It has really been a mixed bag of reports when it comes to fish biting in local waters. Some anglers are reporting the best season they have seen in years, while others are questioning whether to even waste the fuel to take their boats out of their slips.

Steve Pierce, who launches his boat from Crown Pointe Marina, Hayes, is one of those fishermen who voices optimism for those who enjoy fishing for recreation and those who depend on it for their livelihoods. “Things are going excellent this year,” Pierce said.

He said the flounder bite has been very good, especially near the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel and at Dead Man’s Hill at the mouth of the York River.

“Cobia fishing this year has been one of the best,” he added, with reports of boats going out catching their limits, up to 11 fish per day. He said the best places for cobia fishing are at the Swash Channel between the mouth of the York River and Mobjack Bay and also at York Spit. “They’...