Fishing Forecast: Week of July 29 to Aug. 4

Several years ago, many Virginia saltwater anglers considered the greater amberjack one of the easiest-to-obtain awards from the Saltwater Fishing Tournament.

Catch some spot, take them alive to one of the Navy navigational towers southeast of Rudee Inlet and toss them - on a hook - toward the pilings.

Bam! A nice fight and a citation plaque to hang on the wall. Easy enough. Finding one measuring longer than the required 50 inches usually didn't take long.

While that might not be the case these days, the towers still hold vast numbers of what many consider to be one of the area's best fights.

Torpedo-like in their looks, these fish are lightning quick and locomotive powerful.

And while a live spot is still a great way to catch them, many anglers have learned the joys of other methods.

Butterfly jigs worked into schools produce strikes so strong that you'd better be holding tight to your rod and reel. Throw a topwater plug at a school of amberjacks and be amazed as they crash into each other trying to get it first.

The world record for greater amberjack is a 155-pound, 12-ounce brute caught near Bermuda in the early 1990s. Virginia's biggest on record was caught at the Chesapeake Light Tower in 1986. The waters off Swansboro produced North Carolina's 126-7 record in 2008.

In both states, it takes a 50-incher to earn a release award. North Carolina also offers a weight award at a minimum of 50 pounds.

Amberjack are far from a favorite for the dinner table, though some people do eat them.

But anybody who catches one sure seems to enjoy doing so.

FORECAST

Hampton Roads

White marlin action has been pretty good off the coast. The 21 boats fishing in the 14th annual Virginia Beach Invitational Marlin Tournament out of Rudee Inlet released 70, along with two sailfish and one blue marlin.

Bluewater trollers also are finding tuna, dolphin and a few wahoo. Norfolk Canyon deep-droppers can expect grouper, tilefish, rosefish and sea bass.

Also off the coast, amberjack are swarming around most navigational towers. They also can be found around many deep-water wrecks.

A good variety of shark can be expected to show, with mako often taking advantage of hooked fish being brought to the boat.

Inshore, Spanish mackerel, bluefish drum and cobia all are possible. Don't be surprised by a king mackerel or a tarpon.

In the Bay, flounder and cobia are attracting most angler attention.

Flatfish can be found along much of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, especially north of the fourth island. Look for flatties along channel edges and around many inshore reefs and rubble piles.

Cobia are being caught by chummers using cut bait and live eels on fish-finder rigs worked along many shoals. Other anglers are searching the surface for cobia roaming throughout the Bay.

Look for Spanish mackerel in most tidal rips, especially around Cape Henry.

Also along the CBBT, anglers can find sheepshead, spadefish, triggerfish, bluefish, black drum and possibly a few reds. With hot water inside inlets, most puppy drum action has moved to the deeper watchers of tunnel span islands.

Small croaker and bluefish can be found throughout the lower Bay. 

Eastern Shore

Anglers on the Atlantic coast are focusing much of their attention on areas just outside of inlets around Wachapreague and Oyster, where they are finding small flounder, spot, sea mullet and increasing numbers of medium to large croakers.

Flounder pounders are working the Bay shoreline, concentrating on the edges of deep channels, past Latimer Shoal, and up to Buoy 42 and the Cell.

Look for cobia roaming throughout the area. 

Outer Banks

Bluewater action is steady out of both inlets, with white marlin, blue marlin, sailfish, tuna, dolphin, wahoo, barracuda, shark and king mackerel all on the menu.

Along the coast, recent cold-water upwelling has produced increased numbers of big red drum. This won't last as the summer's hottest months have arrived. Expect bluefish, Spanish mackerel and king mackerel.

In the sounds, look for small flounder, bluefish, trout, puppy drum, sheepshead and maybe a tarpon. 

Pier and surf

Plenty of small stuff is available along the beaches of Virginia and North Carolina. Look for spot, croaker, bluefish, puppy drum, sea mullet, blow toads, small shark, flounder, trout and skate. Pompano could show along Carolina beaches. 

Freshwater

It's best to fish for largemouth bass very early and late in the day. If you must fish during high sun, work baits deep and extremely slow.

Worms and spoons worked along the deeper edges of milfoil beds in Back Bay and Currituck Sound continue to produce a few bass.

When fishing for bass in area tidal rivers, expect some exciting action from big bowfin.

Bluegill and other small panfish can be found along shorelines. Bigger fish will be found along channel edges or water from 5 to 10 feet deep.