Last week was a crazy one for anybody related to any business that concerns the water.
And, let’s face it, everything around these parts is all about the water.
At the helm of the issue was Hurricane Erin – a one-time major cyclone – that skirted past us just to the east.
While there was no direct hit, beaches and boating both suffered.
Oh, and so did the East Coast Surfing Championships and the Virginia Beach Billfish Tournament – both of which had to change their schedules.
But the community that dealt with the biggest setbacks was the recreational boating and fishing community – which pumps millions of dollars annually into city and state bank accounts.
As the say, though, behind every cloud is a silver lining.
Post-tropical cyclones annually push in an influx of billfish – especially white marlin. Northeast winds push bait inland and to the south, and the hungry critters follow.
As exciting as that can be, it’s hardly the only hookup in town.
Large tilefish and sea bass are available in good numbers for the deep-water, bottom-bouncing folks.
Closer to the coast, wrecks are holding triggerfish and some impressive numbers of large flounder.
Big schools of bull redfish are thinking about heading south, but they aren’t going to do so without fattening up before they leave. Look for them along the coast.
Cobia likely will be with them, hot on their tails.
Look for good catches of puppy drum and speckled trout in the three Southside inlets and those around the lower Eastern Shore. Action for trout also is good throughout the Poquoson Flats, and in the York, James and Elizabeth rivers.
Diehard trotters have lots of other “secret” locations.
A regional fall tradition, big spots are starting to show throughout the lower Chesapeake Bay. Especially look for them around and over old oyster beds. Lynnhaven and Rudee inlets have always been good places to try.
Croaker action has been slow, but let’s face it, fall fishing’s best action is several weeks away.
So enjoy the action, the relatively calm conditions and know that this won’t be the last interruption of the year.
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