Delaware Fishing Report


Updated: December 4, 2009

By Eric Burnley Sr.*

DELAWARE BAY Fishing does not get any better in the bay than it is right now. There are big rockfish scattered from the upper bay to the rips and anglers are catching them on eels, spot, bunker and plugs. Some big bluefish have been mixed in with the rock and the occasional big flounder is caught by those fishing with live bait.

Chunking with fresh bunker is most popular in the upper bay and on the New Jersey side at the 60-Foot Slough and Bug Light. This technique seems to produce the largest rock with fish close to 50 pounds taken on the Delaware side and one over 60 pounds captured on the Jersey side.

The Eights and Overfalls Shoal have been good to Delaware boats while trolling plugs or drifting eels. Limits of rockfish have not been uncommon using both techniques. This is like any other type of fishing; some days are better than others, but for the most part, everyone gets a little action even on the slower days.

This will be the last shot of fish until next spring, so if you can find the time to get out on the water it will be well worth your while. I expect this fishing to be around for the next week or two so there is still time. If your boat is not available, go with a head boat or charter.

Tog fishing has been slow due to dirty water and the full moon current. I expect it to improve this week as the water clears and the moon moves past full.

INSHORE OCEAN Rockfish are beginning to show along the beach along with big blues. Sunday saw a run of blues with a few big rock close to the beach and many local boats cashed in on the blitz.

Tog fishing was hampered by the full moon current, but should improve this week.

INDIAN RIVER INLET The inlet saw some spectular fishing over the weekend as big blues and rock chased bunker in from the ocean. Fish were caught from boats and from the rocks on a variety of lures and baits.

We had reports of a rockfish bite here on Wednesday morning during the incoming current. No information on any big fish, but there were plenty of shorts for everyone.

Tog fishing from the rocks has been mixed with fair numbers of short fish and a few keepers.

SURF Several beach access roads are still closed as of Wednesday. Both Conquest and Key Box were shut down and the beach at the north end of the inlet is unfishable due to severe erosion. Herring Point is open as is Three Rs Road and we were told that Fenwick Island opened on Wednesday.

Last weekend there was a blitz of epic proportions along the beach with rockfish and blues caught on cut bunker and metal. The bite was good from Cape Henlopen to Three Rs Road. I was in Hatteras on Saturday and driving home on Sunday and missed the entire thing.

On Monday morning I was on the beach at Herring Point, but the fish were gone. I tried Three Rs Road on Wednesday with the same result. On top of that, fishing from the beach on Hatteras Island was terrible and all I caught the entire week were two very small smooth dig sharks.

FRESHWATER The ponds continue to see bass and crappie caught on live shiners, minnows, Senkos and crankbaits. A cold snap is predicted for the weekend and this could change the fishing action in the ponds.

The tidal rivers have produced short rock, white perch and catfish. Bloodworms and cut bait have been the most effective offerings.

DRESS FOR SUCCESS Fishing in the winter is usually a cold weather experience and those who fail to dress properly can suffer. While experienced anglers know how to dress, they may encounter a rookie who is not prepared for the elements.

The most important thing when preparing for a cold-weather fishing trip is to dress in layers. The first layer should be a quality brand of long underwear that will hold in body heat while wicking away perspiration.

Next layer on a long-sleeved cotton tee shirt, followed by a warm cotton or wool long-sleeved shirt. I wear blue jeans over my long underwear and this keeps my legs comfortable.

I put on a heavy sweat shirt with a hood under my foul weather gear. I use Grundens but Helly Hansons will work as well. The important thing is to have an outer layer of rubber that will deflect the wind and keep the water out. My footwear consists of rubber boots and cotton socks. Wool socks will do a great job, but can be itchy.

Do not wear waders on a boat. If you fall overboard you might as well have an anchor around your neck.

* Eric Burnley Sr. is a native Delawarean who has fished the waters of his home state for more than 60 years. He has been a full-time outdoor writer since 1978, with articles appearing in most national magazines as well as many regional publications. He has authored two books, Surf Fishing The Atlantic Coast and The Ultimate Guide To Catching Striped Bass.