I’ve always suggested that you must think like a fish to catch one. Anglers need to figure out how fish react under certain circumstances in order to have successful catches. So, just for a moment, let’s compare ourselves to a fish.
Over the past three months, a virus has presented extraordinary circumstances that we have all been forced to navigate through. Folks reacted in various ways to those circumstances, but how would a fish react?
Fish don’t watch the news, they don’t worry that there’s no chicken at the grocery store and they certainly don’t have a need for toilet paper. Basically, fish have a very simple life. Ok, without toilet paper we would have a crappy day, but we do control the TV remote and can temporarily change our diet—and fish is good food.
Sunshine and basic hygiene are essential to getting through this situation. I can’t think of a better place to be than fishing on the water!
There are several options for anglers to enjoy a safe, worry free day on the water: Kayaks, private vessels and charter boats.
Kayak fishing
For those anglers that would rather isolate completely, kayak fishing offers a secluded environment of full social distancing. It requires one to be physically fit and have a sense of balance, but it is a lot of fun.
There are many opportunities for kayak fishing in shallow waters this month. Speckled trout and striped bass are both frequenting grassy flats holding water depths of less than 10 feet.
Casting soft baits as well as Mirrolures will produce results.
Locations holding these fish are varied with smaller tributaries of the large rivers and Chesapeake Bay boasting good numbers of fish in and around sea grasses which offer great cover for fish to feed.
Some of the more popular areas are off Mobjack Bay, on the Piankatank and Corrotoman rivers, and feeder creeks from Windmill Point to Ingram Bay at the mouth of the Great Wicomico River.
Speckled trout regulations offer five fish over 14 inches per person each day with only one exceeding 24 inches.
Private boats and charter boats
Private boats offer an option for groups of 2-4 passengers while charter boats can safely accommodate larger groups while still providing plenty of space between customers. Our charter boats adhere to strict safety guidelines as well as USCG regulations to keep customers safe in every aspect.
Small, shallow draft boats can fish in many of the same areas as kayaks. They can also venture into the larger water at the mouth of rivers where other species are prevalent. Although not suited for the skinny water fishing, the larger charter boats catch a variety of fish in both the bay and rivers.
Cobia are a popular species among anglers that like to chum and cast for large fish. These fish grow to lengths north of 40 inches and offer a great fight as well as excellent table fare. They can be found in near shore waters of 15-20 feet.
The western shores of the bay from Windmill Point up to Ingram Bay have been holding big numbers of these fish over the past few years. During the summer months, cobia venture up the bay into Maryland waters and into the Potomac River.
Bottom fishing for spot, croaker and a mix of other species will also offer variety near shore. Exploring the deeper waters will reward anglers with bluefish this month. Channel edges and areas holding bottom structure will find 2-4 pound bluefish lingering as they seek menhaden and other small fish.
Casting metal jigs and lures will land a nice catch of fish. Bluefish limits have been reduced this year to: charter boats, five fish per person with no minimum size limit; recreational boats, three fish per person with no minimum size limit in Virginia waters.
Although we had an unseasonably warm winter, the cooler weather this spring slowed the migration process slightly. With water temperatures on the rise again, I feel that we are still ahead of schedule.
June is one of my favorite times to fish. Variety and action are plentiful and the weather is pleasant.
We are offered many options to be safe and have a great time on the water while we wait for life as we know it to get back to normal. The fish don’t seem to notice the problems of the world and when we are out enjoying the sun and fresh salt air, neither do we. Let’s experience life’s simple pleasures.
Until next time….Fair winds.
Capt. Billy Pipkin owns and operates Ingram Bay Marina and Capt. Billy’s Charter Service located at the mouth of the Great Wicomico River. (804) 580-7292 www.captbillyscharters.com. www.ingrambaymarina.com
