Article by Capt. Matt Abell
Memorial Day on the Eastern Shore means many different things to many different Shore men. Remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice should definitely be number one in the hearts and minds of Americans. Particularly those of us who appreciate and love the land (and waters) so many have laid down their lives to protect. This past week has provided the opportunity to take the good things God has blessed us with and let everything else blow away with a gust of northeast wind. However, the seas will calm and the water will clear and the Eastern Shore will continue to be the greatest place with the best people in the world!
The Chesapeake has probably been the highlight of the week as anglers seek sheltered waters in search of skinny water stripes and spots. Bait fishermen are being productive with chunks of crab fish on the edges of grassy flats and stumpy structure. A mix of rock, specs and reds have brought tight lines and big smiles to many fishermen who didn’t yield to the less than perfect conditions. We at Sea Hawk Sport Fishing have been chunking paddle tails, Rap-10’s and popping cork’s to bend a rod while bringing good numbers of rock, and a few big specks across the gunwale. This past week we had the awesome opportunity to catch (and release) a couple of trophy trout on a popping cork and paddle tail. An experience like this strips stress off your mind about as fast as the big spec stripped the line of your reel. Needless to say there is still fun to be had on a leeward shore even on a windy day. We also ran into a nice class of bluefish that blistered drags while giving aerial acrobatic exhibitions. These scrappy speed demons were tight to wrecked structure and willingly took the same rap-10’s that we had been rock fishing with earlier.
The southern Eastern Shore is still producing some black drum and sheepshead on crab and clam baits fished near structures like the CBBT as well as other reefs in the southern Chesapeake. The shoals of the lower Shore have still contributed some big reds and bent rods, as anglers try to sneak out when the swells subside. The man in the brown suit made his entrance last week with some catch and release encounters. The middle of June is not far away and will offer the opportunity for the E. S. Cobia not only stretch a line but also a chance to come home for dinner. There has also been a good number of kingfish and spot tossed in the cooler of angler’s bottom fishing with bloodworms on top and bottom rigs on hard bottom from the mouth of the bay to the Tangier Sound.
The seaside has slowed a bit as it has been pledged by dirty water. Anglers that did find some water with acceptable turbidity found fish in fairly shallow depths during the start of the ebb tide. Silversides and Gulp were the most productive baits displayed on chartreuse and pink teasers.
Fittingly, with Memorial Day upon us, myself and 4 other guides had the privilege to take a veterans group called the “Freedom Hunters” out on the Chesapeake for a day of fun with fins. We got to meet new friends, have fellowship along with some fish, and most importantly one heck of a lunch on Tangier Island (all donated by the families of the island). I was able to witness folks that worked their entire life protecting our country, get to enjoy (some for the first time) the blessings that we sometimes take for granted. So find a calm quiet spot, spend some time with your friends and family, and most of all take a minute to remember those that have worked and sacrificed to give us this wonderful place we call home! §
