Article by Capt. BJ Pietryak
This past week continued our relentless northeast wind, making off shore trips difficult. For those that did venture offshore, bass fishing was tough due to fast drifts and rocky seas. The inshore and back bay bites continue to be good with more keeper flounder showing up every day.
Sea Bass & Near Shore Reefs
The early part of last week we saw a strong northeast wind making the ocean very rough. Most boats didn’t fish until the winds let up on Friday. Those that did make it out during the week found the fish holding tight to the wrecks and reef. Clam and squid are doing about the same as far as bait goes, with fresh clam having a slight edge over squid. Jigs are working but seem to be getting better results in the northern areas.
The great eastern reef and the Jackspot held some of the bigger bass. The inshore reefs such as the African Queen and Bass Grounds produced bass but many were finicky or undersized. The average creel was about ten keepers per angler. A few boats did report finding very active schools and quick limits, however, that was not the norm. The “Judith M” was out and caught some nice fish for their clients. Capt. Rick Shoaff stated that despite early rough seas the groups caught some fish to bring home for dinner. The groups are beginning to see a few flounder come on board as well. Squid strips and jigs are accounting for many of these flat fish. Big blue fish are also in the area. They will swarm the boat, attacking any hooked fish, so bring up your fish quickly to avoid feeding the hungry predators.
With calmer winds predicted for the coming weeks it is a great time to go out on the headboats for some bass.
Victor Bunting of the “Ocean Princess" said that they finished their last ten hour trips for now and will begin their normal schedule of half day trips. He said the average was around 10 keepers per person on the long trips with a few experienced anglers getting a limit. The six hour trips have been averaging 5-10 keepers which is normal for an inshore trip. Most of the fish are in the 1.5 to 2 pound range. Victor states that clam is out producing squid.
“Double Trouble Charters” brought home some really nice sized sea bass for their clients. Many fish were well over the minimum size and should make a great fillet for dinner. Great job guys!
The “Morning Star” also had a few good trips too. They fish a longer trip than most head boats and therefore fished deeper water. As the water temp warms up the fish will begin to migrate to deeper water.
On the near shore wrecks, I also learned the first inshore mahi have come off the bass pots near the golf course. Although still a bit of a long run, it's good to see the fish starting to come inshore. Last year we saw one of the best years for decent size fish. We normally see very juvenile mahi on the bass pots, however, last year produced several fish that needed to be gaffed at the boat.
Back Bays & Jetties
The backwaters of Ocean City have really warmed up. Flounder, along with sea trout and weakfish have really started to bite the hook. The channels near the inlet are still the hot spot in this report, however, the action behind Assateague Island has really begun to pick up steam. Long squid strips and live shiners are your best bait. I have heard some decent reports of Gulp working well. I also have gotten some reports of spot fish showing up along the docks. Live lining spot for flounder is an excellent way to target the big trophy fish. Spot can be caught along most shallow dock areas with a sabiki rig tipped with squid or Fishbites. They are a hearty bait fish and will live in an aerated 5 gallon bucket for several hours.
Maelon Zadaz Carr was with Michael Giles near the 2nd St. Pier and pulled in an 18 inch flounder. Fin McCabe also got in on the fluke action bringing in an impressive 23.5 inch, 4.76 pounder caught on a perch rig.
John Engler was happy to see the wind die down at the end of the week and got put on the “Reel Chaos”. The crew pulled out several big flounder. “Bay To Beach Guide' reports a mixed bag of fish in the backwaters of Ocean City. Flounder, trout and even a croakers are coming over the rails of his boat.
Several small rockfish are still in the back bays, but if you are Craig Cropper or Shaun Flaherty and fish the Rt. 50 Bridge, then you find big keepers along with slammer blues. David Mylz reported catching an undersized 26”striper from the stone wall near the inlet. That really stinks to be so close to the new size restrictions and come up 2 inches short. A 26 inch fish still puts up a great fight and is an awesome catch. Great job David. Taylor Bakke got a keeper rock at 28.5 inches. His buddy fishing with him, Shaun Flaherty got a 29.5” fish. Then number 3 came in by Jamie Crosby with a 28.5 inch fish. And of course his other friend, Rolano Picard had to pull in the big one measuring just under 31”. With the 3 inch slot catching a keeper has become very difficult. For a group of four each catch a keeper is truly outstanding. The group used jig heads and soft plastics on an outgoing tide.
Many anglers don't know that rockfish stay in our waters near the bridges all summer, but they are very deep in the water column and mainly feed at night. Often, when mates are cleaning fish on the back of the boats, the small schoolie fish will come into the chum slick caused by the discarded fillets. If you see a headboat cleaning fish after a trip casting swim baits a short distance down current of the boat, it will result in hook ups. Most of these fish will be undersized but still a blast to catch on light tackle.
Until next week...
Tight lines and fins up §
