Fishing Hooks For most of the baits you’ll use, sizes 4 to 2/0 will work. Remember to select hook size based on the size of your bait.
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What fish are biting in the James River now?
Smallmouth bass are the dominant game species, but spotted and large mouth bass can also be caught. Other species are also plentiful in the James River, including channel catfish, flathead catfish, and various sunfish species (redbreast, bluegill, and rock bass).
What fish are biting on the James River pier?
Pier Anglers catch croaker, spot, flounder, trout and striped bass.
What fish are running in the James River?
The Non-Tidal James River offers fishing opportunities for smallmouth bass, muskellunge (muskie), redbreast sunfish, rock bass, bluegill, channel catfish, and flathead catfish.
Are there flounder in the James River?
James River: Wilcox Bait and Tackle says croaker catches remain good with some larger fish being caught on structure. Flounder are being caught in good numbers with most being too small to keep. Bluefish and striped bass are being caught at the crossings, especially at night. Some spot and puppy drum are being caught.
What’s the best bait to use in the James River?
Although frozen bait can be used, fresh-caught gizzard shad or eels are generally best. During summer most large blue cats are caught at night, other times of the year they are caught anytime – day or night.
Has there ever been a shark in the James River?
(WTVR)—Two bull sharks were caught in the Potomac River, and it wouldn’t be the first time a shark was caught in a Virginia river. He is a fixture along the banks of the James River, and “Catfish TC”, as he is known, is quite content on solid ground, thank you very much.
What time is best to fish pier?
Generally speaking, the best time to fish from a pier is either early morning or sundown. This is when moving tides attract a lot of baitfish to the area, which in turn, brings out the big and hungry of the fish world, too.
Do you need a fishing license to fish on a pier in VA?
A Virginia Saltwater Fishing License is not required for pier fishing, but is for fishing on the beach.
How much does it cost to fish on the James River Pier?
The James River Pier, located at the foot of the James River Bridge, is now open summer hours – 8am – 11pm (Mondays and Tuesdays) and 24 hours beginning 8am Wednesdays through 11pm Sundays). The cost is $9 for adults and $7 for seniors and children 6-12.
What is the biggest fish in the James River?
The biggest Channel Catfish caught measured 31 inches long and weighed just over 13.5 pounds, while the biggest Flathead Catfish measured 44.5 inches and weighed 47.8 pounds. The length-frequency histograms show the number of each species collected by inch group (Figure 1).
How is the fish in the James River?
The go-to method for catching them is to swim a live bait (small bluegill work well) in deep holes. The big predators in the Downstream James are mainly blue catfish. The current record – set in 2009 – is 102 pounds, and several fish over 50 pounds are caught every week throughout the year.
What is the deepest part of the James River?
Coast Pilot excerpts are not being corrected. James River. Drafts of vessels above Newport News do not exceed 15 feet. The James River provides depths of 25 feet to the Richmond Deepwater Terminal and in the Terminal Turning Basin; 18 feet to and in the Richmond Harbor Turning Basin; 18 feet to the Lock at Richmond.
Where do you catch flounder in the James River?
On the bay’s western side, the Hampton area offers excellent opportunities for flounder anglers, much of it easily accessible to small-boat anglers. Hampton Bar will usually hold flounder, some in the 8-pound class, along the ledge on the channel side of the James River.
Where is the best flounder fishing in Virginia?
Virginia’s Chincoteague and Wachapreague islands are two the more popular spots to target spring flounder, particularly in the guts, flats and channels. Since it’s been a cold spring, don’t be surprised if flounder fishing kicks into gear later than usual.
How many flounder can you keep in VA?
A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing in any tidal waters of Virginia, except the Potomac River tributaries, with recreational hook and line, rod and reel, spear, gig or other recreational gear to possess more than four summer flounder.
How do you catch bait on the James River?
Are there sturgeon in the James River?
Atlantic sturgeon are an anadromous fish species meaning they spend their adult lives in the ocean and return to the rivers in which they were born to spawn. Atlantic sturgeon can be found on the James River, from the Chesapeake Bay to the Falls of the James, during their spring and fall migrations.
Are there shrimp in the James River?
The shrimp found at the Environmental Research Center was one of three found to date in the Chesapeake Bay; two others were discovered in the James River. Ballast water from large ocean going cargo ships is believed to be the leading means by which these shrimp are being introduced to other waters around world.
Is the James River OK to swim in?
While the James is not always crystal clear, it’s still safe for recreation, most of the time. In the last six years, about 85 percent of water quality samples have shown the James is safe for recreation. The other 15 percent showed high levels of bacteria, especially after it rained.
Is the James River still contaminated?
“The 2021 State of the James report shows that the river remains a river at risk,” Street said. “The decreased scores in pollution reductions occurred despite increased investments by Virginia and clean water programs.”
Are there dolphins in the James River?
Dolphins, it seems, are not really uncommon in the Chesapeake Bay, and this one found its way up into the James River. While the James flows through Richmond as freshwater, it quickly turns brackish as it enters the tidal James just below the city.
What is the best bait for pier fishing?
Bait: Popular types of pier fishing bait include bloodworms, shrimp, squid, anchovies and sardines. These should all be available at your local pier or bait shop. Note: Live bait is ideal so try to find a shop that offers this option.
What size reel is good for pier fishing?
2500-4000 reels are most of the time all you need for pier fishing. This size range allows you to fit 100-200 yards of most lines we use off piers. Larger reels can do well too, but they don’t feel balanced with pier rods that are typically short.
At what age do you no longer need a fishing license in Virginia?
Residents 65 and older: You are not required to buy a Saltwater Fishing License, but you are required to register annually with the Fisherman Identification Program (FIP) by visiting www.mrc.virginia.gov/FIP.