Yep, we’re in the midst of outrageous heat, stifling humidity and sweaty days.
A normal mid-Atlantic summer.
So it something else – fishing.
The sport is at its annual peak, with all of the usual players – and a few new to the books – at the ready to play hook up.
Among the favorites is flounder.
And flatfish anglers appear to be enjoying one of the best seasons in quite a few years.
These tasty bottom dwellers are being found around just about all of their typical summer haunts.
Along the lengthy span of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel has always been a favorite place, but it’s hardly alone. Flounder can be found in Rudee, Lynnhaven and Little Creek inlets and creek mouths on either side of the Eastern Shore. Fatties also are being taken from the edges of ditches and other shallow channels, various debris piles, artificial reefs and many other places that give the fish a place to set up and wait for bait caught in tidal currents.
And during the past several years, near-shore coastal wrecks and reefs have been holding some of the biggest flounder being taken.
But as we know, they’re not here in solitude.
Tarpon have shown up in the backwaters of Eastern Shore barrier islands. These Florida Keys favorites also are being found along the coast close to shore and inside the Albemarle and Pamlico sounds.
When fishing for them around the Eastern Shore, make sure to have about a gallon of bug spray and be ready to battle a few large bull sharks.
Speaking of toothy critters, several species of shark are being taken by anglers working along the coast. Many are being caught by anglers fishing from area beaches and piers
Face it folks, it’s their home, not ours.
Deep water trollers are experiencing some of the best yellowfin tuna action in years, with billfish and wahoo throwing themselves into the mix.
Deep water bottom fishers are finding blueline and golden tilefish to be plentiful and willing.
All the other normal species – sheepshead, spadefish, croaker, spot, Spanish mackerel, bluefish, speckled trout and puppy drum – are here and ready to play.
Big bull reds have been showing along the coast in large schools and are providing a real treat for casters.
Cobia are doing the same.
When fishing from local beaches and piers, well, just about anything can bite.
Freshwater enthusiasts should pattern their bass fishing times to early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Full moon night time fishing also is good.
Topwater frogs and plugs seem to attract their attention.
Bluegill, shellcracker and crappie are holding in slightly deeper water this time of year, but hey, they still gotta eat.
So do some bottom bouncing with worms and minnows to see what’s biting.
There is some bad news for North Carolina, as the state has announced that it would have only a two-week flounder season from Sept. 1-14. Anglers can only keep one flattie a day and it must be at least 15 inches.
Better North Carolina news is provided by three new state records.
Fishing off the Outer Banks on June 7, Warren Poirier of Charles City, Va., crushed the preview standard for Almaco Jack with a 56-pound, 4.8 ounce. The preview record was a 33-12.6 caught last year.
Grimesland, N.C., angler John Hopkins established the first state record for Bulleye on June 21 while fishing 30 miles off Ocracoke.
Another record was established by Mark Boles of Dublin, Ga., on June 3, when he weighed in a 17-pound, 12.8-oz Mutton Snapper while fishing off Ocean Isle.
Fishing is hot, but great, and catches have been marvelous.
Now is the time to take full advantage.
To read more of my work, go to: leetolliveroutdoors.com
