July JBO TV Column Chesapeake Angler Magazine

Next column for Chesapeake Angler July 2010

By Jim Baugh
Reporting from the fly bridge Hampton Virginia

TITLE: A day at my favorite Bar, only spent $2.80

To tell the truth, we have finally gotten this fishing thing down. Well, not for every species, but for Croaker, Flounder, Spot and Trout, the best concentrated location that I have found is the area of the Hampton Bar and Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel. Traveling to these locations from the Hampton River in the Go Green Fishing Machine (GGFM) is just a pure joy. Last week we filmed at the Bar and fished all day, filled the coolers, and spent $2.80 is gas, that was it. The Second generation Suzuki 90 hp four stroke and the Carolina Skiff JVX20 with Smart tabs is just simply the most fuel-efficient rig we have ever fished. When the bite is on at the Hampton Bar, it really makes me smile for many reasons. Ending up back at the dock with an hour or two of filleting fish, always makes me smile. Spending less than three dollars in fuel for a day of fishing???? Well all I can say is, I am glad I have lived long enough to see it. Between fishing and boating out of the Go Green Fishing Machine and riding my Go Green bike everywhere in Hampton, my dependency for oil (foreign or domestic) has dropped by about 95%. We now only fill up our 18 gallon gas tank in the GGFM about twice a summer, and I have gone over four months without even to have to put Gas in my car. The Go Green lifestyle is not only good for the environment, but my wallet as well. Save a dollar-Make a dollar. It adds up in every way

This season so far, the bite really has been good at the Hampton Bar. We have been catching a mix of Trout, Flounder and Croaker just using standard bottom rigs and regular Squid. The magic depth for us has been fishing the ledge of the bar in about 31 feet of water. Once we shallow up to about 20-25 feet, nothing. I expect July will be about the same. The bite has been so good at the Bar, we have not yet even ventured out to the MM tunnel. The MM was our hot spot last year in about 50 feet of water on the west side of the tunnel just past the 70foot ledge. We will still fish the MM Tunnel, however as long as the bite is hot here at the Hampton Bar, we are staying!

I had a guest captain on the show last week and we left out of the Hampton River from JBO Central to fish the Bar area. The captain loved the Go Green Fishing Machine, and could not believe the speed and power the boat had with the 90hp Suzuki four stroke. He was also surprised when I told him I would pay for the gas, if he would buy dinner, he said, “Man, did I get the good end of the deal!” Not so, we spend only $2.80 in gas and fished all over the bar and tunnel. His grocery bill to fry the fish was five times that of our fuel bill.

My guest Captain was long time friend Captain Earl Williams. Captain Earl loves to rig out everything to the max and he ask me why I did not put a hard top on the Carolina Skiff. I explained to him, the reasons were simple. First and most important, some of our new fishing grounds in Hampton require a minimum amount of clearance for your boat. So low, that we have to duck down in the boat just to clear going under the bridge. High tide even can be an issue while fishing these locations. These locations on the Hampton River are FULL of fish and a hard top would knock these fishing grounds out for us- some awesome fishing right at our doorstep. The GGFM does have a bimini top that I love. Shade is very important while fishing during July and August, and nothing shades better than a bimini. With the top down, there is also less wind resistance, so you sort of get the best of both worlds. Like my pops always said, the KISS theory is always the best. (Keep it simple stupid)

When you come to fish the Hampton Bar, don’t forget the areas behind Fort Monroe and also back in the Hampton River. These areas are hot spots for Croaker, Drum, Trout, and Rockfish. You can also find most of what you will need for fishing for the day. Sunset boating center is a great fuel stop that also has bait and snacks. They also can do a quick haul out for ya should you need a fast power wash on your hull. Bluewater also is a good fuel stop, and has Surfrider restaurant right there, great place for a lunch time break coming in from the Hampton Bar.

I would like to invite everyone to check out all of the celebrations in our home base port of Hampton VA. The 400th anniversary of Hampton Virginia is a huge celebration that you and your family do not want to miss. For a list of events and festivals just log on to http://www.jimbaughoutdoors.com/ or the Hampton CVB web site for accommodations and lodging info. (http://www.hamptoncvb.com/go/visitors)

Lastly, I would like to invite everyone to join Jim Baugh Outdoors on FACEBOOK. To find us, just do a search on Facebook, Jim Baugh, or the direct address is, http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?v=feed&id=1624276499. On Facebook, we have some great behind the scenes stories, photo’s, sponsor info, loads of recipes, articles, tourney info, and the latest happenings in Hampton, Virginia. Be our friend today!

For more info. Just log on to http://www.jimbaughoutdoors.com/, and be sure to check out our JBO BLOG that is updated almost daily. And one last thing,
Do yourself a favor, and get a Suzuki today!

GO GREEN-FISH GREEN-SAVE GREEN
Tight Lines!
Jim Baugh
JBO TV
For more info on charter captains in our area, just log on to http://www.jimbaughoutdoors.com/ and check out our charter pages and order your free Hampton Roads Fishing Guide!!!!