Fall weather finally arrived for much of the Chesapeake Bay region halfway through October. While few had much to complain about the warmer than average temperatures and arrival of some much needed rain in early October, it was good for the “harvest month” to feel like it should; cool evenings, brief early morning frosts, and water temperatures which brought about a change in baitfish patterns. Fishing action this late summer and early fall has been among the best in years. By late October, anglers in the Maryland-Virginia Chesapeake Bay Region have seen striped bass catch sizes increase from some near the 18 inch minimum to larger fish in the 22 to 24 inch range. Earlier in the month, chumming and live-lining spot were among the top methods of success for catching “rock”. By late October, trolling had begun to take over as the favored method of catching rockfish and blues, even though those chumming ground menhaden will continue to catch plenty of stripers right through the month of November. Prospects for catching large Gray sea trout are also likely in November. For may anglers, this fall has been a banner year for trout action as they school up feeding on baitfish along the channel edges of the Chesapeake Bay, and the Lower tributary waters of the Patuxent, Potomac, Rappahannock, James and other bay rivers. November will soon be famous for what generations of bay anglers have known this month for; big trophy rockfish 

     Just when trolling deep for big rockfish in Virginia’s Chesapeake Bay waters begins in earnest, anglers will have some fun filled competition opportunities. After your Thanksgiving Dinner and post-feast rest, consider fishing in a truly “down home” style rockfish tournament in Virginia’s Lower Northern Neck. The Bethel-Emmanuel United Methodist Men's (BEUMM) “Rockfish Derby” held near Mollusk, Virginia is a great way to spend the rest of the traditional Thanksgiving weekend. Competition fishing days are on Friday November 29 and Saturday November 30 with fishing times each day being 6:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Prize potential is equally available for those interested in fishing the open waters of the Chesapeake Bay or the Lower Rappahannock. In fact, the BEUMM Derby even includes a special option for smaller boat anglers who fish in more protected waters. Included in the cash prize categories are those for the two largest rockfish caught in the Rappahannock River between the Route 3 Bridge at White Stone and the Route 360 Bridge at Tappahannock. Cash prize categories include those for the 3 largest rockfish caught during the two days of competition. A youth angler prize of a EE Savings Bond is another category included. Supporting merchants also donate prize items for numerous places after the top three fish. For an affordable $20.00 per person anglers can enter the 2002 BEUMM Rockfish Derby. All tournament activities take place at “Conrad’s Upper Deck” on Greenvale Creek, which is conveniently located just off the Lower Rappahannock River. For directions or information on how to register, call (804) 462-6103, or 462-7400. 

     A hunter education course is being offered in Lancaster County, VA on Friday, November 15 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. and Saturday, November 16 from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m at Lancaster High School. Registration is not required but both sessions must be attended for certification. Call (804) 436-0717 for information. 

© 2002 Steve & Chelly Scala All rights reserved

Photo is I. B. Wilson, 2001 First place winner with a 35# rockfish. Photo by Joe Hecht