FISHING METHODS
The Trophy Striped Bass Season starts in mid April and runs through May 15th. This is the best opportunity to catch really big fish in the 35 to 50 inch range. Past seasons were excellent. Trolling large bucktails, parachutes, spoons and umbrellas, all trimmed with plastic shads will catch fish. I use 13 rods with double rigs. They are displayed in a pattern covering 150 feet. I use Planer Boards, Roof Rods, Deep Lines and spread them around the rail. For those rigs having doubles hook lures, my chances to catch doubles, it's simple math. The primary method is lure sets and patterns. Having your lines set at different depths to cover the top 30 feet of water while fishing in deep (50 to 100 foot) water. Using a staggered pattern of different line lengths will keep them from tangling. Remember, for every 100 foot of wire or spectra you get 10 foot of depth. Add 4 ounces of lead and you get 5 more feet. Develop your own lure sets and patterns based on this formula. Try trolling in the Bay, East to West and back again. This will cover different depths and water temperatures. You will find bait located at specific areas and start catching fish there. Always turn with the tide. If it is going out, turn south. If tide is coming in, turn north. That is the drift of the bait and fish normally. Always, watch what others are doing, if they are catching, try it! Tight Lines! The Spring Season begins May 16st, when you can enjoy more light tackle fishing. We start chumming for Rock and Blues which are large and plentiful. Use a fishfinder rig, circle hooks and big baits, we chum up some dandies. Catching Stripers up to 30 inches takes skill and talent acquired after chumming many years. We fish hard bottom areas or near channel edges using light tackle spinners from an anchored vessel. That way it is just you and your catch. We also use live bait as well. Fishing structures like Light Houses, Bridges, Reefs or the Gas Dock. This style of fishing takes special skills. Most anglers want to set the hook as soon as the fish strikes. You must wait, allow the bait to be swallowed and let the fish run . Then set the hook and yell "FISH ON!". Keep that rod arched and strain on the line. Many times the fish is holding the bait and not hooked at all. You can bring it to the net with this method, but be quick. Both methods can be used together as Blues like live baits as well. Come learn from the Pro's, its fun! Tight Lines! |
Everyone likes change and a challenge to see and do different things. Capt. Sonney changes locations from Solomons to Cape Charles, VA during a few weeks in June. His challenge is to catch "the man in the brown suit", or Cobia. They are strong, fast and unpredictable. Once hooked they will try to shake the hook. This may be a strong run uptide, a deep dive to the bottom or a sky rocketing jump several times. You'll think it is a "Chesapeake Bay Tarpon". It can circle the boat several times or run past the boat next to you. They are powerful, so we caution landing them, use a net. If over 37 inches and you are keeping it. Use a baseball bat to welcome him to the cooler, KNOCK IT OUT! We chum or chunk them while live baiting or using big cut baits. Heavy Spinners and Boat Rods are used with 7/0 Laser Sharp Hooks on Fishfinder rigs. Live baits are ballooned out on the surface to catch Cobia on patrol. We also catch Channel Bass and Sharks, both are great eating. Loads of Trout and Flounder are available as well. Spadefish are like fighting a "bulldog" on a string. They are 5 to 10 pounds, look like an Angelfish and fight like a 20 pound Bluefish. They are schooling fish, so catch one and there will be more. You find them around the CBBT islands, pilings, wrecks, buoys and hard bottom. They are good eating and fun to catch! July through September is great Summer time fishing. I call "Bottom Fishing" the rich mans sport; to relax, fish, drink and catch fish, all at the same time. You get to enjoy the comfort of a gentle rocking boat, a good friends' company and lots of fish. What more do you want? We also do evening trips, "Buddy Time". Take the family and friends after work fishing. Spend quality time with children. Get to enjoy them and teach them a true pleasure in life, fishing! Everyone knows fishing in the evening or at night is excellent. Give yourself a chance to relax, enjoy life and be happy with those around you. When the days get shorter and the temperatures start to fall, fish start feeding and moving south. You have followed them as they progressed up the Bay, now is the time to follow them back down the Bay. It is time to start trolling again. September to November, the cooler weather months, brings on the schooling fish. Large schools of Rock, Blues and Trout are feeding on the Silversides and small Menhaden, causing lots of bird action over the water. Under the Rock and Blues are the Trout, many are big Trout. Slow trolling medium to small Bucktails with Mr. Twisters will fill the box with fish. In the late fall, November and December, you see the return of the big Stripers to the Bay. Again in the 30 to 40 inch size, these are real trophy fish. Big baits are used with good results. There is something about catching a big fish in the late fall that just makes my holidays better. The waiting until Spring again, just got less! Come enjoy a day on the Bay and have the trip of a life time, fall fishing. [TOP] Click Here to Email Us for your date... |
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