Chesapeake Bay anglers looking for another successful hook n’ line season for flounder and croakers will be getting lines in the water during April. Depending on how quickly the water temperautre warms up, catches of croaker on double hook bottom rigs will begin as soon as weather conditions beckon. Squid cut into strips or just bunched up on the hook are among the favorite baits for this tasty tablefare. Flounder fishing will take place across a wide range of Maryland and Virginia waters in April, as this popular species moves into the Chesapeake Bay and its’ tributaries. Live minnows and squid strips are successful baits for flounder (or summer fluke), with spinner hooks or small bucktails an added plus. Beaded spinner hooks are also favorites when bottom fishing for croaker. Drifting is best for flounder and may also be good strategy for croaker until a school or concentration of fish is located and anchored up on. During the 2000 season, some anglers were catching croakers fishing off docks along inshore waters docks as early as April. Don’t forget to include the youngsters in your family or group for some weekend fishing enjoyment. Catching croakers and flounder is a great way to get kids interested in the outdoors.   

     Plan another great day for youth later this season, when Virginia’s Department of Game and Inland Fisheries, the Norther Neck Wild Turkey Association and Hacks Neck Hunt Club provide their first annual “Talkin’ Turkey Day”. On Saturday, June 2 at Hacks Neck Hunt Club in Northumberland County, those 18 and under will be treated to a day of turkey hunting strategies and information about the biology and habits of this popular game bird. Other events taking place include hunting safety and ethics, a turkey calling contest for three different age groups and patterning target shoots. Pre-registration is required and is open to the first 30 kids signed up. Call Bruce Wilds at (804) 580-8942 to register.    

© 2001 Chelly & Steve Scala All Rights Reserved.