May, We Go Fishin'
By Captain Bob Reed

At right: Bill Luke holds a couple of dandy flounder captured down south on April 3rd using Aqua Clear lures.

When the wind calms down we are in for some fantastic May fishing in the Chesapeake! Jumbo rockfish have been prowling our waters during March and April; flounder have been moving North; croaker are heading this way at great neck speed; and cobia, spot, bluefish, spade fish and trout will soon follow. The hard part will be deciding what to fish for on any given day.

As the temperature creeps up every day, the fish will get into a feeding mood and start to really bite hard. Early May should be absolutely great for the big rockfish. Trolling high up in the water column is the preferred method. Long lines (WFB’s) and planer boards work well this early season. Look for the massive balls of bait. We seem to have plenty of big menhaden so use big sassy shads. Check this publication for information on the May rockfish tournaments and enter to win some fabulous prize money! Get your limits early and get home before lunch with more cash then when you started!

Good reports of croaker at Lynnhaven and near the mouth of the Bay indicate that big Atlantic croaker will be abundant in May. Fish the bottom with fish-bites or cut bait.

The new Virginia minimum size of 18 ½ inches makes it tough to catch keeper flounder at the fish spread out as the move up the bay but it is doable especially early in the month.

Long cut bait strips and big minnows are the key. Be persistent and give that flattie time to chew his way up to your hook.

Black Drum weighing over 100 pounds invades the Chesapeake in late April and is a fun fish to catch during the entire month of May and into June. From the high rise at the CBBT to 36A is good area to hook up with one of these monster fish. They fight hard once they get hooked! The Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce is opening up a WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP FISHING TOURNAMENT for these big guys this May 19th & 20th (see ad for more information or call 757-787-2460). Get on down and try your luck and win some money!

Cobia is another magnificent fish that becomes available in our waters toward the end of May. Try Bluefish Rock and the Lumps outside of the James and Back rivers. Fresh menhaden chum and live bait are the keys to hooking up with a wild cobia. You have to hook on to one of these critters to have the thrill of a lifetime!

Release citation red drum become an option in the bay in mid-May. Troll #17 or #18 Tony’s in relatively shallow water around the CBBT and Latimer Shoal. Troll the edges of the shoal and you’ll catch ‘em. A red drum release is 44’’ or larger.

It’s going to be one really great May with a variety of hungry fish to choose from. Get out and get your share! To keep up on what’s biting where check out the new Chesapeake Angler forum/message board. It’s GREAT!!