Article by Larry Budd
Welcome to our readers for another season of the Coastal Fisherman, our 48th year of sharing where the fish are and what you are catching! It looks like we have so far benefited from the mild winter and warm spring. The nearshore and bay fishing is already hopping with a strong run of black drum and big stripers being caught off the beaches of Assateague with sand fleas. Our first summer flounder of the season was also reported in late April, and it has been followed by many nice catches. Most from the Eastern Shore of Virginia, as well as the Ocean City bays. A surprising number of keeper rockfish are also being found near the Rt. 50 Bridge. You can find lots of details in our regional DE, MD and VA fishing reports!
Canyon fishing offshore this time of year is usually slow, and this year is no exception. Most captains spent March & early April getting final boat preparations completed as well as setting up the tackle. It’s good to see the marinas starting to fill up as the yard crews splash boat after boat, it is really something to see each spring. We are also getting word from the crews that spend the winters in warmer southern climates on plans for returning north. Based on our conversations with a few captains, we expect to see some charters heading out for some tile fishing, weather permitting, with the bulk of the fleet waiting for the sea bass season to open on May 15th. Always a crazy day, this year’s opener is on a Monday.
So, in preparation, or anticipation of some offshore action we look to sea temperature reports and to what is being caught in the Outer Banks of NC. The good news is that we are seeing reports of some eddies with warmish 60° water just outside the Wilmington and Poor Man’s Canyons, about 80 some miles. Even warmer water in the upper 60°’s is being seen about 120 miles out, east of the Norfolk Canyon. The image here is from April 25th before the last storm came through, so hopefully it has moved even closer since then. Reports from the Outer Banks are also strong with solid yellowfin tuna catches and several bigeyes as well. The mahi action is also good even though there is not much seagrass or flotsam yet. We take this as another promising sign for a good start to the season! Hopefully the chance of getting another 4 day Nor’easter like we had last Mother’s Day is low!
Either way, the Coastal Fisherman will keep you in the know on what is being caught and where.
On a final note … the Annual Ocean City Reef Foundation Dinner will resume after a several year absence due to the pandemic. This year’s will be held at Hooper’s Crab House on May 7th from 2-5PM. This is one of the primary fundraisers for the OCRF and offers lots of items for auction. Details are on Facebook, please let them know if you plan to participate so they can plan accordingly! §
Upcoming Tournaments
• Old Inlet Bait & Tackle hosts the Delaware Seashore Spring Surf Fishing Tournament on May 6th. This event offers over $2,000 in cash and prizes. Visit OldInlet.com for more.
• The Lewes Harbour Marina will hold the Joe Morris Memorial Canal Flounder Tournament on May 19th. This event raised awareness for the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. For more info check Facebook or call (302) 645-6227.
