Tangier Sound Skinny Water Stripers

[KJosenhans]

This is the perfect time of the year to fish the shallows of Tangier Sound. The water is so clear in spots that you can see the stripers hit your lure or fly as they charge out from behind one of the many submerged stumps. We are catching schoolie rockfish to 27 inches and there are a few specks around as well. Here are some pics of last weeks catch. These aren't big fish by bay standards, but in shallow water they put on quite a show.

[saltfly]

They look great to me Kevin. Watch out your getting me ready to hook up the boat an come down there.

[McMinn]

Kevin

What a wonderful report. I know that many are saying that the striper fishing is down sharply in the upper part of the bay. Do you think that things have held up any better in Tangier Sound? How about tides for the skinny water fishing - are you usually looking for high water?

Thanks

John

[kiko13]

Kevin,

Already counting the days....can't wait to fish with you in July!

Ernie

[KJosenhans]

Walt, I'll have you down soon. Thanks.
John, Actually the fishing has come in spurts. Monday was fantastic (overcast, showers) but Tuesday was slow (bright sun). The thing I miss are the specks. There is the occasional big speck caught on bait, but it's not like it used to be. They had a big fish kill due to the cold/snow in NC this winter and many of those specks were our migratory fish. I'll have to reserve judgement on the numbers of rock for another few weeks to see if a pattern developes. I think in general the rockfish population is down but the people running the show don't seem to think so. I think they're wrong and the ASMFC is full of politics. Any tide can be good, depending on the spot you are fishing. So long as you have current.
Ernie, Very much looking forward to fishing with you. I'll save a few for you and the guys.