Eastern Marine Fishing / Crabbing Report ~ 09/04/09

Last week at this time we were all cursing the deluge of rain that had dumped upon us and the sticky heat that had accompanied it. The rain had fresh water impoundments turned to a light mocha and the severe temperatures had algae in full bloom, cluttering up what would normally be fishable water. Finally we have been given some blue bird days with lower day and night time temps and little to no wind. This has made a vast improvement for the good in fishing conditions. Joseph Dicarlantonio of New Castle D.E. fished Lum’s Pond and had a dandy Largemouth Bass that he brought to Eastern Marine’s official Delaware Sportfishing Tournament Weigh Station. Joe’s fish measured 21-1/2″ but missed citation honors with a weight of 4 lbs 6oz. Most on hand, Eastern employee or customers who got a gander of Dicarlantonio’s fish waited for the verdict. The length of the fish had onlookers confident the fish would go 5 lbs, the mark needed to receive citation recognition. When this long Largemouth hit the scale, her tail was draped over the side but I noticed she was a little thin in the girth. Joe was twitching a Gary Yamamoto 5″ Senkos in black with blue flake and pumpkinseed with red flake and managed 2 other fish to 3-1/2 lbs as well. Dicarlantonio’s set up featured a Tsunami Classic 7′ medium action rod with a Shimano Callisto baitcasting reel and 10 lb. Suffix Elite monofilament. There are two reasons I’m giving you all of this detail. One is that Joe wanted everybody to know that Eastern Marine is where he got all of his fishing equipment, tackle, and a lot of good information from our staff. The other is that Joe keeps a fishing diary and has logged 184 Largemouth Bass with the recording of these fish we mentioned earlier. Hey Joe, maybe you wouldn’t mind taking me fishing sometime and showing me a thing or two. Congratulations on a stupendous season so far Joe and remember there’s a lot more great fishing still to come folks. Don’t forget about our talk last week, with lower temps the top-water bite will be ferocious.

On the other side of the peninsula Smallmouth Bass in the Susquehanna River have been crushing spinner baits and lipless crankbaits. Go-to color patterns on spinners were white, sexy shad, and variations of blue/gray. Walleyes are starting to show back up at the Conowingo in force and the bite will continue to get better as fall approaches.

Out in the Delaware Bay many stayed off the water with the passing of Tropical Storm Danny and a sketchy report from most the week before. Chriss Vann of Bear D.E was never so happy. “In any direction I looked there was no one, I think Capitan Ernie and I saw 4 boats for most of the day. Vann said the bay turned to a sheet of glass and he couldn’t believe with a tropical storm off the coast how calm it was. Blues were breaking top-water pushing bait to the surface and down below the Flounder were in full force. Vann said he and Capitan Ernie boated 40-50 flounder with six keepers the biggest being 21″. The bait of choice was squid and the drift was a creeper according to Vann. Good job Chriss and Ernie, way to take advantage of what most thought would be a blow out.

Out on the surf most have complained about a slow or even dead summer season in the wash. All but a few! Again Chriss Vann has managed to find fish and you guessed it fellas, this time it’s on the sand. Kingfish, Spot, and Bluefish were all on the menu said Vann. Chriss also got into Sandbar Sharks measuring 4 to 5′ in length and weighing in between 40 -50 pounds. Cut Spot and Bluefish were the baits of choice. Well that’s all I have from the surf but before I move on to some crabbing news just a little insider information on the Chesapeake for those who are willing to travel. I spoke with a guide on the Potomac River and the report was Spanish Macks in massive numbers. For those who have been on the prowl with your Drones and Clark Spoons I know it’s a haul but the Macks are there, this info was received 8a.m. Thursday Sept 3rd.

It appears crabbing is starting to improve. Positive reports are being had at the Chester, Bohemia, and Elk Rivers from more than just 1 or 2 participants. Mike Fontello and Nicole Rollins both of Middletown DE crabbed the Chester River in an undisclosed spot but Mike said he and girlfriend Nicole were in 8-1/2 to 11-1/2′ of water. Mike said all of he and Nicole’s crabs were 7″-8″ in width and were heavy crabs. Langford Creek on the Chester was another location a few crabbers mentioned. Kenny Jeffries has been putting in some time on the Elk River and it’s paid off with trips yielding 1 and 3/4 bushel of crabs on two separate trips. DONT FORGET OUR TIP IN LAST WEEKS BLOG ON CRABBING THE ELK. If you didn’t catch it I suggest checking it out. It’s a real money saver. Well until next week keep your trotline tight and don’t cheap date the bait!