Lines and spots

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Originally Posted by brivabeach

Sounds good to me. I will be trying this weekend I think. How do you fish the lights? Just cast into it let it sink and slowly reel in?

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Hey Brian,

1. Remember to get the appropriate SW license. I always get the boat license, so I can take others.

2. The light is good, however make sure to fish "the vicinity" of lighted cover. Sometimes, I find them schooled up a short distance from the cover and lights.

3. Moving water is crucial for the bite. If it is dead low/high, put the pole down, lay down in the bottom of the boat and take a nap for about an hour.

4. I mostly fish the bottom. Let the lure sink completely (watch line), and reel it in very s-l-o-w-ly. No jerks, just a constant slow reel. If I see fish busting surface, then I fish high in the water column by not counting down, and reeling fast.

Good luck,
Dean

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Originally Posted by undertheradar

Im very jealous. I love saltwater fish and calm creeks and rivers are my thing. If I have to fight waves Im done... I really need to get out. Been meaning to go to JRB one night. Dean, we have the same boat, only mine is 24" shorter, how does it fair in the rougher water. I know mine cuts a wake pretty good but its extremely light.

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Come on over and find out for yourself!

I used to run from Norfolk to JRB, M&M or HRT in my boat, but more often than not, I would get the skunk out there and stop in my neighborhood on the way back and catch fish. So, I quit running out to the tunnels. You are right--where I fish, it is pretty protected and chop is not an issue, however high winds can still mess you up there.

My boat is rated for 1,400 lbs (8 people, believe it or not). It helped when I put Starboard decks in, due to the weight. The 3/4 board is pretty heavy. I feel like a heavier boat makes for a better ride in the chop. I am with you, if it is choppy, it ain't that much fun. So, I watch the weather and usually go when the winds are light, 10 mph max when possible.

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Originally Posted by Idunno

Hey Brian,

1. Remember to get the appropriate SW license. I always get the boat license, so I can take others.

2. The light is good, however make sure to fish "the vicinity" of lighted cover. Sometimes, I find them schooled up a short distance from the cover and lights.

3. Moving water is crucial for the bite. If it is dead low/high, put the pole down, lay down in the bottom of the boat and take a nap for about an hour.

4. I mostly fish the bottom. Let the lure sink completely (watch line), and reel it in very s-l-o-w-ly. No jerks, just a constant slow reel. If I see fish busting surface, then I fish high in the water column by not counting down, and reeling fast.

Good luck,
Dean

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1. Picked up my saltwater license this year because I picked up two saltwater poles and went fishing on the Little Creek Base on their pier. I knew I was going to go for striper sometime so wasn't a big deal. Now thinking I should have got a boat license because I am thinking the wife will be going with me this weekend. That is if we can get Grandma to watch the little one.

2/3. Got it. I don't know where there are any ramps so if you have one that you recommend I would appreciate it. Also, this will be my first time on the river (and at night too) so any pointers/recommendations on where to go and/or (even better) to stay away from would be appreciated.

4. I know exactly what you mean here. My only question: how does it feel when they hit it? Kidding. How do you rig them? Do you use a jig head with exposed hook or like a texas rig with the hook skin hooked or inside the lure?

Do the trout and stripers run together? Or, did you find one then later find the other? I am getting excited as I have wanted to try striper/trout fishing for a while. Striper for the fun, trout for the food. Either way, thanks a ton for the info and if I see you out there say hi and I definitely will move out of your way and let you fish through. I am not about taking anyones "hole" from them.

Tight lines,

Brian

Hey Brian,

There are ramps at Harbor Park, Elizabeth River Park and Portsmouth City Park. Be VERY careful on the Elizabeth R. I think it is the most dangerous place I boat. I have heard that it is one of the busiest rivers in the country, and yes, I have been run over out there by a boat twice as big as mine, and am lucky to still be alive.

ID

Dean,

Sent you a PM, didn't mean to hijack your thread. Great catch and I am sure great eating too!

Tight lines,
Brian

Harbor Park is closest to me but I can't find anything listing it as "for public use" with fees, times, etc. Has anyone here used this ramp? Is it open 24 hours with no fee? I definitely don't want to show up at night to find out I can't use it or get back to the ramp for a ticket.

There was a free ramp, on the Norfolk side, right at the Jordan Bridge. I don't know if its still there or not since the built the new bridge.

Bill, I think that is the Elizabeth River Park ramp that Dean told me about. It just looks like it might be a little "dark" for night time fishing operations...lol. I was looking at the ramp by Harbor Park, via Google, and it looks lighted and it is closer to me in Virginia Beach. But, if I have too I will go to the Elizabeth River Park ramp instead.