Chesser Decoys
Fine Decoys and Eastern Shore Hunting
Since 1973
Fishing the Eelgrass Flats
It's hard to beat hunting the shallows of Eastern Shore eelgrass beds for the extremes of relaxation interspersed with phenomenal adrenaline rushes. But that is what flats fishing is all about. Such areas on the Eastern side of Chesapeake Bay hold an abundance of life. Of interest to the sporting angler are speckled trout (spotted weakfish), red "puppy" drum (small red fish) and rockfish (striped bass). Several expansive flats are frequented by Holden Creek guides, including the area around the Fox Islands and the Pungoteague-Onancock Flats.
The aerial picture (above right) shows an area near Pungoteague Creek where Capt. P.G. Ross grew up and has hunted and fished for over 25 years (in fact some of the duck blinds are his). The patchy areas are eelgrass with sand areas interspersed between. The flats are flanked by Spartina salt marsh and various "guts" or small tidal creeks. This is prime speck habitat and school size striper can be abundant in the early fall. Small red fish, locally called "puppy drum" also are frequent visitors to such areas. Holden Creek's fishing boat, a 22' Jones Brothers skiff, is ideal for these shallows and allows for comfortable fly casting and light tackle casting from its spacious bow and cockpit.
Although specific conditions differ between flats sites that we fish, some general characteristics are worth noting. Most of the areas are 2-5'deep with eelgrass density being quite variable from year to year. Unlike other types of flats fishing in lower latitudes, most of our fishing involves blind casting because water clarity in an estuary such as the Chesapeake Bay is usually less than ideal. However, some days it can be crystal clear and you can even see small blue crabs sneaking through the grass. We consider any sight casting opportunities under such conditions a bonus! Depending on conditions and the specific location we are fishing, there are also opportunities to fish while wading. Especially in clear water situations, this technique can be successful on spooky fish as well as being extremely relaxing.
As you can imagine, a variety of fly and lure colors are a must. Traditionally, lures and flies in red/white, red/yellow, blue/white, soft blue or tan, and chartreuse colors have generally proven successful. Don't rule out dark patterns such as deep purple, dark blue and black for low light conditions, especially if there's a clear sky and any moon. Light tackle lures including soft body plastics on lead heads, Mirro-lures and Rattletraps are standards. Minnow and silverside-type fly patterns should be included in any assortment. Flies mimicking small crabs and
various colored shrimp can prove especially useful with picky speckled trout. Also, when conditions are right and the fish are cooperative, top water tackle such as poppers or floating lures can make for spectacular action!
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