Not into the world of big money billfish tournaments? No worries, there are plenty of other fish to fry

While the 38th annual Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament is underway, there's no reason to feel left out if you aren't part of one of the record 100 teams competing for a total purse of $1.2-plus million.

There are lots of other fish in the sea - and in the Chesapeake Bay, the inlets, the tidal rivers and the hundreds of ponds, lakes and creeks.

We are in the midst of the best time to fish in southeastern Virginia and northeastern North Carolina.

So let's take a quick look at what's happening and where.

SOUTHEASTERN VIRGINIA

Yes, there are tuna, wahoo, dolphin and billfish in blue waters off the coast. But you can also enjoy some pretty good tilefishing in the same areas.

Anglers working inshore and near-shore wrecks are finding lots of flounder, triggerfish, seabass and spadefish.

Come inside the Bay and look for flounder around a multitude of bottom structure and along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Spadefish continue to swarm around lots of navigation features and around the islands of the CBBT. Sheepshead also are available along the span.

Black drum can be found from time to time around the islands, and red drum are plentiful inside the bay and along the coast. Same, too, for cobia.

Speckled trout and puppy drum continue to put up good showings around the York and Elizabeth rivers, on the Poquoson Flats and inside all three southside inlets.

Small croaker and spot are scattered throughout the area, as are bluefish, Spanish mackerel and ribbonfish - like the one in the photo.

Tarpon are available in the backwaters of the Eastern Shore barrier islands, but they are far from an easy catch. Large bull shark make the same waters their home this time of year.

Speaking of shark, they're plentiful throughout the area and offshore.

Pier and surf anglers can expect spot, croaker, small flounder, sea mullet, trout and puppy drum - along with some pretty decent crabbing. Don't be surprised to see one of the anglers fishing the ends of piers to hook up a large drum or cobia.

NORTHEASTERN NORTH CAROLINA

While most of the focus is offshore, anglers staying closer to home are doing just fine.

Coastal waters are holding red drum, cobia and king mackerel. Spanish mackerel and bluefish are providing plenty of action.

Wreck anglers are finding lots of action from a variety of species.

And those in the know can expect to find a few tarpon in the sounds.

Pier and surf anglers can expect a mixed bag that will include spot, croaker, bluefish, sea mullet, skate and shark. Skilled pier fishermen will land a few big red drum, cobia, king mackerel and shark.

FRESHWATER

Bluegill and shellcracker likely are your best bet this time of year, as the two don't seem to mind the heat

When bass fishing, action is best early and late in the day - even at night when there is good moonlight. When fishing for largemouth during midday, move to deeper water.

Crappie have set up shop in and around the deepest cover, or schooling in open water.

Catfishing is good on tidal systems and in the deepest holes.