September has historically produced great opportunities for bill collectors to raise White Marlin and meat fish hunters to score big Wahoo. This year is proving no different. From the Washington Canyon south to the Triple Zeros, boats are coming in flying nearly as many flags as a Carnival Cruise ship. Wahoo are being pulled from the fish boxes of boats returning from the Cigar, Norfolk Canyon or the various rock piles out of Hatteras Inlet. This is a time of the year you don’t want to miss.

White Marlin action out of Virginia was plagued by some sporty weather conditions offshore over the weekend. However, those that ventured out once a clear weather window opened, scored some terrific action. Boats are returning with 3-10 billfish per boat. The fleet has been stretched from the Norfolk Canyon south to the east side of the Cigar. The VBSF Charter Sponsors have had a terrific run with the Whites. “Backlash” hung 7 flags on Thursday and had multiples throughout the week. “Waverunner” also scored several White releases this week. These captains are also putting their charters on some excellent Mahi action with some 40-50 pound Yellowfin tuna mixed in.

“Realin N Dealin” out of Rudee Inlet made it out on Labor Day and returned with 3 Whites to their credit. Another boat from Rudee Inlet Station, “Sea Wolf” got back-to-back days of billfish action. On Sunday they released 5 White Marlin. The next day they got 2 more to the boat and had several others in their spread that had other plans then getting a hook in their mouth.

“Sea Wolf” also had a fish of a lifetime in their box when they returned to the dock. Caught by Lewis Biro, the crew unloaded a monster Wahoo that hit the scales at 93 pounds. This fish was huge as it swung for the scale. Truly a beast. Most fish are hovering around the 20 pound range, but several larger citation size fish have been boated. The Wahoo bite has been great around the Weather Buoy, 10 Fathom Hill, and the west side of the Cigar. Long weed patches and sulfur lines have been holding bait and therefore predatory fish like the Wahoo and Mahi. Find these food highways and you’re bound to land some nice fish. “Gypsy” found these buffet lines and boated 2 Wahoo to 20 pounds and 5 small gaffers around 10 pounds.

Several boats landed some nice Yellowfin this week. Many were in the 40-50 pound class but a few topped the 70 pound mark. The “Virginian” scaled one at 73 pounds. It won’t be long before there are more reports of big Fall tuna runs.

The Fingers are holding some King Mackerel and False Albacore. “Rockin Robin” braved the sporty seas and did some hand-to-hand combat with those Fat Alberts and also boated a nice King. “Splitshot” fished in the same area of the Fingers and also caught and released several False Albies and landed a King Mackerel. Both boats experienced some other bite offs from the Kings, so they are out there.

Even closer to shore, the Chesapeake Light Tower has been home to some Jack Crevalle. VBSF Sponsor Capt Keith Harlan of “Mega Bite” scored big with the Jacks this week. He put his charter on 6 release citation JC’s this week and he even got to reel one in himself. These are fantastic fighters on light tackle and top water plugs or live bait. If you get a chance to fish, call Keith and book a trip. You won’t regret it!

Our buddies to the south have also encountered a great White Marlin bite. The Oregon Inlet Fleet has been hot with the Whites. Boats are returning to their slips with up to 8 White Marlin release flags a piece, several days in a row. Private boats are also getting in on the action. Richard Browning fished out of OI over the Labor Day weekend and their boat scored a White release. Reports are saying the area around Triple Zeros is the place to be.

Another bill showed up at the OI Fishing Center, Mr. Blue Marlin. This one was a catch of a lifetime. The crew of “Swordfish” hooked into a monster Blue. After a lengthy fight, the fish unfortunately perished and was brought back to the docks. When it hit the gallows it registered 1077 pounds on the scale. A magnificent fish.

Oregon inlet has still continued to bring in the Big Eyes. Many are topping 100 pounds to as much as 150. The boats are also encountering larger numbers of Yellowfin. Some or over 50 pounds. The Tuna Hole and the Point seem to be the hot beds for the tunas. Anglers are also pulling some bailers and big gaffer Mahi around these same areas.

Hatteras is in the midst of its Wahoo bite as well. Boats are returning with limits of Wahoo, some up to 50 pounds. Mike Hill fished a couple of days during the holiday weekend and boated 5 Hoo’s to 44 pounds one day and 4 to 32 pounds the next. Bailers to gaffer Dolphin are also hitting the docks. “SeaCreature” boxed a 41 pound Mahi the other day. Sailfish are prevalent , but there are some Blues and Whites to be had. “Left Hook” out of Hatteras Harbor Marina found all three and recorded a Grand Slam.

Summer’s not over yet. There’s still some great fishing to be had, so Get Out There and catch ‘em Up!!

That made my head hurt......

Need some weather!!!!!!

Imagine how I felt when I wrote it. Fishing is pretty hot right now, so lots if info to pass on.

[quote=skinnys-kid,Sep 7 2007, 03:38 PM][quote=wingshot,Sep 7 2007, 09:57 AM]That made my head hurt......

[/quote]
Imagine how I felt when I wrote it. Fishing is pretty hot right now, so lots if info to pass on.

[/quote]

Great job on the report Don. Let's get some weather to head out again and score!
Tight lines.
Dave

Nice report Don. That should make the Virginian-Pilot.