Mid Atlantic and Chesapeake Bay - Stripers off Cape Henry Q's?

Hello

I am planning my first ever trip for stripers off Va Beach March 9-11th (assuming weather cooperates). It will be me and some friends in my 23' CC, most likely launching out of the Norfolk Naval Station.

Couple of questions for the more experienced folks here:

Do you just head south after rounding Cape Henry and look for the birds hitting the water?

We will primarily be looking to troll, so live eels for the best trolling bait? Gulp eels? anything else? Clark spoons?

What's the best trolling speed to start with?

From what I can gather from the VMRC web site, fishing in the bay is currently closed. The open fishery extends from a line between Cape Henry and Cape Charles, out to 3 miles offshore. Correct?

Catch and release in va section of the bay. Fish are making their way to the spawning grounds. Save your fuel, Cape Henry to False Cape has been dead for two weeks. I heard some guys were catching tog at the bridge.

If you're headed out of the bay, launching from Cove Marina at JEB Little Creek would be the closest and fastest way. It's open 8-4 Tuesday through Sat. It's also a WAY better ramp with ample parking,wash down station, fish cleaning station, fuel (great prices) and a marina store. The striper fishing has really slowed, although charter boats targeting tuna at the Triangle Wreck (19 miles) can't seem to keep them off the lures. You can, as was mentioned, target tog around the islands of the tunnels (especially the second island). I, unfortunately, will be away that week but you can ask at the store for info (757 462-7140). PM me if you need any other info. Good luck when you go.

Carlos

Gentlemen, thank you for the input.

I think I have some thinking to do if we still want to make a trip of it.

Call Mud Runner he will have some good info.