Fishing Forecast: Nov. 22-28

The forecast key: (1) Hampton Roads. (2) Eastern Shore. (3) Outer Banks. (4) Freshwater.

By Lee Tolliver
The Virginian-Pilot

EVEN THOUGH temperatures are forecast to be in the low 70s for most of the day, weather patterns are trying to align properly with the time of year. Let's face it, it's just not supposed to be this warm on Thanksgiving Day.

At least this morning will be nice enough for those who take traditional Thanksgiving Day striped bass fishing trips.

Then, starting tonight, things are supposed to return to normal for November.

The good news is that although temperatures have been unseasonable, the size of striped bass is on the rise.

Several fish approaching 40 inches - and a few even bigger - already have been caught.

And it's only going to get better as the waters continue to cool and bigger fish migrate south.

Anglers need to remember the new rules for this fall. They can keep two fish a day that measure at least 18 inches. But only one fish can measure longer than 34 inches. And neither can measure between 28 and 34 inches.

As if that's not confusing enough, beginning Dec. 10, anglers can keep only one fish that measures between 18 and 28 inches, or longer than 34 inches.

So far, bigger fish have been caught in deep water around the high-level spans of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel or over the two tunnel tubes. Jigging, wire-line slow-trolling with live spot or drifting live eels deep under corks have been the top producers.

Anglers working deeper waters of the middle Bay have had success setting chum lines, then casting or chunking cut bait.

Big rockfish migrating south from New England have been slow-moving as water temperatures are just now getting cold enough to spark the run.

This is the final fishing forecast for 2007. But The Pilot will continue to run fishing updates throughout the winter in the Sunday sports section.

FORECAST

Hampton Roads

While all eyes are on an anticipated increase in big rockfish, many anglers have been biding their time with what can only be called a fantastic fall speckled trout season.

Specks are hitting around the Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel, along Ocean View jetties, and in Little Creek, Lynnhaven and Rudee inlets. Speckled trout also have been caught in several areas of the Elizabeth River, from the Great Bridge locks to the I-64 high-rise bridge. Quite a few also have been caught at the West Norfolk Bridge.

Puppy drum are available in many of the same locations.

There also is hope that big specks topping 10 pounds might show around the first and second islands of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel - like they did several years ago. If they do, a bonanza of big fish could be landed.

Try using lead-head jigs tipped with soft plastic baits, letting the current sweep the baits along the rocks. Keep constant contact with the baits and use heavier or lighter jigs depending on the current flow. You want the jigs to just hit the tops of submerged rocks.

Lots of big bluefish have been found around offshore wrecks and structure around the Chesapeake Light Tower.

Tautog are showing in good numbers around the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and at inshore wrecks.

Big flounder are moving out of area waters and staging around inshore wrecks and rubble piles, where they can still be caught with ease.

Bluefin tuna have shown offshore when anglers can venture out to blue water. Overnight trips also are producing some swordfish.

Eastern Shore

Togs and stripers are consuming most angler attention.

Bigger rockfish are being caught by running live eels on the bottom of the channel that runs under the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel high-rise spans, and by trollers working the channel westward past buoys 38, 40 and 42.

Even bigger fish should be heading south from the middle Bay.

Small school-sized stripers are everywhere, and there are some decent-sized bluefish in the middle Bay west of the Eastern Shore.

Tautog have been biting around Kiptopeke and at several structures around Cape Charles.

Bluefin tuna should show, albeit sporadically, around the 26-Mile Hill.

Outer Banks

King mackerel and big red drum have invaded inshore waters in fantastic numbers. Lots of fish are meeting citation standards.

Action should continue for a few weeks until waters get too cold.

That's about when more rockfish should start to show.

Speckled trout and bluefish also should provide plenty of inshore action.

Offshore, anglers have been finding good numbers of yellowfin tuna, along with some wahoo and dolphin. There have been sporadic catches of big bluefin tuna. But to get in on any of that action, you definitely have to be in the right place at the right time.

Piers and surf

Action along Virginia beaches is winding down quickly, with most catches being supplied by school-sized stripers and lots of speckled trout.

Puppy drum and small bluefish also could show.

Along the Outer Banks, king mackerel and big red drum have been thrilling anglers on piers and at Cape Point. Catches are not numerous, but there is enough action to draw attention.

Otherwise, catches consist of small bluefish, speckled trout, puppy drum, small black drum, spot, croaker and sea mullet.

Freshwater

White perch catches have been outstanding at many water-supply lakes and in most river systems.

Fish are fat with eggs and seem to be closing in on the spawn. They can be concentrated and very aggressive during this time.

Fall crappie action also should be peaking on many waters, with most fish around structure in 5 to 10 feet of water. Bridge pilings are a great place to look.

Largemouth bass action can be outstanding all day long this time of year.

Stripers have started to move into the North Landing and Chowan river systems.