Black Sea Bass

Targeting Black Sea Bass around Colonial Beach, Virginia, means heading into the deeper waters of the Chesapeake Bay. These fish are structure-oriented, so focus your efforts around reefs, wrecks, and pilings. The best time to fish for them is generally from spring through fall, with peak season often occurring in the late summer and early fall as the water begins to cool. Black Sea Bass are opportunistic feeders and readily take a variety of baits. Squid, clams, and cut bait fished on a bottom rig are all effective. Jigs can also work well, especially when tipped with bait. A useful local tip is to pay attention to the tides; Black Sea Bass often feed more aggressively during periods of strong current. The area around the artificial reefs offshore from Colonial Beach is a popular and productive spot, but be prepared for boat traffic, especially on weekends. Be sure to check the current regulations for size and bag limits before heading out.