This has been quite an unusual year with world events, but in the fishing world, all remains consistent and upbeat.
As the summer season ebbs, September offers a number of species for our angling pleasure. Spanish mackerel, bluefish, red drum, speckled trout and spot are among the main draws.
Spanish mackerel will continue to be available until late month. They have been very abundant throughout the summer with sizes ranging from the minimum 14 inches up to whopping 6 pound citations measuring around 30 inches. They lend themselves well to baking, grilling or smoking.
Trolling Drone and Clark spoons behind #1 and #2 planers will garner plenty of action. Various colors are effective with the standard chrome spoon providing action each day as well.
Bluefish action is heating up with larger 3-5 pound class fish holding on the S.W. Middle Grounds and near the various other wrecks below Tangier. The large bluefish are great when smoked with a peppercorn finish. That has quickly become my signature autumn sampler for family and friends. Trolling for bluefish in the same manner as mackerel will work well, but when amongst schools of larger fish, I recommend using artificial eels instead of spoons. Sometimes that toothy grin of blues bites a bit further up the line, resulting in lost opportunities and lost lures.
I have several customers that prefer casting and jigging for larger blues. Light spinning gear and fly rods offer fantastic action on these aggressive fighters.
Red drum are often found feeding on the very same schools of shiners and peanut bunkers as the mackerel and bluefish. If drum have been seen or caught in the area, set your drags loose so you won’t be broken off by a sharp strike. Jigs work well when over a school. These fish spook easily, so you will increase your catches if you cut your engine off while jigging.
Inshore action on the speckled trout and puppy drum was very good in August and should rise to its height this month. Several methods are utilized for this shallow water fishery. Casting rubber grubs and twister tails rigged on a light jighead is most popular. Hard plastic baits like Mirrolures are often used, as are live minnows under a popping cork.
Spot fishing is always a great standby for both river and creek fishing. This month will bring the larger yellow belly spot, sometimes referred to as Norfolk Spot. Bloodworms or fishbites will both work well and provide plenty of action on a standard bottom rig.
Whether you are fishing in skinny water near shore or out in the bay, you are sure to have a great time this month. With moderate temperatures, September offers a perfect opportunity to enjoy the outdoors with your family and friends.
Until next time, Fair winds.
Capt. Billy Pipkin is a fishing columnist who owns and operates Capt. Billy’s Charters and Ingram Bay Marina located in Wicomico Church. 580-7292. www.captbillyscharters.com
