July is when fishing across the Chesapeake Bay region is at one of it’s best times. From early morning dawn to the evening hours, watchful anglers are looking for baitfish being chased across the surface by a feeding frenzy of what can include several species. Those fishing the “bottom bouncing circuit” are dedicating their time in July to post dawn, late evening and night time angling. Not only are the temperatures cooler, but the fishing this month can be best as the sun sets and nighttime falls. While one of the best striped bass (rockfish) seasons in years continues in Maryland and Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) waters, other species are also in season across the Virginia line. Gray and speckled trout (weakfish), croaker, spot, bluefish, flounder and one of our favorite summertime visitors, Spanish Mackerel, are hitting baits and lures across the Chesapeake and it’s tributaries. For information on Maryland’s striped bass and other fishing seasons, call 800-688-3467. For PRFC information, call 800-266-3904.  Information for fishing regulations in tidal Virginia waters can be obtained by calling (757) 247-2200.

      Huge croakers (also known as hardheads) with some as large as three pounds are a bottom fishing delight. If you choose to fish during late morning or afternoon hours, look to channel edge deeper waters for croaker action. Night time fishing for croakers should include shallow, shore side waters which seem to be locations where croakers move into during the late evenings to feed. Double hook “top and bottom” rigs baited with squid, cut strips of spot or menhaden, peeler crab or bloodworms all are baits that work well with croaker. Spot will also take some of the same baits croaker do, but favor bloodworms, peeler or soft crab baits. Look for shell bottom or underwater obstructions that provide for marine growth; these are often good locations to bottom fish for spot. These fish are among our favorites for eating and provide great fun for younger anglers when they catch them.

      Striped bass action in Maryland Chesapeake Bay and PRFC waters continues to focus on chumming. Anglers and charterboats are dishing out ground menhaden (alewives or bunker) juices behind anchored boats followed by spinning tackle rigs baited with small chunks of cut bunker. When the tide and weather conditions cooperate, this is some of the hottest and popular fishing the Chesapeake Bay region has to offer. Favored locations to anchor up and chum include the Middlegrounds East of Point Lookout Maryland, “The Triangle” area east of the Potomac River’s mouth and the channel edges near the mouth of the Coan River, where it enters the lower Potomac. Further up the bay, ‘The Gooses”, “The Hill” and “The Diamonds” remain favorite chumming locations for the boats fishing our of Chesapeake Beach, Deale and Tilghman Island. While chumming with light spinning tackle is poplar, schools of breaking rockfish provide action in July when they chase baitfish on or near the surface. Casting or trolling with bucktails is a traditional favorite to catch rock this way. #1 or #2 planers rigged with Drone, Cather or Clark spoons will also catch stripers while trolling this month. These lures also take hits from blues and Spanish mackerel.

      Fishing is on the minds of many this month and this trend will continue in August. Plan a break from the great frenzy we call summertime fishing and visit one of the best outdoor shows offered throughout the Region. The Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show sponsored by the Virginia Deer Hunters Association (VDHA) and is one of our favorites. There is something for the entire family to enjoy at their 21st annual event. As in previous years, the outdoor show takes place at “The Showplace”, which is located at 3000 Mechanicsville Turnpike, on the outskirts of Richmond city. This year’s dates are Friday August 13 from 4 to 9:00 p.m., Saturday, August 14 from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Sunday, August 15 from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit the VDHA website at www.sportsmanshow.com 

© 2004 Steve & Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved