Reports of bluefish, puppy drum, flounder, speckled trout, and stripers pepper the local forums. Togs are also readily available, but remember the closed season starts on April 16 this year. A few regulations have changed for some of the species, so check out this site (http://www.mrc.virginia.gov/regulations/swrecfishingrules.shtm) if you're not up to date.

The local rivers are also experiencing peak spring populations of anadromous species. I had the opportunity to paddle out on the James River yesterday after work. Making my first paddle strokes a mere five minutes from home was also welcome. Richmond, VA (RVA) boasts a great venue to take in this special time of year. Near the I-95 bridge, the hickory shad action was on fire from the first cast at 7 p.m. until I decided to scoot down river around 7:45. I was hooking up on almost every cast. If I let my orange and green shad fly sink near the bottom, the white perch were all over it. After keeping a couple of each for bait, I drifted down and set up two fish finder rigs just above a good-sized hole. The little catfish (up to 28") were incessant, but every once in a while, I'd hook up a 26"-28" striper.

I was hoping for either a big bertha kitty or a striper that was bigger than "schoolie" size. It wasn't long before my wish was granted in the form of a 38" clicker-squealing heifer.

Various striper lures should work well over the next couple of weeks, including topwater poppers near the fall line rocks.

If I don't find myself looking for other highly-anticipated saltwater species, I'll be back on the river chasing RVA kitties ‘n’ stripers. Hope you get out to your favorite spring fishing destination soon.