The Chesapeake is making its annual transition this week. Cobia are showing up at the CBBT, stripers are going deeper as the water warms, and the summer species are starting to set up across the lower Bay.
Cobia — Arriving
The first solid push of cobia has hit the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Boats are sight-casting bucktails (1.5–2 oz, chartreuse and white) at fish along the pilings and rock islands. The run will build hard over the next two weeks. Live eels and small live spot are also producing for boats willing to chum and wait. Some bigger fish in the 50-plus lb range are showing up earlier than usual.
Stripers — Going Deep
The trophy spring run is past peak as water temps climb past 65°F. Big breeders are pushing back out to the ocean. The fish that remain are going deeper — trolling at 20–40 feet with umbrella rigs and parachutes through the deep edges of the channel is producing keepers. The upper Bay is still seeing some surface action on schoolies blitzing in the rivers.
Red Drum and Spanish
Red drum are returning to the lower Bay — sight-casting from the boat at the CBBT and Latimer Shoal is producing some big bulls. Spanish mackerel should show by month’s end. Croaker numbers are building bay-wide and the spot will follow.
Flounder and Tautog
Flounder are scattered through the bay — drift the channels with live minnows and a squid strip. Tautog season closes soon so this is the last week for green crab on the inshore wrecks and structure.
Specific Spots This Week
For cobia, the CBBT is the headline spot — work the pilings from the first island to the third looking for fish on the surface, then sight-cast bucktails or pitch live eels. Latimer Shoal and the Plantation Light area are also producing. The 4th island has been holding bigger fish in the 50-plus class. For deep stripers, troll the Cell with parachutes and umbrellas at 25–40 feet. The mouth of the Potomac is producing schoolies blitzing on the surface — small plugs and metal lipless cranks. Flounder anglers are doing best in the channels at Cape Charles and around the inshore wrecks off Virginia Beach. Croaker are building bay-wide; drop bloodworms on a hi-lo rig in 20–40 feet.
Conditions and Outlook
Water temp 65–68°F. New moon Saturday — soft tides this weekend, ideal for sight-casting cobia. Light south winds Wednesday/Thursday, building Saturday. CBBT at sunrise.
Local Intel This Week
The Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel pilings are loaded with the first cobia of the year — sight-cast bucktails or chum live spot on the rocks. Latimer Shoal holds bull red drum on the deep edges. The upper Bay flats around Rappahannock have stripers blitzing on the dawn bait. Tangier Sound has stripers and the first sea trout of the year. Virginia saltwater license required ($12.50 residents), cobia slot 35+ inches and 1 per angler. Tight lines.