FALL FISHING UPDATE

I hope that you are doing well and you have enjoyed your summer!  I can tell you for sure that I did. 

 

With another great summer of Cobia, Bluefish and Mackerel fishing in the books, my thoughts (and I’m sure yours) are quickly turning to my favorite time of year and all of the upcoming fall / winter fish & hunting seasons which will be opening before we know it.

Even though the temperatures here still resemble summer, there are definite signs that fall is right on our door step.  Locally, some of the leaves on the hardwood trees are starting to turn, walnuts and acorns are starting to fall from trees and a few young rockfish are already starting to move out of the creeks & out to the rivers in order to start fattening up for the upcoming winter.

While there are still plenty bluefish to be caught right now, there are fewer Spanish mackerel and red drum hanging around than there were just a few weeks ago.  These fish have started their southern migration out of the Chesapeake Bay, but more importantly, according to reports, the ocean Rockfish population has started its southern migration also.  My contacts in the northern states tell me that the fish are starting to make their way down the coast right on schedule.

 If all goes well, these fish will start filtering into the bay before long & we will be set up for another great fall / winter rockfish season this year.  Luckily, there is no shortage of bait fish in this area to keep all of these fish fed.

As you probably know, the Virginia Rock Fish / Striped Bass season opens in just a couple weeks on 10-4-16 and stays in until 12-31-16.  During the first few weeks of this season, we will be anchoring and chumming for these fish and using light spinning gear to land them, you can also expect to catch bluefish during this time.

  

As the air and water cools down, we will transition to trolling & jigging for the rest of the season.

  

Once the water temperature hits ~55 degrees, and down into the mid 40’s the fishing is usually very good.  Typically, during the period of November to the end of December is when we have the best chance of catching the larger striped bass that have come in to the bay from the ocean.

Over the past seasons, we have been lucky enough to catch a good number of legal sized fish and do a lot of catch and release fishing during the months of November and December.

Don’t worry about getting too cold out on the water. Once you are in the cabin, we can close the curtains and you will see that it is literally like a greenhouse, plus there is a large diesel “heater” right below the cabin, but you are certainly welcome to stay out on deck and be closer to the action.  

Typically, with just a coat, you will stay comfortable all day.

Currently, I do still have some great Weekend dates available in November and December.  This is prime time to take part in the best Striped Bass fishery on the East Coast during that time of year.  If you haven’t already done so, be sure to catch-up with your fishing group soon and give me a call 804-436-3241 or Email southerntideguideservice@gmail.com  with the dates that you would like to make a trip.  All you need to bring with you is what you want to eat and drink, I take care of the rest.  All bait, tackle and ice has been included in the cost of the trip. Once we get back to the dock, your catch will be cleaned, packed and iced in your cooler for the trip home.

As always, the bunk house is available for you to stay in the night before your fishing trip.  This has always been a very popular option for those who travel long distances to fish with us.  There is no need to leave home early in the morning to drive to Reedville, you can spend the night before, wake up, walk down to the boat, and go fishing!

I hope that you will be able to make a trip with us this year!  I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Joe Biddlecomb

Captain, Southern Tide Guide Service