Know Your Fish Albacore to Zebra

Speckled trout or spotted sea trout are native to waters all along the east coast of the Atlantic Ocean from Massachusetts to Florida and throughout the Gulf of Mexico. In Virginia, many fish winter in the lower tidal rivers, inner coastal waterways, and coastline inlets such as Little Creek, Lynnhaven, and Rudee. In the spring, they venture out, preparing to spawn, with some traveling up the bay and joining other migrating fish from Carolina waters. They breed repeatedly throughout the basin between April and October, usually near grass beds where the hatchlings can seek refuge. All summer, specks are taken in the grassy shallows by casting top water plugs or shallow running baits, flies, or jigs, especially in low light conditions.

As the coastal waters drop the temperature in September, baitfish and shrimp school in large numbers and begin their southward journey. The trout do the same and feed up for the winter. Migratory and resident fish flood the area on both sides of the bay, with the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel islands and most bayside creeks and inlets holding quality speckled trout in good numbers. Casting or trolling small lead head jigs with 3-5" swim baits or mirrors of assorted colors are ideal for finding the fish. Don't be afraid to try different colors. Look for clean, shallow water near channel edges and structure which holds baitfish, and try to use colors that look natural in your conditions. Grass beds, oyster bars, and drop-offs are great locations to fish.

Tight lines, friends!

August September October

Offshore: tuna, wahoo, & dolphin

The Bay/Tidal Rivers: cobia, tarpon, & flounder

Freshwater: large and smallmouth bass, stripers, & catfish

Offshore: mako sharks, king mackerel, & tautog

The Bay/Tidal Rivers: drum, spadefish, & bluefish

Freshwater: crappie, gar, & bluegill

OOffshore: grouper, rosefish, & sheepshead

The Bay/Tidal Rivers: trout, Spanish mackerel, & sea bass

Freshwater: perch, sunfish, & bowfin