While fishing across Virginia has been in full swing for more almost two months, June is the time when anglers of all ages join in the action. Action across the tidewater region welcomes anglers to pursue a variety of species including striped bass, sea trout, flounder and croaker. Catches of Gray sea trout and croakers are said to be phenomenal in several locations of Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay as well as in nearby Southern Maryland waters. These feisty bottom fish provide action for the whole family. Locating the fish is often the biggest challenge, but with sea trout and croakers available in numbers which still surprise even the optimists, persistent anglers who “seek will find.” Double hook rigs fished right on the bottom with squid or bloodworms for bait will catch either species, but jigging for sea trout may be popular later this month. Stingsilver, Hopkins or diamond jigs in 1 to 3 ounce sizes are popular choices. Colors range from chrome to chartreuse and even pink. Once fish are found on or near the bottom, jigs are lowered into the school and fished with a quick, upward motion of the rod tip.

     Chesapeake Bay anglers across the Maryland-Virginia Region will also be on the lookout for bluefish action, as these toothy predators began showing up in May. Fish in the one to three pound range will provide lots of action both trolling and in the chum slicks. Those entered in the 2001 Reedville Bluefish Derby will be equally anxious to find some of the bigger blues and rockfish to give them a chance at the many cash prizes offered. The competition is on June 8 and 9, taking place at Buzzards Point Marina in Reedville, Va. Call 804-453-5325 for information on how to enter. Chumming for rockfish as well as the blues will be in full swing this month. Consider booking a charter boat trip for the family or a group of friends for a day of fast fishing action. One of the most exciting experiences available this season is to see rockfish and blues slashing through chum slicks created with ground menhaden. Spinning rod tackle provides good action when fishing “the slicks”. With the resurgence of rockfish in the Chesapeake Bay continuing, anglers chumming this season may enjoy a surprise of larger fish being mixed in with the dominant class of rock ranging 18 to 22 inches. Striped bass (rockfish) seasons change this month with increased opportunities available in Maryland and Potomac River waters. Virginia’s popular “slot” season which permits two fish at 18-28 inches per person per day with one of these being able to exceed 32 inches, ends after June 15. The Maryland and tidal Potomac River striper seasons continue right through the fall and into early winter. For information on regional striped bass seasons call the Virginia Marine Resources Commission at 757-247-2200, the Potomac River Fisheries Commission at 800-266-3904 or the Maryland DNR Fisheries Service at 800-688-3467.

     While Spring gobbler season ended in May, wild turkeys are still on the minds of many. Early this month, youth are welcomed to the first annual “Talkin’ Turkey” Day, sponsored by the Northern Neck Wild Turkey Association, Virginia’s Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF) and Hacks Neck Hunt Club. The event takes place at the hunt club property located at the intersection of Hacks Neck and VirMar Beach Roads near Ophelia in Northumberland County, Virginia. On Saturday June 2, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. youngsters 18 and younger will be able to enjoy several outdoor events which will teach them about wildlife and their related habitat. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. Call Bruce Wilds at 804-580-8942 for information.

© 2001 Chelly & Steve Scala. All rights reserved.