Freshwater Fishing Report – 04/16/09 Delaware / Maryland

Fishing Reports by Mike B. at Eastern Marine

Again, after what appeared to be a warming trend at the end of last week, the cold nights, wind and eventually the rain seemed to put a damper on fishing in the Delaware River. Some consistent temperatures and average night temps would really get the Striper bite in gear. Let’s hope for better weather fellas. Although most had little to say, some had positive news. Vinnie Forte reported another boat at the pipes landed a massive 40″ inch plus rockfish while he was fishing the same area. Anglers who visited Governor Bacon Point were also not disappointed with their results. Outgoing tides produced fish in the 32-34″ range, that weighed in to 15-1/2 lbs. The one consistent report that I keep getting is JUMBO White Perch and MONSTER Channel Catfish. Chris Vann did a night trip to Dobbensville Beach and said he snagged some schoolie stripers but the best action of the night were some heavy channels. Johnny Lennebecker fished Battery Park and nailed a humongous Channel Cat that tipped the scales at 12 lbs, Johnny said the big cat fell for a Bloodworm on a fish finder rig. Oh by the way, here at Eastern Marine, our Bloodworm sale will be in effect until May 10th and they are only $6.99@ dozen. Even with the kind of weather we are having the White Perch reviews are fantastic. Both recreational and commercial anglers alike, here at Eastern Marine have all had the same thing to say, “what about the numbers, length, and girth of this years White Perch run. Citations for White Perch in the 12-1/2 to 14″ range, weighing up 1-5/8 lbs have been common this spring.

On the other side of the peninsula fishing was better. Excellent reports of quality catch and release Striped Bass were abundant. Several locations and techniques all seemed to produce. Turkey Point was good to Joe Morino, son Jason, and cousin Marshall, who all landed Rockfish 34-37 lbs on a mix of Herring and Bloodworms. Sandy Point produced a nice striper for Chris Brown of Eastern Marine who fished a mix of cut herring while throwing jigs and soft plastic. A picture of Chris and his striper is on this blog, way to hook them run offs up Chris! Lapidum and Port Deposit Maryland, just as last year, seem to be two special points of interest and this spring has been no different so far. Anglers live-lining Herring or using fresh cut Herring are having good success. Tyler Nonn of Elkton, MD. was kayaking around Port Deposit live lining a Herring and hooked up with a fish he could not control. Tyler is a very accomplished angler who works as a guide in Alaska and Canada for salmon and trout, he cut his teeth and grew up on the Suskie, need I say more! Nonn has caught 50 lb stripers before and said this fish was unstoppable. Congrats on every ones fine catch, until next time tight lines and catch ‘em up.