February Tautog (CBBT Feb 27, 2022) and Puppy Drum in Rudee

[ComeOnFish]

Tautogs are bigger in February and March. Though, I made only one trip to CBBT since the end of January. The wind has been strong for over 4 weeks.
I caught two keeper togs early. I had 7 bites.

Somehow I gave up togs and went to Rudee for puppy drum.
At the ramp, I heard that puppies had been hot for days except that day. I saw puppies finning, roaming in the shallow water, 1-3' of water. But they didn't hit my lures.
I was there when puppies weren't biting.

I will try Rudee again for puppies soon.

Fishing Log:

Thanks
Joe

[Jman]

Nice work Joe! What was the water temp at the CBBT when you were out? Did you stick to artificials for the drum or try the head on shrimp like we used to fish at night out there?

[ComeOnFish]

Nice work Joe! What was the water temp at the CBBT when you were out? Did you stick to artificials for the drum or try the head on shrimp like we used to fish at night out there?

Sorry for the late response. The water temp at CBBT in Mid to end of February was 46 F steadily. On Mar 5th, it was 47F. Togging will be good from the mid March this year.

I fished Rudee less than an hour that day. The water temp was 43. Shrimp will be good for puppies at any time from now on. I stopped by Rudee on March 5th (last Sat) again in the evening to get some fishing report. The water temp in Rudee was 47 F. I like 53 F and up for both speck and Puppy. I found that puppy fishing was just OK (it's still tough time to time) that day. No specks yet - I heard.

Next time, I will try to fish Rudee at least 4 hours after CBBT tautog. I think I can catch some puppies in 50 F water (expecting).

Joe

[FishnFun]

Anyone know if the PDs will be along the shorelines? (e.g., beaches near southwest side of CBBT bridge; Lynnhaven up to Ocean View Beach)

[ComeOnFish]

Anyone know if the PDs will be along the shorelines? (e.g., beaches near southwest side of CBBT bridge; Lynnhaven up to Ocean View Beach)

My guess is PD will be passing by along the shore lines. Though I am not sure they will bite. We see them in the shallow water in the marsh schooled up and doing finning stuff. The first stop is Rudee, then Lynhaven.as the water warms up. PD are very active now in Rudee. Give 2 weeks for Lynhaven.

Joe