Catching Spade Fish on the Atlantic Ocean

J. Keeler, Bill Kassakatis, and I headed down south to fish for the famed spade fish that swim around the Chesapeake Light Tower, along with some flounder, croaker, or sea trout around the CBBT. 

We arrived at the Kiptopeke Ramp at 2 pm on Tuesday, June 27, 2006 to be greeted by a 25 to 30 mph wind out of the southeast.  This wind kept us from fishing at the CBBT, but we did start drifts just outside the concrete ships.  Everyone was using light spinning tackle with squid, bullhead minnows, shrimp, or Fishbites.  We started catching seatrout and croakers on a ledge that broke from 15 to 32 feet and areas close to the concrete ships.  The majority of fish were small, but they gave us pullage until it 5:30 pm.  We then headed for Stingrays to enjoy a delicious meal and talk about tomorrows plans to fish for spades. 

On Wednesday we crossed the CBBT by road and met Jamie of Hampton Roads, VA.  He has fished the Chesapeake Light Tower many times for spade fish and was joining us to share his knowledge.  We launched at Lynnhaven Inlet and ran to the Chesapeake Light Tower. Thanks Jamie for showing us how to fish for and catch spade fish. 

The Chesapeake Light Tower
 

Fresh clams were used on line without any weight or with a bobber.  You could see numerous spade fish swimming around the boat all day.  They were stacked up and they run in large schools.

Spade Fish On
 

Jamie Landing the First Spade

J. Keeler Holding a Nice Spade

One for the Captain

On Thursday we fished on the bay side of the CBBT and behind the islands.  It was a very productive day as we caught many large croakers.  The most productive baits was Fishbites and Berkley Gulp bloodworms.

Tight Lines,