Hampton's entire bay shoreline from the mouth of the James up to the mouth of Back River holds a number of game-fish species during the summer, but in late May and all through June this area's trophy hunters turn most of their attention to cobia. The bay's earliest and largest catches are taken from this region each year, with the lion's share coming from the Buckroe to Grandview Beach sector, which is easily accessible from the ramp at Wallace's Bait & Tackle. Cobia to nearly 100 pounds are caught near shore here each year, many of which came from the piers before they were taken out by Hurricane Isabel in September 2003.

Bluefish Rock, east of Grandview, is a perennial producer of early-season cobia, and some years the action lasts well into the summer. Other species are available here as well, including, appropriately enough, bluefish. The state record, a 25 1/4-pounder, was caught here in 1986. Still, bluefish are mostly an afterthought here now, and a strong case could be made for changing the name to Cobia Rock.

North of Bluefish Rock, the Back River Reef is a dependable source of large flounder, and tautog can also be found here during May. York Spit, directly north of the reef, also holds cobia, as well as some large spadefish. The lower portions of the Back and York rivers offer good numbers of citation-sized croaker and flounder, especially in late spring and early summer before the larger specimens move to deeper water in the main portion of the bay.

Light-tackle and fly-fishing enthusiasts can find entertainment on the shallow Poquoson Flats that harbor speckled trout and puppy drum willing to take small plastics, spoons and flies.

A host of other species from spot to black drum can be found in the area, including striped bass of all sizes (catch-and-release only after June 15, when the season closes until October).

In short, any game-fish species that swims in Chesapeake Bay or its lower tributaries can be found somewhere in the vicinity of Hampton this time of year, although some are more plentiful and sought after than others.

CROAKER
Each spring, huge croaker migrating up the rivers of the Hampton area are met by waiting anglers, many of whom are fishing from piers, bridges or shore. Good numbers of citation-sized fish (3 pounds or heavier) are caught each year during May and June in the James, Back and York rivers. While the James was not as productive as usual for big croaker last year, the York took up the slack with a steady supply of fish. Last year's biggest croaker entered in the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament was a chunky 5-pounder taken from the lower York during June.

One of the York's most reliable hotspots was around the Gloucester Point Bridge, which carries Route 17 traffic across the river. Big hauls of croaker were taken from the pier by landlocked anglers, and a public boat ramp offers easy access to boaters.

The James River still gave up good catches of croaker last year, just not up to its usual lofty standards. Captain Chandler Hogg, who operates a charter boat out of Hampton, feels that cold, fresh water coming down the river last spring hampered the fishing, but he still found his best option for citation croaker was at the mouth of the James.

"There were plenty of decent fish (2 pounds or so) farther up the river," said Hogg. "But most of the bigger fish were between the two tubes of the HRBT." He suggests drifting the entire length of the tubes. Best baits are squid and cut fish on a double-hook bottom dropper rig. When conditions are too rough over the tubes, try drifting between the James River Bridge and the M&M crossing.