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#1 Jul-19-26 9:19PM
- Bryan
- Patagonian Toothfish
- From: Bealeton, VA
- Registered: Mar-18-11
- Posts: 1412
Chesapeake Shallows - first half of summer 2026
It's been a tough summer so far. We lost a lot of specks and puppy drum last winter and it's been obvious on every trip I've made. Trout are few and far between, there are no puppy drum to speak of, I haven't caught a single striper, and yesterday I caught my first white perch of the year. I can't complain too much because the fish I've caught have been very good quality, but man it has been a grind.
First citation trout of the summer 
Nice one
They've been fat this year.
Everything is on topwater.
Only WP of 2026
Good one on a spook
Big trout left me a memento. Really wish I would have caught this one.
Hate to retire this spook, caught a lot of fish on it, but it was done.
Good one one on 7/3
I went sheepshead fishing on the 4th of July and it was brutally hot but I had success!
Caught a couple fish this size.
Bull red on 7/3
Another nice one on 7/3
Big topwater trout on 7/11
tight lines
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#2 Jul-19-26 10:27PM
- Ernie
- Administrator
- From: Ashburn VA
- Registered: Feb-03-06
- Posts: 16637
Re: Chesapeake Shallows - first half of summer 2026
Some nice gators for sure?
I was dreaming about white perch but it was more of a nightmare!
Excellent bull red!
Time to go fishin' again!
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#3 Jul-19-26 11:52PM
- Bryan
- Patagonian Toothfish
- From: Bealeton, VA
- Registered: Mar-18-11
- Posts: 1412
Re: Chesapeake Shallows - first half of summer 2026
Ernie I hate to say it but the shallows are in bad shape this year. There are trout but not many. There are no puppy drum to speak of, there are no stripers, there are very very few perch. This summer I've been hoping for a half dozen bites in a 10 hour day. The pics I posted might make it look good but it is a dire situation. Anyway, if you ever want to give it a shot let me know, you are welcome on my little rig any time!
tight lines
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#4 Jul-19-26 11:54PM
- drxfish
- Patagonian Toothfish
- From: Sterling
- Registered: Jan-04-14
- Posts: 3668
Re: Chesapeake Shallows - first half of summer 2026
Man, you always catch such amazing fish in the bay! The bellies on those specs are fat and that is quite a highlight reel. I know you put up with some brutal heat on a few of those days.
I hope this year's sawn was good and there will be better days to come.
Always wishin' I was fishin'
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#5 Jul-20-26 11:39AM
- backtofuturetoyota
- Patagonian Toothfish
- From: Stafford
- Registered: Jan-12-12
- Posts: 1284
Re: Chesapeake Shallows - first half of summer 2026
Love the reports! Amazing catches even if it was brutal. It only takes one to make it worthwhile and you have some really nice ones. I guess less competition also provides for heavy eating and growing. Looking forward to your reports for years to come!
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