Black Sea Bass

Norfolk offers some excellent opportunities to target black sea bass, though you'll need to venture into deeper waters of the Chesapeake Bay and offshore wrecks or reefs. These structure-oriented fish are most active when water temperatures are cooler, making spring and fall prime times to fish. Look for areas with significant depth changes and rocky bottoms; the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel is a known hotspot. Local anglers often use bottom rigs baited with squid, clams, or cut fish. A good strategy is to use a fish finder to locate structure and schools of sea bass, then drop your bait right on top of them. Be prepared for a strong fight, as these fish are surprisingly powerful for their size. Remember to check the current regulations, as size and bag limits can vary.