Tuna, white marlin linger offshore

[Reporter]

Bluefin tuna still linger off Virginia Beach, Wachapreague and Chincoteague. Check the bluefin tuna regulations to make certain you know what is legal to keep before it goes into the cooler. As of Sept. 1 daily retention limits in the Charter/Headboat category have been modified. A federal tuna permit is required for the vessel. Complete information is available by dialing 1-888-USA-TUNA.

Sheepshead (22-inch release or 9-pound weigh-in) topped the inshore list for citations as the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament (VSWFT) registered 53 flounder meeting the minimum criteria. Offshore, white marlin were the easiest citation touch, as 50 releases were registered on the week.

Wachapreague - Wachapreague Marina reported a good yellowfin tuna bite out at the Washington Canyon "whenever the boats can get there," as rough sea conditions forced the cancellation of a number of scheduled trips. Along with the tuna, many of which were in the 40 to 60-pound class, trollers caught some dolphin and the occasional wahoo and billfish. The inshore lumps hold some king and Spanish mackerel, false albacore, skipjack tuna and a few school bluefin tuna. Inside the inlet, croaker dominate the catches but some keeper flounder are still being caught.

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