Article by Capt. BJ Pietryak
It seems to be the main story line for the summer of 2023, storms!. Last week saw storms to the south and to the east make boating a nightmare inshore. On the few days that anglers could get offshore, flounder and sea bass were still very abundant and more than willing to bite a hook. Closer to shore, big redfish are in the surf at Assateague Island. The mahi bite is also very strong with many around the Bass Pots as well as the Fenwick and the Marine Electric Shoals. In the back bays, juvenile redfish and smaller rockfish are along the docks and bridge pilings. The docks are also full of spot fish as well as sea trout feeding on them.
Nearshore Wrecks & Reefs
The strong winds and rough seas kept most boats at the dock. The high swells of two offshore hurricanes made even the most seasoned angler pucker a little when heading offshore to the Bass Grounds! There were a few days that were manageable and the sea bass bite on the inshore wrecks was surprisingly good with quality fish hitting the coolers. Flounder too were cooperating. We have reports of some of the biggest fish we have seen in years with many anglers returning to the docks with limits of fish over 20 inches. The headboat “Judith M” slipped out too on the good days and their crews were greeted with fast, hot action at several reefs and natural bottom sites. Many anglers had big flounder, and even a few with some big sea bass. Captain Eric reported big schools of bait are all around and fish are steadily feeding, making the catches very good. The deep sea fishing vessel “Angler” with Capt. Chris Mizurak shared that the sea bass were a little pickier last week on his trips, but the flounder chewed every trip, making anglers very happy to bring these tasty fish home for dinner. Many of the headboats will return to a full day, eight and/or ten hour schedule after the holiday weekend, however check their websites and social media for exact days as they move into their fall schedules. As the weather cools the bass fishing should begin to really turn on and deliver more quality fish for anglers. With the longer trips, headboats can also venture out further to less pressured wrecks. The knotheads are not alone either. Cutlassfish, otherwise known as ribbonfish, are still on many of the wrecks along with some stud redfish, sheepshead and spadefish. Michael Kapsak was out and returned from the Bass Grounds with a couple big flounder along with a couple keeper sea bass. “Double Trouble Charters” with Captain D.J. Churchill said when the weather didn't keep them at bay, the sea bass and flounder bite was very good. Captain D.J. also reported a few big sheepshead off the wrecks along with triggerfish to delight the anglers. Chris Fontana trolled within ten miles of land and had a plethora of fish which included spanish mackerel, bonito and dolphin. Trolling small spoons as well as chugger plugs were most effective. They also shared that once they found the schools the action was non stop! The big story for the week however was dolphin. Blue water has finally moved inshore with many good sized mahi found on the nearshore bass markers as well as around the wrecks. The past few years the inshore pelagic bite has been some of the best we have seen. Brian Trumbull got in on the mahi action. He reported lines went in the water at 5:30 am and they had their first mahi on the line before the second line was even set. They ended up with 17, including one big bull, even after losing over 20 fish at the boat due to hooks being pulled at the last minute from rough seas. He further stated that many times they had 3-4 rods hooked up at a time.
The “Ocean City Girl” ended their trip to the pots with a boat limit of 54 mahi and 4 albacores. They also had multiple hook ups during the trip. The coming week is forecasting temperatures in the 90°s so the water should remain warm enough to keep the mahi around at least for another week or two. This is the time to get out and fish the wrecks and bass pots and cash in on some of these delicious fish.
Back Bays & Inlet Fishing
The back bays are alive with spot and other bait fish. Flounder remains the main catch, however redfish and rockfish are also being caught off the docks as well as the Rt. 50 Bridge. At the inlet, sheepshead are in the rocks along with some big redfish. A great way to get out on the bay is to book one of the 2 or 3 hour trips on the various bay boats. The “Bay Bee” out of the Ocean City Fishing Center for example said luck has been on their side, with many anglers catching big fluke along the main channels of Ocean City. Anglers are catching big fish for dinner and having a blast seeing the back bays of the city. The “Miss Ocean City” also had some good trips with large flatfish coming on board. With most of the schools back in session, the bay boats are way less crowded, giving anglers a lot more room to fish.
Rich Fior had a big doormat that he caught in the Thorofare using Gulp bait. Aidan McDevitt fished the outgoing tide and landed several fluke as well as some decent sized blues at the Rt. 50 Bridge. He also managed a nice sized rockfish. John Mech, Jr. had a good night at the bridge bringing in 14 rockfish, however only one would measure for a keeper. Joe Bish also fished the bridge and landed several nice sized bluefish as well as a few rockfish. Craig Cropper was out with Kieran and helped him land his first keeper rockfish using a stretch lure. The group also landed a few other rockfish along with blues.
At the Inlet Lenny Gilliar was lucky enough to hook a big sheepshead along the rocks. This was Lenny’s first keeper sheepshead and his smile showed off his excitement. Larry Hall also fished the inlet and landed himself a nice sheepshead. Sand fleas always do the trick.
Surf Fishing, Clams & Crabs
Scott Wagner had some good luck bringing in several big redfish between 11 and 18 pounds from the suds off of Assateague. He reportedly caught all the fish in a 45 minute time frame. Acie Mankins went there too and happened upon a big 36 inch redfish. He also caught spot, kingfish and a small flounder. Carl Littleton reports crabbing in Assawoman Bay has been producing around 4-5 dozen crabs per outing. Bunker bait is working the best in around 8-10 feet of water.
Clamming on the island remains good however, many of the spots have been heavily picked over leaving only larger clams to be found.
Until next week...
Tight Lines and Fins Up §
