Anyone seen the croakers? - Virginia Beach Sport Fishing

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Anyone seen the croakers?

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lovethecroakers View Member Profile	Jun 21 2009, 11:31 AM Post #1
Angler Group: Non Subscriber (FREE) Posts: 9 Joined: 28-May 08 Member No.: 21053	I am headed up from NC thursday! We usually fish the HRBT and James river area. Just checking to see if there any numbers or the bull croaker being caught in that area. Any reports would be greatly appreciated! Thanks alot and happy fishing!!!

ninet3mudluvr View Member Profile	Jun 21 2009, 01:48 PM Post #2
Master Angler Group: Non Subscriber (FREE) Posts: 30 Joined: 1-January 09 From: Hampton Va. Member No.: 22349 MY BOAT: '09 Carolina Skiff JVX 20' w/90 yamaha	Yes, they're EVERYWHERE... I went out last week outside the hrbt, and caught about 40-50 in 3 hrs. Just drifting with squid on flounder rigs. If croaker is what you're looking for, then you'll find plenty of 'em here. Good luck

tdp05 View Member Profile	Jun 21 2009, 07:38 PM Post #3
Mate Group: Non Subscriber (FREE) Posts: 63 Joined: 7-October 06 From: Norfolk Member No.: 6673 MY BOAT: 1974/2009 25.5' Winner Convertible	QUOTE (lovethecroakers @ Jun 21 2009, 12:31 PM) I am headed up from NC thursday! We usually fish the HRBT and James river area. Just checking to see if there any numbers or the bull croaker being caught in that area. Any reports would be greatly appreciated! Thanks alot and happy fishing!!! All over the 1st Island ocean side, took about 24 of them in 15 minutes for bait friday. used squid.

1st Mate View Member Profile View Member Albums	Jun 21 2009, 11:00 PM Post #4
Captain Group: Supporter Posts: 550 Joined: 14-February 06 From: Carrollton, Va Member No.: 4943 MY BOAT: 23ft Wellcraft, BRING EM IN	You cant keep them off the hooks!! -Chris -------------------- If you cant fish with the big boys then stay at the dock!......1st Mate, Chris - 23ft Wellcraft, BRING EM IN <-(-(-(-(-<

Marrdro View Member Profile	Jun 22 2009, 06:49 AM Post #5
Captain Group: Supporter Posts: 1173 Joined: 10-June 06 From: Newport News VA Member No.: 5347 MY BOAT: Angler - 20' C/C	They are every place I've been in/around Hampton Bar, HRBT, MMBT etc. Squid seems to be the bait of choice, however, I have caught some nice 16-18"rs on bull minnows trying to find flounder. -------------------- Marrdro "Go Vikes"

fordbjr View Member Profile	Jun 22 2009, 08:06 AM Post #6
Captain Group: Non Subscriber (FREE) Posts: 1998 Joined: 4-August 05 From: Hampton/Hatteras Member No.: 3989 MY BOAT: 23' Mako	Some nicer sized ones over the tube at the HRBT and by the navy ships --------------------

lovethecroakers View Member Profile	Jun 22 2009, 10:30 PM Post #7
Angler Group: Non Subscriber (FREE) Posts: 9 Joined: 28-May 08 Member No.: 21053	Thanks alot for the feedback!!! My dad and I will have a blast catching a boat load. He has neve been there b4 so he is in for a treat. He wants to try to catch seom flounder too, any suggestions of bait and rig? I heard about the bull minnows and the cut spot and croaker filet was working. Where could i find bull minnows also? And are the alive or dead? Thanks a ton!!!!

kdfarmer View Member Profile	Jun 23 2009, 04:04 AM Post #8
Captain Group: GOLD Supporter Posts: 506 Joined: 21-November 04 From: Bowling Green Member No.: 962 MY BOAT: Miss Fortune, 2003 21'CC Seafox	Many of the shops carry minnows- keep some of the small croaker for bait (live)and if you catch some small spot, definately keep them. Typical bottom rigs and flounder rigs work as do jig heads if you have enough weight to hold bottom. Fish channel edges, drop offs, and any type structure preferably with a sandy bottom. Rocks hold flounder as well but you will lose a lot of tackle. Buy some 'tube squid' to cut in long strips and put one of these on the same hook with your minnow. The tube squid is pre cleaned usually and is much thicker and larger than the box squid you will likely use for croaker. Other good baits are Gulp shrimp and gulp jerk shad, larger sizes are better. Most Gulp baits will work well and don't have to be kept frozen or alive so can be a good choice though they can get expensive, but what isn't. Have to get going, but this will get you started! Stop in at one of the tackle shops for current intel and advice- see our sponsor list for some good choices. Good luck and tight lines! -------------------- I know you believe you understand what you think I said but I am not sure that what you heard is what I meant!

lovethecroakers View Member Profile	Jun 23 2009, 01:41 PM Post #9
Angler Group: Non Subscriber (FREE) Posts: 9 Joined: 28-May 08 Member No.: 21053	Thanks for all the help! I will be sure to try all those this weekend. You guys are so lucky to be able to fish these waters all the time. If my wife wouldn't disown me i would be there alot more. hehe

ninet3mudluvr View Member Profile	Jun 25 2009, 11:57 PM Post #10
Master Angler Group: Non Subscriber (FREE) Posts: 30 Joined: 1-January 09 From: Hampton Va. Member No.: 22349 MY BOAT: '09 Carolina Skiff JVX 20' w/90 yamaha	QUOTE (lovethecroakers @ Jun 23 2009, 02:41 PM) Thanks for all the help! I will be sure to try all those this weekend. You guys are so lucky to be able to fish these waters all the time. If my wife wouldn't disown me i would be there alot more. hehe As Brad Paisley already said... "Well I'm gonna miss her..." LOL!!! need i say anymore??