Chincoteague Refuge Report

[Slobber Bob]

I launched in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge to fish Tom's Cove the other day after work, but before I had to go back for some night work. I've done some wade fishing in the cove back in the day, but had never taken the kayak back there before. I was hoping to find some puppy drum and also drop some bait on structure for sheepshead or drum.

Casting the shorelines was a bust. I didn't get a bite or see much for fish activity outside of lots of happy mullet swimming around. Dropping sand fleas down around structure yielded some action though. I first hooked up with a good sized sheepshead that I almost got to the surface before it dove back to the bottom and pulled the hook. Then I landed a feisty 16" that was perfect size for the dinner table. It was a snaggy spot though and I fed the structure monster more tackle than I wanted too.

It wasn't a fish filled trip, but it was satisfying to try an area I've been meaning to get the kayak out to explore.

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[ronaultmtd]

Sheepies are bait stealers...you almost have to imagine they are biting...and keep a tight line on a sensitive rod...same goes for tautogs...And both hang out in the snaggists of snags..lose lots of terminal tackle sheepshead fishing...great table fare- strong fighting fish..

[Slobber Bob]

Extremely subtle bite; more so than tog in my opinion. You don't lose points for swinging and missing either so there's no need to hesitate when you think one is biting. Otherwise, you'll just be reeling up bare hooks all day.

[Bohunr]

Yes I have been trying for several weekends and still no luck I have been just donating tons of fiddler crab to them I have started catching all kinds of other fish by swinging at the slightest tap but still no sheepshead


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[Slobber Bob]

Yes I have been trying for several weekends and still no luck I have been just donating tons of fiddler crab to them I have started catching all kinds of other fish by swinging at the slightest tap but still no sheepshead


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Keep at and you'll eventually connect with one. It took me an entire season to hook my first one and it was so gratifying once I finally did. Whether you know it or not, you're learning just as much from your unsuccessful trips as the successful ones. Once you finally do connect with a few sheepshead, you'll start to see how those puzzle pieces start fitting together. In my area (Ocean City) now through mid-October can be some of the best sheepshead fishing of the year; so good luck and keep at it!