Fishing Report
Atlantic Ocean and Coastal Bays, VA
Summary: 5/22/25 - Surf anglers along the beaches of Assateague are enjoying exciting fishing for large migrating striped bass this week. Most measure over the 31-inch maximum but all anglers would agree it is a thrill and for many a personal best to catch and release a large striped bass. Cut baits of menhaden and mullet have been the preferred baits; a few bluefish and of course lots of clearnose skates have been part of the mix. Anglers fishing sand fleas are catching the last of the black drum as they pass by our beaches, those fishing with bloodworms report catching a few kingfish. At the Ocean City Inlet and Route 50 Bridge area, anglers are reporting that the tautog bite is dropping off and an increased number of sub-legal tautog are being caught. The change of the tide is one of the best times to fish and sand fleas remain the preferred bait. A mix of striped bass and bluefish are being caught in the inlet on bucktails and soft plastic jigs. Flounder are always in play since the inlet is the pathway to the back bay areas. The back bay waters have been churned up lately due to strong winds and it would appear more wind is in the forecast along with some rain. Clear water is needed for good flounder fishing so flounder fishing will show diminished returns during this period. Fishing for striped bass at the Route 50 and Verrazzano bridges remains good and is mostly a catch and release fishery. Casting paddletails in the morning and evening hours near the bridge piers is where the action is. When the winds cooperate, captains are finding good fishing for sea bass on the offshore wreck and reef sites this week for their anglers. The Maryland black sea bass season is now open through September 30, with a 15 fish per day limit at a minimum length of 13 inches. Virginia Fishing Reports