Fishing forecast for week of July 3-10

The Spanish Mackerel isn't one of the much talked-about species that flourishes in the Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters.
Given the other opportunities available to anglers, it's understandable that pressure isn't great. But a legion of diehards know that the oily and beautifully colored fish is a good fighter and excellent table fare.
This time of year those anglers can be rewarded with excellent catches.
Some are saying this could be the best year in many for catching Spanish mackerel.
Spanish can be found around most tidal rips, especially those around inshore structures and at Cape Henry. They also are often found in strong currents running along the coast.
Most often taken on fast-trolled spoons, large schools of feeding fish also can be caught by casting spoons and jigs on lighter tackle. Wire leaders are a must, since this species has a noticeable set of razor-sharp teeth.
Spanish in the Carolinas and around the Chesapeake Bay can get pretty big, though the average fish weighs between 1 and 3 pounds.
The International Game Fish Association all-tackle world record is a 13-pounder that also is the North Carolina record. That fish was caught off Ocracoke in 1987.
Virginia's big Spanish weighed 9 pounds, 13 ounces and was caught along the Virginia Beach coast in 1993.
In North Carolina, it takes a 6-pounder to earn a state-sponsored award. In Virginia, anglers can earn paper by catching a 4-pounder or releasing a 26-incher.
HAMPTON ROADS
The lower Chesapeake Bay and nearby waters are proving why they offer some of the best fishing opportunities in the world.
Flounder might provide the best inshore action, with fish available around most inshore structures like the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel.
And with better numbers of 4- to 6-inch spot becoming available for bait, flounder pounders can expect increasing numbers of fish weighing more than 5 pounds.
Spadefish action has been disappointing compared to recent years if you are looking for fish heavier than 6 pounds. As of last Wednesday, only 46 fish bigger than 9 pounds had registered for awards with the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament.
It's proving to be another decent year for cobia, with fish available at a variety of locations in the southern Bay. Bluefish Rock off Hampton, the York Spit and the CBBT are good places to look.
King mackerel have been seen airing out along the Oceanfront, but there have been no reports of catches.
Croaker, stripers, bluefish and triggerfish are all available around lower bay structures. Sheepshead have been scarce.
Puppy drum catches have been outstanding in Lynnhaven and Rudee inlets, especially for anglers live-baiting with finger mullet at night.
Offshore action has been centered around very good catches of bluefin and yellowfin tuna.
Dolphin and billfish are keeping it interesting, and anglers should expect a few wahoo to finally show.
Shark are always a possibility.
EASTERN SHORE
Good numbers of croaker have showed up around Oyster. This is great for anglers who travel from up north and from the Carolinas for these bottom feeders.
Chris Snook of Chris's Bait and Tackle said that anglers are catching "coolers full" of mostly medium croakers. She said that large fish have been mixed in.
Flounder catches are being reported around sea-side inlets at Wachapreague and Oyster, and all along the channel edges from the CBBT north to the Cell.
Spadefish are swarming around most buoys and structures.
Cobia also have been available to anglers, with some being caught accidently by those searching for red drum around Latimer Shoal.
The 26-mile Hill off Wachapreague has been producing a few bluefin tuna and large bluefish.

OUTER BANKS
Bluewater trolling has been about as good as it can get off Oregon and Hatteras inlets. Anglers are finding consistent numbers of blue marlin and increasing numbers of white marlin. Sailfish also pop up.
Bluefin and yellowfin tuna numbers also are excellent, with lots of bailer-sized dolphin available. King mackerel also can be had.
Closer to shore, cobia, king mackerel, bluefish and lots of Spanish mackerel have been caught. Gray and speckled trout have been caught in the inlets.

PIER AND SURF
Anglers working the shorelines of Virginia and North Carolina find themselves in a summer pattern that consists largely of small panfish like croaker, spot, sea mullet, pompano and bluefish. Skates, dogfish sharks, flounder and spadefish also can be had.
Spanish mackerel action has been best on Outer Banks piers, but a few fish have shown around Virginia piers.
Cobia and kings also are a possibility.

FRESHWATER
Bluegill and shellcracker should provide the best action in the coming weeks. Catches of both these battlers have been outstanding on just about every front.
To increase chances, toss a dozen or so crickets along a shoreline to see if any hungry gills are around. If they are, crickets and red wiggler worms under bobbers will produce. So will small jigs and spinners. Flyrodders also can get in on the action.
Largemouth bass fishing likely is best early and late, and at night where permitted.