By Eric Burnley Sr.*
Updated: May 18, 2012
DELAWARE BAY The rockfish bite in the upper bay is winding down. Two weeks ago I heard of many fish over 20 pounds with a few topping the 40-pound mark; this week most of the reports had fish well below 20 pounds and no citations. I expect further reductions and we probably will find keepers hard to come by until the summer rockfish season that opens on July 1.
Black drum were caught near the Coral Beds over the weekend and they should increase in numbers and size just in time for Memorial Day. Anchoring up in 15 to 25 feet of water and soaking clams has been the best technique. Late afternoon into dark is the most productive time to fish.
A few flounder have been scattered around the bay from Blake’s Channel to the Lewes and Rehoboth Canal. This fishing should become more predictable as the weather and water warms.
Weakfish were caught near Broadkill Beach with fish to 6 pounds falling for peeler crab and jigs. Please be careful when handling these fish as they are easy to injure. With a one-fish limit most of the trout caught will be released and it is the angler’s responsibility to do this correctly with minimum damage to the fish.
INDIAN RIVER INLET The rockfish bite continues here, but has become more sporadic. The fish will be there one night then disappear for several nights in a row. The east wind predicted for the end of this week and into the weekend could bring in more bait and more fish. Bucktails, plugs and Tsunami or Storm shads have produced keepers.
Flounder fishing remains slow with a few fish caught at the VFW Slough, Massey’s Ditch and Burton’s Island. Squid, minnows and Gulp have all been good bait choices.
I understand the shad bite has been excellent on flood tides. These scrappers may be caught on darts, small spoons and flies. While not great for the table, they do make an excellent bait for rockfish and flounder.
SURF FISHING The rockfish bite was excellent late last week with limit catches made from Herring Point to Three Rs Road. The east wind we are expecting late this week could put more bait and fish on the beach. Clams and bunker have accounted for most of the rock taken from the sand. Low light periods at dawn, dusk and at night have been the best times to fish.
A few flounder and kings have been caught on bunker and bloodworms. Dog sharks and skates abound.
INSHORE OCEAN Sea bass season opens on Tuesday and I am personally champing at the bit to get out there and put some filets in the freezer. I expect the various reefs and wrecks to be covered up with boats so an early start is a good idea. Squid will catch all the sea bass you want and Gulp crab is another good choice.
I wouldn’t be surprised to see a few flounder caught along with the sea bass. These fish should be quite large and will add even more meat to the box.
OFFSHORE OCEAN Yellowfin and bluefin tuna were caught in the Baltimore Canyon area over the weekend. This is an early start to the season and hopefully bodes well for the rest of the year.
One boat spent the night in the Baltimore and returned with a swordfish and several yellowfin. To date, that is the only billfish I have heard about.
FRESHWATER White perch remain available in tidal creeks and rivers with Phillips Landing mentioned as a good starting point for Sussex County anglers. The Route 9 bridges are available in New Castle County and the Jones or Murderkill rivers hold perch for Kent County residents. Bloodworms and grass shrimp have been the top baits.
Pond fishermen have been catching a mixture of bass, crappie and pickerel. Live minnows are the best bait, but most bass anglers prefer Senkos, crankbaits and plastic lizards.
STAY HEALTHY I have been a Type 2 diabetic for almost 30 years and having a chronic condition can be a pain in the butt when fishing or hunting. I have to pack up all my medications, have plenty of the proper food aboard or in the tree stand and keep myself from doing something stupid. The last one is the most difficult.
If you have health problems you must let all aboard the boat or in the hunting party know what your condition is and make them aware of any symptoms you may experience afield. This is especially true on the water and the captain must be informed because he is the one responsible for your safety.
For instance, if my blood sugar goes too low I lose my usually sweet disposition, become more confused than usual and my eyesight becomes blurred. Everyone on the boat should be aware of these conditions and get me some sugar before I pass out.
Folks with heart problems my have chest pains or may just get a very pale color and begin to sweat. A little nitro pill under the tongue could save a life, but not if the patient doesn’t tell everyone where he keeps his nitro pills. Mine are in my pants pocket.
The most common illness on a boat is sea sickness. If you have been sick before, get sick in a car or in general have motion sickness please take all precautions before you get onboard. Eat a very light breakfast. Do not drink heavily the night before and do not bring alcohol on the trip. Take medication before getting on the boat. Nothing known to man will cure sea sickness once you become ill at sea. Never go inside once the sickness begins. You will only get sicker and the mate is the one who has to clean up your mess.
Let’s get back to the something stupid part. Be very careful around sharp objects like hooks and knives. Rocking boats, slippery decks and cutting surfaces make for a dangerous situation and deep cuts are very possible.
Know when to call for help. There is a limited amount most people can do on a boat when someone is seriously hurt or injured. Do not hesitate to call the Coast Guard on Channel 16. Explain the situation and ask for immediate assistance. If you are close to the dock that may be an EMT crew meeting the boat there. Further at sea and you may require a helicopter rescue or the EMTs could meet you by boat. In all cases time is critical so do not waste someone’s life making a decision you are not qualified to make. Better to call now and if the person improves let the Coast Guard know.
Always wear a PFD. I will not elaborate further on that subject.
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