Offshore hurricane puts a hit on great fishing conditions

The canyon and offshore fishing off the Jersey and Delaware coasts had been going great guns over the past couple of weeks, then that hurricane out in the ocean put a clamp on any boats intending to get out there Thursday and Friday and possibly even Saturday. By the time you are reading this the storm has headed for parts unknown and the seas have quieted down and the big guys have started back out there.

Prior to the choppy waters there were all sorts of good reports. Of course, the various tuna family members made up the bulk of the catch, but there also were some billfish, including blue marlins taken. Then, toss in an assortment of other popular offshore species, such as mahi, king mackerel, bonito, false albacore and down deep the tile fish. The closer you get to shore you also may hookup some slammer bluefish. I would think anywhere from the 28 Mile Wreck to the Cigar should get you some blues.

Anglers hitting the artificial reefs are finding some summer flounder and plenty of black sea bass. Just remember, there is a two sea bass limit currently in Jersey waters.

Speaking of summer flounder, by now you would expect the bulk of them would have moved out of the serene waters of the back bays in favor of the deeper offshore areas. While, that has happened, there remain an unusually large number of flatties in the back. And, some of these are doormat size. I have reports of fish over 7-pounds and many running from 4-to-5 pounds. My recommendation is to seek out the deeper holes where the water probably is a bit cooler.

If you enjoy fishing from the jetties you can expect to find good numbers of triggerfish and sheepshead hiding in the rocks. Out on the piers and beaches the kingfish is king. Bloodworms are the key to success.

And then, there is something else lurking out there that will test your tackle and skill as an angler. That something else would be huge sting rays. These are powerful giants and can have a wingspan over 5 feet. Should you be fortunate enough to get one to your boat or into the surf the best thing to do is cut it off. They don’t call it a stingray for nothing!

A word for you surf anglers. There have been several reports of Portuguese Man-O-War jellyfish showing up along some of the beaches from Long Beach Island to Cape May. Take it from me, leave it alone. Even if it is dead, their venom-laced tentacles can get you. Some years ago one got me around the ankles while I was surf fishing in North Carolina. I thought I was on fire even as I was standing in the water. It took well over a year for the scars to finally fade away. If you see one of the sand or in the wash notify a lifeguard if one is in the area.

ACROSS THE BAY » The Lewes Canal is the place to be if you are looking for summer flounder. White Gulp seems to be working best. Now, honestly, you will hook-up almost countless shorts but every oncein-a-while a genuinely nice keeper will find your hook. In the same area of the canal there are some slot stripers hiding.

Sea bass are the hot items in the ocean at Site 11 and the DelJersey Reef. I expect there are also some flounder out there to keep them company.

As with New Jersey, the offshore fishing for tuna and mahi has been excellent but there is that gap of a few days for the rough waters caused by the hurricane.

And, like Jersey, the Delaware crabbers are taking advantage of a really great blue claw season.