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This week, we’re talking offshore tuna tactics with Captain Zack Castro of Not Tugging Sportfishing and cobia tournament highlights with Captain Colt North of Litigator Sportfishing.
Conditions Recap
We’re sitting just ahead of Hurricane Aaron, but fishing hasn’t slowed down in the Chesapeake. Offshore waters are still holding yellowfin tuna, especially in areas with concentrated bait around temperature and chlorophyll breaks. Inshore, cobia and red drum remain available, though persistent 10–15 knot winds are making sight-fishing conditions tougher.
Offshore Report – Captain Zack Castro, Not Tugging Sportfishing
Captain Zack shared detailed tactics for finding and catching yellowfin tuna this season—one of the best he’s ever experienced.
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Location & Bait: Fish are tightly concentrated and holding on bait, particularly sand eels. Zack noted multiple days where his crew never moved more than half a mile from their first bite.
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Color Selection: Red and pink lures imitating squid have been hot. Zack always keeps a red bait in the spread because squid turn bright red when pressured. Flashy greens have also been producing.
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Spread & Presentation: He typically runs 12–13 rods, using Sterling Tackle tracker bars and Joe Shutes with ballyhoo. Properly rigged ballyhoo is essential—no spin allowed.
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Boat Speed & Harmonics: Zack emphasized the importance of speed over water, not just GPS speed over ground. He trolls at six knots and pays close attention to his boat’s RPM “sweet spot” to maximize bites.
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Gear Tip: Zack runs heavy wind-on leaders with 100-lb fluorocarbon. “Presentation is everything—get that right, and the bites will come.”
One highlight this summer was a June trip when all 12 rods went off at once, with nine tuna landed out of the chaos.
Book a trip with Captain Zack Castro if you want to experience this tuna bite before the season slows down.
Inshore & Tournament Report – Captain Colt North, Litigator Sportfishing
Captain Colt wrapped up his fifth Kids Camp of the summer, teaching young anglers how to fish responsibly while targeting cobia, puppy drum, and redfish. Parents praised the camps for instilling conservation and fishing skills in the next generation.
He also shared the excitement of the Why Rock Gloucester Cobia Tournament, where his team landed a massive 64.96-lb cobia to secure first place.
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Conditions: Windy with steady 15 knots and 1–2 foot seas made sight-fishing difficult.
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Patience Pays: Colt and crew fished hard all day with little action until the afternoon when a giant pair appeared. After several tough casts into the wind, one finally ate.
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Fight & Netting: The cobia fought for nearly 30 minutes on lighter tackle before being secured in the bow with their oversized landing net.
Colt emphasized composure and persistence: “You can’t worry about the clock. You just have to fish, stay positive, and be ready when the opportunity finally comes.”
Book a trip with Captain Colt North to chase cobia, red drum, or speckled trout as the season transitions into fall.
