Despite the heat there are many anglers who are doing very well on the water.

Rappahannock River
Pern’s sells plenty of bait (775-7817) and often has tidbits of info on what anglers are buying the most of. Right now they are selling nightcrawlers more than any other bait. The catfish are biting very best on nightcrawlers still and are not as interested in other bait. On Saturday the bass were still hitting jigged plastics on woody structure in the river. They also took crankbaits in a shad color at creek mouths and topwater fished in those same areas.  
Bowfin are putting up a tussle too. Despite what many may think, the bowfin don’t taste bad at all. They eat the same thing bass eat. For those who think they are hard to clean, try angling your knife back toward the head to get under the scales and then once the cut starts, reverse the direction and filet as normal.

Potomac River
Catfish are hitting a variety of bait this week and are eager to bite. Donna at Ken’s Tackle (898-1011) reported that bass were hitting very well on red, black and blue shad colored worms in the river tribs to include Occoquan River. Z-Mann frogs also were hot on the grass or near the grass.
Croaker and spot were hitting very well on bloodworms and squid and there are also reports to Ken’s of bluefish in the river now.
Crabs are numerous now, particularly in the lower river. This year has been the best year in many to catch crabs.

Inland waters
Motts (786-8989) reported great bass action this week with numerous fish over 4 pounds. All seem to be caught on plastic worms. Red shad is a popular color. Shaky Head worms are also popular baits for anglers. Pumpkinseed is a good second color choice.
Channel catfish are tearing up chicken liver at Motts. A young lady, 16 years of age, reportedly caught white perch and crappie one after another with a chartreuse jib tipped with small minnows while at Motts.   

Saltwater
Capt. Ryan Rogers (804-580-0245) is still booking late July and August trips for bluefish, rockfish, croaker, spot and Spanish.
In the lower bay the action for spadefish, sheepshead and triggerfish has picked up. Flatfish are also being caught with more regularity. Cobia turned back on too. The big red drum and black drum are present around the CBBT. Spanish and blues showed up around Smith Point in small numbers and the flounder bite mid bay picked up as well. Croaker and spot action is getting better. Try Fishbites or bloodworms.  

Mark and Missy Fike