Where on AI is better?

[Fishbreath]

Hey all,

Just got back from HI and never fished AI but would like to try. Which side of the island is better for stripers and drum, which has the better sloughs? VA or MD? Can we drive all the way down from MD side to VA?

Fishbreath FHB

[AI4WD]

Both Sides produce, but you have to put in your time to find the spots. No one is going to give ya specifics, its kinda like you will have to scout them out yourself. Nothin, personal but alot of the folks that fish AI, have favorite spots. All, get PO'd when somone gives them out on here! So, get there at low tide ride the beach an d find your spot, we all have to do the same. There is not any magical spot, per say! Both ends produce nice fish, just depends on timing and putting in time looking!

Hooks up,
Forrest

[Fishbreath]

Hey Forrest,

Appreciate your reply on AI. Just like HI, I know we all have to look for the right breaks in the bar, nice holes, especially at low tide, not looking for handouts on specific spots - although those are always welcome ;) Just curious if there were preferences of one end of the island over the other particularly with the Drum. As I said, I've fished HI many times, never fished AI.

If you see a green Jeep Cherokee with a rear rod rack, stop on by for few chilly ones!

Gotta hook'em to cook'em!

Milt

[AI4WD]

The VA side might still produce a wayward drum...But bothe sides produce NICE Stripers. I am partial to MD side , But its because I am closer to MD AI and more familiar with the Beach. In December, it seems the VA side produces more late fish. November seems to be a little better in MD.

More Beach on MD side , almost 18 KM's of beach to explore. Va side is only maybe 5 total KM's and has an Inlet and a Hook. It's really a tossup and the Fees are the same on both sides. Both Produce Fish, I would guess its more of a decision of which is more convenient for you!

VA's best bait is at Capt Steves on way to beach and MD side Harbor Tackle is probably the best for Bait. HT is in West OC. Capt Steves is on the way to AI, on Chincoteague, Beach rd.

Hooks up,
Forrest

[Fishbreath]

That sounds good Forrest. Just the kind of info I was looking for. Lots of miles to check out on the MD side for now and then VA in December. One more question, is the sand pretty soft out there and should I buddy up with another vehicle? Ran into some fierce high tides in HI around the middle of October and it turned much of the beach into quick sand. Every vehicle in our group (6) had to dig out.

Milt

[AI4WD]

Have to watch beach on Full Moon in MD get some overwash with a stiff easterly , but rangers will shut down the lower beach if it starts. Buddy plan is always good, but I fish as a loner most of the year and have no problems. I air down to 12PSI all around, so pretty safe. Beach is well traveled most time nice grroves to follow. MD side marks their beach from 17KM to 34/35 KM....If they close it it is usually from 22/23 KM
south. Still some good spots to fish and safe.

VA side gets some wash over , same symptoms , Full moon and Strong Easterly winds. Not as well traveled on VA side, so not any reliable tracks to follow, most of the time. But rangers will shut down the lower end if it gets bad leaving very little ORV beach to fish,

hooks up,
Forrest

[Fishbreath]

You da man Forrest! Thanks again. See you on the beach...maybe this weekend.

Milt

[Espresso]

I was able to get out and fish the South Beach area of AI on Sunday. Not much happening from 7am-noon. The winds were calm when we got there but started to pick up. Managed 1 bite I think but no hook ups. Hope you had better luck.

[Fishbreath]

Espresso,

Thanks for the report. Guess they're not in there thick yet, still up North. By the sounds of the weather reports, we have a temp drop and winds from the WNW. Not the most optimal wind. May rethink this weekend and shoot for next weekend. My thoughts are that a NE wind is best.

Milt