Article by Capt. BJ Pietryak
The summer is still here and so is the heat and that usually means inconsistent fishing and this week was no exception. The heat of the summer makes oxygen qualities low in both the bays as well as nearshore structures.
Sea Bass & Croaker
Sea bass was slower this week than in the past weeks. This time of year seems to always slow the catch for them as the water temperatures warm, currently they are in the mid to upper 70's. With that said, this week was slower than we have been seeing, however it has still managed to produce some nice size sea bass. Great Eastern Reef, Marine Electric and the Jack Spot remain the best spots for these prized fish. Inshore the African Queen and Bass Grounds were slow with many fish being short of keeper size. Clam and squid remain the hot baits. Croaker are everywhere in some nice size pods, however the fish this year are still small with the average size being around 5”. Small hooks tipped with bloodworm or squid are working the best if you want to target these fun to catch fish. If you want to look for the biggest around, the area around the Ocean City airport had a few big groups of fish reported earlier in the week and Little Gull Reef also reported some schools coming through as well.
Flounder
Flounder at the nearshore wrecks are still doing pretty well, but catches are definitely down from last week. The Bass Grounds are holding some nice fish, but many are still under sized. Large Gulp or live spot are bringing in the best keepers. Further offshore around the Great Eastern Reef and the Jack Spot we are seeing better sizes with fish up to 6 lbs. A side benefit for flounder anglers fishing the deeper water were coming upon pods of mahi. I suggest keeping a rod rigged up with a piece of squid or cut bait to pitch into the school as these fish will not stay long if they don't find food readily available. This week due to light winds, bumping the engines was the only way to keep bait moving along the bottom. Fishing just off the down current side of wrecks in the 80-110 ft of water seems to be the hot spot. Dropping the bait as you get on top of the wreck will have bait hitting the bottom just down current of the wreck right in the strike zone. Fenwick Shoals reported some nice flounder caught near the boiler area as well as the sharp depth drop on the south side. Drifting big Gulp baits along the bottom is the best method for this area. Using live spot in the Fenwick Shoal area will not only help you catch a big flounder but is also a favorite of the cobia in this area if they are around. In the back bays of Ocean City, the flounder fishing was slow. Many of the bay boats reported having to change locations multiple times to get a few keepers, squid and minnows being the preferred baits. The area by the Commercial Harbor was a rare hot spot . Fish the deep hole just below the south side docks. The area just above the Rt. 50 Bridge was also a good this week but boat traffic was listed as the biggest problem in working the area. When traveling this area be advised it is posted no wake and regularly monitored by DNR.
Sharks, Cobia & Bluefish
The night fishing on the public piers was fair to good depending on the night. Using cut bait was the best for sharks and small bluefish. Anglers fishing the Rt. 50 Bridge reported average size bluefish at night during the high tides. Drifting baits out from the bridge pilings is the spot you want to target. Donny Post from Ocean City reported he finally got a nice Cobia this week. The fish was caught on a nearshore hump just outside the inlet. Not many other reports of Cobia were found. Chumming in the Little Gull area and using live eels is the best chance of landing one of these trophy fish so far this season.
Surf Fishing
The upper bay, below the Delaware line was the best area for kingfish with several reports coming in from Fenwick Tackle that the kingfish are right in the first breakers on the beach. Blood worms on small hooks are the ticket for catching a nice one for dinner. Spot are still in the surf and are a great way to get bait to catch nice flounder, Cobia and many other species. Night fishing for sharks and bluefish along the beach was slow this week with only a few reports coming in.
Clams & Crabs
Clamming in the federal park remains fair to good but areas are really getting picked over. Hopefully the storms of last weekend will have stirred up the water bringing new areas to life. Crabbing along the Delaware line remains off the hook though. One report I received was 7 dozen keeper crabs for their 6 pots! The crabs are a mix with mostly big males making up the majority.
So till next week...
Tight lines and Fins up!
