Catching Big Stripers at the CBBT on 11/14 & 11/15, 2006

On 11-14-06 aboard the TomCat were John and Scott Keeler, an unbeatable father/son team when it comes to catching fish.  Jamie from the VA Beach side, a good friend, also joined us as we headed out after chewing the fat, literally, over a delicious breakfast from Sting-Ray’s Restaurant.  The plan was to catch striped bass until the tide went slack, during that time fish for tautog.  Then back to striped bass fishing.   

It was like a warm spring day as we left the Kiptopeke Ramp.  The wind had kicked up 3 to 4 foot chops as my catamaran cut through them like butter.  The forecast called for diminishing winds as the day progressed.   The water temperature was 59 degrees.    

We saw some birds, on the ocean side, and they were moving fast, as if they were on some bluefish, and not working the water too hard.  After chasing them for a half-hour we moved northeast and fished some deep shoals.  Once we were in 32’ the fish finder lit up and the catching got serious.

John Keeler Lands the 1^st Nice Striper

We stayed on that school for an hour before moving to my favorite section of the productive pilings.  At this structure after a hook-up you must turn the stripers head away from the pilings. When a big one takes the lure it can be heart throbbing until you get the fish into open water.  Next to top-water this is my favorite location to watch clients catch striped bass.  Rod handling skill, the correct line, proper drag setting, and concentration are a must to pull those big stripers away from the structure.  The catching was hot and heavy until we moved to the tube during slack tide for some togging.  

NOTE: Always leave the motor(s) on and someone at the helm when fishing the pilings at the CBBT.  The current is much stronger and swifter than at the Bay Bridge in Maryland.  Hitting one of these pilings can put your boat down so be very careful and wear a PFD.

Scott Keeler Yanked Quite a Few into Clear Water

Jamie Followed

John Keeler Catching Tautog

After Togging More Nice Stripers were caught before Heading to the Barn

11-15-06 greeted us with a flat calm seas and warm weather.  Jamie didn’t make this trip.  This day was a repeat of the day before with the exception of catching more and larger stripers (too many to count), on the bottom, in mid-water columns, and on the topwater.  This was the most productive day I have ever guided on the footwaters of the Chesapeake Bay.  John and Scott Keeler caught fish from early in the morning until when we headed to the barn, with the exception of lunch time…thanks Scott for the delicious venison.

Scott Keeler’s Largest to Date (34”)

John Keeler Enjoying the Catch

Normally I don’t fish when guiding.  While we were anchored over the tube, John and Scott were togging, so I had some free time on my hands…until I pick up a spinning rod with a 7” Bass Assassins attached to a 1 ounce jighead.  After 15 minutes I found the location and presented the bait with the proper technique to start catching some quality striped bass up in the mid 30” class.  Scott couldn’t resist and joined me for the next 1 1/2 hours of catching until we headed for the barn. 

Most Productive Lure: Chris’ Bait & Tackle-2 ounce flat head bucktail w/5” or 7” Bass Assassin attached (hand made lures).

NOTE:  Visit Chris’ Bait & Tackle Shop (757-331-3000) located between Sting-Ray’s and the Kiptopeke Ramp off of Rt. 704 on Rt. 13 south.    

If you have never fished the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) try to make it this year.  The fish are there, and if like the past, will stay around through early January before running south in the Atlantic Ocean to North Carolina. 

Fishing Tip: Look for the motels/inns that offer special rates to anglers when out of town.  The Kiptopeke Inn, on Rt. 13, is under new management and the rooms are clean.  They offer a continental breakfast that starts at 5:30am.  That allows me to get on the water before sunrise and on the fish while they are taking topwater lures. You must state that you’re an angler to receive a discount.

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