2nd Island CBBT

[mike cozzens]

A quick trip out into the bay on a calm (ish) and warm (ish) day.

TIP: if you are running an open center console in the winter, ski goggles are a really nice addition to your outfit. I've fished in them for years and despite feeling a little nerdy, they are great.

The reports from this area lately have been about big fish and flocks of birds down around the Dam Neck area. I fish, often alone, in a 19 footer and despite the forecast didn't want to chance Cape Henry getting nasty on an outgoing tide. So I left Lynnhaven hoping to find some nice fish in the bay.

Bay season has been closed for awhile now. That's a good thing for C&R under the birds. IF you find them, you generally will have them all to yourself.

I found a nice flock of Gulls forming up on the bay side of the second island and within a cast or two hooked up with a scrappy 27'' fish. I caught a few, about the same size and moved around looking for a larger class of fish. The flock kept going along the bridge towards the third. The fish were all the same size and smaller.

So I violated rule number 1 and left fish to find fish. I ran all the way past the 12 mile marker and found NADA. Actually I did see two seals (no the Navy type) around the 4th island. I took a few pictures but they look like crab pot floats in the distance. Pretty cool to see seals. Don't they know you can't keep stripers this time of year??

SO... I ran all the way back and fished the same flock of birds bayside of the second. The fish were smaller during round two. Mostly small schoolies, but it was nice to get out and catch a few fish. I used a blue and white clouser (gasp, it wasn't black) on an intermediate sinking line. I got a few hits on a big crease fly as well. I had some old LC 13 rigged and ready, but since the easier to cast intermediate seemed to be working so I stuck with it. There might have been some bigger fish down deep, but I was content and didn't feel like dealing with the LC 13 running line tangles.

They are still out there if you care to go. My bottom machine is broken so I cannot comment about bait or water temp.

Mike

[toddkfly]

Mike,

Thanks for the info. Was thinking about a run early next week if mother nature cooperates.

Todd

[Shortylong01]

I need to fish. NOW

[Wild Bill]

Thanks Mike for the report. Glad you got into the action.We are headed south tomorrow to fish for several days starting Sat. Not sure whether we will go to Kipto, Rudee or elsewhere. May not decide until we are on the road.

The bridge temp is still 42 as of 8 AM this morning. That is pretty amazing for as cold as it has been.

[mike cozzens]

Wild Bill,

I wish I could provide some good recon for you. The pullage at the second was nice, but there are much much bigger fish being caught around here.

Maybe check the Virginia Board to see what the trollers are doing. I think they have all been a little south of Rudee lately.

Easy pullage and small fish versus crowds and BIG fish... tough call. Good luck and I look forward to the report.

I think the current will be just about perfect for a little night time CBBT fishing this weekend.... hmmm....

Mike