Chincoteague Island Marlin Fishing Aboard Shammy Fishing Charters
Our trip to catch marlin from Chincoteague Island began before dawn on an August morning. In the harbor, captains and crews prepared for their trips by loading drinks, snacks, ice and bait. Our goal was to fish the deep waters off Chincoteague Island Virginia for white and blue marlin. The trip from the harbor to the open ocean was short and relaxing, with a wide variety of wildlife and beaches to see. While headed out to the ocean, anglers see dolphins, porpoises, seals, pelicans, shorebirds and sometimes even the wild ponies of Assateague Island.
We fished in 30-60 fathoms (180-360 ft.) which is about 40-50 nautical miles from Chincoteague Island. We had fair weather and were able to raise a few white marlin to the boat in the morning. Between marlin, we caught little skipjack tuna. These fish are excellent to catch, especially on a family outing. Skipjack tuna are the smallest of the Virginia tuna, normally weighing from about 3 to 15 pounds. They fight hard and swim incredibly fast, often fooling anglers into thinking they have hooked a larger tuna. Skipjack tuna are sought after because they are a favorite prey of blue marlin and often signal the presence of billfish and other pelagic fish.
White marlin tend to weigh around 30-60 pounds and feed on a smaller baitfish, while blue marlin feed on larger baitfish and sometimes attain weights exceeding 1000 lbs. Most local blue marlin weigh 100-450 pounds, and feed on large squid, skipjack tuna, small yellowfin tuna, false albacore, mahi mahi and other sea life. Marlin migrate into Virginia waters in late May to June, with the peak fishing coming in late August or early September. The fish tend to be scattered but when conditions are right, marlin gather to feed on food. Ideal conditions occur when water from the Gulf stream meanders into the area, bringing patches of weeds, temperature breaks and pods of small fish that marlin prey on.
Marlin are also found in the deep water canyons off the coast of Virginia. Chincoteague Island boats typically fish Poor Man's, Washington or Norfolk Canyons. These underwater structures attract fish and ocean life of all types. In addition to billfish, anglers may find tuna, mahi-mahi, wahoo and other fish. Also common are whales, sea turtles, pelagic birds and other sea life. In the offshore canyons, ocean currents are very strong. These currents attract fish that congregate to catch food caught in the fast moving water. Along the canyon edges are lobster traps, marked with bright orange buoys. These provide an added fish attraction and the buoys often hold mahi-mahi, another favorite food of marlin.
In the afternoon we were relaxing when our relaxation was interrupted by an enormous eruption of water behind the boat. A huge blue marlin had taken the center line and made a series of spectacular leaps behind the boat. Seeing a fish of this size is leap clear of the water is one of the most heart-pounding experiences in offshore fishing. Blue marlin are brightly colored and known for and their leaps and head shaking. The huge fish eventually threw the hook and swam off to fight another day. Seeing a fish of this size and power go free was a thrill for everyone.
Capt Glen has years of Chincoteague Island offshore fishing experience and is a respected member of the fishing community. His charter boat "Shammy" is a 31 foot Luhrs sportfisherman. The boat is powered with reliable diesel engines, and is comfortable, clean and built to provide a smooth ride to the fishing grounds. One advantage of fishing with Shammy fishing charters is the family oriented atmosphere and the availability of the latest in "stand-up" technology for catching large ocean fish. Stand up gear allows small to mid sized anglers a better advantage against fish. This technique allows anglers of several ages and physical conditions to catch larger fish without prior experience.
During the summer and early fall, Shammy Sportfishing fishes for tuna, mahi mahi, sharks, flounder, sea bass, and other fish from Chincoteague Island Virginia. In addition, Captain Glen and his crew offer wreck fishing and other fishing charters during the spring and fall seasons.
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Submitted by: cin