With the summer heat we have finally started to see some significant improvements in our fishing. The water temperatures continue to rise and the fishing options are expanding. Flounder have been turning on in several different locations, Sea Bass have been moving and are biting a little better than last week, and the first Croakers have been landed in the Delaware Bay for the 07’ season.

The latter part of last week we had a little blow out of the east and the southeast. After fishing a couple of weeks straight it didn’t bother me to stay tied to the dock for a day or two. We knew the shake up couldn’t really hurt things and could only hope that it would help, and for the most part Mother Nature seems to have done her job at making catching fish for a living a little easier for me! A few trips it was like we were really doing something to brag about again.

Just about all of my time has been spent drifting the natural reef and rocky bottoms of “the old grounds” we have been seeing a nice variety of Flounder, Sea Bass and some Snapper Blues we even had an anchor day where we caught a bunch of big Tog with the Bass. Since the little shake up that we had we have also been seeing lots of Sea Robbins and a couple of days lots of Smooth Dogfish Sharks. It seems as those the dreaded Spiny Sharks have finally moved back offshore I don’t think I have seen one since Saturday. When conditions are right you catch a fish or loose your bait as soon as you hit the bottom. The action has been good. Several Flounder that we have landed over the past seven days have been well over the 18 inch size limit that was imposed this year however there are numerous throwbacks that we don’t even measure and way way too many heartbreakers that have been just shy of 18 inches. I certainly hope that the regulations take a turn in our favor in the upcoming years. Delaware opted for a year round season again and in turn settled for a larger fish than our neighboring states once again. Let me tell you 18 inches is a darned nice fish and seventeen and three quarters seems even nicer!

Our Biggest Fluke to date was weighed in at just under seven pounds but this fishery is just starting and we will no doubt be seeing some true doormats in the upcoming weeks. Most of Flatties so far have been in the depths of 70 to 90 feet so be prepared to use the heavier sinkers when conditions get tough. I can’t say enough about the braided lines either it just gives you the edge that you need sometimes fishing in these depths.

Bay fishing has seen a big improvement over the last couple of weeks but still seems to lack the consistent action that we have been seeing in the Ocean. When the conditions get tough in the Bay options run dry quick where as out front we have been able to still pick at fish even on the tougher days.

The outlook is good in the upcoming weeks for more Flounder and Sea Bass but just don’t expect to “load up” with fish. I have seen some good catches in the last few days but I have also seen a couple of bummers. The bottom line is that there is starting to be quite a few fish around in a lot of different places and when everything clicks we are doing a pretty good job at catching them with just about everyone getting more than enough for supper.

The Croakers have started to make a showing now along the beach and up in the Bay and it won’t be long before significant catches are made with these scrappers. Traditionally we have good Croaker action around the fourth of July and sometimes sooner. Half- Day trips will be targeting these fish regularly and we could even see some with the regular Full Day trips when they become plentiful. Offshore action is also heating up with Tuna and Mahi and the first White Marlin of the year have come across the docks. Now is the time to make your plans.

If you would like any more information about trips sailing out of the Wharf or you would like to book a charter please give us a call at (302) 645-TUNA.

Until Next Week Happy Fishing!

Capt. Rick Yakimowicz
Thelma Dale V
catchfish@verizon.net