Article by Capt. BJ Pietryak
The weather finally broke and the wind slowed down a lot this week. Other than massive beach erosion and storm clean up, the fishing community is returning to normal.
Sea Bass, Tog & Flounder
Sea bass season opened on the 15th and tog fishing is now closed.
Opening day of was a foggy one, but those who ventured out were rewarded with good catches and limits of nice size sea bass. The African Queen site and the Bass Grounds were the most crowded spots, and many anglers had to jockey for position to get a chance at the fish. Areas like the Great Eastern Reef and the Jack Spot were a little less crowded, and being deeper water, gave up some nicer fish. Fresh clam and jigs accounted for the best quality fish.
Mark Sydow and Mike O’Neil had a nice limit of big knotheads. The duo fished with Capt. Mike on “Straycat” charters.
“Fish Bound” charters were out on the wrecks this week and Capt. Kane Bounds reports they managed everyone's limits so far. From a couple pictures Kane sent, he caught some real trophy fish. He’s been fishing these waters all his life and was the former Capt. of the “Judith M” in Ocean City when I was still on the “Princess”. He always excels at catching sea bass as well as flounder throughout the year. Capt. Monty Hawkins ran the “Morning Star” out, dropping more reef blocks adding structure to existing reefs, all while catching big sea bass for his anglers. Monty reports that the jig master managed some big sea bass. Jigs are a favorite at this time of year.
“No Limit Sportfishing” was also on the water closing out the tog season by getting anglers on some nice big ones. Along with the tog they also caught some great big sea bass later in the week despite the bite slowing down a bit.
Pete Renzi also got in on opening day with a 5 man limit and what he called some real nice big ones!
Capt. Victor Bunting had boat limits for his clients despite the fog on many mornings.
“Ocean City Girl” charters went out this week and had some truly huge sea bass, making his customers very happy.
Randy Meyers fished with Rodney Hensley and his son. They ended up with sea bass limits up to 21” and 3.5 lbs.
“Wreck Dog” charters had a great week with many 5 man limits, sporting many fish between 3-5 lbs.
In the back bays, flounder seems to be getting better and better. “OC Guide Service” had a few great trips with some nice fat flounder. Squid and shiners remain the number one bait for catching fish in the bay with Gulp baits a close second. The area near the airport was reported to be holding some big fish. Find the holes along the east side of the bay and you will find the fish. The area near the Rt. 90 Bridge is also reported to be holding some nice fish. The Thorofare and Rt. 50 bridge were a little slower this week, maybe due to all the junk in the water from the past nor'easter.
Rockfish & Black Drum
Assateague Island was productive despite the eroded beach from the storm as some over slot rockfish came in as well as some big black drum. David Moore said it took a few days to find them, but when he did they were all big girls, the smallest being 44”. The fish were caught on sand fleas bunker and peeler crab. A few fish had big battle scars. Shannon Ferguson reported two fish Thursday before 10 am. The fish measured 40”& 45 “. It's a shame we can no longer keep any of these larger fish, but I can't think of a better way to spend a morning. A cup of coffee, the sun rising over the ocean, tides pulling in and the sound of line stripping off your reel as a trophy striper slams your bait.
Assateague Island regulates the amount of vehicles on the beach in the federal park, so get there early unless you want to wait for someone to leave. The nice part of the vehicle limit is that you can always find a space away from other fishermen. Many of the anglers do not venture very far down the beach but for those who drive the long route to the Virginia line marked by a sign and fence, the fishing is usually much better. The fish are not pressured as much as those close to the drive on entrance.
Along the drive down Rt. 611 to Assateague, there are a couple tackle shops both of which are well stocked with everything you need to fish the beach. Both shops also have a very knowledgeable staff that will help even the most novice of anglers. CJ Poorbaugh was right on the Virgina line and took a nice slot rockfish last Sunday. Smaller stripers and blues are coming off both the Rt. 50 and Rt. 90 bridges in Ocean City. Craig Cropper reported a couple keeper rockfish as well as some nice bluefish off the Rt. 50 Bridge. Big Bird was of course using his Roy Rig. The south side jetty of the OC Inlet was also a good spot for both small stripers as well as blues this week. The south side or outside of the jetty is usually the most productive as many fish lay right up against the rocks awaiting bait to swim into the inlet with the tide. Don't be afraid to throw right up to the rock wall and expect to lose a few lures along the way. If you're not bumping the rocks and bottom you are not going to get bit.
Black drum are also still in the surf, however, it appears many have moved up to the Delaware Bay to begin their mating season. Many fish can still be caught, but a fresh bait changed every 30 minutes or so will make all the difference. Drum are now on a mission to get to the spawning grounds and won’t stop to eat an old washed out bait.
Until next week...
Tight lines and fins up §
