Middle bay Jigging and Fly fishing

Type: Chesapeake
Region: Eastern
Location: Middle Bay

Took advantage of the break in the heat and the lack of wind to hit the water.

Fishing with small jig heads w/ soft plastics, and Stingsilvers and Hopkins shorty 1oz., and a 6 wt flyrod with a 250 grain line. A tandem fly set up worked well w/ a #4 gummy minnow being preferred by the fish. One croaker even found it irresistible.

With the frequency of sub legal fish this time of year I always replace my treble hooks with a single 2/0 hook and remove the barbs. It makes things much easier on the fish, and just as easy on the anglers. 3 of us had no problem taking home a few fish for dinner, and the majority of the fish seemed healthy and well fed. They were feeding on large schools of Bay Anchovies. If anyone comes across a fish with a jig connected to a spinning rod I might know who it belongs to.

When the fish are holding on bait and occasionally breaking with birds, be patient and use the current and wind to determine which was the bait is being pushed. Keep that motor off and be patient and the next school might just erupt directly underneath you.

Respect the fish and your fellow anglers and you'll have a great time on the bay.