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This week on the Lower Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, host Luke Barton welcomed Captain Mike Roby of Hooked on Hope VB and Captain Bill Pappas of Playing Hooky Charters to recap the 6th Annual Hooked on Hope Spanish Mackerel Tournament — including the wild story of Bill’s single 25-inch Spanish mackerel that beat out all the other stringers for first place. They also shared updates on offshore tuna, mahi, wahoo, and billfish action, plus inshore tips from Captain Eric Meyers of Heads~N~Tails Charters.
Conditions Recap
Summer fishing remains strong in the Lower Bay with warm water temperatures bringing in Spanish mackerel, croaker, bluefish, and red drum. Offshore anglers are finding tuna, mahi, and billfish when weather windows allow. Persistent northeast winds over the past two weeks stirred up dirty water inshore, making cut bait more effective than artificials in many areas. High tide and the start of the outgoing tide have been key for shallow-water puppy drum. Hurricane Aaron is on the radar for the next week or two, so anglers should keep an eye on conditions and plan trips around safe weather windows.
Inshore & Nearshore Report
Captain Eric Meyers has been working in the Lynnhaven, focusing on puppy drum with popping corks and 10–12 inches of leader tied to a 3/16–1/4 oz jig head and either live or cut bait. In dirty water, cut bunker is outfishing artificials. Higher tides allow him to access 2–3 foot coves where fish are holding, while more experienced anglers can target fish tight to docks and oyster beds. For fishing heavy structure, Eric recommends stepping up to 60 lb mono leaders and medium-heavy rods to pull fish clear of pilings.
Gear Spotlight: For popping cork work, Eric uses medium-light rods with 2500-size reels and 30 lb braid. Around docks and oysters, he switches to 7′ medium-heavy rods with 3000-size reels, 60 lb mono leaders, and 3/0 circle hooks.
Spanish Mackerel Tournament Recap
Despite snotty weather, the Hooked on Hope Spanish Mackerel Tournament was a success, raising money for pediatric cancer families and hosting 14 families on the water. Captain Bill Pappas and crew landed a single 25-inch, nearly 4-pound Spanish mackerel that beat all other combined stringers. The catch almost didn’t happen — the fish twice nearly flopped overboard before being secured. Bill credits the win to perseverance, making the run to the channel despite tough seas, and a little bit of luck from young anglers Xander and Carmen.
Captain Mike Roby, tournament organizer, noted the event’s flexibility in adding croaker as a weigh-in species for kids, ensuring everyone had fun. Second place went to Captain Daniel Legrand, third to Justin Wilson with Oceans East, and largest bluefish honors went to Captain Josh on Wingman Guide Service.
Get Involved: Learn more or donate at HookedOnHopeVB.org.
Offshore Report
When conditions allowed, tuna and mahi have been active offshore. Captain Bill reported a renewed tuna bite, white marlin action (2-for-5 on some boats), and scattered blue marlin. High-speed trolling for wahoo at 18 knots produced some bites; Bill favors the Nomad DTX Minnow, Madmac, and Madscad for their ability to track true at high speeds.
Floating debris like tubs and buckets have been holding big triggerfish and mahi — stopping to work these areas with chunks can produce fast limits. Bill stressed the importance of watching for bait, birds, and temperature breaks, and being willing to adapt when offshore structure like lobster pots is absent.
Gear Spotlight: Offshore trolling spreads included Sterling Tackle cedar plugs, Nomad high-speed lures, and rigged ballyhoo for billfish.
Upcoming Events
- Rudy Inlet Ladies Open – Sunday, August 17, 2025. Categories include billfish, mahi, tuna, and wahoo. Follow Playing Hooky Charters on Facebook for info on joining Captain Bill’s all-ladies crew giveaway.
- Y Rock Tournament – Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Wallace’s Tournament – Saturday, August 23, 2025
