Fishing time in July often means working a strategy to beat the heat and humidity and still get in some quality angling time. No matter how good the fishing action is, a hot sweaty day can take away from it. It’s not just the “catchers” who prefer cooler climates for angling, as some species will bite much better during the early morning or evening and night hours. The Chesapeake Bay Region continues to enjoy one of the best croaker (or hardhead) seasons in years, with the best catches taking place in late evening or night time hours. 
Joining the croakers are some catches of sea trout. Both these fish will hit squid strips, bloodworms, soft or peeler crab, so fish your baits according to what they prefer. Sea trout will also strike colorful or chrome finish diamond or “stingsilver” jigs. Spot have moved into many Maryland and Virginia Chesapeake Bay and tributary waters and are being caught along with the croakers and trout. These tasty fish seem to prefer bloodworm baits but may also be taken on other hook n’ line offerings as well. 

     During the cooler nighttime hours anglers may find croakers and sea trout in shallow, inshore waters but fishing the deeper channel edges in 40 to 60 feet has also provided success this season. Charter boat captains often have customers who book fishing trips for late evening or night time hours providing some enjoyable fishing time at anytime of the week. Early morning hours and wetting a line even before the sun comes up can also be a good plan for the hot months of summer. 

     While bottom fishing action may appear to rule in July, don’t write off those first few post-dawn hours for some fast pace trolling time. Some incredible fishing can be had if you are on the water at and soon after the sun rises. Spanish Mackerel and bluefish often chase schools of shiners and other baitfish to the surface just after the sun rises. Look for breaking fish and diving gulls to indicate a place to fish. Trolling remains one of the favorite tactics for Spanish mackerel and blues but always do so without running right through the feeding fish and scattering them. Troll along the outside, turning so the lines swing into the area where the fish are. Drifting along with and casting into blues and mackerel is another good tactic. You may even find some big sea trout feeding underneath blues and mackerel, so try some jigging while drifting along the edge of their feeding zone. 
Favorite lures for trolling up Spanish mackerel and bluefish include small, bright colored spoons. Our favorites include drones, Tony Accettas, crippled alewives and Cathers. Using planers in #1 and #2 sizes is especially popular when trolling for mackerel and blues. If you don’t use planers, in-line trolling sinkers in 2 to 6 ounce sizes are good choices. Leaders of at least 30 pound test are recommended in 20 to 25 foot lengths. Inspect the line often and replace as necessary if these “toothy” fish leave their calling card. 

     There area many great fishing opportunities throughout Maryland and Virginia this month. For information about Virginia’s current seasons and regulations, check out the Virginia Marine Resources Commission (VMRC) website at; www.state.va.us/mrc/homepage.htm . The VMRC can also be reached via phone by calling , (757) 247-2200. Maryland’s website address for fishing season information is http://www.dnr.state.md.us/fisheries . Maryland also has a fishing information line which is toll free at 800-688-3467. Information on fishing regulations in tidal Potomac River waters between Maryland and Virginia can be obtained by calling the Potomac River Fisheries Commission at 800-266-3904. 

© 2002 Steve and Chelly Scala All Rights Reserved