Striped bass are in town!

I had a great weekend running trips on both Saturday & Sunday.  Luckily the fish cooperated on both days.
On Saturday, we couldn't have asked for a better day!  Due to a recent injury, I took 2 mates with me, and when the fish turned on I sure was glad that I had an extra set of hands.
Peter Hedlund and his group from Charlottesville and D.C. made their way to Reedville for a really fun day of fishing.

We headed out across the shipping channel and started looking for birds and fish on top.  Things started out pretty slow at first, but after we got rid of the "bad luck" banana that was smuggled onto the boat that morning it was like someone turned on the fish switch. As soon as we got our trolling rigs right, we had fish on continuously, and multiple fish on the same rod pretty often. At one point, I was able to turn on the auto pilot and maintain speed for over 2 miles and we managed to stay in the fish the entire time. 

 Unfortunately, this year it was determined that the minimum size for striped bass was increased, and we had to release so many fish that would have been more than legal to keep just 12 months ago.  None the less, this is a great sign for the population of striped bass in the future, and as the water temperature continues to drop, more & larger fish are certain show up consistently.

 As I said earlier, Saturday was an exceptional day with awesome fishing, beautiful weather & a great group of guys.

GOOD TIMES FOR SURE!

Thanks again Peter & gang for fishing with us.  I can't wait to do it again!  (Thank you Peter for allowing me to use your photos)

On Sunday, we fished with Trey Smith and his group from Romney, West Virginia.  Unfortunately, the weather conditions were not quite as good as on Saturday, but we still managed to have a great day of fishing.  Once we finally found the fish is was game on!  We managed to catch a good number of fish and even had some great top water fishing close to the boat.  Thanks again for fishing with us guys I hope that you make the trip east again soon!

With as much bait and striped bass as there are in the area this early in the fall, I am looking forward to an exceptional fall and winter season, and you still have opportunity to get in on the action.  Do yourself a favor and don't let this fishing season pass you by without getting out on the Chesapeake Bay for a great day of fishing.  We still have some prime weekend dates available during November and December.  With our large enclosed cabin, you and your group can be assured that you will have a warm & comfortable trip without being crowded when you are not out on deck reeling in fish.  Give me a call 804-436-3241, or email me at southerntideguideservice@gmail.com to reserve your date soon.

Fall Fishing is Here

With temperatures dropping it wont be long before we see images like these!

Without a doubt, the fall is my favorite time to fish, and the best opportunity to have lot of action catching rock fish in the bay.
Every evening, I'm busy tying rigs and getting the rods and reels in shape to catch a bunch of fish.
We still have some weekend dates available during November and early December which is "PRIME TIME" to have a great day out on the Chesapeake Bay.  If you are considering taking a charter fishing trip this fall be sure to call soon 804/436-3241 and reserve your weekend date.
 As always, we have great accommodations available for you and your group to spend the night before your trip.  Our bunk house sleeps 6, has1.5 bathrooms, full kitchen and a living room with satellite TV for only $100 per night.  All you have to do in the morning is wake up, walk down to the dock & jump on the boat.    
Lets go fishing!