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This week on the Lower Chesapeake Bay Fishing Report, host Luke Barton catches up with two standout captains for stories, techniques, and tips across the offshore, nearshore, and inshore scenes. Captain Bill Pappas of Playing Hookey Charters shares an incredible travel story from Hawaii, an epic swordfish battle off Virginia Beach, and some big news about his new Yamaha sponsorship. Then, Capt. Travis Kemp of Foolproof Fishing breaks down the inshore bite around Little Creek, Lynn Haven, and the Elizabeth River, including what anglers can expect as the fall transition continues.
Conditions Recap
Persistent northeast winds have continued to dominate the Lower Chesapeake, making offshore windows rare and pushing many anglers inshore. Despite the blow, nearshore structure fishing remains strong with flounder, triggerfish, and sea bass showing up when the seas allow. Inshore, steady water movement and cooling temperatures are creating great conditions for puppy drum and speckled trout action, especially in protected creeks and rivers.
Offshore & Nearshore Report – Capt. Bill Pappas, Playing Hookey Charters
Capt. Bill Pappas of Playing Hookey Charters returned from a memorable Hawaiian trip with his crew, sharing stories of reef fishing, cliff diving, and a humbling lesson about poisonous reef fish. But the excitement didn’t stop there—once back home, Bill and his mate Russ turned their attention to the Oceans East Swordfish Tournament, landing an unforgettable hook-up with a massive 300-pound class swordfish that ultimately broke off after a grueling three-hour fight.
Bill detailed the experience with humor and heart, explaining the technical side of daytime swordfishing—its roots in Florida and how it’s evolved in the Mid-Atlantic. His breakdown of the “pumpkin swordfish,” whose deep orange flesh comes from feeding on carotenoid-rich shrimp and krill, was a fascinating insight for any offshore angler.
Between sword trips, Bill and crew have been working wrecks hard, producing mixed bags of sea bass, triggerfish, flounder, croaker, and moonfish—a true 12-species day. Looking ahead, Playing Hookey will continue deep-dropping and swordfishing through November as long as weather windows allow.
Capt. Bill also announced some big upgrades coming in 2026. Playing Hookey has joined the Yamaha Pro Staff, with plans to repower their 29’ custom Seahawk with twin Yamaha 350s and full Helm Master joystick steering—installed by Troy Marine. Their current 300s, complete with full maintenance records and hydraulic systems, will be available for sale this winter for those looking to repower.
Pappas extended thanks to sponsors Anchor Health Properties and Daiwa, noting their continued support in tournaments and gear. His key takeaway for offshore anglers this week: “Don’t cut the line—ever. You’ll lose more than tackle; you’ll lose your shot at the fish of a lifetime.”
Inshore Report – Capt. Travis Kemp, Foolproof Fishing
Capt. Travis Kemp of Foolproof Fishing has been keeping rods bent around the Little Creek Basin and Lynn Haven River, where the inshore bite remains strong despite relentless wind. Puppy drum have been steady from 16 to 32 inches, with most falling in the mid-slot range. Travis has been using light tackle (2500-size reels, 10-lb test) to maximize the fight, alternating between live and dead baits depending on the day.
Finger mullet, menhaden chunks, and pinfish have been top producers, rigged on circle hooks under popping corks or with split-shot setups for a minimalist presentation in shallow water. As always, Capt. Travis favors a scientific approach—targeting grass flats, deeper current seams, and muddy-bottomed areas that hold heat as fall sets in.
The speckled trout bite has exploded in recent weeks, with limits of 17–22” fish becoming common. Cooler water and strong tides have fish pushing into creeks and the Elizabeth River, where the winter bite will continue into January. Travis plans to relocate his boat there by mid-November for those looking to chase late-season trout and drum.
He also shared updates on his surf-fishing tournament circuit: Team Foolproof is aiming for a three-peat at the Beach Buggy Association Red Drum Tournament, followed by the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club Surf Fishing Tournament, the largest in the world. With over 140 citation drum landed from the beach in a single season, Capt. Travis remains one of the region’s premier drum specialists.
For anglers looking to book fall inshore trips, Travis has openings at the end of October and is already booking for next year’s cobia season.
