster Ledge. Along the inshore, it has been…at best, cocktail blues. Pretty crummy. Getting passed the 20 fathom line its a different world and yes, the hard tail search continues…yet so worthwhile when you get to  cobalt. Ran to Monster Ledge yesterday and had sights of things you would only see on Blue Planet or Nat Geo if not getting out there. Gas?, well thats just part of the game, dropped a bit too. Not a bad run with a blow less than 10, about 50 minutes. We hung with in a few yards of a mother Fin Back with her calf for a good half hour, giving her a little distance…so cool! then along come around 120 (last count) ocean going dolphin and these guys are not shy, hanging around the boat and riding the bow. You could reach over and touch the dorsal fin. They sound like the are breathing through a plastic cone…Big ‘ole Mola-Mola and a bunch of Leather Back turtles…speaking of turtles, Capt. David Azar was out the prior day and witnessed a Mako making brunch of a turtle…wow!  Yes, the toons are in our thoughts but this is one hell of a cool diversion while on our search, there was the usual chatter a bit south and there are hook ups. Sights like these can give you a larger perspective of the blue stuff, puts you in awe. The weird part, is being on the Subway 4 hours later!

From the Western Long Island/Breezy Point area, David Berman checks in with this report:
Hi John, David Berman here.    On sunday Bob W., Ken J. and I ventured forth fly rods in hand, in the relatively early am, in the search for the ellusive bonito fish that we’ve heard so much about lately , most sightings having been made in the local fishmarkets! Ken was first out towards the tip of jetty while Bob and I hung back to fish a bit from the beach., nothin doing. Look up to see Ken casting and terns working the tip, could it be the green fish? A scramble to find out ensues. Which brings to mind a play on one of the old Chinese Philosophers words to the wise and not so wise. “Old flyfisher who hurry on jetty bound to have crackup” , and it was so! All kidding aside , a hurried misstep on the rocks can result in pain and suffering. I was lucky , some pain and still some suffering, but nothing broken, body or tackle. And all that in persuit of cocktail blues, yellow eyed devils, as it turned out. Nothing doing except a take, a brief fight and then a bite off over the next hour or so, at which point a walk back into the inlet for me to see if I can see stripes instead of green. Sun,sky and tide were perfect for looking, the water could have been clearer  but was manageable if fish would  make themselves viewable. A few  did but showed no interst in my first offering, changed over to a small crab pattern , looked up saw another striped one, flipped the fly, he came up and took as if I had offered a cookie, and we were off. I’ll wait a bit longer for the green fish!   

Capt. David Blinken from North Flats Guiding checks in with this Eastern Long Island report:
I missed last week (bummer) sorry, but there was not much to report any way the fishing was tough at best. This week is another story! There seem to be more and larger bass around relative to last week.
There are also big blues prowling around. The bait as you might think is peanut bunker but what is coming out of the fish when they are brought to the boat is (tiny) bay anchovies (micro bait) go figure. this is making things fun and a bit challenging, and matching flies to this bait means small hooks (size 4 and 6) which makes it tough to keep the hook in the mouth of a fish. Look for the occasional Bonito and Spanish mackerel you might just get surprised.  There is a big problem affecting the late summer bass fishing and that is GILL NETS, strung from shore out 300 feet right in the lanes where bass swim. Sport fish status cant come fast enough! With fewer bass from Maine to New York one has to wonder if the 1980’s are no longer a memory but a reality. Lets hope things change soon!!! Remember, release release release so you can enjoy them another day.

Connecticut Saltwater Fishing Reports
Capt. Sandy Noyes from Rumrunner Guide Service checks in with this report from Eastern Connecticut:
This past week showed some promise of things to come. Mathew came up from the big city and spent the day catching a good number of bass and bluefish. It was pretty steady all day . Also I had Marty and Ron come down from the other end of NY. and they spent a pretty steady day using fly and spin gear. We had bluefish early and bass in the afternoon. I took one day to do a little fishing for myself. My wife and I were looking for the elusive bonito. In about four hours we managed to each catch one and lose another. They were pretty spotty and you needed lots of patience. I know of a few that have been taken between Fishers Island and Charlestown, RI. They haven’t showed with any regularity yet but its still early. One treat that I had this week was to have a seven foot dolphin come by to pay a visit near Watch Hill, he stayed awhile and then left for parts unknown. This happened about 100 yards from shore and in 25 feet of water. 

Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Reports
No reports from the mainland, but Capt. Tom Rapone from Highly Migratory Guide Service reports good action with the bonito:
8.14.08 -  While the summer fishing pattern still persists on the Vineyard, the first few chilly mornings of mid-August definitely have me thinking about fall. It won’t be too long before we’re in full-on bone/albie mode, and it’s certainly one of my favorite times of the year.  For now, it’s been the same lights-out bluefishing and scattering of bones that we’ve had for the last couple weeks. I would expect the inshore bone scene to blow wide open any minute, as every single creek mouth and harbor entrance on the island is crawling with silversides and juvi herring. As of now, the fly/light tackle bass fishing for anything over 30″ remains a pretty tough gig. The key this time of year is a combination of EARLY morning, fast moving water, and rocks. The rocks will hold at least a few resident fish regardless of water temps…That’s all I got for now. Catch ‘em.

That’s all for this week.  A little light on the reports, but that’s because we’re in the depths of the summer doldrums.  Expect that to change in the coming weeks. 

Wow!  On that note, I’m gonna sign off.  See ya on the water…

Capt. John McMurray

Virginia Fishing Report: Covering the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Inshore and Virginia Offshore Fishing by Tidal Fish Correspondent Julie Ball
As we push toward the end of summer, anglers are finding a multitude of different fish to target. Flounder is still the main attraction inshore, with doormats lunging at live bait presented around structure in the lower bay. The Cell area, as well as the 1st and 4th islands of the Bay Bridge Tunnel are producing. Keeper flatties are also coming from offshore wrecks. Although each day is a gamble, whether you are drifting, live-baiting, or jigging, odds are good for landing keepers with a few trophies scattered in. On windy days, Lynnhaven Inlet is providing good catches of decent fish lately.(pictured: FellowTFer ClassicRockfish and family with  a nice catch from the other day. Check out the full report with pictures here. ) The next top species is cobia. The transition to their usual top-water rendezvous with structure is providing a new approach for cobia hunters. More fish are also beginning to cruise the surface. While most of cobia are still not huge, a few whoppers are taking offerings, especially along the coastal waters off Sandbridge and False Cape. This trend should continue to gain momentum.

The king mackerel bite continues at a steady pace. With cooler air temps this week, kings should become more active along the shoreline, especially if an easterly direction is mixed in. Trollers are reporting scattered catches of fish ranging to about 20-pounds by live baiting and fast trolling south of Rudee Inlet in about 20 to 60 feet of water.

According to local charter captains, the Spanish mackerel fishing along the coastal Virginia Beach is some of the best they have seen in years. Big fish, with many ranging from 22 to 24 inches, are keeping trollers content. A fast presentation of small Clark or Drone spoons on a planer will do the trick for some decent Spanish action.

Red drum are still schooling around the lower bay shoals and near the 3rd and 4th islands of the CBBT. Black drum are also still meandering around the four artificial islands of the Bridge Tunnel where folks are hooking and releasing fish on artificial lures.

The great puppy drum action is still going on within most any skinny water location in Tidewater, with steady action within Lynnhaven and Rudee Inlets. These young reds will hit a variety of baits, with fresh cut mullet and Gulp mullets the top choices lately.

Most have lost interest in spadefish, but some decent sized fish are still available along the northern span of the CBBT, the four artificial islands, and many inshore structures. Folks are spotting numerous sheepshead along the pilings of the CBBT mixed in with the spades and triggerfish, but they are not taking baits easily for most. And what about those triggers? They are everywhere on lower bay structures and inshore wrecks. These little fish will take most any offering on most any type of rig. But be aware they can pack a nasty bite.

Croaker are everywhere. Bigger hardheads are coming from the deeper areas north of the 3rd island of the CBBT, Back River Reef, and the Cell. The folks at Ocean’s East 2 report that big fish to 2-pounds are coming from the West Norfolk Bridge area in the Elizabeth River. Anglers fishing Oyster are also still filling coolers in the back waters. Tarpon are also available in the deeper holes and along the cuts in Oyster.

Nice spot are hitting within Rudee and Lynnhaven Inlets on bloodworms, with good numbers of smaller fish also available off Cape Henry. Pier catches are routine for this time of year with small croaker, spot, and bluefish the norm, with a shot at a king or Spanish mackerel from the beach piers. Small pompano are also showing off the Oceanview pier.

Amberjack are providing good opportunities on offshore wrecks and at the Southern Towers. Although most don’t consider jack crevelle to be an inshore species, often these fish are noted schooling around the bay late in the summer. Although catches are not common, trolling spoons and live bait in these areas may entice a lucky hit. Schools of jack crevelle were spotted at various locations near the 3rd and 4th islands of the CBBT lately.

Not many boats made it offshore this week, but Captain Steve Richardson skipper of the Backlash out of the Fishing Center predicts that the marlin bite should still be decent at the Canyon. He also had a few nice catch of 60-pound class yellowfin tuna and nice gaffer dolphin recently. Scattered citation dolphin and big wahoo are also still in the mix, mostly coming from the Cigar area.

Until next week, good luck fishing!

Julie
Dr. Julie Ball
IGFA Representative,

Luckily we have some reports from the Virginia Saltwater Review covering this region.
Chincoteague - Donna at Captain Bob’s reports that fishing in Chincoteague is excellent. Although many species had a slow start due to a late spring with high winds, once the flounder showed up, fishing took off like a NASA rocket! It hasn’t slowed up yet. Currently, the hot catch is croaker and kingfish, with some spot mixed in. The occasional flounder are also available. Offshore, anglers must venture to the 30 or 40 Fathom Line to hook up with some yellowfin tuna. Large dolphin were found beyond the Parking Lot area. Bluefin tuna fishing has died back considerably, but the wrecks are busy with spadefish, triggerfish, a few sea bass and tautog. Other offshore reports included whale sightings, hundred of various types of turtles, and schools of colorful fish.

Wachapreague - At the Wachapreague Marina, the weather kept many anglers home this weekend. Those that went out found really nice tautog and black sea bass at the offshore wrecks. Offshore, the tuna run has stopped, but anglers have caught plentiful dolphin. In the bay, coolers were filled with croaker, and flounder are plentiful. Sea mullet and spot are numerous as well. Citations for the week include sea mullet and croaker. Anglers are catching croaker and flounder at Captain Zed’s Marina. In fact, the large croaker finally seem to have arrived. Sea mullet were caught as well. Citations this week include a 10-pound flounder. Offshore, black sea bass were found at the wrecks. Tuna fishing was slow, but gaffer-sized dolphin were hooked. A few white marlin have been spotted in the Norfolk Canyon as well.

Virginia’s Middle Bay Fishing Report
by Jerry Thrash From Patriot Charters and Queens Creek Outfitters
Jerry writes: “Spanish in good numbers are still available  along the drop off at Windmill Bar and there have been  fish caught near R2 and southward towards Wolf Trap.   Spanish bite best at 6-8 knots as shown on the GPS.  Slower speeds produce bluefish. Small to medium croaker good size Spot continue to be caught at Cherry Point, off Gwynn Island in 25-30 feet of water and at  the Spike (#3 Rappahannock marker) and at Butlers Hole.  White perch are mixed in. Flounder have slowed.  We only registered one citation this week and it came from jigging rather than trolling or drifting. Red Drum continue to available almost anywhere there is grass or shell bottom.   They are  mixed in with croaker, spot and small stripers and are hitting Gulp baits.  The creeks are full of small menhaden and the drum are feeding on them as are speckled trout and bluefish. Blues caught trolling are pretty good size (1-3 lbs) and there are a lot of them around the Cell, Buoy 42 and Windmill Bar.Citations:
Flounder:
26.5″,7 lbs, 1 oz  caught 8/7 at the Cell on a jig by Eli Shirley of Ruther Glen.”

Routine water quality monitoring by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Morgan State University Estuarine Research Center recently identified high concentrations of toxic blue-green algae, Microcystis, in Mattawoman Creek off of the Potomac River.

“Excessive nutrient pollution in the water fuels these algal blooms, which are not uncommon in the freshwater and low salinity waters of the Potomac River.  Harmful algal blooms such as these can be prevented if more people living in the Potomac River watershed take steps to reduce run-off pollution,” said Tom Parham, DNR tidewater ecosystem assessment director.  “Some easy and affordable backyard solutions include planting native trees and rain gardens, using rain barrels, and refraining from fertilizing in the spring.”

After learning of algal toxin levels higher than typical acceptable standards for human and animal contact in water samples from Mattawoman Creek, Charles County issued a health advisory for the area encouraging people to take precautions to reduce the risk of illness or discomfort related to blue-green algal blooms:

• The public should not swim in areas where a blue-green algae bloom is evident.
• Do not drink water from any area with the appearance of a blue-green algae bloom.
• If contact is made with problem water, simply wash off with fresh water.
• In some cases, skin irritations may occur after prolonged contact. If irritations persist, see a physician or local health care provider.
• Keep pets and livestock away from bloom areas.
• Blue-green algal blooms may contain toxins that could be harmful or fatal to pets and livestock.
• Do not eat internal organs of fish caught in blue-green bloom waters.

Inhalation exposure to blue-green algal bloom waters may result in irritation of the eyes, ears, nose and throat with extended recreational activity on such waterways.
Please note that illness associated with harmful algal blooms is a reportable illness and physicians should be reporting these to local health departments.

“We will continue to monitor the algal bloom,” added Parham.

For up to date information on all of Maryland’s harmful algal blooms and water quality, please visit DNR’s Eyes on the Bay website at