3 minute read
What’s Biting
The 18th Annual Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament (VBTT) resulted in another record-breaking year. It was the second year at Southside Marina at Rudee Inlet, with 107 boats participating and a total prize payout of $290,950. Marlin Maniac took home a check for $56,315 and first place with the largest Big Eye in the history of the tournament—weighing in at 258.3 pounds. LuLu took second place with a 222.4 pound Big Eye, taking home the largest check ever written in the history of the VBTT for $104,675. Rounding out the top three was Lorie V with three Yellowfin weighing in at 173.0 pounds and earning them a $61,355 check. The prize for largest Dolphin went to Wave Runner. Saving Grace had the largest Wahoo. Both took home checks for $15,015. Make plans for the 19th Annual Virginia Beach Tuna Tournament June 21–24, 2023. More info: vbtuna.com
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PHOTOS: ©MELISSA DAWN PHOTOGRAPHY
The fishing season on the rivers and on the bay has been hot, hot, hot the past few weeks. And so is the weather, so stay hydrated (adult beverages do not count). River fishing for sheepshead, puppy drum, flounder, spot and croaker is a blast on a kayak. Plus you can burn a few calories. From Spanish mackeral to cobia— lots of tasty meals just waiting. Trolling for Spanish mackerel is a blast and there are plenty at Cape Henry and around the islands. Get out there and chase some dinner. Until next time, tight lines.
~Jeff Moore
ABOVE: Greg Lieurance holds a nice puppy drum caught using voodoo mullet on a line line. LEFT: Jeff Moore with a big Red Drum caught near the bridge tunnel using cut bait.
RIGHT: Ken Howard holds some tasty fllounders caught in the bay using small spot.
PHOTOS: JEFF MOORE
We would like to publish your photos, information, prize catches and catches of note in our What’s Biting segment. Send us your favorite amateur photos with a description and the photographer’s name.
During August, September and October you’ll typically reel in these catches:
AUGUST
Offshore
Swordfish, tilefish, big eye tuna, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, mako shark, sea bass, mahi/dolphin, Spanish mackerel, ribbonfish, bluefish, white marlin, blue marlin, wahoo, cobia
Chesapeake Bay
Red drum, black drum, flounder, croaker, spot, striper, Spanish mackerel, spadefish, ribbonfish, cobia, sheepshead, speckled trout
Tidal Rivers
Spot, croaker, puppy drum, trout, flounder, striper SEPTEMBER
Offshore
Swordfish, tilefish, big eye tuna, yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, mako shark, sea bass, mahi/dolphin, black sea bass, trigger fish, spadefish, amberjacks, flounder, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, white marlin, blue marlin
Chesapeake Bay
Red drum, black drum, flounder, croaker, spot, striper, Spanish mackerel, spadefish, cobia
Tidal Rivers
Spot, croaker, puppy drum, trout, flounder, striper, speckled trout OCTOBER
Offshore
White marlin, bigeye tuna, mahi/ dolphin, yellowfin tuna, wahoo, tuna, sea bass, flounder, trigger fish, black drum, red drum, bluefish, blue marlin, tilefish (blue & gold), king mackerel, swordfish
Chesapeake Bay
Bluefish, red drum, flounder, Spanish mackerel, spadefish, cobia, sheepshead, ribbon fish, striper, tautog, speckled trout, puppy drum, striper
Tidal Rivers
Bluefish, flounder, speckled trout, spot, croaker, puppy drum, ribbonfish, striper
