Come out of the shadows…Let’s go fishing!
Colder temperatures, mixed with above average snowfall, made this winter seem longer than normal. When that dang groundhog saw his shadow we should’ve expected a delayed spring. We need to replace Punxsutawney Phil with “Rivah Redfish” who jumps out of the water and never sees his shadow!
Anglers have already begun to test the inshore waters with mixed results. A few speckled trout and redfish have been found but they are sparsely in the tributaries. Shallow waters, especially those holding sea grasses, will be the first to warm and hold notable quantities of fish. Those being caught in April are likely resident fish that wintered in here.
In recent years, we’ve experienced above average winter temperatures. That encourages fish to remain in all year. The only downside is the return of a cold winter. During heavy snows the water temperatures drop quickly and shock the fish, causing many trout to die. This was the case in several local tributaries this winter.
We will need to keep an eye on speckled trout populations this year to see how abundant they are. Last year saw a slight decline. Help keep the stocks healthy by practicing catch and release, keeping only enough for your dinner and following local regulations. Current limits are five per person, 14-inch minimum with only one fish over 24 inches per day.
If trout stocks continue to decline, the Virginia Marine Resources Commission should consider lowering the limits per person and making it a gamefish, like red drum, so that it cannot be fished commercially.
Tautog, another spring favorite, peaks during March and into April. These fish can be found around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, around wrecks and structures in the mid-bay and even on structures like bridge pilings and artificial reefs in the rivers. Green crab works well at the business end of a stout, sharp hook and strong, low stretch line. Tog limits are four per person with a 16-inch minimum. The season will close May 15.
Striped bass have completed their spawning run and most of the large females have already left the rivers. These prized fish use the bay’s upper tributaries as their primary spawning grounds. The smaller males and younger female fish now are well up the rivers and should remain there during May.
With the recent changes to the season, anglers don’t have an opportunity to land any rockfish until May 16. Limits are set at one fish per person, 19-inches to 24-inches in length. A variety of species will take up residence as the season matures, but for now it is a patience game of waiting for the water temperature to promote heavier migration.
The region offers great fishing, but more importantly, it’s the whole experience of checking out new waters, seeing the wildlife that surrounds you and most of all sharing it with family and friends. Whether you’re just fishing from a pier or chartering a fishing trip, the bay offers a fishing experience like no other.
Until next time….Fair winds.
Capt. Billy Pipkin, a saltwater fishing columnist, owns and operates Capt. Billy’s Charters Service and Ingram Bay Marina on the Chesapeake Bay in Wicomico Church. Visit www.captbillyscharters.com or call 580-7292.
