Fishing Report

Delaware State Parks Fee Season to Begin March 1 DOVER (Feb. 27, 2013) – DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation reminds visitors to Delaware’s state parks that entrance fees will be collected beginning March 1. The fee season extends until Nov.30. Revenue generated from park entrance fees is used to manage 16 state parks and more than 26,000…

From DNREC The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park to close for 2013 beachnesting season LEWES (Feb. 26, 2013) The Point at Cape Henlopen State Park, including a stretch of ocean beach and dunes, and a half mile along the bay shoreline, will close beginning Friday, March 1, for the benefit of piping plovers, oystercatchers, least…

On March 4th we will have EJ Chalabala from the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays give a presentation on their Shellfish Aquaculture Initiative, about bringing an Aquaculture industry to Delaware and how the shellfish (Oysters and Clams) will help to clean the water in the Inland Bays. He will also talk about the Oyster Gardening Program and…

ASMFC Atlantic Herring Section Sets Specifications for 2013 – 2015   Alexandria, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s Atlantic Herring Section has set the annual catch limit (ACL) for the 2013 – 2015 fishing seasons at 107,800 metric tons (mt), an 18% increase from 2010 – 2012 limits. For all three years, the ACL is further…

The last few days have been freakishly warm out, and the beach was beautiful, it even smelled like summer.  Kristen Kemper was on 3R's and Fenwick Island beaches.  She found more cool driftwood than she caught fish.  She did find an interesting piece of wood that was part of an old ship.  It has little historical value, according to the folks…

Yesterday at Massey's Landing I noticed the floating docks were missing.  There is one dock remaining at the boat ramp and the courtesy dock has been removed as well.  Today I contacted John Clark of DNREC, he told me the docks were removed for maintenance, and should be back in place in about 2 weeks.  There are broken cleats, and a few worn…

Tomorrow night at Old Bay Steakhouse 5:30 p.m. is our Monday meeting for the DSF Fishing club ... tomorrow night's subject will be ... What to call this besides a club. Possibly a "fishing Forum" or "Cafe", Club always comes with a set "tone" ... As you know DSF is very innovative, so we are looking for something to set our own "tone" ... I…

DNREC accepting grant proposals through Feb. 28 for surface water project planning DOVER (Jan. 25, 2013) – The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control’s Division of Watershed Stewardship is now accepting project proposals from state, county and municipal governments and governmental subdivisions for matching grants…

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MOUNT HOLLY NJ 343 PM EST THU JAN 24 2013 DEZ001>004-MDZ008-012-015-019-020-NJZ016>027-PAZ070-071-102-104- 106-250900- /O.NEW.KPHI.WW.Y.0004.130125T2100Z-130126T0600Z/ NEW CASTLE-KENT-INLAND SUSSEX-DELAWARE BEACHES-CECIL-KENT MD- QUEEN…

Sorry we have been kind of quiet, I have been dealing with broken vehicles, sick as a dog, and going through videos and pictures of last year.  Wow, did I take a lot of pictures, and I have yet to look on the external drives.  I took 2 days just to go through 5 months worth.  Not much has been happening fishing, and I missed going to…

Division of Fish and Wildlife announces revised trout fishing regulations, new options for catching invasive snakeheads   DOVER (Jan. 17, 2013) – Revised non-tidal fishing regulations have been published in January’s Delaware Register of Regulations and became effective on Jan. 11, the DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife recently announced. The…

ASMFC Begins Preparations for New Tautog Benchmark Stock Assessment   Arlington, VA – This spring, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission will begin work on the 2014 benchmark stock assessment for tautog (Tautoga onitis).  The assessment will be used to evaluate the health of the tautog stock and inform the management of this species.…

The weather warmed up over the weekend, not like it was predicted in some cases, but it was still decent.  There were a lot of folks coming this way to go for the striped bass that have been showing.  Keepers were pulled from the rail, rock piles, the bays, and out front on the troll.  There are shorties everywhere.  It was very foggy every…

This is dedicated to my Uncle, Jim Davies, whom passed suddenly this morning.  I am going to miss him, and wish I had more time to see him. It has been an eventful few days to say the least.  The fishing has picked back up thanks to temperatures increasing and baitfish availability, something that has also increased.  Every time I am at the…

ASMFC Initiates First Coastwide Stock Assessment of Black Drum Data Sought for Assessment Arlington, VA – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has begun work on the first coastwide stock assessment of black drum. The assessment will evaluate the health of the black drum stock and will be used to inform fishery management…

Please find below and attached the preliminary agenda and public comment guidelines for the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission's 2013 Winter Meeting in Alexandria, Virginia. The agenda and guidelines are also available at http://www.asmfc.org/winter2013Mtg.htm. The final agenda and meeting materials will be posted to the website by…

Delaware to open recreational black sea bass season on Jan. 1, 2013 DOVER (Dec. 27, 2012) – Following a Dec. 13 vote by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, of which Delaware is a member state, the recreational black sea bass season will open in Delaware coastal waters on Jan. 1, 2013. Federal waters, which are located 3 miles…

Striped bass are always around, we have resident bass that live in the bays.  Our buddy Dave caught a 28 inch summer flounder on a fly the other day.  He was shocked to catch one that large, this late, and on a fly.  He was getting some striped bass fishing in during vacation.  Drop shot on a 3 way swivel with a fly on a 3 foot leader, what …

I meant to post this last week, sorry gang, it is not the end of the world.  I honestly thought we posted the results of Bill's Sport Shop's Striper Tournament.  After several weeks of constant fishing, and meeting at Irish Eyes for dinner on Friday nights.  The eager winners were announced, and awarded their prizes.  I was taking pictures, and…

This report is dedicated to the memory of Rich Magee, he will be sorely missed by many of us in the surf.  We are still in shock over his passing.  He was an incredibly nice person, and very non-pretentious   I will miss seeing him on the beach and around "campus".  Our condolences go out to his family and friends.... The other day I dropped…

The surf was beautiful today, according to everyone I didn't get to meet out there.  I missed hanging OTW Sand Sticks, and You Snead This Gear in the surf.  Chris Barton caught a bunch of skates, and Jason Snead found a shark tooth. He posted the picture, and everyone decided it was a sand shark.  Chris Fortner said "Looks like a sand shark…

ASMFC Approves Atlantic Menhaden Amendment 2 Baltimore, MD – The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has approved Amendment 2 to the Interstate Fishery Management Plan for Atlantic Menhaden. The Amendment establishes a 170,800 MT total allowable catch (TAC) beginning in 2013 and continuing until completion of, and Board action on, the next…

I have been trying to find the time all season to catch up with Captain Chuck Cook owner of First Light Charters, when he has time to do a little fishing.  Like my new job, his job charter fishing, doesn't allow for any "personal" time when one fishes.  Unless of course you both get in a boat, ignore the phones, and go for the morning.  I met…

This was sent to us today by Tess Belcher of DNREC and, she asked if DSF would get the word out to you ... "Hi Rich - I know your followers like surf-fishing more than freshwater, but if you know of anyone who might be interested, can you pass this along?  Thanks! " Happy Holidays!!   ... from the Aquatic Resource Education Center (AREC) Our…

I talked to Ben Smith today, he is still stoked, and wearing an ear-to-ear grin.  It is confirmed he has the new state record for striped bass in Delaware.  Congratulations again buddy!  Ben asked me to take the skins to a local biologist to see if they would want them.  I contacted Chris Bason Executive Director of the Delaware Center for the…

red hake ... caught in Cape Henlopen State Park by Nick Kiessling Well it has been a slow week.  Not much to report, but the same thing.  Stripers, some blues, spotted hake, and even redfish still in the surf.  Otherwise it has been dogfish, skates, or donuts.  Bunker has been the bait of choice for the most part. People have been drifting…

Saturday I met Andres, Sherry, Mark, and Chris on 3R's beach in Delaware Seashore State Park.  It was a gorgeous day in the surf, beautiful water, and incredibly warm temperatures.  December 1st  was 60 degrees, a light wind, and we had Christmas music!  We surf fished the outgoing tide with at least 12 rods, loaded with bunker, mullet, and…

There have been keeper striped bass in the surf, inlets, piers, rocks, rails, and inland bays.  I know boys that are already hitting them down south as far as the Chesapeake and Bay Bridge Tunnel.  They are getting hit on the troll near Bethany Beach.  Tyler Bankowski has been hammering them in the Indian River Inlet on live spot.  Live eels…

DNREC is inviting Delawareans and visitors to provide input about the possible recreational uses and how people use public lands along the ecologically and historically rich Delaware Bayshore, via a new online survey at Delaware Bayshore Survey. Your responses will assist DNREC’s Delaware Bayshore Initiative team in planning improvements and…

Hey gang, sorry this has taken some time.  I have been very sick with the flu for the holidays, not much fun, and it was hard to even look at a computer screen.  There has been a lot going on around here at DSF, and in our waters.  I was supposed to meet some friends for a Thanksgiving eve fishing trip on Wednesday, and just could not go…

Attention Delaware Anglers ..... We have been asked to do this before, and we decided we would. We are going to do a consumer reports style section or articles ... called "Rate Your Baitshop". A weekly write up will be done on these issues. You will be able to send us your experiences with ANY store in Delaware, and help fellow DSF readers. Tell…

Last week an Atlantic Sturgeon washed up on shore in Cape Henlopen State park.  We sent the picture to Associate Professor Dewayne Fox of Delaware State University, and asked him what he knew, coincidentally he was at a seminar about Sturgeon. "The sturgeon that washed up was an immature female that had her head crushed in by a boat.  My…

Last night I attended the Citizens Advisory Committee for the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays.  It was very interesting, and many subjects were discussed.  Chris Bason the Director for the Delaware Center for the Inland Bays started off with a update on the program for Aquaculture Restoration of Oysters, they are working on for our bays.  …

Big stripers are showing up in the surf, rails, rocks, piers, and the back bays.  They are not in blitz numbers, and it takes some work to get them, but they are here.  People are using live spot, chunking fresh bunker (when they can be found), mullet chunks, flies long lining, and even poppers, or plugs.  I have managed a few shorties in the…

We have seen plenty of shorties and a few keepers the last few weeks, but in the past few days, more and more keepers are being caught.  The Delaware Bay has been heating up for keeper stripers.  Friends out today saw Gannets on the water, but they were not feeding, yet.  More were spotted near Fenwick Island yesterday, "raining" on fishy…

DSF would like to thank all of our veterans past and present, as well as those still serving.  I have a lot of friends in the military and children of friends as well.  THANK YOU! I walked Broadkill beach after breakfast today, there is a lot of natural debris on the beach.  Which is normal after a storm, there is also some trash on the…

I met the park's volunteers today at Holt's Landing, and helped clean the park.  A group of students helped today, they were very nice and energetic, their efforts are very appreciated by DSF.  We cleaned the park up quickly, then they headed to the south side of the Indian River Inlet camp ground to get a few things left over from yesterday's…

We had a nor'easter come in right after hurricane Sandy, there has been minimal flooding.  All areas that normally experience tidal flooding are, and will flood.  The bays are full of water, and were still draining from Hurricane Sandy.  Prime Hook road is closed, you can access as a resident only through Broadkill Beach.  Route 1 was covered…

There is a storm system headed our way, following nearly the same path as hurricane Sandy.  Steady high winds, and unusual high tides will be the concern with this storm.  With the tide higher than average, the bays still holding water, we are in for some coastal flooding.  Hopefully no worse than the usual low spots.  Area fields, and drainage…

Delaware Seashore State Park opened up today, as did the Indian River Inlet, and the Charles W. Cullen bridge was opened last evening.  I headed down this morning arrived about 8:30 a.m. and checked the area.  The Inlet survived fine, there are erosion gullies along the jetty cap.  The chain link fences caught, and held a lot of debris.  The…

The beaches have survived, and are producing fish.  Yesterday Alex Stevens text me ... "there is no one on the beach."  I responded ... "cool" ... The next text was a picture of a flat tire in the sand.  Turns out they got sand in the stem, and the tire slow drained while they were fishing.  I told him I will be there in an hour just…

A few days ago we were sent pictures of what looked like baby lobsters or mantis shrimp...  From ... Tommy Lindsay .... "Lewes beach in front of Roosevelt Inlet was full of live baby "lobsters or crawfish or??  not really sure, that were washed up and now stranded.  Ever see this before ? We moved tons back into water not sure if it will help.…

Cape Henlopen State Park is looking for hurricane Sandy clean up volunteers ...  This is from Shelby Lachmann the park volunteer coordinator. Good afternoon! Thank you SO much for interest in volunteering for Storm Damage Cleanup at Delaware State Parks!! In the wake of Hurricane Sandy our beautiful beaches and trails have been severely…

Route 1 progress is going good . Charles W Cullen Bridge will open on the morning of Nov. 4 ... DelDOT Secretary Shailen Bhatt has projected the Indian River Inlet Bridge will be fully reopened to traffic on Sunday, Nov. 4.  Keep in mind they have a lot to still clean up... and ... Driving 60 mph on a sandy road is a very bad idea. They have to…

Update on Delaware State Parks reopening and closures DOVER (Nov.2, 2012) – As cleanup from Hurricane Sandy continues, here is an update from DNREC’s Division of Parks and Recreation about Delaware State Parks’ status in the aftermath of the storm:   DELAWARE SEASHORE STATE PARK: Most of the park remains closed due to storm damage…

Fishing is still good out there.  We have hit dogfish, redfish, and puppy drum in the surf on cut mullet and fishbites.  Sandfleas are back in our sponsors shop, also green crabs.  You will probably have a hard time getting green crabs the rest of the year.  They are a by-catch from trawlers up north.  I saw a picture of a beautiful speckled…

Assawoman Wildlife Area to reopen for hunting, boating on Nov. 2 BETHANY BEACH (Nov. 1, 2012) – DNREC’s Division of Fish & Wildlife announced today that Assawoman Wildlife Management Area near Bethany Beach in Sussex County will reopen Friday, Nov. 2. All waterfowl blinds will be open for the remainder of the first split of duck…

Most Delaware State Parks to reopen Wednesday, Oct. 31 DOVER (Oct. 30, 2012) – Day use areas at most Delaware State Parks will reopen at 8 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 31 for normal operations. Exceptions are the Brandywine Zoo, Cape Henlopen State Park and Delaware Seashore State Park, all of which remain closed for cleanup and assessment of Hurricane…

Just a heads up gang .... From the Delaware State Police News ..... Governor Markell Issues Limited State of emergency, Mandatory Evacuation Order to Include Residents in Areas Most at Risk (Wilmington, DE) - Governor Jack Markell has ordered a mandatory evacuation of coastal communities for Sussex, Kent and New Castle…

From a friend .... Hey rich the Delaware National Guardsmen have been mobilized.  This is the time to use the power of DSF to warn people if they live in low lying areas or along the coast to get out now this storm is nothing to mess around with. Anybody with a large social media output that could spread the word on how serious this storm is…

DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife facilities, Delaware State Parks will close at 5 p.m. Sunday until further notice for expected storm DOVER (Oct. 26, 2012) – All Delaware State Parks and DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife facilities – including state wildlife areas – will close at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 28 in anticipation of…

By now you have heard there is a huge storm headed our way.  If you haven't heard, then now you know, and if you have a boat in our waters get it out ASAP.  Some folks have said in a back cove it will be fine, that is not the case.  Dan Satterfield put up a prediction that the waves could possibly surge over 3 feet above the mean high tide line…

This past weekend was a great time, I saw a lot of folks I haven't seen in a while.  Hung out at Bill's Striper Tournament dinner Friday night, that was fun, and saw the Reel Friends surf fishing club.  I fished with Admin 1 on Saturday, and spent Sunday surf fishing for most of the day.  Chris and Teresa, sponsored by DSF, surf fished the…

Everyone who has hit the surf in the past few days has been either straight hammering bluefish, or just catching a few.  Jerry Hirst and crew were catching blues all day long on Tuesday.  Karen said they hit over  50 fish and decided they were too tired to continue, took home the keepers, and smoked them for dinner.  I am looking forward to…

It is cold and windy, Brrrrrrrrr!! Yesterday Jason Duncan  and crew killed the redfish (red drum) in the surf on mullet chunks, as well as flounder and bluefish.  They were pulling in keeper redfish 2 at a time, and said despite the wind, the fishing once again was excellent.  "Another ridiculous day surf fishing .... This time the 4 of us took…

Well, everyone else was fishing the Indian River Inlet yesterday, I had to drop by the Center for the Inland Bays.  We are now working with them to help promote their efforts and organization.  Yes, that means they are a new DSF sponsor, and I will tell you all about that soon.  Of course when I go anywhere near the inlet, like a magnet she…

We have changed the border of the website to pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness.  Last Week my family lost Aunt Cathy to pancreatic cancer.  I have not had the chance to see her in a few years, but I remember all the good times had in Connecticut at the lake.  She will be sorely missed, and left us well before her time.  I know many…

On Sept. 30th  Buddy Masten and his father in law were headed out on one of their weekend fishing trips.  Buddy tries to get out every weekend, when he can.  On this particular day they were going to fish for tautog, something new to Buddy.  he has gone for striped bass, blue fish, flounder ... the typical fishing trips.  They had a limited…

Friday the surf fishing was excellent.  Many of our friends had a great time, and Jason Duncan sent me a report ... "Fishing today was ridiculous. That is all."  Suzanne Martin said she and her crew "We hardly had time to set the rod in the holder and it was fish on!!"  That has been the surf for the past few days, pockets of all different…

Every morning I get up and wander out to the beach, rail, rocks, pier, canal, or drift a bay, and catch a fish.  Spot, croaker, trout, blue, shorty striped bass, redfish, pompano, king fish, flounder, blue runners, black sea bass, puppy drum, sheapshead, spotted hake (ling), there are so many to choose from.  This will not last long, but is fun…

Many people came down here for a beautiful weekend.  It was a tad chilly in the mornings with a light breeze, but that didn't stop anyone from surf fishing, or hitting the piers, rocks, rails, and bays.  I have been fishing Broadkill and Beach Plum Island, doing well on small trout, spot, blues, and croakers all on fishbites.  I meant to chunk…

The fishing has been excellent the last few days.  Yesterday on the incoming tide the Indian River Inlet heated up for bluefish, and shorty striped bass.  They were hitting flies, and bucktails with white or yellow plastics.  The shorties are getting larger, and increasing in numbers.  We all know what that means, the fish will be running soon.…

Tonight and every Wednesday night, Old Bay restaurant located 18693 highway one (Old Roadhouse), is having country night.  Come out for line dancing, karaoke tonight, and free mechanical bull rides.  No, I am not riding the bull, I am full of enough.  DSF will be in the house this evening, and possibly every Wednesday.  Come out and have some…

It is 50 degrees this morning, fall is definitely here to stay.  We fished a little this weekend, and ran around a lot, seeing people.  Pompano and reds are still in the surf, as well as ling or spotted hake are showing up at the point in Cape Henlopen State park, so go figure on the 71 degree water temps.  The Baldwins were there this weekend,…

The last few nights the bluefish have been lighting up the Indian River Inlet on the outgoing tide.  It has been surreal to experience according to many that have seen this for the first time.  Mike and Gary Basehore had the best weekend fishing ever.  They were just bubbling with excitement when they told me about the blitz.  I am glad they…

Saturday I participated in the coastal clean up at Broadkill and Beach Plum Island.  I met a lot of very nice people that live here.  Some folks came to just help from very far away, since this is their favorite place to visit.  Rich Snyder was very pleased he had such a huge turnout for Beach Plum Island.  I was also, that many came out to…

Tomorrow is the 2012 Delaware Coastal cleanup, I know everyone is coming to fish, but would you please take some time on Saturday to help.  " Preregistration for the 2012 Delaware Coastal Cleanup ended on Sept. 4. Volunteers are still welcome to join the cleanup, but should be aware that t-shirts will be distributed on a first-come,…

Raffle drawing is tonight, 6 p.m. at Old Bay Restaurant on 18693  Highway 1.  We are just going to hang out,  pull tickets, award prizes, present the Center with the money we raised, and enjoy a few appetizers. You do not need to be present to win, but come out and chillax anyway. I will be there early to set up the prizes. Thanks for…

I wrote and posted this on our Facebook page this morning with this picture I found online.  I didn't post it correctly, and everyone has been sharing it for what I wrote about 9/11, Jeff sorry if your page is going crazy, my bad. .... Never forget that day. I know I never will. In all the bickering online over politics this year…

I have been running back and forth between Long Neck and Broadkill Beach.  There is a beach cleanup at Broadkill Beach on Saturday the 15th of September, I will be there to help since, we fish that area, and coincidentally, it is my new backyard for a month.  I am going to spend some time off the beaten track, and check some places out I…

This has been a great weekend, sitting around, and promoting the raffle.  I met a lot of people, and had a great time talking with all of you.  We will draw the winner in about 5 days I have to collect and correlate everything.  That takes a little time, thank you for your patience and participating.  While I was at Rick's Bait and Tackle…

Yesterday Alan and Cindy's crew were fishing 3r's and hit a few redfish.  Top and bottom rig with green/yellow and orange/yellow floats with blood worms, fishing for spot.  There are decent sized redfish all over the place, and they are getting bigger.  Captain Savidge text earlier that redfish are at Cape henlopen for the past 2 days.  So far the…

The past week the flounder have slowed down, until yesterday when they turned back on heavy.  I am at Rick's Bait & tackle today selling raffle tickets, and I have seen many a flounder weighed.  The other day Randy Piascinski "the duke of fluke" caught a 6.2 pound doormat on live mullet.  Yes, that is his nickname, he calls himself, you can…

I met Kristen on 3R's today to actually do a little surf fishing.  She was set up, the tide was almost to the bottom of the low.  The wind was right over the dunes, and the flies were horrible.  So we stood knee deep in the wash and fished.  The ocean was calm today, and the tide was lower than normal.  We bailed after the flies really turned on,…

There are bluefish in the Indian River Inlet running the tides.  Hitting spoons and bucktails.  Rigging up 2 bucktails like a speck rig has done well also.  I was using a silver spoon, and had several hits, but didn't hook up.  The condition of my spoons hooks aren't exactly up to par ... I have been busy.  I fished for all of 20 minutes.  The…

Last night we were rocked by storms, Sussex county is now waterfront property.  Everything is flooded, low spots are holding large amounts of water.  The exercise area in Pot Nets Bayside is completely full of water.  Pontoon boats were ripped from their decks last night, something no one here has ever seen before.  The pontoon boat…

Yes, you read that correctly, Monday night a hammerhead was caught in the Indian River Bay.  I know exactly where, not going to burn that spot.  No we do not have a picture, these boys do not fish with cameras, ever.  They have a angling problem that can only be cured by more fishing.  If he said he caught a 50 pound loch ness monster, I would…

Mike Givens of the band Monkee Paw was surf fishing this morning, and came up with croaker after croaker, on green fish bites.  He was surf fishing somewhere in Delaware Seashore State park.  Friends at 3r's drive on access this morning, produced croakers and bluefish on mullet rigs.  While I was there at the top of the incoming tide…

I dropped by the Cape Henlopen fishing pier today.  Which has been producing all kinds of fish lately.  I heard one young man complaining all of the flounder they caught were undersized.  He did hit a large bluefish, but was more concerned with the small flounder.  I was happy they were catching fish.  There is always a very diverse crowd at…

Yesterday Mike Parker of Outdoors Delmarva was filming for the September 1st episode.  He went fishing out of Lewes, DE and got into some huge tilefish ... "We caught 16 Golden Tilefish aboard the Quintessa, out of Lewes, Delaware. We were deep-dropping in anywhere from 500 to 1500 feet of water in Wilmington Canyon between 70 and 80 miles off.…

I met Teresa at Herring Point beach Wednesday afternoon, we arrived early for shark fishing. 5 more to go, and we are done ... nothing like a personal shark week ... upclose and personal that is.   I was anticipating catching some red drum, weakies, and/or pompano.  I haven't actually surf fished in weeks it has been all sharks.  I really…