Article by Capt. Matt Abell
A fitting quote would be “Wise men speak because they have something to say: Fools because they have to say something.” I’m definitely not wise, and after this weeks conditions I definitely don’t have much to say in regards to the fishing opportunities on the lower Eastern Shore. However, time and tide will bring new opportunities for fish and fellowship.
The shallows of the Chesapeake have been the one shining star poking through the blanket of tropical rain clouds. Redfish or “puppy drum “ have graced us with head shaking battles that will make you smile even in the wind and rain. Most fish have been coerced over the gunwale with the temptation of a chunk of crab. However, we’ve been chugging along with popping corks trailed by a light jig head tipped with Gulp paddletails, swimming mullet, or shrimp. The most productive time seems to be the last of the flood tide, and of course first and last light. In deeper Chesapeake channels large reds have made a showing as anglers chase bait ball busting bruisers with large soft plastics on heavy duty jigheads. Soon enough the red drum spawn with be in full effect, and we’ll be targeting trophy sized spotails with cut spot, hardhead and kingfish in the sloughs of the lower Chesapeake. An 8/0 circle hook with heavy leader on a fish finder rig is all that is required for an opportunity of a fish of a lifetime.
While you’re on your way to battle a bronze brawler, put out a couple of Clarkspoons behind #1 planers or inline trolling sinkers. Spanish and blues have been prevalent around the same sloughs and shoals. A grilled mackerel or two will make a catch and release red drum trip a little more tasty and a lot more filling.
While the wind has been a propionate of inhospitable sea conditions, some anglers have retreated to the sheltered waters of the many creeks leading into the Tangier Sound. A top and bottom rig adorned with small beaded spinner hooks and tipped with a small piece of peeler or bloodworm is all that you need to have a superb skinny water supper. Just work your way up the creek stopping to fish in the holes adjacent to nearly every bend for perch pullage that will keep the kids (big and small) happy till the next calm day when we can resume our hunt on the open water. While you are perch jerking, you very well may come across a nice rock or blue cat that will certainly stretch out light line and give you a run for the money.
The few anglers that braved the Atlantic blue found modest catches of mahi, tuna and a few billfish. Crazy Larry and crew (my son Sammy as mate) fished the WMO and had several mahi but nothing to hang on the scales.
After being bombarded with a dramatic weather forecast and scenarios, it seemed as though the lower Eastern Shore was to be unfishable for the foreseeable future. However, there is always a leeward bank and a rain jacket to keep you dry. This week my teenage daughter, Belle, actually said she would like to go casting for puppies in the rain. I was so thankful that I had the chance to enjoy the afternoon with my water soaked daughter who signed up to fish with me one more time. All I’m saying is there is always sheltered water, but not always extra time to enjoy the ones we love in this wonderful place we call home! §