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.
Table of Contents
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 is the best month to catch flounder?
The best time to catch flounder is during their fall migration to the Gulf, typically from October to December, in the channels and passes leading to the Gulf. Flounder may be caught using rod and reel but most people prefer gigs.
What fish are biting in the James River?
Fishing is good for bluegill, and other species such as smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, redbreast sunfish, and channel catfish may be caught as well. The river is deep enough to use a prop motor downstream of the ramp but rocks limit safely taking a prop boat upstream of the boat ramp.
What bait is best for flounder?
Using live bait is essential for many flounder (fluke) fishermen around the country, and can be extremely effective for picky flounder (fluke). Shrimp, crabs, smaller flounder, sardines, shad, mullet, and mud minnows can all be great options for live bait.
What’s the best bait to use in the James River?
Use fresh cut bait (various species of the shad family) in deep holes, on shallow flats, along dropoffs, and all sorts of other places. The river is full of blue catfish, and if you keep trying different locations, you’ll find some.
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 big does a flounder have to be to keep in VA?
The minimum size for summer flounder harvested by commercial fishing gear shall be 14 inches in total length.
What time of day is best for flounder fishing?
The best time of day to catch flounder inshore is at max high tide when previously dry sand bars are submerged and flounder move into these areas to feed. Offshore, the best time of day to catch flounder is early morning and late afternoon in and around wrecks and reef areas.
Can you gig flounder during the day?
Once successfully gigged, your Flounder doesn’t have much of a chance of surviving. Therefore, you only want to spear as many Flounders as you’re planning to eat later. All the action typically happens at night, although day trips are also possible.
Where is the best flounder fishing?
Montauk, New York. As the location of the current world-record catch, perhaps Montauk is the granddaddy of all fluke spots. The waters off the eastern tip of Long Island have structure and baitfish populations that attract huge numbers of 3- to 10-pound fluke, with occasional fish weighing in the teens.
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.
Is the James River good for fishing?
Catfish (Blue) The tidal James River provides the best fishing for blue catfish in the state, and recently anglers from around the country have begun to travel to Virginia to fish for the abundant large blue catfish found here.
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.
What size hook is best for flounder?
A 5/0 to 7/0 circle hook is a good size for summer flounder fishing, where a traditional J-hook would be size 1/0.
What is a flounders favorite food?
Summer flounder eat a mixed diet of fish and invertebrates throughout their life. Larval and post-larval flounder feed on zooplankton (tiny floating animals) and small crustaceans. Juveniles eat crustaceans and fish.
Will flounder take lures?
Lure choice: in my harbour the flounder seem to prefer worm imitations, with other options like crab or prawn type lures being ignored. With enough patience and luck I’m sure they could be tempted with any small lure, the trick is to find one that is awake and switched on, then they will take anything.
How do you fish flounder from shore?
Can you catch flounder on a hook?
Flounders can also be caught on a lightweight long-line fished over the mudflats from either a boat or by wading out at low tide. Small hooks are the key – around #8-12 – baited with sand worms, small pieces of prawn, pilchards or sweetcorn. Use a variety of baits and alternate them between the hooks.
How do you catch flounder on a rod and reel?
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.
Is the James River freshwater or saltwater?
The bay is an estuary, an area where fresh water flowing from land meets salt water from the sea. Scientists consider the bay to consist of its main part near the coast as well as its tidal tributaries, so that would include the James up to Richmond. The James’ water remains fresh until just below Hopewell.
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.
Is there a flounder season in VA?
In Virginia, it is primarily an April through November fishery though some are caught in March and December. Early season action is found in the seaside inlets of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.