Anglers of all skill levels will find plenty to enjoy when they take a trip to Virginia Beach in May. From a variety of fish species available in shallow water near grass beds, oyster bars or docks to larger creatures found around structure at the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, anglers will have their pick of filled potential catches this month. With sizes ranging from small croaker to over 25 pound Tautog and 21 pound Sheepshead, fishermen are sure to be rewarded with some impressive catches.
Virginia Beach is a great fishing destination in the month of May with plenty of options for anglers to explore. Boaters and shore-fishers alike can enjoy the Bay, Inlets, oceanfront and offshore waters and have their pick from a variety of fish species. Recent reports suggest that puppy drum and speckled trout are being caught in Lynnhaven and Rudee Inlets, and success has been found using soft plastic baits, jigs or live bait in shallow water near grass beds, oyster bars or docks.
Red drum, black drum, skates and small croaker can also be caught. While the majority of these fish are smaller in size, some have been known to grow quite large--black drum up to 113 inches and 100lbs, red drum up to 60 inches and 90lbs, gray trout up to 37 inches and 19lbs, and speckled trout up to 39 inches and 17lbs. Even croaker can reach a maximum of 20 inches and 5lbs. So don't miss out on this great fishing opportunity--head out to Virginia Beach for an exciting day of angling!
At the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, fishermen have had success catching Sheepshead and Tautog by crab fishing tight against structure. These bottom feeders have strong teeth for crushing shells and prefer to stay near structure such as wrecks, reefs, rocks, and bridge pilings. Characterized by black and white vertical stripes on their body, Sheepshead can grow up to 36 inches and weigh over 21 pounds, while Tautog have a dark brown or black color with white blotches which can reach lengths of up to 36 inches and weights of more than 25 pounds.
Fisherman have also found success in the lower Bay catching Flounder, as they can be found in shallow water near grass beds or drop-offs, inside inlets, and deep near the CBBT. A classic bait combination for these fish is squid and minnow, although live spot or strips of bluefish or flounder belly can also be effective.
Fisherman in the Bay and its tributaries are in for a treat, as Rockfish season is open from May 16 to June 15. These popular game fish, also known as striped bass or stripers, can grow up to 60 inches and weigh over 70 pounds. The minimum size limit is 20 inches, with a maximum of 28 inches, and the daily limit is one per person. There is also an ocean season that opens on May 16 with a minimum size limit of 28 inches and maximum size limit of 36 inches, allowing fisherman to have more opportunity to catch the prized Rockfish with a daily limit of one per person.
In addition, offshore anglers can enjoy the thrill of catching Tilefish, also known as golden tilefish or blueline tilefish, at the canyons using squid or cut bait on deep drop rigs. Boats trolling the edge are finding some tuna and dolphin as well.
Fishing Opportunities in May
Fishing at the Outer Banks
Beach:
-Big Bluefish
-Puppy Drum
-Sea Mullet
-Black Drum
-Speckled Trout
-Striper
Ocracoke Island:
-Spanish Mackerel
-Cobia
Jennettes Pier:
-Puppy Drum
-Bluefish
-Sea Mullet
Visitors to the Outer Banks of North Carolina are welcomed with an abundance of fishing opportunities in May. The beach, piers, and sound offer a variety of fish including big bluefish, puppy drum, sea mullet, black drum, speckled trout, and even some Striper from the shore. Some anglers have also reported spanish mackerel and cobia on Ocracoke Island. Additionally, pier fishing is great for catching puppy drum, bluefish, and sea mullet as the water temperature at Jennettes Pier is around 60 degrees.
Charters offshore have seen a great bite in the last few days with catches of yellowfin tuna, dolphin, wahoo, king mackerel, and even some billfish. Fishing on the Outer Banks is definitely worth your time and effort, so book your charter today!
No matter what type of fishing you are looking for, Virginia Beach presents a great opportunity to anglers in May. Whether you’re fishing in the airy Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel or the night sights and sounds of North Lynnhaven Inlet, the waters offer a variety of species under different conditions. From impressive red and black drum, to speckled and gray trout, and even the 20 inch long croaker—casting a line off the Eastern Coast is sure to be a fulfilling and memorable experience! So don’t let the hot days ahead go by unenjoyed; get out there, throw a line, and land a big catch as soon as possible.
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