Fishing Reports by Mike B. at Eastern Marine
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!
Fishing Reports by Mike B. at Eastern Marine
With the dog days of summer upon the North East, it was a steady dose of near 100 degree heat index and gully washer thunder storms for the best part of a ten day stretch. Heavy downpours on a daily basis turned Delaware ponds over repeatedly and left most un-fishable. A few anglers fished the best water they could find in their local stomping grounds on Sunday and for some it paid off. I myself fished Beck’s Pond and literally kept my baits 2-3 feet off the edge and never used more than 16″ of separation between my bobber and the hook. From shore it was the only clear water I could find. My theory played out well with 5 hook up’s, 3 Large Mouth ranging from a pound to a fish I lost at my feet that I was confident went 4-1/2 lbs. My other two fish were Chain Pickerel from 17″ to 22″ long. I was surprised with my success but glad about the decisions I had made and where to fish. The most unbelievable detail to this whole story is that my bait never left an area of about a 10′ foot radius, so help me it’s the truth! A few of our fresh water customers here at Eastern have made comment on the top water bite that’s starting to develop. With the arrival of cooler temperatures in the future, night trips for outstanding top water action will be in full swing. Here at Eastern Marine’s fishing department we have a full line of all the best nighttime fishing lures including: Fred Arbogast black jointed jitterbugs, black Strike King Buzz baits, Hart Spinner Baits in black, Berkley Gulp purple 10″inch worm and Bill Lewis Rat-l-Traps just to name a few. John Lennenbecker also had success at Beck’s Pond. While fishing the point, Johnny wrangled 7 Bluegills on Night Crawlers fishing towards the lily pads. In lower Delaware where the rainfall was milder better news was to be had on Large Mouth, Crappies, Pickerel, and Yellow Perch. Millsboro, Record’s, Wagoman’s and Diamond Ponds were all locations mentioned. With better water clarity anglers could fish these ponds more effectively and Gary Yamamoto Senkos were the go to in Blue with Black Flake in the 5″ version.
With the Hurricane Bill leaving and Dan on the way reports from the Delaware Bay have been schetchy. Many boaters reported catching large amounts of Flounder but most were throwbacks. Dave Singles of Eastern Marine said Brown Shoal was good for him and his crew with 7 keepers in the box. Dave said his big fish was 24-1/2” and that a range of strip baits, minnows and artificials all seemed to work. Good job again too Dave and his crew on another very successful excursion to Brown Shoal. Charter trips on the Delaware Bay from Bowers Beach to Lewes all had a mixed bag of Bluefish, Flounder, Spot and Croakers which seemed to fill most participants coolers. Further up in the Delaware, the Christina River looks like it’s annual late summer to fall run of Striped Bass is just starting to poke its head. Schools of Peanut Bunker and Bullhead Minnows seem to be gathering. John Hinkel of Newark Delaware worked the abutments of the 495 overpass and the old Mills Railroad Bridge and caught Stripers to 8 lbs. Yozuri Peanut Bunker and Bill Lewis rattle baits were the charm as John said with so much bait in the water it was hard to get a fish to commit to his lure. The best reports on bigger Stripers close to home here was at Ship John Light House and the Elbow of the Cross Ledge. Matthew Campbell and his uncle David used fresh Bunker to dial-up Rockfish to 36″ and 2 keeper Flounder, congrats on doing so well and finding that honey hole of yours Matt. The biggest news this week in my opinion was a post I read on Saltfish.net earlier this week. The post stated that the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission said the bio mass of Weakfish is at an all time low. This may lead to a Weakfish moratorium that will be tabled in the immediate future. Although this is not a political forum I have to say that I’ve been concerned for almost 7 years about the population of Delaware’s State Fish (Gray Sea Trout or Scheteauge) which translated from Native Delaware River Indians meant the one with the weak mouth, hence forth Weakfish. I hope this agenda is taken into serious consideration and the right decisions are made. It would be nice to have a trout fishery again!
On the Chesapeake side of the peninsula anglers in search of fish were heading south to the Route 50 bridge and further. Wendell and Richard Clenndening made trips to as far as the Choptank River and did well on Bluefish to 18″ inches, big Norfolk Spot, schoolie Stripers and good size 15″ croakers. Spanish Macks are the target species for the most part right now and Clark Spoons as usual are the key. Getting on top of the Spanish mack’s seems to be the difficult task at hand for now.
On the Crabby side of things St Michaels and the Easton area are offering the best news. Commercial and recreational alike are doing well in the Mid-Bay. Trot lines and traps are both effective for those willing to take the trip. Gill Kirk and Matt Long of Stanton DE set up in 4ft-6ft water and said both trot and basket were working, both (G-Money) Kirk and (Matty-L) Long got their respective bushel of crab. Some good reports have also come from the Bohemia and Elk Rivers. A tip one crabber gave us was when on the Elk stay to the opposite side of the grass bed as it comes in on the incoming tide, it will leave on the same side on the outgoing. Well fellas that’s it for this week but until next report keep your trot line tight and don’t cheap date the bait.
More pictures of recent local fish weighed in at Eastern Marine during May and June 2009.
Richard Krone holding a nice Striper, Shannon Cockrel with a big Drum & Bill Weitzenecker with a citation Hybrid Striped Bass from Lum’s Pond
Fishing Reports by Mike B. at Eastern Marine
With Mother Nature giving us a steady diet of rain, anglers have been a little discouraged about this summers fishing experience. Murky water, pond bottoms being constantly turned over and low fish counts have been a few of the frustrations expressed by Eastern Marine customers. There have been a few silver linings in those dark clouds overhead though.
On the fresh water scene Bill Weitzenecker ventured to Lum’s Pond and caught a splendid 7 lb 15 oz Hybrid Striped Bass that measured 26 -1/2″inches with a 17″ inch girth. Congratulations Bill on your outstanding catch and thanks for your patronage. Larry Guthrie said the Rainbow bite was a little slower in White Clay Creek but he was having good success on Small Mouth Bass using Heddon Tiny Torpedo’s which we stock here at Eastern Marine in all colors and sizes. Larry also said he has relied on Berkley 3″ Trout Worms in a tequila sunrise pattern to combat the fast moving and muddy water when targeting Rainbows. We also stock a full line of Berkley Trout Worms in 9 different colors. You may want to call us and find out when we will be getting our next shipment, because these baits fly of the peg hook. Beck’s Pond has produced some enormous Chain Pickerel. Jeff Short had pictures of Pickerel that he said went 28 inches and folks I was impressed with the girth of these fish. They reminded me more of Northern Pike as opposed to the thinner snake like Chains we normally catch. A trip to Haven Lake was an especially interesting piece of news and I would like to share it with you. An Eastern Marine customer who wished to remain nameless (so his boss wouldn’t find out he was playing HOOKIE) conducted an experiment while having a slow day with his fishing partner, who is also his brother. This point of the story is key due to the fact that both brothers are fiercely competitive, especially with each other. Brother #1 wanted to increase his chances due to the water conditions as we spoke about earlier and purchased a bottle of Berkley Gulp Alive, in the Crawfish scent. Brother #2 scoffs at #1 saying if your technique was as professional as mine you wouldn’t have to blow money trying to keep pace with me. After a slow morning brother #2 had 3 Largemouth to #1’s skunk and the two decided to fish until evening after having a nice lunch. During lunch brother #2 says, ” Why don’t you break out some of that Berkley Gulp Crawfish attractant” and started to laugh loudly. This was when the idea hit brother #1 to truly field test his new purchase. Both brothers 1 and 2 threw exactly the same swim bait in size and color scheme. They both used medium action 6′6″ rods, Shimano 4000 class reels, and 10# monofilament. They even slowly fished the same structure and shoreline. The results were amazing! Brother #2 had to admit that brother # 1 out-fished him 3 to 1. “It was tough watching my brother put it to me like that but we had a deal and I couldn’t get a squirt of that stuff to save my life” My brother kept saying it wont be a true test if we switch up now, while he tried hiding a big cheesy grin. Anyone who is interested in these new Berkley products should come here to Eastern Marine where we have the largest selection of Berkley Power Baits, Gulp & Gulp Alive in the area. I myself was on this bandwagon 3 years ago and never leave for a trip without some representative of this product weather it be fresh or saltwater. This product has my endorsement.
On the salt water side of things news from the upper Delaware Bay has been positive while the lower bay has been a little slow. Anglers fishing the Cross Ledge have gotten into some impressive stripers to the 40″ range while chunking fresh bunker. Matt Campbell and uncle Dave said for this time of the year the fish are long, stout and plentiful on the ledge. Ship John as we spoke in my last blog is still producing good stripers and a few Weakfish. In the lower bay, buoys F and G have been giving good reports out of Mispillion. Out of Lewes the outlook was a bit brighter. Robert Smith Jr. caught Small Black Sea Bass, Trigger Fish and Croakers to 10″inches, hopefully this means we will have a good Croaker run this year in the Delaware Bay. Robert also said he got into some spot while drifting the Lewes area. Verizon Mike went on a trip with the crew of the Karen Sue and hammered enormous white chins. Mike is going to be sending pictures to our store of these Tautog and the biggest is 14 lbs. Congrats Mike and thanks for your report, patronage and willingness to share good fishing news with us here at Eastern. A few anglers also reported some small Weakies out of Lewes near the Hay Stacks. For those interested in slamming big Sea Trout we have live Peeler Crabs in stock all summer long. Nothing gets a big Tide-runners attention like a live peeler!
On the Crabby side of things reports are improving every day. The Tred Avon, Wye and Chester Rivers are giving up crabs. It wont be long now and we will be trotting and potting in our local rivers like the Sassafras and the Bohemia. Jamie White went to the Tred Avon today and collected a bushel and 1/2 of nice 7 3/4″-8 1/2″ crabs. Jamie said a lot of the crabs were nice heavy blackbacks. Barber Bob Whited also crabbed the Tred and managed 3/4 bushel last Saturday and another 1/2 bushel on Sunday. Bob said he was in 9-14 ft of water and his crabs averaged 6+ inches. Greg got 2 bushels while Trot lining in 8-9ft of water on the Chester River. Anyone in need of flats of chicken necks call Eastern Marine on Tuesday mornings and ask for me Mike Bowen and we will special order you what amount you need for next crabbing trip. Orders are placed and pre-paid on Tuesday and pick up is on Fridays.
Out in the ocean on the offshore scene reports of big sharks at B buoy have been received. Some of our customers claimed anglers spent hours and multiple pass offs but to no avail. Rich Krump said they were hooked up before they had a chance to get a good slick working. Rich said fishermen on his boat became dehydrated and cramped after strapping in to what he claims was a Thrasher or an enormous Bull Shark. Yellow fin Tuna are abundant all over the Poor Mans Canyon and are averaging about 40 lbs. Anglers are catching them on the troll with Bally Hoo, Sea Witches and Green Machines. Well until next report lets hope for some good weather and better fishing.
Fishing Reports by Mike B. at Eastern Marine
Over the past two weeks and for even longer we don’t seem to be able to break this cycle of rainy days and cooler than normal temperatures at night. The jet stream is holding a pattern that is usually typical when we have severe winters with unusually heavy snow. Hopefully this will change in the next few days. I’m ready for some warm and sunny summer weather. Although, on the other hand Mother Nature has a way of rewarding us for all this gloominess. How you ask? Lower than normal water temps have kept the Flounder tight to shore and in the skinny water. Reports from Roosevelt Inlet, Cape Henelopen, Indian River, Rehoboth Bay, Indian River Bay, and the Broadkill area have been impressive. The top offerings have been big Bullhead Minnows, bucktails tipped with fresh Shad, and Berkley Gulp 4″ swimming Mullet in the pearl white pattern. Here at Eastern Marine we stock a full line of Berkley Gulp products in 12 ct bags or the Berkley Gulp Alive buckets, we also sell Bullhead Minnows almost year round. Other areas of interest were The Cross Ledge, Elbow of The Cross Ledge, and The Mia Maul. Black Drum even seemed to hang around a little longer than the norm. Shannon Cockrell of Newark Delaware earned a citation honor with a 65 lb. Blackie he caught out at the Pin Top and weighed here at Eastern Marine. Congrats on a fine catch Shannon. A little closer to home we have an awesome Striper bite going on at Ship John Light. Anglers have reported non-stop action on keeper plus size fish. Cut Bunker and peeler crabs are the chunkers bait of choice and at night Weakfish (Sea Trout) are being nabbed on Spec Rigs tipped with peeler, Blakemore Roadrunners, and Berkley Gulp Shrimp in New Penny scheme.
On the fresh water side of things anglers are still having good success on Rainbow Trout in the White Clay Creek. Larry Guthrie scored a citation with a nice 2 lb 9 oz Rainbow. Jeff Short was looking for a whopper leftover trout in Big Elk Creek when he nailed a monster 4 lb. Smallmouth Bass. Jeff was pitching a small soft plastic craw under a branch off of a lay down when the smalley struck. Largemouth Bass have been caught at area local ponds. Becks, Lums, Bellvue State Park and Carousel Farms to name a few. Most anglers are reporting best catches are coming from shiners fished under a bobber. Anyone who reads our blog that has fishing news and would like to share it please feel free to contact me here at Eastern Marine and we will post your information. Well until next time tight lines and hope for some sunshine.
Crabbing reports have been few and far between but the Wye River and Tred Avon have produced near bushel catches of crabs for some. Anyone interested in getting started on crabbing or looking to replace old equipment needs to check out our crabbing supplies on our website CRABBING SUPPLIES. We have everything you need from catching to cooking when it comes to Blue Claw Crabs. “Umm, I can taste em now” When we have more concrete reports on crab locations I’ll be sure to update you then.
Fishing Reports by Mike B. at Eastern Marine
With an ever-changing forecast the outlook for the Memorial Day weekend was a crapshoot at best. But as Friday approached anglers and boaters alike committed to the annual activities out on the water. Quite a few freshwater anglers took advantage of the opportunity to fish for trout with little pressure. With most people headed down to the beach this was the perfect time for real trout enthusiasts to enjoy themselves. As I reported in my last post some big female Rainbows have been weighed in here at Eastern Marine and this week was no different. John Cherniski’s Brown Trout was 2 lb. 1 oz. and 18″ long. John said his brownie fell for a Butter Worm. Sam Palermo of Newark fished White Clay Creek and stuck a dandy 2 lb. 5 oz. Rainbow that was 17″ in length. Sam’s fish was taken on Red Mealy Worm. Jeff Taviano of Wilmington also fished White Clay and weighed in a Rainbow that was 2 lb. 8 oz. Butter Worms also did the trick for Jeff. The biggest trout of the week was caught by Mike Langille of Newark who’s Rainbow was an impressive 3 lb. 8 oz. and a lengthy 19-1/2 inches. Congrats to all of you fella’s on your fine catches. The Delaware River produced some citation fish this week as well. Reedy Point was good for Jimmy McCay. Jimmy brought a monster 12 lb. 12 oz. Channel Cat to Eastern that measured 27 inches. Jimmy was using a new product we presently have here at Eastern Marine, that’s made by Eagle Claw, called Catfish Nuggets. It comes in a variety of flavors, Strawberry, Anise, Crawfish, and our biggest seller Whuppass. It’s a generous portion that comes in a resalable bag and can be refrigerated. This keeps mom happy and the house fisherman as well and at $4.95 a bag it’s a bargain. I’m telling you guys that like to tangle with big whisker fish this stuff is dynamite! The ladies played an important role in fishing news over the holiday weekend as well. Linda Ricks fished the C & D Canal for White Perch and nailed a mongo 1 lb. 4 oz. black back that measured 13″ and Brenda Schafferman of New Castle fished Battery Park using Bloodworms and fooled a big 9 lb. Channel Cat that tapped out at 25-1/4″. Remember although our sale is over we still have the cheapest Bloodworms on the Delmarva Peninsula at $7.99 @ dozen. Last but not least on the River scene is Vinnie Forte. For the second week in a row Vinnie has brought multiple large Striped Bass in to be weighed. Collins Beach provided a good bite for Vinnie and Crew aboard the ‘Dynamite’ which had fish 36″ plus to over 22 lbs.
The annual Lewes Flounder Tournament was this past weekend and the turn out was phenomenal according to George Long of Eastern Marine. Anglers drifted the Lewes Rehoboth Canal and Broadkill River as far up as Oyster Rocks Road. A flat fish in the 5 lb. range took first place honors and that was a big surprise for me considering the number of doormat flatties that have been caught this season so far. Great reports keep coming from Indian River and the surrounding bays, Cape Henlopen, and the surf just north of the Inlet. Bucktails tipped with strip bait such as Hickory Shad, squid, and chicken soaked in peeler oil did the trick for many anglers. Out in the Ocean things were quiet for the most part but a few bits of interesting news did surface. Dennis Muhlenforth fished aboard the ‘Atlantic Star’ out of New Jersey on a Tile Fish trip out to the Muddy Bottom. In 700 ft of water Dennis hooked up with an enormous 44 lb. Tile he snookered into taking a Tsunami Squid with a strip of Bluefish belly. Muhlenforth also stated that the Jersey State Record was broken on this same trip as well with a 59 lb. 3 oz. Tile fish. For those that are off-shore enthusiasts I encourage you to check out this line of Tsunami Squid Jigs here at Eastern Marine. We stock a full line of Tsunami Squid Jigs in a variety of weights and color schemes. The first Tuna, ( yes I said Tuna!) report of the year was provided by long time Eastern customer Bill Jagers. Bill was trolling 91 miles out in between the Washington and Norfolk Canyons when a rod went off. Bill said they had a small Bluefin Tuna to the boat approximately 100 lbs. and just couldn’t get a gaff on it. It was the only tuna action Bill said he had all day. Well, until next time tight lines and catch em up fella’s.
More pictures of recent local fish weighed in at Eastern Marine during the 2nd week of May.
Fishing Reports by Mike B. at Eastern Marine
With the deluge of rain over the last week of April and not much better for the first week of May, there was little information to convey over the past 10 days. A combination of sustained rain and wind made it tough on anglers through out the duration. Those that fished the fresh water side of things faced high banks and swift moving current in White Clay Creek according to trout fisherman. There were a few bright notes though. Antonio Nova of Elkton MD fished White Clay Creek and brought a 4 lb 5oz and 3 lb 10oz pair of Rainbows to be weighed in at Eastern Marine. Richard Frye, also of Elkton, managed a hefty 22-1/2” 4 lb 12oz Rainbow Trout from White Clay as well. Between Hopkins and Thompson’s Bridge in fast moving water is where Richard Campbell of New Castle DE said he caught all his big fish. Richard stuck a beautiful 4 lb 12oz Rainbow Trout that he and I both agreed should be mounted just due to its outstanding markings. Those that fished the ponds also said water clarity was murky at best and the bottoms were churned up as a result of the heavy rains. Lums Pond did produce for Gary Syvy of Newark DE in more ways than one. Syvy received State Citations for a 1 lb 10oz White Crappie and a 5 lb 4oz Large Mouth Bass. Congratulations to all of these anglers and their fine catches, especially in those tough conditions. Pictures of these fish can be seen at the Eastern Marine showroom bait board.
Out on the Delaware Bay the clamor was about Tautog and anglers geared up for the final weekend of Tog season before it closed on May 12th. Reports of stout 8 lb white chins were not uncommon. Most anglers raved about their success claiming some of the biggest Tog they have ever seen and in a lot of cases ever caught. Big females dominated the coolers of most I talked to. Anglers such as Freddie Quashne and Chris Vann both had citation size catches in their coolers. Hopefully this week we will have some good information on the Black Drum bite out of Slaughters, I already have guys ordering fresh surf clams and if you need details on how to special order bait here at Eastern Marine call me at (302) 737-6603 and ask for Mike Bowen. Until next time tight lines and catch’em up.
Vinnie Forte with nice Delaware River Striper
Vinnie Forte with a nice Delaware River Striper that weighed 22 lbs 12oz. Forte caught the big linsider while fishing at the pipes near Augustine Beach using Bloodworms.
Fishing Reports by Mike B. at Eastern Marine
When I last reported the outlook forecast was brilliant. Temperatures in the 80’s and sunshine for the duration of the weekend. It seemed no one could wait to get out and fish in some real summer-like weather, me included. Well, we got some summer-like temps alright. I was glad I had a change of lighter clothing when it started to get a little uncomfortable on Sunday afternoon, the mercury was registering 90 in Delaware City. Quite a few customers at Eastern Marine said they too found themselves peeling off layers as temperatures spiked. Those that dressed lightly in the morning were one step ahead of the game. I assure you there is nothing worse than leaving a good bite because you have to run to the parking lot to dress down on account of the heat. I was a victim of that this past Sunday. Although it was hot, plenty of good reports poured in over the weekend.
On the fresh water side of things, Thursday the 23rd was a stocking day for White Clay Creek. Brown Trout were the variety stocked and anglers seemed pleased with what they observed being released by Fish and Wildlife agents. Larry Gutherie fished Hopkins Bridge and recorded 5 Browns which were all in the 2 lb. class. Larry said most of his fish were caught on Berkley Trout Worms. Larry throws the 3″ size in a variety of colors: Pink Shad, Bubblegum, plain white and Chartreuse. Whether you float them or jig them, I can attest these are a must for any trout fisherman’s fanny pack. Here at Eastern Marine we stock 9 different colors and supplies don’t last long after hitting the shelf. If you’re interested in a certain color, give us a call or stop in and see our whole new line of Berkley Power Baits, Berkley Gulp, and Berkley Gulp Alive buckets with regenerating formula. The regenerating formula allows you to put already used baits back in the bucket to re-enhance. John Lenenbecker fished Pencader Plaza Pond and had a mixed bag of Largemouth Bass, Chain Pickerel, Blue Gills, and White Crappie. Johnny said most fish were caught on shiners and Fat Head Minnows floated under a bobber. The Crappie bite was on in several area ponds. Becks Pond, Lums, Records, and McGinnis Ponds all gave favorable results. The go to bait of course was Fat Head Minnows. For those that are not familiar with our bait selections we also carry different sizes of Fat Head Minnows. So whether it be Brown Trout in the White Clay, Crappie at None Such Creek, or Largemouth Bass at Becks Pond we have just the right size minnow for your next fishing excursion.
Out on the Delaware River, the Striper bite seemed to scramble. Previously reliable locations did not produce for many customers I chatted with, but other areas that had been vacant of activity sprang to life in a major capacity. Jim Mosuly and Ed Powell headed out to Sam Greens Beach on Friday and Saturday and had great results. With a mixed bag of 10 shorts ranging from 24-26″ during the day and a night bite on an outgoing tide that yielded 4 Stripers 32, 34, 35, and 36 inches. Mosuly said all of his big fish came at night and all were caught on fresh bunker. John and Mary Shaffer ventured from Dover DE to Delaware City anticipating good Striper action and they couldn’t have hit the nail any more perfect. The Shaffers landed Stripers to 36 inches and 18 lbs. John exclaimed the bite was on all day. “From the time we got there at 9:00 am, a dead low tide until 6:00 pm that evening Stripers were hitting.” Mary said Bloodworms were the hot lick for the hefty linesiders.
On the Chesapeake the same tale was told. Previous reliable locations just didn’t seem to pan out. But for anglers who were willing to move around results were better. Jeff Vickers plugged the eastern side of the Susquehanna Flats on Friday the 24th and walloped rockfish 41, 50, and 54 inches. Jeff was sitting in 4 feet of water and slinging a 5″ Rapala X-Rap in olive back pattern. Vickers said it was an evening bite from 3:00 pm til 7:00 pm and the water temperature was 59 degrees. George Weber fished the Flats as well and dialed up some beautiful rockfish over the last half of the week. Thursday, George took a night trip he said was spotty at best. 12 fish caught the largest being 34 lbs. George said he was on the hook most of the night fishing with bait but did drift to relocate fish from time to time. Friday Weber and crew headed out for a late evening-early night trip and caught as many as 50 rock on Rat-L-Traps with their biggest fish being 48 lbs. Saturday was an early morning trip for George this time he drifted with jigs and soft plastic. His crew landed many schoolies until the sun got too high. Chartreuse Road Runners 3/8 oz. with 4″ white twister tail and a Chrome Zebra Rat-L-Trap outfished everything else. Thanks for your outstanding report Mr. Weber.
There was a little more to talk about on the salt water side of things this week. Tautog was a hot topic of conversation in the fishing department this week at Eastern Marine. Many anglers wanted to get out and fish the Outer Wall, Reef sites 6 and 7 and a few other locations before the season closes on May 12th. Chris Vann went on a head boat out of Bowers Beach and reported great fishing with Tautog up to 8 1/2 lbs. Chris said he also saw the biggest Tautog of his life get dropped overboard by another passenger, Chris estimated the big white chin to go 10 lbs. Johnny Justinson and Rich Krone fished the Outer Wall and both had Tautog to 20 inches. Hey fellas don’t forget Bloodworms will be on sale at Eastern until May 10th for just $6.99 a dozen and when the bite gets tough, it’s just the thing to break the ice and remove that white stripe! So until next time, tight lines and catch ‘em up.
