Open the Strait of the Little Wicomico River !
Reminder: MD and Potomac River Striper Season is Close
| AUG. 1–AUG. 31 | All areas closed to striped bass fishing. | CLOSED | No targeting. Attempting to catch striped bass is illegal during this time period |
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Striper season will resume September 1.
August Fishing Tip
If you are Cobia fishing with eels and you experience a big runoff thinking it’s a Cobia, but when you set the hook, you get nothing and your eel looks like this, it’s a clear indication of a shark bite. A lot of people mistake it for Bluefish but Bluefish will bite your eel in half. Shark just mutilate your bait.
During this time of year, dogfish are prowling our waters, and the sight of eels is particularly attractive to them, which means you might be in for a surprise. These sharks are notorious for stealing bait with their sharp teeth and quick movements. Not only do they often bite your eel, but they can also leave you with a frustrating experience as you’re left wondering about the catch that got away.
NNAC VP Tom caught a tagged Cobia during a recent fishing trip, and when it was netted, it astonishingly regurgitated a baby Ray. This remarkable occurrence helps confirm that Cobia often school with Rays, as they consume the young Rays that are released from a female Ray during her spawning process.
Tom captured a picture of the tag and notified the appropriate authorities, ensuring to provide all the required information clearly and accurately. His diligence did not go unnoticed; he was rewarded with a thoughtful gift for his participation in the VA gamefish tagging program, which encourages anglers to contribute to important conservation efforts. It is incredibly important that if you catch a fish with a tag, you report the information to the appropriate authorities, as this data plays a crucial role in understanding fish populations and their habitats, ultimately aiding in the preservation of aquatic ecosystems. By participating and sharing your findings, you join a community dedicated to sustainable fishing practices, contributing to the health and balance of our waters.
July Fishing Report
The Summer fishing season has not produced the numbers of species everyone was expecting, leading to a sense of disappointment among local fishermen and enthusiasts alike. Many were hoping for a bountiful haul this year, given the favorable weather conditions and the abundance of baitfish in the waters. The anticipation was palpable as many fishing tournaments were scheduled with high hopes. However, as the weeks have gone by, the reality has set in that the catch has been significantly lower, leaving many to wonder what might be causing this decline in fish populations. Rumors and theories are running wild.
There are still Cobia in the area, but due to the extreme temperatures, they may soon move to cooler waters where they can thrive better. These fish can adapt, but long exposure to high heat may force them to find more suitable environments, especially in search of food and good habitats. As the seasons change, it will be interesting to see how their migration patterns shift and how they react to changing conditions and prey availability in their quest for survival.
Mackerel and Bluefish, two species that have always provided exciting fishing experiences and great table fare for anglers and seafood lovers alike, are clearly not at the numbers we have experienced in the past. While they are traditionally known for their abundance and the thrill they bring to fishing experiences, last year’s significant decline seems to be continuing this year, raising concerns among recreational fishermen.
In August, sharks seemed to be the most active fish in this area of the Bay, outshining other species. These predators are devouring those precious expensive Cobia eels, which many anglers use for hunting Cobia. Although there have been some nice Cobia caught, the bite seems to be scattered, indicating a variation in their feeding patterns and perhaps a response to changing water temperatures or bait availability.
The Smith Point area emerged as a particularly productive Cobia hotspot, along with the usual Dameron Marsh, which remains a popular destination for those looking to enjoy a day on the water while hoping for a thrilling tug of a Cobia on their lines.
The NNK Saltwater Shootout Tournament is a perfect thermometer for showing how poor the cobia fishing has been this year. With approximately 80 entries competing for glory, the tournament highlighted some alarming trends in the local fishing community. Despite the high number of participants, only 18 boats managed to log any tournament fish, underscoring the challenges that local anglers are currently facing. Furthermore, an even more disappointing statistic emerged: only 6 of those boats managed to catch the 2 fish maximum allowed, pointing to a significant decline in the cobia population and raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of this iconic fishery. As seasoned fishermen gathered to share their experiences and strategies, it became increasingly clear that there is a troubling trend in the health of the cobia fishing ecosystem.
Recent Catches
No August Club Meeting
There is no August Club Meeting. The next meeting will be in September.
July Club Meeting
Club VP Tom Hedgpeth discussed trolling for Spanish Mackerel and Bluefish during the meeting, highlighting various strategies that could enhance success rates. He emphasized the importance of timing, weather conditions, appropriate tackle, hot spots and bait selection, offering insights into the best practices for targeting these species. Following the meeting, several eager anglers took to the waters, eager to apply their skills in combination with the techniques that had been discussed. With enthusiasm and determination, they tested their newfound knowledge, experimenting with different trolling speeds and lure colors, hoping to entice a strong catch. The excitement among the anglers grew, driven by the prospect of reeling in a trophy catch that would not only boost their confidence but also contribute to their shared experiences within the club.
June Club Meeting
Club members enthusiastically attended the June Club Meeting at the new location, showcasing a strong sense of community and camaraderie. During the meeting, Club VP Tom Hedgpeth provided an engaging presentation on fishing for Cobia, a highly sought-after species. This topic was particularly timely and relevant, as the Cobia season was just beginning, allowing members to strategize their fishing trips before the highly anticipated NNK Saltwater Shootout Tournament. Tom’s Team participated in the tournament alongside a few other dedicated club members, performing admirably and securing an impressive 11th place out of 80 entries, demonstrating their skill and teamwork. David Miller, another avid angler and club member, also entered the tournament with his team, finishing just behind Tom’s group in 12th place, reflecting the competitive spirit and camaraderie that defines the club. The meeting concluded with members sharing their fishing stories and strategies, fostering a vibrant exchange of knowledge and passion for the sport.
Nice Turnout for the First Club Meeting of the Year
Thank you to everyone that turned out for the Club’s first meeting of the year. We had a nice crowd. The weather was perfect for this first ever outdoor event. The venue worked out great! A big thanks to Capt. Chris Dollar of Tackle Cove Outdoors for hosting the event and for providing lots of nice giveaways. Remember Tackle Cove has all of the latest tackle. If you can’t find it, just ask Capt. Chris, I am sure he can get it for you.