Looking for info on the barrier islands around Oyster, will trade for musky info.

[Mark McKinney]

My buddy and I are headed toward Kiptopeke this weekend and thinking about putting in at Oyster. We are basically looking to catch anything. We
will be in a 16 foot Hog Island with a 50hp Jet drive. Tom from one of the Orvis stores recommended that i ask you guys. In return we can offer information about catching monster musky.

Mostly we are interested in Redfish, but we are also up for tarpon and sharks aswell. Thanks.

email: ma...@fishingwithfly.com

[John Smith]

Mark, that is a big can of worms. I go there every year. I would not waste time looking for reds this year. You might get lucky and find a few at the far southern end near the refuge but they are just not that abundant this year. Next year should be better if the little guys showing up this year survive the winter and return. I could be wrong but that is what I found on my own and from my peeps.

Regarding sharks, that place is full of them in July. They are still around in August but I have always done better in July.  I hooked the largest shark of my life the first week in July this year. Took a live spot on a balloon rig and i didnt see it for the first hour. I estimate the length around 10 feet (2/3 the size of my skiff). Got him to the leader before breaking off. Caught another 7 footer moments later. I even had a small 4-foot blacktip take a swipe at my tarpon bunny right at boatside.

Regarding the infamous Virginia Tarpon. I did hook and leader one on fly gear back in 2011. It popped off after an hour and a half of chasing and three leader touches. I considered it a catch anyway. I estimated it the 80-100 pound range perhaps. Jumped three times. Wish i would have pulled harder on it early in the battle. Havent hooked another since but i have tried each year. I dont want to give out any exact spots but you can find them if you look. Best places are where those inland rivers, sloughs, and creeks open up into the larger bays. I prefer the incoming tide. I usually anchor in a known transit spot and blind cast. ALso, i put out a live bait rod or two to pass the time. A live spot, pinfish, or croaker seldom goes unnoticed for long.

Its one of my favorite places in Virginia but its not easy fishing.Make sure you have gear that can handle very big stuff. Lots of big sharks and rays swimming in that area and typically very poor visibility. Hope this gets you started.

BTW, I have started doing the Musky thing in the winter too. John

[Mark McKinney]

Thanks John, keep in touch and we'll wet a line together this winter. I'll take you to some unpressured water.

[John Smith]

No problem. I sent you an email too. Let us know how you do.