Virginia Beach Fishing Report, Marines Fish for Stripers

Captain Dan took six young Marines fishing for stripers in the Chesapeake Bay. All of the Marines have been deployed to Iraq, Afghanistan, or both theaters recently, and they are all eager to go back to continue the fight. The fishing was Marine Corps red hot, but the weather was tough, with rain, thunder, and winds out of the southwest at 15. The first fish was in the boat at 9:30, with the limit realized 30 minutes later. We continued to catch and release for a total of 9 good fish, with everyone getting in on the action. The fish ranged from 35 to 40 inches and 25 to 30 pounds, although we lost a monster right at the back of the boat. Since we were fishing without a mate today, the Marines took turns at the helm while Captain Dan assisted in the cockpit. "I wanted to do something for these young fighting men," said the captain. "Giving them a fishing trip was the least I could do." While they wait for their next deployment, the Marines are all assigned to the National Museum of the Marine Corps near Marine Corps Base Quantico.