Article by Capt. BJ Pietryak
Over the past week, Delaware experienced scorching temperatures in the 90s, coupled with humid air and occasional thunderstorms. However, amidst these weather challenges, the nearshore reefs and wrecks continued to deliver exceptional results, yielding abundant limits of flounder.
The nearshore Coral Grounds have been nothing short of fantastic for targeting flounder. In fact, on many occasions this week, anglers found themselves spending less time reaching the Coral Grounds than actually catching their limit of flounder. The combination of tranquil seas and outstanding fishing has made enduring the sweltering 90-degree heat more bearable.
John Coffiey, who checked in at Hook'em and Cook'em tackle at the Indian River Marina, shared an impressive story. His group departed at 7am and managed to secure their limit by 9am. Eager for a trophy-sized catch, they continued fishing until around 11am, but the intense heat prompted them to call it a day. Regardless, they achieved a remarkable feat, filling their coolers with a four-man limit of flounder in less than two hours. If this doesn't underscore the excellent fishing on the nearshore coral, I don't know what does.
Brandon Miller has been experiencing flounder abundance, with plenty of "flatties" to go around, and even a few knothead sea bass joining the mix. He mentioned that even during afternoon trips, there's still enough time to make it back to the dock for some Miller Time at the new Dockside Bar at the Indian River Marina. Bart Stolp had his luck while fishing the Old Grounds, using Gulp as bait, landing an impressive flounder measuring 26.5 inches and weighing 6.8 pounds. Well done, Bart!
Brett McKune has been having a stellar run, consistently reaching his flounder limit on every trip, and often reeling in trophy-sized specimens ranging from 20 to 22 inches. Cheryl and John Angler from Ocean View, DE shared their delightful experiences, soaking up the sun, making memories and reveling in the abundance of flounder. Darryl Mergenthaler Jr. and crew enjoyed a successful morning fishing the Old Grounds, achieving a seven-man limit of flounder before the storm clouds rolled in. On the charter boat "Grizzly", Capt. Carey Evans and mate Josh welcomed Debbie Mumford and Wendy Jane Wallace, who expressed their gratitude to the captain for putting them on so many flounder. The group returned with a limit, including the largest catch measuring approximately 24 inches.
Ocean Arsenal Tackle shared their successful tactics, utilizing OA Squid Things adorned with freshly caught spanish mackerel strips to lure in flounder. However, sea bass preoccupied with natural planktonic shrimp proved less cooperative. Despite the curveballs thrown by Mother Nature, Capt. Brin Parsons and the crew of "Thelma Dale IV" out of Fisherman’s Wharf in Lewes managed to secure some good catches, with 29 flatties finding their way into the coolers. The anglers were entertained by twice as many throwbacks and even had some sea bass to show for their efforts.
Cindy Lou experienced an exciting day at the Old Grounds when, using long squid strips as bait, she hooked a near-citation flounder. Delaware Flounder Fishing reported Dave and Mike's success in landing a flounder limit at A Buoy using Dave's double top secret "special weapon." Captain Kevin and mate Gavin took Don Pulver and his family out on the "Jay Sea 2" for a memorable fishing trip. Don's grandson, Evan, proudly caught his very first keeper flounder, creating lifelong memories. Al, returning to Lewes Harbour Marina, displayed some impressive flounder catches. He employed Spro bucktails and 6-inch Gulp grubs on deep ocean structures, even encountering a few ribbon fish. For those unfamiliar, ribbon fish provide thrilling fights and are a joy to bring aboard, although filleting them can be challenging. "Get the Gaff Charters" showcased their flounder prowess throughout the week, consistently limiting out on most trips with nonstop biting action all day. To their surprise, a few cobia joined the party further enhancing the experience. Although they successfully enticed the largest cobia to bite, it fell short of the limit, leading to its safe release. Nonetheless, the crew celebrated with a cleaning table full of flatfish. Nine-year-old Ava West's inaugural catch aboard the "Reel Disorder" turned out to be a 22-inch flounder—a true trophy fish for a young angler!
Turning to the back bays, the "Runnin' Do" embarked on a Sunday morning adventure with the young ones, enjoying calm waters and hungry stripers. Chadwick Spence had a rewarding experience at the Roosevelt Canal, reeling in a 16.75” fluke. Chris Zwigart and Maddison Carter proudly shared their flounder catches from the Lewes Canal, including a noteworthy fish measuring 24.5”. According to Lewes Harbour Marina, the Lewes Canal continues to yield good fish. Kenney Sr. and Kenney Jr. fished the canal using Gulp and were rewarded with a satisfying catch of flatfish, some measuring up to 21 inches. On the "Pamela," Julie Delgiorno and Steve Rosier had an impressive day, landing sheepshead weighing 5.54 and 5.56 pounds, as well as 15 triggerfish. Julie's fishing prowess truly deserves a Girl Power Award. Ronald Newswanger embraced his first dive of the year at Indian River Inlet, with visibility around 2 to 3 feet. His midnight expedition proved fruitful, spearing a 20-inch and 25-inch, 6-pound flounder. Joseph Fanelli showcased his flounder skills, catching fluke measuring 16.5, 19, 20, and 21.5 inches from the canal. Meanwhile, 16-year-old Carlina Briggs hooked a 17.5-inch flounder using a squid rig and Gulp, while her 12-year-old sister, Dalaina Briggs, matched her success with a 17” flounder, also employing a squid rig and Gulp. Both impressive catches were made at Indian River Inlet.
In surf fishing news, Tim Turner enjoyed a variety of kingfish and sea bass catches from the surf. Gabriella Kendus, while fishing at Faithful Stewart Beach, fulfilled a long-held dream of catching a cobia, an exciting accomplishment from the surf. Another angler, Paul Marley, managed to hook a nice keeper fluke using squid at 3Rs Beach.
Old Inlet Tackle reports fishing action has been a hit with the summer heat. Nighttime shark fishing remained consistent, while tog and sheepshead kept rock hoppers content. Occasionally, small blues and shad made appearances with the tides, and flounder could still be found close to the rocks.
Until next week...
Tight lines and fins up §
