Rick Grantham asked:


The Virginia Tech Hokies football team is Virgina Tech’s college football program and is one of the most successful college football teams in the country. It competes in the Atlantic Coast Conference in the NCAA Division I-FBS. The Hokies play their home games at the Lane Stadium, one of the loudest stadiums and has one of the best home-field advantages in the nation. Following the 2006 season, the Hokies have a career record of 198-105-4. Their head coach, Frank Beamer, is considered to be the third coach with the most number of wins in the Division I-FBS. He ranks behind Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno. The Hokies also have a consistent record in the bowl games, participating in the postseason every year since the 1993 season. They also have the third longest streak of bowl game participation in the country, behind Michigan, Florida, and Florida State. In college football program history, the Hokies ranked in the Top 10 four times, won six conference championships, and played for the national championships. However, they lost in the 2000 Sugar Bowl to Florida State University by 46-29.

The first football game the Hokies ever played was in October 21, 1892 against the Radford, Virginia school St. Albans Lutheran Boys School. At that time, Virginia Tech was known as the Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College. They won their game with a score of 14-10 but eight days later, when they returned to Ratford for another game, they were defeated 10-0. For decades, the Hokies was a mediocre independent program, winning and losing games here and there. But in 1987, when head coach Frank Beamers was hired, the Hokies worked its way up to the top 20. In the 1995 Sugar Bowl, the Hokies, ranking at 13th, defeated he Texas Longhorns, which ranked at 9th.

The best season for the Hokies was probably the 1999 season. Led by freshman quarterback Michael Vick, the Hokies went through the regular season with an 11-0 record. They defeated the West Virginia Mountaineers in a last minute drive and winning field goal ending in a 22-20 victory. That game came to be known as the “Miracle of Morgantown.”

In the following seasons, the Hokies had a fair share of success, making it to the 2000 Sugar Bowl against the Florida State Seminoles. The Seminoles defeated them however 46-29. The next season was better as the Hokies once again played for the national championship. While they lost in the Sugar Bowl to the Miami Hurricanes, they won the 2001 Gator Bowl, defeating the Clemson Tigers 41-20.

The 2007 season was a solemn season for the Hokies due to the aftermath of the Virginia Tech shootings which shocked the entire world. Still, the Hokies prevailed in an emotional game against the East Carolina Pirates with a 17-7 score. The team went on to play against the LSU Tigers but managed only 149 yards as opposed to the Tigers’ 598 yards. In their match up against Boston College, they had a 10-0 lead but later lost at the last minute 10-14. Still, Virginia Tech managed to win the rest of the regular season and claim a Coastal Division Crown.



COLBY

Daniel Eggertsen asked:


Virginia has many great places for fishing of all types. Not only do many residents of this beautiful state spend considerable time on the waters but so do many people who travel from other parts of the world to enjoy the great fishing that Virginia has to offer.

While the freshwater fishing is rampant throughout the state as well, many people come for the great saltwater fishing opportunities along the coastal regions of Virginia. Saltwater fishing in Virginia has no limits to season or weather. In fact, some of the best saltwater fishing in the Commonwealth can be done after Labor Day when the seasonal fishermen go home for the end of summer. You can find some excellent fishing in the Atlantic, off the coast of Virginia and we’re going to tell you how to do so. If you want to know how to catch saltwater fish in Virginia, here are some tips and hints to help you along your journey.

When to Fish

While Virginia has great saltwater fishing at any time of year, many ******** anglers prefer fall fishing when the tourists have gone home and the fish are hungry. In fact, some of the largest fish in the ocean may be making their way closer to the shorelines in search of food. When the weather is cooler, many of the saltwater fish that previously lie dormant in the waters will now come out looking for food.

Be sure you are licensed to fish legally in Virginia and that you are up to date on the latest codes and regulations before heading out. There are some restrictions on the number of or size of certain fish that you catch in salt waters of Virginia so be sure you familiarize yourself with these regulations before heading out.

What to Catch

So what types of fish can you expect to catch when you go Virginia saltwater fishing? Some of the most popular, largest, prized saltwater fish you can try for in Virginia are:

Red drum

Cobia

Flounder

Striped bass

This is of course, not the only choices you have of fish from saltwater areas of Virginia but they are some of the most talked about and the most sought-after species among anglers in this part of the country.

Red Drum- The traditional season for red drum is May to June but they can also be found later in the fall. Due to a prohibition against keeping fish over 26 inches long, many anglers have taken to catching these large red drum with the sole intention of tossing them back in again. Many of these fish get very large, some as much as 30-50 pounds. Saltwater fish this large and strong require special equipment to help catch them and reel them in.

Cobia- Cobia is another popular fish found in the saltwaters of Virginia’s shorelines. They share many traits with red drum and are often found in the same areas. These are often caught by chumming in the waters or using fresh cut bait with an appropriately sized hook. Some anglers have also seen results using spoons for this particular species.



ABE

Eric Morgan asked:


So, you have narrowed down your vacation plans to Lake Tahoe… but now, you have to make the most important decision of all! Will it be North Shore or South Shore? South Shore or North Shore? This choice has plagued Tahoe visitors for years. The answer is not easy, you have to look at yourself, your fellow traveling companions, and decide what kind of experience you are seeking. Then, take that list and compare it against the Tahoe shores and hope for the best!

The simple facts, no matter where you go, North Shore or South Shore, you are going to experience the 396 inches of annual snowfall, the 300 days of sunshine, have somewhat close access to the 18 excellent ski and snowboarding resorts, golf courses, casinos, and the breathtaking Lake Tahoe. Mark Twain called Lake Tahoe “the fairest picture the whole earth affords.” However, you still need to pick a side!

Now, for those of you who have not been to Lake Tahoe before, just a little history. The North Shore is in California and South Shore is in Nevada. The California portion of Tahoe contains Alpine Meadows, Northstar, and Squaw Valley ski resorts. It also has the popular towns of Tahoe City, Truckee, Kings Beach, and Agate and Carnelian Bay. South Shore has Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Sierra-at-Tahoe ski resorts, and the towns of Incline Village, Zypher Cove, and Stateline to visit and enjoy. But this is all the technical side of things, the part that really needs to be investigated is the energy, the atmosphere, the “je nas sais quoi” of the shores. And both North and South Shores have that in spades!

South Shore, the Nevada side, brings the carefree, have fun and forget yourself attitude that the state is famous for. With plenty of casinos, liquor stores, restaurants, arcades, shows and entertainment easily found. South Shore invites those who want to have a lot to do and a lot of excitement. The casinos make South Shore to be a 24-hour vacation destination. After you get off the slopes, or out of a spa, you can hit the town for dinner, then a show, then dancing, then some gambling before doing it all again the next morning! This atmosphere means you will probably have a very busy, non-stop vacation. Skiing, shopping, gambling, dancing, and eating to your heart’s content. Many of the casinos and ski resorts (Heavenly and Sierra at Tahoe) have licensed day cares that you can leave you children with, while you get a little extra adult time in…Many first timers to Tahoe find the plethora of activities and shuttles and day care the perfect option to get to know Tahoe and the surroundings. The South Shore towns also seem to have more young families, and ski bums hanging out just to meet new people and get their ski on. So, if you are up for an active escape from the humdrum of your everyday life, maybe South Shore is for you!

North Shore on the other hand, is all about calm and relaxation. Not as many first timers stay in North Shore, they may venture over on a day trip or on one of the shuttle’s buses, but North Shore is all about keeping calm and enjoying the solitude the lake has to offer. Many Californians and long time vacation homeowners visit North Shore and soak up the lack of the excitement and lights present just down the street. The two Marriot resorts built on the California side of Stateline are gleaming examples of this attitude for calm and tranquility. They have top rate spas within the resorts as well shuttles to and from the ski resorts, laundry service, and room service, everything to make your stay nearly effortless for the vacationer. The peaceful nature of Lake Tahoe is capitalized on and the residents and visitors of North Shore seem more relaxed, more like people recharging and recomposing themselves. This does not mean that there are not a wide array of different activities to explore and enjoy, North Shore still offers first class ski resorts, shuttles to and from, fine dining restaurants, spa packages, outlet shopping, and quaint historical walks and museums, it just asks that you take them at your own pace. Travelers will not be overwhelmed by the multitude of places to go and things to see, but can select things that look of interest to them, that day. Plus, you can always cross over the Nevada side for an evening out or two!

As you can see, whether you visit North Shore or South Shore really depends on what type of experience you are seeking… this time around-you can always come back next year!



ALVARO

Daniel Eggertsen asked:


Some people choose to fish from shore because they have no boat. Others choose to fish from shore, because they suffer from seasickness or have time constraints that prohibit them from taking the time to get out on the water, and they still want to put a line in the water and see what will bite.

No matter your reasons, if you have decided to give shore fishing from the beach a try, there are certain beach fishing strategies for stimulating shore strikes that you can take that will allow you to maximize the experience you have while surf fishing.

Whether you don’t have access to a boat for fishing on the water, or whether you just prefer to fish from shore, if you take the time to do your homework and familiarize yourself with some helpful tips and techniques, you will find surf fishing to be as rewarding as fishing from a boat.

Some fish that can commonly be caught by surf anglers are trout, bluefish, bass, mackerel and flounder. Anglers of all experience and skills levels can easily enjoy fishing from the shore. The very best time to go surf fishing is during the spring and fall months of the year. Summertime is also a good time to surf fish, but the fact that there are so many people present usually makes it a little more difficult than surf fishing during the spring and fall of the year.

Not only are there more anglers on the water vying for the fish that are present, the noise and vibrations from running feet will likely make the fish more skittish even if they do not scare them away completely.

Now, to make the most of your shore fishing experience with a few tips and techniques. Begin by fishing close to the shore. Casting too far out will put you past your target fish. Cast parallel to the sand. For best results, fish early in the morning or late in the evening, during the half tide. If you still find yourself having problems catching fish, try fishing along the break of the waves, because sometimes the fish really will bite there.

Where you find birds, you will generally find baitfish, and where you find bait fish, you will be find other, bigger, fish, so concentrate on areas where there are birds and baitfish present, and then focus on areas where there are plentiful hiding places such as holes, rocks, or reefs. Other good areas on which to focus are channels and inlets, but the best time to fish inlets and channels is on the outgoing tide. This works especially well, because the tide carries your bait out in a very natural way, and fish will take it quickly in such circumstances. Look for swirls on the surface, and it is a good sign there are fish feeding in the area, and you will be able to find bigger fish.



When you find sure signs that the fish are feeding, try on a small artificial lure like a 3 ounce Hopkins Shorty jig on a light weight, fairly short rod, using ten pound test line. Try to stay away from heavy wire as leaders, opting for shorter twenty pound monofilament to get more bites.



CHESTER

Adam Lewis asked:


Nihon wa Saikou

Japan goes off

INFORM 4 FREE

When Hurricane Loke crossed the International Date Line, it got everyone on the eastern shore of Japan buzzing: Typhoon 12 was on its way and man she was a big one.

The news programs seemed obsessed with her, giving off their warnings in their usual foreboding way, the elderly people with whom I talked with, talked of the wind and the rain, many of whom knew I was a surfer and gave me the standard “Kiosukete ne” (be careful). My wife stared at me after the six o’clock evening news and gave me her best, ‘do you really have to go surfing’ look, and I was straight on the phone with all my surfing buddies, my voice strangely several octaves high with excitement, planning, anticipating and dreaming of the waves to come. The typhoon was big; way off shore and all we could think of was those epic clean lines that would soon be marching towards us from the horizon.

On the morning of September 3rd 2006, I paddled into the line up of my local beach break, Sendai Shinko, along with two of my friends James a fellow Aussie, and Alexei a Russian surfer, the day was a clean if not slightly full 3-4ft we paddled down the beach several hundred meters to the third peak along to avoid the epic crowds that had formed on the “Main peak”, all of us agreeing that it was a bit bigger and far better down the line. Japanese surfers in general are very loyal to the “main peak” often surfing it when it’s not working rather than driving an extra 20mins to find a clean ride.

The three of us traded off waves getting a few nice ones, the lip crumbling with the high tide, but providing a fair bit of wall to play with. During the lulls we sat together and talked of the swell to come, the general feeling was that Shinko gets big hollow and perfect, but it’s a straight beach break, without a boat or ski it’s a very daunting place to surf over 8ft, the water rushing out off the beach creates a vortex in the impact zone that neither wants to let you out or in, but being a port break it has great potential as a tow-in spot. A boating lane less than 600meters to the left of the break, which is sizable enough to give way to ocean going ferries, gives easy and direct access to the outer banks which can easily hold epic surf. Unfortunately none of us had the equipment or experience to attempt this. We surfed our peak for three hours or so with around five other surfers tripping out on the mayhem of the main peak, which by 8am was swamped with close to sixty surfers dropping in on each other in packs of five or six per wave. While chilling in the car park after a great session, we decided to head up the coast a few hours The next morning to surf a remote cobble stone reef break known as Gakemiaya.

That night I couldn’t sleep, my mind was full of images of the 4-5ft empty right hand reef break that I had only surfed once prior.

The trip north was made by myself, James(Aust.), Danny(Aust), Omar(USA) and Jason (CAN), what a motley crew we make, three Aussies, and American and a Canadian who calls the icy breaks of Nova Scotia home. We all piled into Danny’s 8 seater van at 3:30am and made the two hour trek north along tiny back streets of sleepy towns. Reading old surf mags, talking of barrels, the excitement level was maxing. I remember as we pulled up to the rocky car park and got a half a second peak of the waves, Danny turning around, smile ear to ear and saying “Mate, she’s cranking”. We all dove out of the car like it was on fire, scrambled up the hill to the viewing area, smiling like kids in a candy store, fingers already pointing out to sea in anticipation, the feeling only a surfer knows, but it was short lived.

It was cranking, but it was way out of control, our anticipated hollow right barrel was there but it was made of thick white foam, the place was exploding. The outer reef about one kilometer off shore was epic sending huge walls of white water towards shore with so much force it was reforming onto the inside reef. I stood there thinking those most dreaded of words, “should have been here yesterday”. We spent the next twenty minutes pointing and shouting as huge sets closed out on the outer reef, sending spray so high it looked like depth charges going off. Our eyes collectively scouring the length of the bay searching for some little pocket that might be ride able, but we all felt it, we had been skunked! I looked over at Jason and saw a look in his eyes that I was sure I had in mine, pure awe, the force of nature that exploded before us was truly amazing. Now I’m no expert on big waves but if I had to guess I would say the outer reef was some where in the 20ft range, I’m not Hawaiian so probably only 10ft to you guys. (The buoy just off the coast was registering 29ft). After we had all come down from the stoke high the call was made to try a few of the smaller more sheltered bays up and down the coast. We piled back into the car and began the search, but found nothing overly ride able, wrong swell directions etc. It was now about 8am and we headed back to the reef for another look. The tide had come up a ways and we found a wave that looked pretty wild, but ride able, off to the left of the reef, and decided to give it a go, I hit the water first with Jason right behind me and we tried to make it through the closing inside section to little avail, meanwhile Danny, the most experienced of our crew found a nice rip and made his way out, he spent about an hour or so surfing the wild swell solo, with us boys just standing on the shore hooting and hollering for him on every wave; Danny got a few good ones and we called it a day.

That same day, Back at Sendai shinko it was huge, double over and a bit and triple on the sets. Alexei(RUSS), Jerry(NZ) and Dylan(USA) paddled out and joined the few older locals who were game to test themselves against the full fury of typhoon 12 as it was by this time sitting directly off the coast. Also out was ex- WCT pro surfer Danny Melhado. Alexei took a heavy one and snapped his leg rope on the wipeout, calling it a day after a crazy swim to the beach to find his new shape 6”6’ fish. Jerry also made the drop on only one wave before deciding he was outmatched, having recently recovered from a slipped disk from an epic session in Typhoon surf a couple of years earlier which kept him out of the water for many months. Dylan took a couple of waves charging hard before joining his buddies on the beach.

While waiting for Jerry and Dylan to come in Alexei saw Danny Melhado ride one mammoth set all the way to the inside closeout, as Danny walked up the beach Alexei asked him if he was going back out, eager to see a pro tear the **** out of another one, to which Danny replied, “Nah, it’s pure survival out there” That’s how heavy this place can get. If you’ve seen Taylor Steele’s “Drive thru Japan” then you may remember a big hollow beach break that swallowed Machado and co. up, well that was shinko at two thirds of the size we had it during this swell. My hat goes off to my boys for making it out that day.

The next day I couldn’t think of anything but waves, I tried to work but I just couldn’t, so I blew it off and headed down the beach, one of the few perks of working for your self.

When I got to the beach my first thought was that it was dropping, I saw a perfectly groomed face about 6-8ft where the main peak normally broke, and I started to think about waxing up my board, when the sets came through, I have never seen a wave break that far out at shinko, it stopped my heart. The wave looked so perfect breaking left and right so symmetrically that it seemed to shrink, but it was huge. I watched this perfect wave complete with offshore blow off through the viewfinder of my camera, so entranced by it that the camera seemed to disappear in my hands, Huey the god of swell as we Aussies call him had sent me soaring with stoke, I quickly burnt up two rolls of film then decided that was enough, it was time to just sit and watch this force of nature erupt before me. I sat on the tail gate of my Toyota 4runner for two or three hours with the biggest smile I’ve had in years, god it’s good to be a surfer.

Typhoon 12 blessed us with a few days of clean, off shore 3-4ft waves as it moved northward past us, some of the best surfs I’ve had. I don’t know if I’ll ever ride 20ft waves, head to double seems pretty much perfect to me at this point, but before this swell I had no desire to try it. After seeing those waves break over and over in my mind I feel like something has changed, it may take a few years before I attempt big surf, but the seed of temptation is now planted firmly in my mind, who knows huh.

Who knows what it is about surfing that draws us so intensely to it, but it has a hold over me so powerful that I can’t function without it. As I sat there and watched those perfect empty waves break around me, I spent some serious time reflecting on my life. I’m not sure what it is about watching empty waves roll through, that makes me so reflective, having never been a religious man I wonder if it’s akin to a religious experience. I thought about so many things great and terrible that I have seen and experienced since my first wave 4 years ago. The garbage that litters the coasts of Japan wrecking havoc on it’s marine life, the great sea turtle’s I’ve seen in the tens washed up dead on the shores of Sendai, probably dying from mistaking plastic bags for jellyfish, the crowds, the constant drop-ins, a negative man could go on and on, but out of all the things that coursed through my mind that afternoon the one thing that stood out was, how surfing, a mere sport to many people could bring so many people together in friendship, the group of guys I surf with have little in common, but our bond, generated by a mutual love of riding waves is truly a blessing.



ADOLPH

Tyson J Stevenson asked:


Have you ever watched one of those televised shows that show the fabulous fishing available in Canada, (or also known as the “Great White North) & wondered, can that really be true? Can the fish actually be so huge? Can the scenery be so spectacular?

It IS true!

From the eastern shores of the Maritime Provinces to the vast wooded tract of coastline on the west shores of British Columbia, Canada offers fishing that is so abundant & unspoiled, that anglers from around the globe visit each year, then subsequently return year after year.

All Provinces offer fishing that is unique to them, yet all are connected by a common theme, & that’s the huge expanses of almost undiscovered lakes & rivers in the northern regions.

Look at the Province of Ontario, 95% of its population reside in the lower regions that account for maybe 10% of its land mass. What’s in the other 90%?

Huge, crystal clear, lakes & rivers. Thousands of them! And all full of fish.

Whether one is looking for a weekend retreat that’s accessible with your family car, or the “trip of a lifetime”, a visit to a remote northern lake accessible only by float plane, this province offers it all.

Compare that to the even larger expanse of the Nunavut. Here’s a Territory that sits almost entirely north of the 60th parallel, & has almost all it’s regions inaccessible by roads. There simply are none!

But the fishing! Home to more IGFA records than any other fresh water region in the WORLD!

Did you know the NWT is home to the 5th largest body of fresh water on the globe?

Great Bear Lake is 500 miles north of Yellowknife & the closest permanent road is some 300 miles away? Almost 12,500 square miles of crystal clear water, that’s under ice for all but, maybe 100 days a year. Water so cold, that fish grow so slowly they can be 60-80 years old.

Then consider this.

There’s only one community on this lake. Maybe 500 people, tops! Four Fishing Lodges, over 280 miles of lake between one & the next closest! Ice free for just a couple of months, these fishing lodges can operate only 2 short months a year. Total capacity between them all is maybe 160 fishermen at a time, scattered over 12,500 square miles!

Also, consider Great Slave Lake. Situated some 300 miles south of Great Bear Lake, Great Slave Lake is almost as large an expanse of water, almost as isolated, but has the convenience of a bustling frontier type city, situated right on its shores. Yellowknife, the territory capital is also the “hub” for many of the remote northern lakes & fishing lodges, as it’s serviced by a modern airport, with frequent & daily scheduled flights connecting it with more southern cities, or as the northerners call it, “the outside”

With stats like these, do you think these fishing lodges can offer a unique fishing experience?

You bet, there’s no other place quite like it.

Why not treat yourself, & plan on a wonderful “trip of a lifetime”.

Check out what Canada has to offer at Canada Fishing Lodge.



ERNIE

Robert W. Benjamin asked:


Shore (bank) fishing is an exciting form of recreational fishing where the primary reward is the challenge catching non-common species. Some lakes, rivers and ponds are particularly attractive, such as the Red Lake Rivers running between Minnesota and North Dakota, and encompassing more than 70 species of native fish, including a world-class channel cat fish.

There are many other Shore (bank) fishing locations, in which the methods of fishing vary according to different factors, including the area where shore fishing is practiced, the targeted specials, along with personal strategies of the participants and the resources available in each place. Shore (bank) fishing allows a diversity of techniques, from the art of fly-fishing to the high-tech methods used to get catches such as tuna and marlin. Experts recommend hook, rod and reel for fishing rather than using nets or any other fishing aids.

Fishing from the shore is an ideal adventure for both expert fishers and novice anglers, who fish from the shoreline banks of ponds, rivers, lakes and streams, but also on the Gulf, Atlantic, and Pacific and Gulf coasts. In the United States, there are countless opportunities for shore bank fishing, including man-made structures especially intended for the practice of this sport, including bridges, walkways, piers and jetties.

Inland or coastal fishing offers the benefit of natural surroundings for the personal enjoyment or family entertainment. Kayaking, canoeing, biking and other activities are usually available near the shore, including lodging facilities for families and groups, as well as boat renting for the serious fisherman.

Each of the different locations has their own trophies. Atlantic shores are the destination for fresh water fish, including salmon considered the king of kings of all the catches, while the lake trout is the favorite of those who prefer inland shore (bank) fishing, particular boat fishing to enter the middle of lakes. Fishing from the shore is exciting for new anglers, but some species of fish cannot be caught along the shore.

There is a large array of fish available to people fishing on the shore, but free-swimming ocean fish are not found close to shore, particularly trout, they are usually found in cool, clear streams and lakes. However, Shore (bank) fishing offers stream trout and other species such as northern pike, sunfish, and bass, catfish, carp, perch, walleye and suckers.

There is a website that describes boat fishing, ice fishing, and has info on numerous freshwater fish, baits, and lures, plus other great freshwater fishing tips. The website is called: Fishing Stringer, and may be found at this address:

http://www.fishingstringer.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

You may publish this article in your ezine, newsletter or on your web site as long as it is reprinted in its entirety and without modification except for formatting needs or grammar corrections.



BROOKS

John C. Banks asked:


Virginia is home to a wide variety of saltwater fishing, including excellent pier fishing. Visiting a fishing pier is something anglers of all ages are likely to enjoy. Pier fishing is easy to do, often requires no licenses or permits and allows anglers of all ages, sexes and skill levels to fish or just enjoy a day of fresh air.

Depending on the season and location, fishermen may catch trout, croakers, spot, pigfish, sheepshead, sea bass, tautog, pompano, white perch, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, cobia, spadefish, small sharks, red drum, black drum or other fish on Virginia fishing piers.

Spring can be a good time to visit some of the Virginia piers. Early season fishing can include runs of croaker, striped bass, bluefish or even drum fish. Summer fishing is more consistent, with catches varying depending on the environment of the pier. Bayside pier catches will be dominated by panfish such as croakers, spot, trout and perch, while ocean piers see some of the exotic catches such as Spanish and king mackerel, cobia, spadefish, pompano, sharks and other species.

Perhaps the most popular season to fish from Virginia’s piers includes the timespan from mid August day thru October. This is when anglers from all over the state flock to their favorite pier for the runs of fish. Most anglers by far come to catch Norfolk spot, known simply as “spot”. The small but delicious panfish arrive in large schools, to the delight of anglers from 4 to 104 years of age. Spot are easy to catch and tend to bite regardless of weather, tides or time of day. Anglers use a light rod, small hooks and morsels of baits that include bloodworms, artificial bloodworm baits, squid, shrimp, clams or crabs. While most anglers target spot, others will specialize in other species during the late summer and early fall runs. Fishermen at the pier ends may set specialized rigs for sharks or cobia, while other specialists might go after for tautog, sea bass, sheepshead or pompano.

Several Virginia saltwater fishing piers are easy to find and are suitable for first time visitors.

The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is located right on the beach at 15th Street & the Oceanfront in Virginia Beach Virginia. The Virginia Beach Fishing Pier is a very popular and productive fishing spot. Anglers of all ages, sexes and skill levels congregate to enjoy a fun day on the pier. The pier is located on the boardwalk in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

The Seagull Pier is a good local pier to fish from. It lies on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel and extends into the bay. Trout, croakers, spot, bluefish, spanish mackerel, small sharks and even black drum are caught from the pier. Fishing can be productive and continues at night, when bait congregates under the lights, which attracts predators to the pier.

The Ocean View Fishing Pier offers anglers excellent fishing. The 1690′ long by 16′ wide pier features a 48′ wide T section at it’s end and extends into the Chesapeake Bay between the Chesapeake Bay bridge Tunnel and the Hampton Roads Tunnel.

The Saxis Fishing Pier on Virginia’s Eastern shore is an excellent local pier. The pier extends 200 feet into Saxis Harbor and terminates with a 100-foot t-head. The pier is handicapped accessible and ADA compliant. The pier is lit and is open 24 hours a day. Anglers visiting the Saxis Fishing Pier catch croakers, spot, white perch, trout, striped bass, bluefish, flounder and other Chesapeake Bay fish. Bait is available locally including peeler crab or soft crab baits. There is no fee to use the Saxis Fishing Pier although a valid saltwater fishing license is required.

Before visiting any saltwater fishing pier in Virginia, it is a good idea to contact the Virginia Marine Resources Commission or local tackle shops for fishing regulations.



CHADWICK

Daniel Eggertsen asked:


Did you know that saltwater shore fishing is an exciting way to catch many different species of fish? It offers opportunities that you won’t have with any other type of fishing.

When shore fishing you can take a small boat out to the coves and other unpopulated areas to reach places where many species are just waiting for a serious angler to come along and entice them. You also have the option of fishing off rocks, piers, docks and the shoreline. This is great for people that do not have access to a boat every time they want to go fishing.

With all the different types of saltwater fish found in the oceans comes a variety of strategies to help you catch the most possible fish every time you go out.

When it comes to being successful a lot of saltwater shore fishing is based on experience and trial and error. However, there are a few strategies that can add to your success and help you improve your skills at saltwater fishing.

Strategies Used for Shore Fishing

One of the biggest problems anglers encounter is not being able to get the bait to where the fish are. Therefore, you need to try different methods until you find one that gets the bait in the middle of fish.

How deep you need to fish will depend on the type of species you are fishing for and the time of year you go fishing.

It is recommended that when using scent bait you change it often even if nothing has hit it. This should be done at least every twenty to thirty minutes. The reason for this is because after bait has been underwater for awhile it looses it smell and appeal preventing you from getting a bite.

When you notice that everyone around you is catching fish but you are not having any luck at all, try changing the size of the bait you are using. It is a good possibility that the bait will either be small or too big for the fish in that area.

When saltwater shore fishing, the retrieval is extremely important. If you reel in the line very slowly you have a good chance of snagging a fish on the way in. This has happened many times in the past.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with shiny tackle and beads. Sometimes these will attract the fish faster than anything else you could use and you will never know how successful you can be unless you try.

Avoid populated areas where there are people everywhere. Not only will you be distracted by everyone around you but all the noise discourages the fish from taking the bait.

Early mornings and late evenings are the best times to go shore fishing. This is when the beaches and waters are less crowded and when the fish tend to be the most active when it comes to feeding.

Where to Search for the Saltwater Fish

It is well-known that different species of fish hang out in different areas and depths of the water. It is for this reason where to search for the saltwater fish of your choice will mainly depend on what species you are fishing for.

Still, there are some basic rules that apply that will narrow your search and make it easier for you to know where to begin.



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