Google Earth view of Virginia Beach and surrounding waters.
Virginia Beach
Virginia Beach is located on the shores the Atlantic Ocean, just south of Cape Henry, and the mouth of the Chesapeake Bay. Striped bass on their fall migration often stop by the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel, then head back out into the ocean, passing by Cape Henry and Virgina Beach. From about early December, and well into January, the Virgina Beach area is often a striped bass hotspot, producing some really outstanding striped bass fishing. However in some years the stripers stay out in the deeper waters, and maybe even beyound the 3 mile limit, then the fishing is not so hot.
73 Pound Striped Bass
Link to larger image
On January 23, 2008 Fred Barnes, from Chesapeake, VA caught the 73 pound striped bass shown on the right, while trolling off of Cape Henry. This fish set a new Virginia state rockfish record. The previous record was a 68-pound, 1 oz. fish caught in 2006 by Clay Armstrong.
Fred's huge striper hit a red and white Mann's Stretch 30 trollng lure, while trolling extra fast, about 5 knots, while hurrying to get to some bird action.
Trolling large plugs, spoons, parachute rigs and umbrella rigs are all popular techniques used to catch large
stripers in the waters around Virginia Beach.
Also many fishermen
drift live eels, both with and without bobbers.
Rudee Inlet
The American Striper Association used to hold its tournament series finale during December at Virginia Beach, with weigh in stations established at both Rudee and Lynnhaven inlets.
Credits: The photo, and information about Fred Barnes and his 73 pound striper, are from David B. Hollingsworth and the Virginia - Pilot.