Fishing is on the minds of many this month and with good reason. While the hook n’ line action during July was fast and furious across much of the Chesapeake Bay Region, August may have even more to offer. 
Baitfish patterns are following seasonal trends which can be very predictable for the watchful angler. A simple equation across much of Virginia and Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay and tributary waters is diving birds, splashing baitfish schools and anglers with the right lures and tactics. Spanish mackerel, blues and even rockfish may mix it up in feeding frenzies across Southern Maryland Chesapeake Bay waters and the Lower Potomac River. 

     Good news for anglers in these waters as both the Maryland DNR and Potomac River Fisheries Commission (PRFC) striped bass (rockfish) seasons continue to be open. Virginia’s recreational striped bass season remains closed until October 4, but along with the blues and Spanish Mackerel there are many other species in Virginia waters ready and willing to provide angling action. Big croakers continue to delight anglers of all ages, throughout much of the Chesapeake Bay. Spot fish are in providing some scrappy angling action and some of the best table fare around. Favorite baits for spot include bloodworms fished with double hook rigs. 

     While oyster shell or other hard bottom is a favorite location to catch spot and other fish in open bay or tributary waters, don’t overlook the opportunity to fish more protected inshore waterways. Feeder creeks and inlets which are within a short distance of the bay, Potomac, Rappahannock, York or other major waterways may provide some big spot or croaker, throughout August. Last month when windy conditions occasionally forced us to fish more protected waters, we fished shallow inshore waters such as the Little Wicomico River and enjoyed some great spot, croaker and sea trout fishing.

     Nighttime catfish action focus includes the annual “Moonlight Catfish Tournament” at Port Royal Landing this month. Fishing the upper tidal Rappahannock River is always a great experience but being on the water at night adds much to the level of enjoyment. Port Royal Landing offers the opportunity for this catfish tournament next month on August 4-5, from 8 p.m. to 8 a.m. Prizes and categories for angling teams, women anglers, youth anglers and the “lunker pot” are included in a modest cost per boat of $40 per boat prior to July 30 and $50 per boat through the tournament date. The optional “lunker pot” category is $10 per angler. Call 804-742-5820 for information about registration. 

     The 2001 Southern Maryland JAKES day was a great success for the 54 youth and more than 100 adults who attended the June 30 event at Izaak Walton League property, near Waldorf. The 95 degree temperatures could not curb the enthusiasm which the youngsters, their adult companions and the event instructors put forth. Youngsters in the region will get another chance to enjoy a day of learning and fund filed activities this summer. The day-long free program for kids ages 10-15 years of age includes boating, gun handling, fishing, archery and conservation activities and runs from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Saturday, August 18. Additional activities include fly fishing, catch and release fishing, waterfowling with retriever dogs, canoeing and muzzle loader instruction. Hosted by the Patuxent Sportsmen for Kids, the event takes place at Smallwood State Park and the Myrtle Grove Wildlife Management Area. For information on how to register, call 301-884-8083 or visit the website, www.ps4kids.org.

     The 2001 Virginia Outdoor Sportsman Show takes place on the weekend of August 10-12, with the location being the “Show Place” at 3000 Mechanicsville Turnpike, Richmond, Virginia. Tickets for adults are $8 a day or $14 for a weekend pass. Youth 15 years and under are admitted free with a paying adult. Hours on Friday, August 10, are 4 p.m.-9 p.m, 9 a.m.-7 p.m. on Saturday, August 11, and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. on Sunday, August 12.This year’s event will feature more than 200 exhibition booths. Also featured will be the Virginia Gobbler Classic, the Eastern Open Turkey Calling Contest, the Virginia Deer Classic and the 3rd Annual Virginia World 3-D Archery Classic. For additional information, call Hugh Crittenden at 804-748-7529. 

© 2001 Steve & Chelly Scala All rights reserved.