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Red drum fishing was sparse this year, especially when compared to last year.  Some popular theories used to explain this observation cite the cold winter and the thought that many of the drum that would normally venture into the northern part of their migratory range (aka here in tidewater VA) just stayed south for the season.  Another interesting theory builds on the observation that last year many of the fish that were caught were in the high 20" range and even into the 30's.  This year class of fish is about the size when males and females become
sexually mature and spend more time in the ocean (and less time in the estuaries where we catch 'em!).  Whatever the reason, they were sparse and this week's efforts, looking for reds in their old haunts, were unsuccessful.

Recent reports of double digit hauls of speckled trout in the Western Branch of the Lynnhaven River were enough to make any angler hitch up the trailer and head to the ramp!  However, a week full of blustery weather put a damper on things. Reports of catches of trout around the Lynnhaven Fishing pier indicate that at least some of the trout are on the move.  We won't have too much more time to catch these beauties before they head for the surf and make their way south.

So this week was kind of in the dumper.  What do we have to look forward to?  Ah, the striper is our salvation.  Striper season opens this week.  Up until now, stripers have been illegal to possess, but that hasn't kept them off the hook while fishing for other species.  Stripers can be found in the light lines along the local bridges, under lit piers and docks, just about anywhere.  An intermediate or slow sinking line should do the trick for most of your catching situations.  Tie dark flies (black) for fishing at night.  I tie a fly called a Black Beauty that works wonders.  I also like a grey/white Lefty's big-eye deceiver - it works awesome!  Green or olive over white works too.  Size 'em 1/0 to 3/0.  Start tying baby bunker flies now too.  Start with 1/0 flies for now, but build up your arsenal of 4-6" long Yak Attack flies for December-February when the mosters are in town. 

False albacore fishing will also start to occupy the minds of many an east coast fly rodder.  October and November are the prime months for fishing around NC's Cape Lookout National Seashore.  Boat and wading opportunities can be had.  E-mail me for fly selections or other advice.  See you at Harkers Island!

Until then, buck up!  Stripers are on the way.

Captain Kevin Du Bois
Coastal Explorer Guide Service
kdubois@visi.net
www.coastalexplorer.com

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