Winter Reds Fishing Report - Feb 18, 2025

For those who think that the short days and cold winds of winter evaporate any hope of wetting a line, there are places to go, and species to target, that can make fishing in February as good as any other month on the calendar.  Of course, knowing where to go and how to fish those spots takes time and skill.  Thankfully, Joe, a.k.a. "Maj. Salt Life", has put in time on the water and has it dialed in.  

With only a couple hours to fish, I met Joe at the ramp near one of the many creeks that meander around and through Camp LeJeune, NC.   Maj. Salt Life recently equipped his well-appointed G3 skiff with an electric trolling motor, a critical addition in shallow slow-moving creeks with easily spooked Reds about.  We got underway around 1400 and headed to a spot just a few hundred yards away from the point of departure.  Temps in the upper 40s, low 50s.  Light breeze out of the northwest, on a falling tide.  

Joe noted that the water was not as clear as it had been lately.  Regardless, you could still see mullet and Reds darting in front of us.  Joe engaged the spot lock on the trolling motor.  Clearly, the word had spread since we were joined by a few kayak fishermen who were working holes 3' - 6' deep.  Joe grabbed the fly rod, but I wanted to get the skunk off, so I reached for the spinning rod tipped with a trusty gold spoon.  After a few casts and no takes, I decided that it was best to listen to my local guide and go with a electric chicken Z-Mann soft plastic.  Soon after that, I was on with our first redfish.  It was small, just 15 inches, but it was great to feel the tug after a long winter's respite.  

Joe was quick to follow using his 8-wt. fly rod tipped with a self-tied, chartreuse clouser.  

And it was a hog.  A nice 27 incher that took 10 mins and several runs to get to the boat.  With both of us on the fly rods, we landed one nice Red after another totaling 10 in a 2-hour period.  Most were in the 18 - 24" class. 

Nice fish on a beautiful February day.  And despite the constant action, it gave me pause and not a small amount of gratification to feel a piece of life come full circle remembering the times fishing with my father, then fishing with my young children, and now fishing with my oldest son as he prepares to be a dad.

Tight Lines,

Mikey D Fishing

Trappe Waterfowl Compilation - Fowl not Fish - Jan 2025

 When the Chesapeake creeks are frozen and the fish are sedate, fowl offer a bridge on the Delmarva.  The winter of 2025 has been a throwback with several days of single digit temperatures resulting in frozen ponds and tributaries.  Polar winds also bring duck species that haven't frequented the eastern shore in numbers in some time.  Pintails, Canvasbacks, and Bluebills were in the hunter's sights for the first time in years.  

At Stirling Farms in Trappe, MD, the main target is the Canadian Goose.   Phil Weglein, owner and proprietor has hosted a core group of us since we both became friends in high school over 40 years ago.  Because of Phil's generosity, we have been able to enjoy the outdoors, lots of laughs, and knock down countless birds.  This season was no exception, and it doesn't go without notice that with age, the priority shifts to laughs and comradery over taking the shot.  Many thanks to Phil, Stirling Farms and all those who joined the hunting party during the 2025 season including Paul Carmen, Chris Morris, Jack Kamps, Audrey Weglein along with boyfriend Nick.  Of course, we can't forget bird dog extraordinaire, "Scout"!

Tight Lines,

Mikey D Fishing

Looking For Reds In All The Right Places - Jan 29, 2025

January brought artic cold up and down the east coast.   Our regular Chesapeake fishing grounds are at least partially frozen.  But if you know where to look, you can find fish.   Major Salt Life, equipped with a new trolling motor on his G3 jon boat, accepted the challenge.  In reality, Joe was looking to work on his trailer and decided to use a nearby boat ramp in Eastern North Carolina to facilitate repairs.  Soon after he arrived however, he spotted dozens of Reds in water less than a foot deep.

Major Salt Life started with a spinning rod but soon grabbed his fly rod to land one fish after another on virtually every cast.   A few days later, he was at it again.   The videos below show the redfish in schools in very shallow water.  This time, Joe relied solely on his fly rod using a Clouser he tied.  Fish were all released safely, and most were in the 18 - 28" class.  Not bad, not bad at all for January!   Makes me all the more excited for spring temps and warm water.  

Tight Lines,

Mikey D Fishing

   

Ringing in the Reds - Cape Charles Fishing Report Late December 2024

Captain Felker demonstrates that the cusp of winter is still a great time to catch redfish in the lower Chesapeake Bay.

 

Happy New Year!

Tight Lines,

Mikey D Fishing