Fishing for spadefish In the Chesapeake Bay and along the coast of Virginia
is becoming popular with local anglers. The first fish usually arrive
around the Chesapeake Light Tower, the nearby reef complex, and
the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel in June. Within a couple weeks
fish spread to bay areas such as the Cell, the Range Light and
Plantation Light. Virginia coast towns such as Wachapreague and
Chincoteague begin to see spadefish by mid to late June. The
fish may travel northward, into Maryland and Delaware waters.
Most fish are located around structure,
including shipwrecks, artificial reefs, rockpiles and
navigational buoys. When water clarity permits, schools of
spadefish can be spotted swimming in circles around structure.
The fish can be very challenging to catch, due
to their tendency to appear and disappear, their fickle
appetite, keen eyesight and abundance of their primary food
source, jellyfish. Most anglers fish with light tackle, light
leaders, small hooks and cut clams as bait. Some anglers will
anchor near structure and chum with ground clams which seems to
bring the fish near the boat.
A good setup might include 20 lb line on a
medium action rod and reel. Leaders are usually 20-30 lb mono or
flourocarbon line, with small live bait hooks. A number of
anglers prefer red hooks for spadefish. The leader is 18-36"
with a single hook on the bitter end. Small sinkers may be added
to the main line or the top of the leader. The use of weight on
the line varies with the depth of the fish and current in the
situation. Anglers try to hide the hook in a section of clam as
best possible. The rig is then casted or drifted back to the
fish. Sometimes a bobber can be useful to limit the depth of the
presentation.
Spadefish are very hard fighters and can be very
difficult to land on light tackle. Some fish may reach weights
of 12 lbs or more, although many are 2-3 lbs. Spadefish are
excellent table fare and easy to skin and fillet. The meat is
mostly white, and mild tasting. They are good fried, grilled or
broiled.
Cleaning your Catch
Seafood Recipes
Fishing Reports
Fishing Techniques
GPS Coordinates
