Article by Capt. BJ Pietryak
This past week in Delaware has been hot.... RED HOT! But even with 78 degree water temps the fishing has not seemed to slow at all. Many great catches were made this week from land as well as boats.
SEA BASS & TOG
Sea bass remain good despite the warm water. Usually at this time of year sea bass slows to a virtual stand still. This year however, the keepers are still on the deeper wrecks. Areas such as Site 11 and N.J./DE Reef continue to give up keeper fish at a ratio of about 7 small for every one keeper. Be advised, these fish are getting more sluggish and the bait needs to remain in the strike zone longer. Anchoring or slow drift under .6 mph is needed for fishing this time of year. Tog are being caught at the inlet. The ratio of keepers is low as it is the time of year, however if you put the time in fishing the rocks along Indian River, as well as the outer wall of the bay, keepers can still be found. I had several reports of small peanut dolphin around the areas of the A & B buoys. Many anglers fishing for sea bass had schools of these fish coming by. Keep a rod rigged with a circle hook tipped with squid or a chunk of fish ready as these fish will not stay near the boat for long. Once you have one hooked, leave it in the water, and usually you can hook several more looking for a meaL.
FLOUNDER
Flounder remains strong both in the back bays as well as the ocean reefs, coral and wrecks. Reports from up north are that the Rehoboth/Lewes Canal is giving up some nice keeper flounder on Gulp as well as squid /minnow combos. The trick in the canal is to find the deeper holes with moving water along side of them. John Chance weighed in a nice 4 lb. flounder at Old Inlet caught on 3R’s beach. The fish was caught on fresh cut spot. According to Old Inlet, flounder are being caught in the Indian River Inlet along with some better sized croaker.
CROAKER
They’re early this year but seem to be staying closer inshore and are definitely getting bigger. This is a great way to spend a day with small kids as these fish are easy to catch and keep children occupied longer. Croaker are also being reported outside IR Inlet by Fenwick tackle. Bloodworms and squid being the preferred bait.
SHARKS
Several anglers are targeting sharks from the beach at night using cut bunker, blues and mackerel. They cruise just around the breakers, so you don't have to make a mile long cast to get to them. Many anglers over shoot them. Cast just outside of the breaking waves and slowly move your bait towards the beach for best results.
COBIA
Cobia are still being caught at the Fenwick Shoals and inshore humps. Eels are the choice bait. If you’re not wild about handling live eels, Hockers on Central Ave. has several artificial eels which seem to work very well. Bethany Auto Parts also has a large selection of Savage eels which I have used many times to target these fish as they come to the boat.
SURF REPORT
Surf fishing is in summer mode with kingfish and spot being the best catches.Several anglers fishing spot have caught a few nice flounder as well. Croaker and blues are also in the surf. Bluefish rigs and pompano rigs being the best this time of year. I have received only one report of pompano in the surf, but if this year follows like last they should be showing up soon. Pompano are usually only found down south but have started making a summer appearance the past few years. Squid and shrimp being some of the best baits to catch them with.
CRABS & CLAMS
This week my daughter and I averaged about 12 keepers per pot. We ended up with 48 crab for 4 pots on a 2 day soak last time we were out. I have heard that others closer to the inlet are doing about the same with those in Rehoboth Bay doing a little less, about 10 per pot.Clamming is getting tough with all the anglers targeting them, many local spots are clammed out. Try going at low tide and head further out to find unspoiled areas to clam. Due to the muddier bottoms, the clams are also deeper than normal this year and require you to rake a little deeper.
So brave the heat and get out and catch some fish this week...
Tight lines and fins up!
