Delaware Fishing Report



Updated: January 15, 2010

By Eric Burnley Sr.*

DELAWARE BAY First the bad news. The water temperature in the bay is hovering around the mid-30s and the wind has been relentless from the northwest. Now the good news. This weekend we are supposed to get some relief from the weather with daytime temperatures approaching the 50s and a wind from the west southwest. This will not raise the water temperature much, but it will allow anglers a chance to get out and do some fishing.

Tautog action may be good over the lower bay reef and wreck sites as well as the Outer Wall. Sand fleas and green crabs will be the most popular baits.

My guess is some yellow perch will be moving around in the tidal creeks and may be caught on small minnows, grass shrimp or shad darts. I did have reports of good yellow perch fishing in Maryland from the Bohemia and Susquehanna rivers.

INSHORE OCEAN To the best of my knowledge, no one has tested the waters of the ocean for more than a week. This should change as the winds die down and the air temperature increases.

Tog fishing was very good when the boats last sailed and there is no reason to believe the action won’t be just as good this weekend. If the water temperature on the bottom has dropped considerably, the tog may be out further in deeper water. If not, look for good fishing as close to the beach as Site 10.

Boats that do travel further off the beach may encounter some Boston mackerel. These fish are currently being caught off the New Jersey coast and could move in range of our boats during the winter or early spring.

INDIAN RIVER INLET The inlet remains too cold and too windy for anyone to fish.

FRESHWATER Recent trips to New Castle County have provided first hand information on the status of the waterways there. The status is, they are frozen over. Once the ice clears it will be possible to soak some big shiners for bass and some small minnows for perch and crappie.

JOIN A FISHING CLUB As winter continues its icy grip, there is nothing better to do than meet with a group of like-minded people to talk about fishing. In Delaware there are several fishing clubs that hold regular meetings during the winter. They may sponsor trips to fishing locations, boat or fishing shows outside Delaware. Most also have family gatherings where everyone gets to have a good time.

I belong to the Delaware Mobile Surf Fishermen club and while they only meet in Sussex County they have members across the state. Anyone who enjoys surf fishing and is concerned about beach access should be a member of this group. Contact the Mobile Surf Fishermen Club at dms0084@yahoo.com .

The Delaware Saltwater Fly Fishermen Club also meets in Sussex County and as the name implies, its members are fly fishermen. This is very active group with over 50 members at most meetings. Contact them at donnavon@verizon.net. These are just two of many fishing clubs in Delaware. Check with fellow anglers or go online to find groups that interest you.

WINTER SHOWS The East Coast Commercial Fisherman’s Trade Expo will be held at the Ocean City Convention Center from January 29 to 31. As the name implies, this show is dedicated to commercial fishing, but has displays and boats of interest to recreational fishermen. For more information, go to www.marylandwaterman.com/expo.

On January 30, Salt Water Sportsman magazine will bring its acclaimed seminar series to Clayton Hall Conference Center at the University of Delaware in Newark. The seminar will target fishing in this area with guest speakers selected from the most knowledgeable captains, guides and other experts

The admission fee is $55 and includes a goodie bag filled with materials worth more than the price of your ticket. There is also a chance to win a brand new boat and other products during the seminar. For more information, go to www.nationalseminarseries.com.

* 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.