Lots of summer heat and some pretty typical summer fishing this past week. Just about everything that you would expect to catch at this time of the year is available and with the right conditions we have seen some pretty decent catches. Half-Day trips continue to see improved Croaker fishing both size wise and numbers, with a smattering of Flounder, Trout and Blues mixed in. My All-Day trips have been concentrating mostly on catching Flounder and Sea Bass.

Last week I had reported some pretty tough days. That is not so much the case now. While we still are seeing mainly what I like to call “pick fishing” we have actually had several trips that we have kept our fisherman steadfast and at attention at the rail instead of falling asleep at the stick waiting for a bite! I have seen more limits or near limit catches of Fluke caught this past week than any other week prior so far this year I even caught a limit myself one day (they were thick). Yes it is still slow fishing, but when everything goes just right we have been seeing some very nice fish. No choked Chicken flying from the gaff this week!

Sea Bass continue to be a disappointment, we have been seeing some every day but the numbers are way down from what they should or could be compared to years past. The ones we do catch are still full of eggs so hopefully when the spawn is over, this action will pick back up again. Anglers that just try and catch the Bass all day may catch ten or fifteen but will more than likely only keep a few. Most anglers are just using the long baits trying to catch the Fluke and still wind up catching a few Bass by days end.

These hot days that we have been seeing have had water temperatures rising upwards of seventy degrees in the Ocean and even warmer up in the Bay. We have started to see a lot more Stingrays milling around and fish are definitely on the move. Large schools of baitfish have been everywhere and we are seeing a lot of fish in places where just a couple of weeks ago there were none. The outlook is very good for the next several weeks for us to be seeing a good variety of biting fish!

The majority of my time with the all-day trips has been spent in the Ocean and it looks as if this will be the option of choice barring any major wind events. I did spend a couple of Days in the Bay last week when the swells in the Ocean made this the better choice. Either way we go chances are good for a decent catch of fish. The Bay has been showing some nice Flounder, Snapper Blues and Croakers. Mix in the slack water Sharks, Skates and Toads and there is no shortage of action at the rail.

Full day trips depart at 7:00 a.m. we get back in around 4:00. Half-Day trips sail three times daily; 8:00, 1:00 and then again at 6:00 p.m. Remember our special for the month of July; ALL KIDS GO FOR FREE! The entire month of July any child 12 years or younger when accompanied by an adult will ride for free on any trip sailing out of the Wharf. This is a great time to get the little ones out. 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