Article by Capt. BJ Pietryak
Hurricane warning rang up and down the coast this week. Many anglers scrambled to get their boats pulled ahead of the storm. As we have seen in the past, mother nature can strike a hard blow and we saw many reports of damaged pilings and docks reported throughout Ocean City.
Sea Bass & Triggerfish
Due to the storm, not many ventured to the deeper wrecks off Ocean City prior to the storm. Reports from those that did was rough seas and fish not willing to bite as well as prior weeks. Some reports from the Bass Grounds did see a few nice keepers taken on clam and squid. After the storm passed, the water was dirty and much harder to catch fish. The seas are subsiding but still carry a nice ground swell. By this upcoming week, fishing should return to normal. Prior to the storm reports of several inshore wrecks holding big numbers of triggerfish were reported. No new reports of triggers have been received since the storm has passed. Croaker were reported prior to the storm at the sewer pipe just outside of Seacrets tower. Again after the storm, croaker seem reluctant to bite. A few triggerfish have been reported from the fishing piers as well as along the 2nd Street bulkhead.
Flounder
Flounder fishing was very strong in the bay areas with many flounder bay boats reporting great catches. I have not received many reports after the storm but fishing should return back to normal by the end of this week and into next. Good catches of flounder on the back areas of Assateague Island were reported prior to the storm and that’s the spot I’ll hit as the water clears. Several small spot are in the bay areas now so when fishing for flounder bring a Sabiki rig with small pieces of red Fishbites or bloodworms to catch a few live and send them down on a circle hook. Spot are like candy to flounder and some of my best catches including fish over 10 lbs. have all come off live spot. Areas near the Rt. 50 bridge and just outside Sunset Marina and the Commercial Harbor are great spots to target these small fish. Just a reminder, if you don't have a boat available, many bay headboats and smaller back bay charters are available.
Sharks,Blues & Skates
Blues are still being caught under the Rt. 50 bridge with the best times being after dark. A few rockfish are also around and this storm may bring more in closer to the bridge seeking refuge. Cut bait and live spot on a three way rig is the best bet. Depending on current 6-8 oz weights should be used. Big sharks are still being caught from piers, boats, and even in the surf at night on cut bait. Rays and skates are being reported by those fishing the beach at night.
Sheepshead
Prior to the storm we had good reports of sheepshead just outside of the inlet in the deep hole however, after the storm, these fish like any are leery to bite. As the water clears, this already leery fish should be more likely to bite. Try downsizing both line and hook to catch these hook shy fish. Small pieces of shrimp have been the go to bait this summer.
Surf Report
With the coming and passing of the storm, the beaches of Ocean City have been very rough. Many regular surf fishermen have taken the week off choosing to re-tie rigs and stay dry. This break should help the fish get more into the bite next week. After a strong storm, the surf is stirred up putting many more nutrients into the water causing fish to gorge. As the water calms and settles, the bite should return to normal. Prior to the storm, several sharks, rays, and blues were being taken on the beaches. Kingfish is the prime focus for many at this time of year and should not be overlooked by those wanting to catch a surf fish.
Clams & Crabs
Clamming should really improve after the storm passes and adds more sand back into the area. A few days may be needed for everything to settle down. Crabbing remains nothing short of fantastic this year, so if you can set those traps or work your hand lines!
So after the yard cleanup is done get out and catch some seafood for dinner...
Tight lines and fins up!
