Early summer weather making up for nasty spring
One of the nastiest springs on record is now behind us and so far the early summer weather seems to be making up for what we lost in April, May and June. The shore continues to have some issues with the wind but nothing like earlier. Just be careful because there seems to be a tendency for the breeze kick-up around 2 o’clock in the afternoon.
Now that more boats are making their way to the canyons all signs indicate this is going to be an above average offshore fishing year. The canyons to the south of Jersey, the Baltimore and Poor Man’s, seem to be the liveliest but there are fish in the closer deeps, such as the Wilmington. Some anglers with strong backs or electric reels are enjoying fishing for tilefish. These are deep water critters, usually found in 300 or more feet, thus the electric reels or broomstick type rods.
Tuna are the hot numbers right now, especially yellowfin. There are some big eye and bluefin out there but they are being far outnumbered by the yellowfin. I haven’t heard much about billfish yet but there are some good reports about mahi and mako sharks.
I suppose you have seen that video of a pretty big Great White devouring a chum bag hung out by some mako anglers off central Jersey a week or so ago. That was pretty impressive and it brings back that old “You’re gonna need a bigger boat” memory.
Actually, Great Whites are not that rare off our coast but they seem to prefer remaining quite far offshore so they don’t present much of a danger to our bathers. Just remember that the Whites are federally protected and you will be in very serious trouble if you harm one.
Closer to shore the reefs and wrecks seem to be loaded with ling and summer flounder. Fish the deeper water, say around 125 feet.
Kingfish continue to reign along our beachfronts and inlets. Last year was quite good for the kings but this season looks like it easily will surpass the number caught in 2018. Bloodworms are the key. You also could find some smaller weakfish as well.
The back bays and rivers and creeks are yielding some summer flounder, small stripers and perch. Just be prepared for a lots of undersized flatties.
ACROSS THE BAY
The Old Grounds turned on abut two weeks ago and it remains the place to be for summer flounder limits. Some ling and sea bass also are living there.
Most of the big boats are heading to the Poor Man’s and Baltimore Canyons for the excellent yellowfin fishing. The mahi also are quite abundant and a few big eye tuna have shown up.
On the Delaware and Maryland beaches the story is kingfish and small sharks A few perch, tailor blues and sea trout also are there taking the bloodworm bait used by most anglers. Indian River Inlet’s action is mostly at night and most for stripers.
The lower bay has an aquarium of species swimming around. Anglers are reporting triggerfish, kingfish, croakers, spot, flounder and blues. With that many different fish around most any bait you use will get you a bite. Around the Cape Henlopen State Park you can find spot and flounder. There also are flounder in the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal and Broadkill. But, the Broadkill beach has been slow in the past week.