THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, September 26, 1996 TAG: 9609260460
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: C10 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BOB HUTCHINSON
LENGTH: 27 lines
While this week's cold, windy weather may have brought frowns to the faces of some fishermen, it should have brought smiles to those targeting king mackerel.
Kings usually show up in big numbers southeast of Oregon Inlet, near Nags Head, N.C., on the heels of the season's first significant cooling northwester. The weather change could also see an upswing of king action just off the surf and from ocean piers from Rudee Inlet south to Hatteras Island. Some big catches already have been reported off Virginia Beach.
Later, in late October and early November, kings should appear in big numbers in Hatteras Bight, south of Diamond Shoals.
But for now, the hottest fishing should southeast of Rudee Inlet and a little east of Wimble Shoals, southeast of Oregon Inlet.
You probably will find a few big hardheads left in the Chesapeake Bay system, but most have headed offshore for the fall spawning ritual.
On the plus side, lower Chesapeake Bay anglers should be treated to even more big spot, while lower-bay striper numbers continue to improve almost daily as the Oct. 17 opening draws closer and closer. by CNB