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.
Fishing Reports by Mike B. at Eastern Marine
Well, the weather shaped up a little for last weekend and for once we had some break out news for the Delaware fishing side of things. Several Delaware sport-fishing tournament citations were issued at Eastern Marine this week. Father and sun duo Thomas and Jack Oliver sleighed monster Channel Cats in the Christiana River. Tom’s catty weighed in at 11 lbs. even and 31” in length. Son Jack’s channel catfish was 6 lb. 9 oz. and both received citation honors. Thomas said each catfish fell for Bloodworms fished on a top and bottom rig with an incoming tide.
On the non-tidal scene of fresh water, things couldn’t have been better. Reports came in of big Crappie at Lums Pond, good size Chain Pickerel at Penn Cader Plaza, and plenty of nice Brown and Rainbow Trout in White Clay Creek. Jack Fersch fished Lums Pond and brought a nice White Crappie to the scales that weighed 1 lb. 8oz. The big female would have definitely gone more but she had just roed out and still had signs of foiled belly. Fersch said the crappie fell for a twitch bait while he was bass fishing and another slightly smaller Crappie smacked a 3/8 oz. spinner bait. Although Lums gets a bad rap about being fished out and over pressured, I have to say we still issue quite a few citation fish from Lums every spring, most of which are cited and returned to the pond due to our close proximity. At White Clay Creek, Paul Bartelt of Newark did well on Rainbow Trout with an 18” 2 lbs. 2oz. fish, congratulations Paul on your fine catch. The biggest news of the week was the annual Café Local Delaware-Pennsylvania fish off on the Delaware River, Sunday the 19th of April. Participants fished both north and south of the canal and results were fantastic. First place honors were awarded to Chris Vann who landed 9 stripers up to 40’’ long. Second place was given to Stan (THE MAN) Renowski who hauled a pretty 36” 20 pounder to shore and Jimmy Peel won the Calcutta with an impressive 41-½” linesider. Thanks to Chris Vann for his repot on this MSSA event and all of those who were involved that I may have failed to mention. For those that don’t know about the MSSA, I will speak with Chris and find out what enrollment process there is. I believe this is a good organization for all recreational anglers to look in to.
On the other side of the peninsula the MSSA North Bay Chapter had their annual White Perch tournament. Jim Decker won top honors with a dandy 10-3/4” whitey. Larry Gibecks perch measured 10-1/4”, good enough for second place and Margret Freeman placed third with a 10 incher. MSSA meetings for the Northern Bay Chapter are on the last Wednesday of the month at Pier One Restaurant in North East Maryland. Dinner is at 6:00 p.m. and the speakers start afterwards at 7:00 p.m. I encourage all those whose who view this to check-out the MSSA chapter in your local area.
To finish up with some other Upper Bay info, the Striper bite has been phenomenal on the flats. Bruce Crissocoulo hammered trophy sized Stripers to 46” on Still Waters Poppers and Bill Lewis Rat-L-Traps in chrome and blue. The plug and top water bite are on the Susquehanna Flats in force fellas. Turkey Point is still producing big Strippers and jumbo White Perch. Although numbers and locations are kept on the down low, many customers are having favorable results. With a forecast in the 80’s for the coming weekend and no rain in sight this weekend should shape up for the a great time fishing. Until next report tight lines and good fishing.
More pictures of recent Trout weighed in at Eastern Marine during the 3rd week of April.
Robert Marshal with 37 in. Delaware River Striper
Robert Marshall brought 2 dandy stripers to the scales at Eastern Marine. The bigger fish weighed in at 22-3/4 lbs and 37″ long. Bob was fishing at Reedy Point, Delaware with fresh cut bunker when he landed the pair of rockfish.
Fishing Reports by Mike B. at Eastern Marine
On the salt water side of things, news got better. Reports of Stripers at Brown Shoal and Indian River Inlet were positive. Cut Bunker and Bloodworms were the preferred Striper baits at Brown Shoal and Bomber, Mega, Rebel, and Yozuri plugs at night from the rocks produced at Indian River. Flounder were also on the menu. George Long of Eastern Marine got wind of some Flounder at the Indian River Inlet and checked out his sources over the weekend. George brought 5 Flounder to the boat measuring up to 20” inches and about 3 lbs. George said he was using a combination of Berkley Gulp and large strips of Trolling Squid. The 4” Swimming Mullet in Pearl White and Chartreuse were the go to Gulps. Any one interested in purchasing the Berkley Gulp Alive buckets can find them here at Eastern Marine and soon to be on our website, just in time for Summer Flounder fishing. Well I’m praying for some warm weather just like the rest of you all. A nice day on the boat, river, and surf are all just ahead. Good luck and tight lines.
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.
