13th

citations:
117 lb Bluefin Tuna caught by Mark Carstens of Virginia Beach, VA
65" Bluefin Tuna caught & released by Robert Dubell of Virginia Beach, VA

Looks like the Bluefin Tuna are really starting to show up now. This is our second one brought back to the docks in less than a week that made record size! Citation for Bluefins is 100 lbs brought back to the dock, or 60" for catch and release. These guys got really lucky and were able to do both!

Offshore is the way to go if you're looking for variety. This time of year it's hard to gauge where the fish are at. The water is just a little too warm for the winter fish and a little too cold for the summer fish just yet. Because the offshore trips are 12 hours, you get maximum fishing time. You can do a deep-drop trip for Sea Bass, Tilefish, Grouper, and similar fish or you can troll for the prized Bluefins. Because it's your own private charter, you can discuss with the captain which option is more feasible or if it's worth while to do both.

Inshore fishing has also been a big hit since Striper season ended March 31st. The Trophy Season for these prized fish will be open May 1st through June 15th for the Bay and May 1st through May 15th for the Ocean. (For complete regulations please visit www.mrc.virginia.gov) We've had great reports of the Flounder that have been caught around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. There are tons of Flounder to be caught with just enough keepers to make the fishing worth while. The size limit to keep a Flounder is 19 inches and bag limit is 5 per person. Tautog, also called Blackfish, have been a little hit or miss lately. There are few still lingering, but not too many reports of them have been made to us, although we did have a 21 lb 13 oz 'Tog brought back to the docks just a couple weeks ago. The season for Tautog will be closed May 1st and reopening June 24th.

Although the weather around Virginia Beach is still really crazy, we have been getting quite a few warm spells which are starting to bring in out-of-towners. Because Virginia Beach is known for it's phenomenal fishing, it's a favorite past time for many. A lot of the piers around here are finally open and in great working order. The piers are preferred because you don't have to buy a fishing license; your fee to get on the pier covers your license. As the summer season wears on, they tend to get a little crowded and thus shore fishing becomes another favorite in which case you MUST have a Virginia Saltwater Fishing License. We do not sell them, only local K-Marts and Wal-Marts sell them, or you can purchase one online. The fee for a fishing license runs about the same as paying to get on a pier so it just depends on the type of fish you're looking to catch.

Fishing in Rudee Inlet has been pretty tough lately according to local anglers who have fished there for many years. Speckled Trout and Puppy Drum are going to be the main fish to catch right now, although with the weather still being so cold the water temperature hasn't had a decent chance to rise thus making the fish a little lethargic. As stated before, we have been getting quite a few warm spells which have definitely helped.

We do offer a fish cleaning service, so if you're ever out fishing and need your fish filleted, give us a call and we will do our best to get our fish cleaner down here. Also, if you would like you and/or your catch featured on our website just bring it by and we'll have the camera ready!

Questions, comments, or concerns please do not hesitate to give us a call or e-mail us!

757-491-8000

800-725-0509

info@virginiafishing.com