Article by Larry Budd
This Week Last Year
• Sword fishing was in full swing with the “Sea Hag” gracing the cover with a 422½ lb. ‘pumpkin’ swordfish they raised in the Washington Canyon.
• Weather was an issue allowing only larger boats to venture offshore. The “Espadon” was one of them finding tuna and mahi in the Poor Man’s Canyon.
• The “Primary Search” also braved tough weather bringing an 84½ lb. wahoo to the docks from the Poor Man’s Canyon.
• The “Cabana” had an epic day in the Washington Canyon catching 4 swordfish up to 280 lbs. as well as a 222 lb. bigeye tuna and a mess of mahi.
It is hard to believe that this is the last issue for the 2021 season! What a year it has been with some amazing action, record breaking catches and some tough spells as well! To help us all remember the season that was, we are trying something new this year. We have used our last issue to highlight the year with pictures from prior issues focused on catches outside of the tournaments, which will get a nice review in our upcoming big Winter 2022 Edition in January. So please enjoy and let us know what you think on our Facebook and Instagram feeds.
Overall the 2021 season was a good one offshore with some of the best blue marlin fishing ever for a couple shining weeks in September. Consistent would also be a good description as there were regular catches throughout the season, however we did not see as many days of record marlin releases, limit catches of tuna or large sized dolphin as we have in past years. I think most would welcome consistent over a few day of extraordinary, unless you were on one of those extraordinary trips!
With this being the last issue for 2021, I would like to acknowledge and thank some folks for their help and support. First would be to our advertisers who make the whole thing possible. Their support allows for us to share this coastal experience and lifestyle that so many enjoy. While the paper is ‘Priceless’ it is not free to produce, and our advertisers allow us to pay the bills, with many having been with the paper for many years. Please say ‘thank you’ to them by shopping and dining local!
Our writers and contributors are also key to the paper, and I think few understand the grind it is to meet that weekly deadline. I want to thank Steve Katz, Mark Sampson and BJ Pietryak for providing insightful and entertaining content week over week. I am sure they are ready for a break. Of course I still miss greatly the ‘Fish Stories’ from my friend Franky Pettolina. As we look to next year I am interested in some guest authors for some articles over the season targeting fishing tactics or interesting stories, so reach out if you are interested to learn more.
I would also like to thank the small but powerful staff of the Coastal Fisherman. Tom Jock who designs the artwork that brings the paper to life and runs the process behind the scenes; my bride Christine who puts up with an absentee husband all summer and curates our popular Galley section, manages the subscription process with her friends Brenda Hossick and Fran Kern and even delivers papers. Next year I’ll double their salaries!
Finally a big thank you to the readers and the many fishermen and charter boat captains that share their catch info including location, bait and sometimes even tactics. That is unique to our paper as we share more than just what is being caught, but where and how. We are often told how much people enjoy reading the paper and that it is the first thing they look for when arriving in town. Those comments go a long way in recharging our energy!
Our next issue is the big Winter Edition that comes out at the first of the year and will include a recap of the 2021 tournament season as well as action from the fall in the local area as well as our boats that head to points south for the winter. Please continue to share pictures and details of your catches to [email protected] (please send pictures ‘Actual’ or ‘Full’ size).
Until then my friends, stay salty!
Upcoming Tournaments
• The Delaware Seashore Fall Surf Fishing Classic hosted by the Old Inlet Bait & Tackle is on the books for September 25-26. This year’s event offers over $15,000 in cash and prizes and of course the prestigious bronze statues for the winners. More at
www.oldinlet.com.
• The 2nd Annual Rena Bishop Broadbill Bash is scheduled for October 15-17th with weigh-ins at Sunset Marina in West Ocean City. This event is in memory of Rena and raises money for the John H. Burbage Cancer Center. It is also a great event to see these wonderful fish. Learn more at www.ocbroadbillbash.com.
• The Ronald Bounds A.M.S.A. Memorial Surf Fishing Tournament will be held this year from October 22nd to the 24th at the Assateague National Seashore Park. More at
www.keepersofthebeach.com.
• Lewes Harbor Marina’s Annual Tautog Tournament runs for almost a month from October 23rd thru November 21st giving anglers lots of opportunity to get in on the action. Learn more by calling 302-645-6227 §
