Article by Capt. BJ Pietryak
Despite a few storms this week, the nearshore reefs and coral teemed with sizable fish. The back bays continue to yield some large flounder, along with rockfish and blues making their appearances along the night rocks.
The sheepshead activity at the Icebreaker Walls in the Delaware Bay is gaining momentum, resulting in several sheepshead weighing around ten pounds.
Many anglers are presently out scouting their locations for the upcoming Paradise Grill Flounder Pounder Tournament set to commence on Wednesday the 16th, so expect to see more boats on the bays this week!
Nearshore Reefs & Coral
This year has witnessed an exceptional burst of life in the nearshore coral and reefs, resulting in some of the most consistent and high-quality fish we've seen in years. This past week was no exception.
The Old Ground remains the primary hotspot, especially within depths ranging from 65 to 110 feet. These zones are optimal for targeting flatfish this time of year, and Gulp bait stands as the preferred choice for many. The early hours of the day have proven more productive due to reduced boat traffic, which tends to escalate after 11 am. After that the Old Grounds look more like a parking lot for boats than they do ocean structure.
On the charter boat "Katydid" based at Lewes Harbour Marina, the sight of flounder limits was common. Throughout the past week, anglers on this vessel consistently reached their limits, occasionally landing some substantial doormats. Several participants even surpassed their personal bests in catching fluke. For instance, Kris Groszer from Lewes captured a massive 23-inch, 4.01 lb. fluke using squid while fishing aboard the "New Beginnings" at the NJ/DE reef. Another impressive catch occurred when Jack McLaughlin, aboard the "Grizzly" on Wednesday, proudly returned with his personal best fluke weighing 7.5 pounds. The phenomenon of landing sizable fish has defined this season, not merely limited to the "Grizzly" but extending to multiple charter and private boats.
Chris Eastburn and his group, who also chartered the "Grizzly", managed to secure 28 keepers, with the largest weighing 6 pounds. This trip coincided with Captain Carey's birthday, adding to the celebratory mood. Another notable catch came from Mike Strain, who returned this week with a cooler filled with fluke, including several weighing over 4 pounds. Dave Popocich contributed to the haul with a striking spotted fluke weighing 7 pounds, caught using a Magic Tail baited with Gulp. Justin Reed exhibited his prowess in reeling in Gulp favoring fish from ocean structures, the largest of which measured 29 inches, promising an exquisite dinner.
On the "Jay Sea 2," Bill Henry, Buckaloo and their crew embarked on a fluke fishing venture on Wednesday. Despite a sluggish start, the bite picked up momentum after a tide change, leading to a successful haul and the boy’s ready for some Rum Punches and Bloody Marys! Kudos to Captain Jamar for his outstanding efforts.
A memorable milestone was reached as Jim School secured his first flounder, an impressive five-pounder, which could potentially spoil him for regular keeper-sized fish. Abby Riddel from New Castle used minnows at the Old Grounds to catch a beautiful 23.5-inch, 4.5-pound fluke.
Meanwhile, Julie Mister celebrated the capture of her personal best 4-pound flounder from the Delaware Bay, employing squid and pink shine Gulp. This is notable given how much she fishes! Justin Reed maintained his fishing streak, landing several high-quality fish from the ocean the previous week, yielding a wealth of fish, with half measuring over 20 inches.
Team Wolf Pack marked a triumphant day on the "Nostalgia," about 15 miles off IR, boasting a deck laden with delectable flatfish.
The "Yahoos" made their presence felt by returning with 24 flatties after a productive day on the ocean, including the largest one weighing 5 pounds. The group was out prospecting for the upcoming Flounder Pounder Tournament.
As for the "Reel Chaos," it made waves with a series of substantial catches this past week. Employing green bucktails tipped with squid and Gulp proved successful, as Kevin McNelis and his friends reeled in a good number of doormats. Summing up the experience, Kevin remarked, “life doesn't get any better than this.” Notable catches also came from Anthony, Aiden and Tara, who shared a few splendid flounder they landed last Monday at Lewes Icehouse Bait & Tackle.
A significant achievement for Kelly Wilkinson Lysinger as she netted her first-ever mackerel while trolling the nearshore humps. The spanish mackerel population has flourished, marking one of the most prosperous seasons in years.
The Fenwick Shoals are a hub of activity, with numerous fish eagerly engaging with trolled spoons. The shoals have also attracted a few wahoo and cobia. A friendly reminder about the impending Flounder Pounder Tournament, which will undoubtedly fill the local coral grounds and wrecks with a flotilla of boats.
Back Bays & Inlet
August has ushered in relatively mild weather during these "dog days of summer," as reported by Old Inlet Tackle. Daytime incoming tides have brought about sporadic snapper blues and spanish mackerel bites. Nighttime excursions have yielded better bluefish results, given their affinity for the lights at the Coast Guard station. For those seeking these fish, cut bait, swim jigs, and surface poppers have proven to be the most effective baits. Noteworthy mentions include the presence of togs and sheepshead along the rocks, and the anticipated appearances of black drum and triggerfish.
When it comes to inlet fishing for flounder, a strategic approach involving lead heads and Gulp baits in close proximity to the rocks has shown promising results. While the cut near the VFW has produced commendable flounder, high traffic and fishing activity have somewhat subdued the fish's willingness to bite.
Along the outer wall of the Delaware Bay, Ian Wilson, Jason Wilson, and Scott Garlock ventured out with sand fleas, resulting in a successful haul of sheepshead and triggerfish. This past week, the Outer Wall and Icebreakers have notably started to yield sheepshead catches.
Until Next Week…
Tight Lines and Fins Up! §
