The Northern Neck is know for it's beautiful waterfront properties. The main river and it's tributaries are not only scenic but they also offer habitat for many different species of fish, shellfish, birds and other wildlife. Below are five of the most common fish found in the water:
1. Catfish
Also called spotted, speckled, silver, blue, channel or fork-tailed catfish these fish are a sporting catch on the river and tributaries. These catfish are grey with slick skin and 'wiskers'. You can catch catfish with just about any bait, though the most common bait is night crawlers or chicken liver. When you catch them, watch out for their spines on the top and side fins! Catfish are found in deep, slower pools of streams that are freshwater or brackish. They're seldomly found in dense weeds. Though catfish isn't a native to the watershed, fried catfish is definitely a Northern Neck favorite.
2. Striped Bass
Also know as striper or rockfish, striped bass is easily recognizable by several black, head-to-tail stripes on both sides. Striped bass spend most of their time in salt water but swim into fresh/brackish water to spawn in April/May. They range in size from the common 10 to 15 pound fish but can grow up to 40 or more pounds. To catch a 10 to 15 pound bass, you'll need a stiff pole and a heavier test line. To catch these bass you can use live bait or outfits that imitate small fish. They will generally travel in small schools and eat various small fish and organisms. There are regulations to keeping a striped bass, before Mid-May, a fisherman can't keep a fish smaller than 28 inches.
3. Bluefish
Bluefish are found all along the East Coast / Gulf of Mexico. They're name describes their markings (they have a bluish scale). In the ocean Bluefish can reach 40 inches long but in the Cheasapeake Bay they're usually around a foot long. Bluefish fillets make a nice grilling meat on the early spring / late summer. Keep in mind that they do migrate on an annual basis (south in the winter, north in the summer) and the larger fish (not generally found in the Chesapeake) have been know to 'snap' at fishermen, hence an alternative name for them is 'snapper'.
4. Croaker
4
Croaker are known for a 'croaking' sound made when they come out of the water. Croaker have silvery scales and can be found in the brackish water during the Summer months. Blood worms, worms, and other live bait can be used to catch croaker but many fishermen would argue squid is the best way to catch them. Professional fisherman also catch them enmass by skimming a net as they travel in schools in larger bodies of water. The fish can range in size from 10 to 24 inches and put up a good fight.
5. Yellow Perch
Yellow Perch are very common in the main waterways and tributaries because they prefer slower moving water. They grow to an average size of 6 to 8 inches. They have very distinctive yellow bodies with vertical black stripes. Perch are slow moving and cautious so live minnows are recommended. They stay in moderately covered areas and avoid the open water.
These are only five of the species of fish you'll catch in the Rappahannock/Potomac rivers and tributaries that create the Northern Neck. For more information on fish species check out Virginia's state website: Virginia Dept of Game and Inland Fisheries
