Surf fishing the barrier islands near Gargatha

[jeffdon12]

I've recently heard of folks surf fishing the barrier islands near Gargatha. Has anyone done this? Any info or advice for someone who would love to try?

[DAndrews]

jeffdon12- I'm not an expert on this topic by any means but I'll tell you what I know. Alot of the surf fishermen that fish these islands are very tight lipped about it. The VA barrier islands are fished for large red drum. The surf anglers will take a boat from the mainland to the backside of these islands and then carry their gear across the island. Without a map in front of me I can't tell you which island is near Gargatha. They take pretty stout surf gear and usually fish cut bunker on a large circle hook on a fishfinder set up. I have seen pis and read report. These islands are remote and beautiful and if you time it right you can catch some big reds.

[thecameraguy]

Assawoman or Metompkin Islands are the two that front Gargatha. As MQ stated, you will need a small skiff to get out there.

[jnicklason]

From the pics I have seen from one of my friends down there, these are HUGE reds from the surf... I'll try and find the photos...

[Diamond Ring]

Most of the Islands are good fishing grounds. You can catch just about anything. Watch out for the Closed areas though (Nesting Birds)

[JoshKaptur]

How bad are the flies and mosquitoes?

[thecameraguy]

I was out there pretty much during August and September and the bugs didn't seem to be a problem. A light breeze and portions of the islands that have more sand than brush/growth was the ticket.

[Krabill]

The islands in on each side of gargatha inlet are closed each year during the summer from april to sept 15th, for those plovers. I believe you can still fish if you walk the waterline around to the surf.

Most of the big reds come further down south from the islands south of wachapreague.

How bad are the flies and mosquitoes?
Now thats funny....

[Al B]

Mosquitos... just make sure you use some of that "apple" scented shampoo before heading out... oh, and a nice bright yellow shirt... they ain't bad.

[Capt. Pete Bregant]