Another local rig that saw success has been gaining popularity in recent years. Anglers will pull a specially rigged ballyhoo as much as 350 yards behind the boat. Most anglers use a very small or no skirt. Most anglers choose to utilize a long leader, 20’ or more, attached to the main line with a small wind-on swivel. The rig is trolled at 6-7.5 knots in 20 -100 fathoms, depending on where the big bluefin have taken up residence. This rig is very effective in the dead of summer when bluefin are deep and refuse to bite other trolled baits. Fish over 100 lbs are common and some exceed 200.
Catches of tuna remained consistent thru August for those anglers that were able to capitalize on the fishes’ preferences. Unfortunately Hurricane Katrina took her toll, scattering the fish and leaving shreds of Sargasso on every square foot of ocean.
A few days of fair weather allowed anglers to return to fishing. Anglers working the steep drops in 500-1000 fathoms found themselves in battles with big eye, sometimes multiples.
More articles on Virginia offshore fishing can be found at www.charter-guide.info.
