5.17.13 12:26 pm

by Larry Jock

Do you have a "Trick or Tip" that you would like to share with Coastal Fisherman readers? This will be a new feature in this seasons Coastal Fisherman. You can email your "Tip or Trick" to coastalfisherman@comcast.net. Send it in and become famous!!!
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FRIDAY, May 17, 2013

Dustin Dell caught an 11 lb. 8 oz. bluefish from the pier at Northside Park using fresh bunker at low tide this morning.

Weakfish are being caught in pretty good numbers, north of the Thorofare near the Hole in the Wall.

THURSDAY, May 16, 2013

Dave Weller called in today to report a good number of snapper bluefish being caught under birds just south of the Rt. 90 Bridge. Dave and his crew had a blast catching them on top water plugs.

Kate Yarzutkina landed a 9 lb. 3 oz. weakfish while tossing a bucktail tipped with a curly tail at the pilings of the Assateague Bridge. Fish measured 29.5-inches. Kate was fishing with John Foreman.

I did hear rumors anglers are quietly catching trout at the South Jetty.

The King landed a 35-inch striper on his septor rig at the South Jetty mid-afternoon.

Dasha Lentz caught a pair of 16.5-inch tautog on sand fleas at the South Jetty.

Jay Jarvis landed a 40-inch striper from the Assateague surf on fresh bunker.


WEDNESDAY, May 15, 2013

Kyle Peet and Kevin Knotts caught a bunch of bluefish and a 23-inch striper in the bay behind Assateague near the duck blinds.

Mike and Bennett Truitt caught 3 flounder on the roll near the Rt. 90 Bridge. Fish were between 17 and 21-inches.

The King and his servant Charlie had 6 keeper flounder while trolling in the Thorofare.

Butch Taylor and Matt Widgeon had 7 keeper flounder, up to 19-inches, while trolling minnows and squid in the south bay near the duck blinds.

Andy Esham, Ames Belote and Maggie McConnell had 9 flounder, up to 22-inches, in the West Channel. Fish were caught on chartreuse Gulp!

Troy Halczuk and Joe Gary caught their limit of 8 flounder, up to 21-inches, on minnows and squid near the OC Airport. The guys caught 20 during the trip.

Ollie Powell caught a 26-inch weakfish by the Hole in the Wall, north of the Thorofare on a jighead tipped with a Zoom minnow.


TUESDAY, May 14, 2013

Another rough day to be a flounder. Good bite in the Thorofare, but the better bite seems to be in the bay behind Assateague near the duck blinds (past the airport).

Butch Taylor and Matt Widgeon had 7 keepers, up to 19-inches, while drifting minnows and squid near the duck blinds.

"The King" ended his day with 3 keeper flounder, up to 21-inches, after trolling just north of the duck blinds.


MONDAY, May 13, 2013

Pretty windy today, but anglers still hit the flounder pretty good.

Kevin "The King" Weber and crew had 7 keeper flatties in the Thorofare, caught on the troll.

Charter boat, "Get Sum" had 4 keepers in the bay behind Assateague near the duck blinds.


SUNDAY, May 12, 2013

Weather was a little dicey this morning, but cleared up to bring us a nice day.

Flounder were caught in the Thorofare AGAIN. Anglers continue to have the best results with a combination minnow and Gulp! Swimming Mullet on the same hook. Some anglers have also had good results with the pink Swimming Mullets versus the white ones. Flounder are definitely eating well with a noticable increase in their thickness over the last 2 weeks.

Charter boat, "Get Sum" had 6 flounder between 17.25 and 21.5-inches. Caught on white and pink Gulp! near the duck blinds in the bay behind Assateague Island.


SATURDAY, May 11, 2013

What was supposed to be a snotty day, weather-wise, turned out to be a nice one, although the ocean was a little too rough, causing a few boats to turn around and head back home.

Brian Smith caught an 8 lb. weakfish and 3 flounder by the Rt. 90 Bridge. Used pink Gulp! for bait.

Jim Hughes and Scott Peters had 8 flounder in the Thorofare. Up to 24-inches.

Keath & Stacee Puller, Lenny Simmons and Bill Mullinix trolled up 11 flounder in the Thorofare. Largest was 21-inches.


FRIDAY, May 10, 2013

Well, it looks like we have ourselves a fishing season!!! Thank God.

It was a nice day offshore, so a couple of boats headed out.

The first mako shark of the season was boated by the crew on the charter boat, "Restless Lady". The 138 pounder was caught in the middle of the Baltimore Canyon (200 fathoms) in 67.4-degree water. The crew reported 5 blue shark releases and seeing whales and false albacore tuna.

The "Wrangler" also headed offshore towards the Baltimore Canyon. Capt. Craig reported 67-degree water temp once he got to the canyon. He said he had 55 degree water heading out until he reached 50 fathoms when the temp increased to 65-degrees. Spent the night in 500 fathoms, but saw nothing. Trolled in the AM and caught some false albacore tuna. Ended the day with 11 blue shark releases.

Stripers (and nice size bluefish) have finally shown up for surfcasters off Assateague. Look for a lot of action and big fish over the next couple of weeks. Now would be a great time for boat anglers to get their trolling gear out and troll off the Assateague Beach. Just don't get too close to shore where you would interfere with the surfcasters. I would bet you could pick up some quality fish on the troll, or chunk with bunker.

Rich Bell caught a 44-inch striper off the beach in North Ocean City. Used bunker for bait.

In the bay, it was another good day for flounder fishing in the bay behind Ocean City. The Thorofare seems to be the hot spot right now, with minnow and Gulp! combinations working the best. Flounder are DEFINITELY getting fatter!

Dave McKay had himself another limit day with 4 flounder caught on pink Gulp! near the Rt. 90 Bridge. Largest measured 20.5-inches.

Frank Lanigan had 2 flounder (18 & 19") on shiners in the Thorofare.

We are still waiting for the official opening of sea bass season to be announced. Everyone is banking on May 19th, but the feds and state are dragging their butts.

"Jezebel" came back from the Bass Grounds with 5 tog caught on green crabs.

THURSDAY, May 9, 2013

Mark Twilley and Mike Haun caught their limit of 8 flounder while drifting minnows and pink Gulp! Swimming Mullets in the Thorofare near Buoy #8.

Richard Cropper and Jeremy and Chris Smith caught 6 flounder on squid and minnows in the Thorofare near Buoy #8 during the outgoing tide.

2-year-old, Ivy Clemente caught her 1st flounder, a 17-incher, in the Thorofare during a trip with her parents, Nick and Michelle, on the "Get Sum". Michelle caught a 20-incher during the trip. Minnows and Gulp!

Dave "Super Electrician" McKay caught his limit of 4 flounder on Gulp! and minnows in the Thorofare. Largest fish was 22-inches.

Pat & Joe Hurley caught 3 flounder on live minnows near the Assateague Bridge. Fish measured between 18 and 20-inches. Pat reported water temps between 62 and 65-degrees and water being crystal clear.

Nancy Ennis caught a 27-inch, 6 lb. flounder on a Gulp! artificial bait near the Assateague Bridge.

Sounds like surfcasters off Assateague are still pecking away at a few black drum and an occassional striper. Also seeing quite a few bluefish.

Allen Dodson caught a 43-inch striper on fresh bunker while surfcasting off Assateague.

Scott & Jaelyn Bowden caught stripers measuring 31" and 42" off Assateague while using bunker for bait.


WEDNESDAY, May 8, 2013

It's amazing what happens when we get some nice weather. When the heavy, heavy fog burned off this morning, anglers hit the bay and came back with some outstanding catches.

Charter boat "Ocean City Guide Service" had a good catch of shad around the Rt. 50 Bridge during the evening incoming tide.

Big Bird Cropper and his gang went down to the Assateague Bridge and caught 30 snapper bluefish and an 18-inch flounder. You can catch Big Bird's TV debut on Outdoors Delmarva on Saturday when they went down to the Assateague Bridge and caught a load of small stripers. Big Bird says that if this TV thing works, he is going after Scott Lenox's job!

Nancy and Danny Cox caught 7 keeper flounder in the Thorofare on live minnows. Fish measured between 17 and 19-inches.

The first offshore trip of the year was taken by Terry Layton and his crew when they ventured out to 100 fathoms in the Poor Man's Canyon. The "Nontypical" crew found 63-degree water and released a load of blue sharks and broke off a mako shark while trolling. Had 48-degree water the entire way out until they reached the 100 fathom line.

Headboat, "Last Call" was fishing between the Blenny and the African Queen and had a spectacular catch and release day with black sea bass.

Up north, it looks like the Delaware Bay black drum bite is turning on. Joe Morris at Lewes Harbour Marina said fish were lined up on the cleaning table.


TUESDAY, May 7, 2013
Wind is still blowing, but a few anglers made it out into the bay behind OC. Flounder were caught by the Rt. 90 Bridge while trolling minnows and Gulp!


MONDAY, May 6, 2013

Big Bird Cropper took the crew from Outdoors Delmarva down to the Assateague Bridge where they caught and released a load of small stripers. All hooked on Roy Rigs.


SUNDAY, May 5, 2013

Wind is ridiculous today!


SATURDAY, May 4, 2013

The wind really blew AGAIN today, but a few dedicated anglers hit the bay in search of flatties.

Headboat, "Bay Bee" out of the OC Fishing Center had 4 keepers during their morning trip and another 4 keepers in the afternoon. Caught in the bay behind Assateague on squid and shiners.

Frank Lanigan had 3 flounder on strip baits and shiners in the Thorofare.

Walter Moore and his dad caught 1 keeper flounder in the Thorofare and 1 around Harbour Island.

Seth McCauley and Matt Ferenschak had 3 keeper flounder in the East Channel during the incoming tide. Matt had the largest fish, measuring 23-inches.

Nothing really happening in the surf except for dogfish. An angler fishing off Assateague did catch a 9 lb. bluefish.


FRIDAY, May 3, 2013

Definitely the windiest day we have seen all week. Just nasty. It's a shame because the fish are there for the catching.

New Jersey released their sea bass regulations today. Maryland is still waiting on word from the Feds on what the regulations will be in Federal waters. Here's my best guess on what we will see in Maryland:

12.5-inch minimum
20 fish per person/per trip/day
Season open from 5/19 to 10/11 & 11/1 to 12/31


THURSDAY, May 2, 2013

Some stripers and flounder were caught north of the Assateague Bridge by anglers braving the very windy, rough conditions in the bay.


WEDNESDAY, May 1, 2013

Incredibly windy today. Bay was very choppy.

Received an upper Chesapeake Bay report from Dustin Mullins. "Although its not on the "coast" I figured I'd send it in that the fishing has been pretty hot the last few days in the northern Chesapeake .. Capt Chris on the "drippin wet" had 3 fish over 40" in the boat in about an hour and a half of fishing yesterday in the rain. Biggest fish was 44".. All fish caught on mojo rigs. Had two fish Saturday one 37" other was 42". All fish were caught right in front of love point in 47-65' of water."


TUESDAY, April 30, 2013

John Rogowitz, Tony Diesel and Travis Brown braved the 25 mph winds and ended up with 12 keeper flounder, up to 21 inches, while fishing with minnows and Gulp in the Thorofare.

Kevin Weber had a pair of keeper flounder in the Thorofare on Gulp and minnows.


MONDAY, April 29, 2013

Rainy day today. Almost everyone (that I know of) stayed home.

A few fish were caught by anglers trolling in the Thorofare. Fish were caught on 6-inch Gulp! Swimming Mullets.


SUNDAY, April 28, 2013

Another good flounder bite today.

Kevin Weber and Joe Dragunas had their limit of 8 flounder, all caught on trolled Gulp and minnows, near the Assateague Bridge. Heaviest was 3 lbs. 6 oz.

Anglers on the headboat, "Tortuga" returned from their morning trip with 7 keeper flounder in the box.

Eileen Barrett caught 2 keeper flounder in the Thorofare on minnows. Largest measured 20 inches.

John Thomas caught 2 flounder in the Thorofare on live minnows and Gulp.

Charter boat, "Ocean City Guide Service" had 2 keeper flounder, measuring 16.5 and 17-inches, after fishing in the bay behind Frontier Town. All were caught on chartreuse Gulp swimming mullets and live minnows.

John Brockmeyer, Mike Brockmeyer and Bob Miller caught 9 flounder, 5 in the bay behind Assateague Island and 4 in the Thorofare. Fish measured between 16.5 and 20-inches.


SATURDAY, April 27, 2013

The flounder bite was excellent today, especially in the Thorofare. Anglers fishing with bucktails tipped with minnows did the best. Trollers in the Thorofare and north of the Thorofare are quietly having great results.

Chuck Wenzel caught a 19.5-inch flounder on a white bucktail tipped with a minnow near Harbour Island.

Eric Sexton and Joey Zimmer had a good day, catching 7 flounder (largest 2 were 22") and a 16-inch Winter flounder. All caught on bucktails tipped with minnows during the outgoing tide.

The headboat, "Bay Bee" had 7 keeper flounder during their afternoon trip. All of the fish were caught on shiners in the Thorofare.

The ocean was flat, and headboat "Morning Star" returned with some big tautog. Alex Levantovsky led the way with a 25-incher that weighed 9 lbs.

Headboat, "Angler" returned with a good catch of tautog from an ocean wreck. Largest weighed 5 lbs.

Charter boat, "OC Guide Service" had 2 keeper flounder on Gulp! Swimming Mullets near Harbor Island.

Kevin Weber had 3 keeper flounder while fishing near the Rt. 90 Bridge.


FRIDAY, April 26, 2013

It looks like the flounder bite was better than we have seen so far this year.

Rusty and Rhonda Daub from Ocean Pines, MD stopped by the office to have their picture taken. The duo ended their day with 4 keeper flounder in the box after drifting at the intersection of the East Channel and the Thorofare. Their 3 largest fish measured 23.5, 22.5 and 22.0-inches. The big flattie weighed in at 4 lbs. 8 oz. All were caught on bucktails tipped with minnows. Rusty reported water temperature at 54-degrees.

Rusty also said that he saw other boats hauling in flounder in the same area.

Lamont Hilbert caught 4 flounder up to 22-inches behind Frontier Town and a tog at the Inlet.


THURSDAY, April 25, 2013

I wish there was more to report, but the wind keeps howling and not many anglers are on the water. Water temperature in the OC Inlet is ranging between 51 and 55-degrees.

Rusty Daub reported catching a couple of keeper flounder in the Thorofare on bucktails and minnows.

I did speak with a charter captain yesterday, and it looks like the guys on the Chesapeake Bay are having a rough time (except for in Tangier Sound). The cold water has kept the stripers in the rivers, and most are saying the bite is a good 3 weeks behind where it typically is.

Black drum, stripers and a few bluefish are being caught off Assateague.

Some small stripers and skates were caught off the beaches in Delaware.

Further north, it looks like flounder have finally arrived in the Lewes Canal.


MONDAY, April 22, 2013

Flounder were caught in the Thorofare and good catches of black drum were made by surfcasters off Assateague. Tautog were caught by anglers off the Rt. 50 Bridge and bluefish and kingfish were caught from the surf. Although some keeper stripers were landed from the surf, anglers in the Chesapeake Bay are lighting it up with quality fish.

Matt Bomberger landed a 41.5-inch striper in the Indian River Inlet on fresh bunker.

Anglers also landed a few tautog in the Indian River Inlet.


SUNDAY, April 21, 2013

Flounder were caught in the Thorofare today by anglers fishing bucktails tipped with Gulp.

Black drum were landed in good numbers from the Assateague surf in addition to some bluefish and a few stripers.


SATURDAY, April 20, 2013

Windy day today, but some anglers hit the bay and had some nice catches.

The Queen will be eating well since the King boated another 3 keeper flounder today, all between 17 and 18-inches, while trolling bucktails tipped with rubber shads near the Rt. 90 Bridge.

Danny Cox and Greg Volpitta brought home their limit of 8 flounder while drifting live minnows in the Thorofare. Fish measured between 17 and 18 inches.

I've received a few emails asking what an Alabama rig is. It is basically a small umbrella rig that first hit the national scene on the freshwater bass circuit. The rig has a small leadhead with anywhere from 2 to 7 wires coming out from it. At the end of each wire is a snap swivel where you connect a small jighead tipped with a rubber shad. You can bend the wires to fan the baits out and give it the look of a small school of fish. The only problem is that in Maryland, you are only allowed a maximum of 2 hooks on your line so you need to take that into consideration when preparing your rig. They are pretty deadly.


FRIDAY, April 19, 2013

Water temperature in the Ocean City Inlet is hovering between 58 and 62-degrees.

The King caught 3 keeper flounder and tossed back another keeper (because he didn't read this website to find out the new flounder regulations) while drifting an Alabama rig in the Thorofare.

Anglers fishing off Assateague landed good numbers of black drum, a few stripers and some bluefish.

Capt. Monty on the "Morning Star" has caught some massive tautog when they have been able to get out. If you want to hook one of these monsters, give Capt Monty a call. You can also call Capt. Chris on the "Angler". They have had some great trips as well.

Down south in Quinby, Terry Koshi has been sending me pictures of the 5 lbs flounders she is catching. From the reports I have heard, Quinby has been the best spot so far.

Up in Delaware, black drim are being caught by surfcasters fishing with clams at Herring Point. Bert Long nailed an 18 pounder.


THURSDAY, April 18, 2013

Small stripers were caught around the Rt. 90 Bridge by The King. His 2-hook Alabama rig is tearing them up. Water temp in the 60's.

Dave Stone caught a 16 1/8 inch flounder on a minnow/Gulp combination in the Thorofare on Thursday.

Offshore, there are reports of a good shot of water in 1,000 fathoms (72 miles) outside the Washington Canyon that is holding makos and yellowfins.


WEDNESDAY, April 17, 2013

Tom Kessler, while fishing with Mike Herbert, caught a 22-inch keeper flounder while drifting Gulp Swimming Mullets behind the OC Airport.


TUESDAY, April 16, 2013

In some parts of the bay, water temps exceed 62-degrees. A lot of places in the upper 50's.
There are a lot of small stripers around the bridge. Anglers trolling Alabama rigs are slamming them good. Remember, in Maryland you can only have a maximum of 2 hooks. See the video on the Alabama rig on our home page.

I know of 1 flounder caught in the Thorofare. Nothing much else.

When the headboats can get out, they are coming back with good catches. Seen good numbers coming back on the "Morning Star" and the "Angler".

Surfcasters had a good black drum run last week with around 40 caught. I also saw some pictures of big striper releases.

The last couple of days, birds were seen diving off 14th Street up to 20th Street.


SUNDAY, April 14, 2013

With nicer weather moving in, we saw an increase in boats on the water over the weekend. Small stripers continue to be plentiful around the bridges. Didn't hear of any flounder being caught.

Anglers have had good luck catching small stripers while using the Alabama Rig. Remember, in Maryland you can only have a maximum of 2 hooks on you line. If you want to check out what an Alabama rig is, you can see it on the video on our home page.

Steve Schonberger reported that he fished off Gudelsky Beach on Saturday afternoon and had 1 keeper tautog and 5 throwbacks.

Flounder slayer, Terry Koshi ventured down to Quinby, VA over the weekend and caught a 24-inch flounder that weighed in at an even 5 lbs.

On Sunday, Bob Paolucci caught 2 kingfish including a 14.5-inch kingfish from the surf off North Ocean City. He caught them on bloodworms. Bob had big hooks and was fishing for stripers or he probably would have caught more.

Surfcasters off Assateague have been catching skates, black drum, some flounder and small red drum. A few stripers have also been caught, but nothing real hot yet.

"Morning Star" reported very good tautog fishing on ocean wrecks and reefs. More than 1/2 the anglers went home with their limits of tog. A lot were released. Yesterday, Capt. Amanda from the "Osprey" in Long Island, released a 26-inch female tog that was estimated to weigh 15 lbs. Way to go, Amanda!

The "Angler" had a great trip to the Bass Grounds. Largest tog was 13 lbs. Several anglers had their limit of 4 fish.


FRIDAY, April 12, 2013

Still nothing much to report. Water temp in the OC Inlet is pretty much around 48-50 degrees. Water much warmer down by the Assateague Bridge and up by the Rt. 90 Bridge. Hopefully, we will see some anglers on the water this weekend. If you want a picture of your catch, just give us a call at 410-213-2200.

Nothing happening out of the surf.

Spoke to an angler who was fishing out of Gargatha today. Fishing was slow. Water temp was 61-degrees way up inside.


WEDNESDAY, April 10, 2013

A good number of small stripers are being hooked around the bridges.

Not much going on with flounder fishing. Water temperature has risen to the low 60's.


TUESDAY, April, 9, 2013

A few keeper tautog were caught by anglers fishing off the Rt. 50 Bridge today.

Small stripers can be found around the bridges.

A few throwback flounder were caught by the Rt. 90 Bridge.

"The King" had a keeper flounder hooked north of the Verrazano Bridge but unfortunately it was "Webered" at the boat and lived to see another day. It was hooked on a 2-hook Alabama Rig.


MONDAY, April 1, 2013

The first flounder of the year was caught today, a 23-incher landed by Kevin Weber. Kevin caught the flattie on the troll, just north of the Assateague Bridge.

Beaverdam Creek & Shad Landing Pond were stocked with trout today.

NMFS made changes to the bluefin tuna regulations. See Breaking News section.


FRIDAY, March 29, 2013

Well, the first day of flounder fishing was uneventful. This darn, cold weather just won't seem to break. A few guys went out to the African Queen to search for flatties, but nobody heard from them when they returned, so we are assuming nothing happened.

Water temperature in the OC Inlet is hovering between 42.8 and 43.2 degrees. Chilly.


THURSDAY, March 28, 2013

Today is the first day of the flounder season in Maryland. 16-inch minimum with anglers allowed to keep 4 fish. Virginia has the same regulations. Delaware hasn't finalized their flounder regulations. Don't know what is taking sooooo long.

Who will catch the first flattie of the season? When you do, give us a call to get a picture taken!!


Maryland Sets 2013 Flounder Regulations

The 2013 flounder season in Maryland will open on Thursday, March 28th with anglers allowed to keep 4 fish per person, 16-inches or larger. The season will remain open through December 31st as long as bi-monthly catch data shows that Maryland will be within their allowable quota of 73,852 fish caught.

FRIDAY, March 22, 2013

I received an early heads-up on Maryland's flounder regulations. It looks like it will go to a 16-inch minimum with anglers allowed to keep 4 fish per day and no closed season. The MD DNR is working to get the season opened as soon as possible. Stay tuned!


WEDNESDAY, February 20, 2013

Obviously, nobody has been fishing in quite some time. A few anglers headed to the Sliver last weekend, but found nothing. Mega-birds were seen diving off 130th Street but were found working over a large school of porpoises.

Capt. Monty on the "Morning Star" has brought back some excellent catches of tautog.

I did hear that stripers were spotted at the Bass Grounds by boats heading further offshore tautog fishing.

If you haven't done so, make sure you submit your public comment to the National Marine Fisheries Service regarding their proposal to increase the minimum size for sharks to 96-inches. That's right... 96-inches. If we sit back an do nothing, you can bet on it happening and shark fishing will be OVER as we know it.


THURSDAY, February 7, 2013

Looking for BIG tog to catch? Capt. Monty on the "Morning Star" came back with a good catch of tog, the largest weighing in at a whopping 18 lbs. 6 oz. The angler caught it on a green crab on an ocean wreck. The 2nd largest tog of the trip was a 13 lb. 3 oz. fish caught on a white crab.

Working birds were seen diving just outside the Bass Grounds.


MONDAY, February 4, 2013

The boats that ventured out this past weekend struck out when looking for stripers. Water temperature in tight is close to 40-degrees. Gets up to 45-degrees out by the Jackspot.


TUESDAY, January 29, 2013

GREAT NEWS... John Monroe reported today catching their limit of stripers, plus a few releases, after finding birds working just inside the 3-mile off the Sliver.


SATURDAY, January 26, 2013

Unfortunately, after the great day we had on Monday, the weather has been horrible. Wind started the next day with snow on Wednesday and Friday... horrible! Yesterday, Tim Romberger did venture out for a short trip with no results. No bait... no birds... no fish. He did say that water temperature was 43 degrees, so it didn't drop too, too much this past week. Only 2 degrees, which I thought was light when figuring in the frigid temperatures we have experienced. The weather is supposed to get nice later this upcoming week with temps in the high 50's to low 60's.

On a side note, the public meeting this Wednesday, at 5:00 PM at the Ocean Pines Library is a very important one. If you haven't been following it on CoastalFisherman.net, the feds are proposing to implement a minimum size of 96-inches. AND THAT'S FOR ALL SHARKS! All of this under the pretense of saving the dusky shark that the feds say are being misidentified and killed. Can this be the dumbest thing we have ever heard? If enacted, you may as well kiss any shark season and/or tournament goodbye, so if it is important to you, please try to attend the meeting. A strong turnout would send a message to our government friends. Sharks today and who knows what other species tomorrow.

For years, readers have stated to me that they feel the Obama administration is trying to close as many fisheries as they can. I always doubted their claims, but am now beginning to sway their way. This administration is not a friend to the fishing community and I seriously doubt they will ever be. It doesn't stop there. Please contact your congressman or senator and express your disapproval of what is going on. You can make a difference.


**IMPORTANT** - Check out Mark Sampson's column under the Breaking News section of this website. Changes are being proposed that could SIGNIFICANTLY change shark fishing for a long, long time and some would say it would eliminate it completely. Please check out Mark's column if you can. Thanks.

MONDAY, January 21, 2013

Today was a day that striper fisherman dream about. The bite was better than fantastic right on the 3-mile line off Fenwick Island. Birds were diving into the 45.1 degree water and the fish were thick. As usual, the larger fish were feeding on the bottom on the outskirts of the diving birds. Everyone limited out. I caught at least 15 fish in only an hour with my 2 keepers both measuring 42-inches, weighing 27 lbs. and 26.5 lbs. Caught on mojo's with the 13 oz. being the hot one today. Trailing Crippled Alewive also did well.

What was as impressive as the the fishing was that calls were put out by a few of the anglers so others could get in on the action. Hats off to Mike Johnston, Pepe, Danny Oliver and Tommy Fowler for getting the word out when the action got hot!!!! These guys built up a lot of good kharma today. Good work guys and thanks!

Anther angler emailed me this morning about a great bite 25 miles south of the OC Inlet. They hooked 30 stripers in 20 minutes!


SUNDAY, January 20, 2013

Some anglers were able to finally get out and fish over the last couple of days. On Saturday, anglers caught their limit of stripers while fishing straight out from the OC Inlet, along the 3-miles line. If you wanted to brave the snotty seas and head to the Sliver you found whales, birds and your limit of stripers. Fish were also caught on Little Gull.

On Sunday, it looked like there would be some epic action with whales being seen and hundreds of birds dive-bombing around the Sliver. Unfortunately, no fish were found under the schools of bunker. The bunker were large and were accidently being snagged on trolled mojo's. Water temp was between 44 and 45-degrees.


MONDAY, January 14, 2013

Had a great conversation this morning with Capt. George Topping on the commercial boat, "Rita Diane". George has had some incredible tows of striped bass over the last 5 days and he told me that all that bait we have been marking up and down the line, and especially at Little Gull Shoal is jelly fish and shiners. George told me that he has never seen jelly fish this close to the beach and so thick this time of year. No wonder we haven't been able to catch stripers in this water. You look at your screen and assume it is bunker this time of year. George said that the schools of bunker have moved down the beach, but the stripers can be found 2.5 to 3.0 miles off the beach. NOT ON THE SHOALS, but in the deeper water (50'). I really appreciate George coming in and giving us this info.

It was previously reported that George had his great tow on Saturday at Little Gull. However, George said it was actually 5-miles south of Little Gull.


SATURDAY, January 12, 2013

Unfortunately, the seas were incredibly flat today but the fog was brutal. Especially when coming back through the Inlet in the afternoon. Definitely made things pucker.

As has been the case over the last week, anglers marked a load of bait up and down the coast but found no fish. May be due to commercial fishing efforts that had banner days catching striped bass yesterday and today early in the morning at Little Gull and the Sliver. I saw a picture of one boat loaded to the gills with really nice fish from today and another one from yesterday.

This isn't an anti-commercial fishing statement. They are just doing their job. But, the state and feds wonder why recreational anglers get frustrated competing with hundreds of yards of nets and need to venture outside 3-miles just to get a chance. Think about it, it's like following the governor of New Jersey in line at the buffet.

It is time for the NMFS and state fishery officials to get off their butts and serve their customers (that's us!) by seriously looking into reopening the EEZ to striper fishing. Why this isn't being done right now is beyond my comprehension. If you restrict a fishery based on science then you should also reopen it based on science.

Trolled Little Gull from 10-3. Great marks and unbelievably... no fish. Water temp has risen to 45.3 degrees.

Anglers who ventured north also found good bait but no stripers.

Those that braved out the trip in thick fog and headed