Article by Capt. BJ Pietryak
The past week in Delaware witnessed a series of storms, an increased presence of boats on the water, and more substantial catches of fish both near shore and in the back bays. Particularly, the back bays have experienced a surge in flounder activity, with occasional appearances of redfish and croaker. Nearshore, sea bass fishing has shown slight improvement, although challenges persist. However, flounder fishing has significantly intensified over the past week, with numerous anglers easily reaching their catch limits. Notably, the Fenwick Shoals area is teeming with tunny tuna, spanish mackerel, and bluefish.
Nearshore Reefs & Coral
During the past week, the Old Grounds and A buoy areas have become highly active. The charter boat "Jay Sea 2" ventured out to the coral reefs and wrecks, returning to Lewes Harbour Marina with impressive limits of flounder and a few sea bass for their customers. The crew reported consistent bites throughout their trips and even after they hit their limits. Brian Marine managed to bring home two sizable flatfish for a delicious dinner. Captain Chris Adams and Captain Roger Meekins, operating the "Judy V" and "Captain Bob" respectively from Indian River Marina, delighted anglers with coolers brimming with fish. Both captains noted the effectiveness of squid and Gulp baits for fluke, while squid proved particularly successful for sea bass. Many trips were focused on the coral grounds near the Old Grounds. For vacationers, the head boats available at Lewes Harbour Marina and Hook'em & Cook'em Tackle at the Indian River Marina offer an excellent choice for a fun-filled fishing day. These boats provide rental rods, bait, and do not require fishing licenses. The helpful mates on board ensure that even novice anglers have a productive and enjoyable experience. The captains have reported exceptional flounder fishing and occasional sea turtle and dolphin sightings. Brett McKune shared an outstanding report of catching a three-man limit, releasing around 50 additional flounder for another day. He described the start of the year as "awesome" and anticipates even better fishing ahead. Mike Lewes from Ocean View brought two impressive doormat flounder to Hook’Em & Cook’em Tackle. Fishing the Old Grounds with Gulp-tipped Spro bucktail, his largest catch weighed 9.6 lbs. and measured 28.5 inches, while the second fish weighed 6.5 lbs. and measured 25 inches. Shawn Hastings from Frankford, DE had a successful outing, reeling in a significant stringer of flounder using live minnows on his trip from the Indian River Marina. Michelle Gehman Edwards and Barry Edwards enjoyed their time on the coral grounds, returning to the inlet with five keeper fish. Tom Parisi experienced two fantastic fishing days, filling the coolers with an abundance of delicious flatfish. Matt Hamm, Kortlyn Hamm, Dennis Hamm, and Tom Sprigle ventured to Site 11 and the Old Grounds on the "Kortlyn Jade" boat, bringing home a bountiful catch for a scrumptious dinner. At the Fenwick Shoals, Spanish mackerel and blues have made a noteworthy appearance. Jeff Weeks, along with Dave on the "Turn Me Loose" boat, successfully targeted spanish mackerel, numerous blues, and king mackerel. They employed high-low rigs, spoons, and jigs. It is recommended to fish the Fenwick Shoals in the early morning or late evening, as midday fishing tends to slow down with the sun high in the sky. A good strategy is to troll the shoals at dawn and transition to the Old Grounds when the sun gets high, targeting the large flounder being caught there. The "Capt. Ike 2 Sportfishing" boat encountered many undersized fish but managed a nice load of fluke, some weighing up to seven pounds. Keith Bently and his family embarked on the "Savannah Lynn" and boated over 50 sea bass and two flounder. David Crosby and John Friedfild experienced a successful day fishing around ocean structures, bringing home fish weighing up to five pounds. Lastly, John Coffiey achieved a five-man limit by 11 am on the coral grounds, acknowledging the loss of several nice fish but the crew pushed through to get more fish to the boat.
Back Bays & Inlet
Flounder fishing remains consistent along the rocks at the inlet and Massey Ditch. Jamie Brown, while drifting for flounder, managed to catch an impressive 25-inch red drum in the inlet. It's noteworthy to see these fish appear early in the year. The area behind the IR Power Plant has historically been an excellent spot later in the summer for puppy drum. Using bright swim baits and paddle tails along the grass banks, anglers often find success. The early morning, particularly two hours before a flood tide, tends to be the optimal time for bites as long as there is a moving tide.
Dylan Patrick had an eventful day fishing in the Lewes Canal, although he lost a large fish that snatched his Gulp bait, he still managed to reach his catch limit. He observed that the fish had empty stomachs, indicating their high appetite and readiness to bite.
Young Josiah Powalski caught an impressive 22.5” fluke while fishing at Massey Landing, checking it in at Rick's Bait and Tackle.
Samantha Whitby and her father, John, returned from the canal with two keeper fish, caught using Gulp and minnows. David Price battled the conditions but successfully filled his cooler with a catch limit. Additionally, Tony Walls caught a nice 16.5-inch tog off the rocks at the inlet, albeit they had to be released as the season is closed.
Surf Fishing
The beach has been productive for catching nice kingfish, particularly using Fishbites. Melissa Smyth reported success with red Fishbites, landing a few nice kingfish. Chase Haugh not only caught kingfish but also encountered a large sandbar shark. Augie from Delaware Surf Fishing shared catching a keeper fluke on a minnow.
Lastly, Josh Ellwood caught a rockfish just under the size limit from the beach.
Until next week,
Tight Lines and Fins Up §
