The Fishing Line by Capt. Billy Pipkin
September celebration
We are currently experiencing good fishing both inshore and in the Chesapeake Bay.
Because September is known for its great catches, anglers are gathering to celebrate a variety of species that make up what we call the “Northern Neck Seafood Buffet.” Speckled trout, red drum, and bluefish will provide excitement worth celebrating.
What’s there not to love? The mild weather coupled with a variety of fish, is sure to please even the most discerning angler.
Light tackle
Shallow water presents opportunities that are not available in the deep water of the bay. This inshore fishery holds speckled trout, puppy drum, striped bass and perch, which collectively make up the majority of light tackle skinny water fishing.
What makes the shallow water fishing so special is that it’s commonly found in protected areas, well suited for small boats and kayaks. Fishing interest has swelled among naturalists and fitness enthusiasts who choose to explore nature and catch a fresh dinner at the same time.
I have found great success with light tackle while casting over grass beds and near shore structure.
Speckled trout fishing remains the most popular target. Action was good in late August and should continue through September. Grassy flats and oyster beds are great places to fish for these trout. You will find these fish in rivers and feeder creeks throughout the region.
Casting artificial baits has become the norm rather than the exception when targeting trout. Mirrolures, surface poppers and jig heads rigged with plastics are among the many baits used to entice shallow water action. Other methods include fly fishing with clouser minnows.
I believe that fly fishing is the most rewarding form of angling and brings one closest to the pure art of fishing. Tying, presenting and catching a fish on a homemade fly is the ultimate experience. Like so many subjects, that reminds me of a quote…“There is no greater fan of fly fishing than the worm.” —Patrick McManus
Puppy drum, or small red drum, and even juvenile striped bass feed heavily on minnows and peeler crabs during September. This occurs along the shorelines and bar areas where access is limited to shallow draft vessels. As we approach month’s end, this fishery matures nicely with 18-26-inch fish available for light tackle action. Striped bass will average a modest 16-20 inches and must be released prior to the October 4 season.
We are also finding fair numbers of tiny bluefish while inshore fishing. They are tough on plastics but are fun to catch on bucktails and plugs. If so inclined, the choice of flies usually falls within a colorful variety of clousers and deceivers with chartreuse and white topping the list.
Perch fishing is best found around structure, whether it’s pilings or oyster bottom. Worms are the preferred bait, yet small jigs and spinners will produce results.
Bay and rivers
During this transitional period between summer and fall, there are a few top water species that can be found in the big water of the bay and the mouths of major rivers. Among fish drawing the most attention are Spanish mackerel, bluefish and large red drum.
Anglers should find plenty of trolling action along the channel edges throughout the region. Trolling produces good results with several different lures. The only difference is varying speeds for each species. Clark and Drone #1 spoons closely resemble shiners—the main menu for all three species this month.
An average trolling speed of 5-6 knots will entice each species with a slightly faster speed for mackerel and slower for drum. Use heavier leaders and more stout spoons for the bull drum. As the fall progresses, the fish occasionally school a bit deeper in the water table. I have found that #2 planers are the best means of taking the lures to depths of 15+ feet.
This trio of fish will continue to school in the lower Potomac and southern Maryland waters to the mouth of the Rappahannock. Many fish follow the eastern channel edges from Smith Point to the Cut Channel before they disperse.
Bluefish seem to be consistent on both sides of the bay with the larger samples found on the eastern flats and locations holding structure. They can be caught by trolling or chumming. Trolling is preferred as chumming has fallen out of favor with the shortage of bait in Virginia causing prices to spike.
Bottom fishing will peak this month and should continue to provide action into October. Larger spot will become more plentiful over most hard bottom areas. Most of the rivers and creeks are holding spot at this time.
Whether you fish from your boat, kayak or a charter boat, this month promises to provide a good time. Celebrate September with the fish!
Until next time…fair winds.
Capt. Billy Pipkin 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.
