December 2018 Delaware Fishing Report: Yellow Perch, Largemouth Bass and Winter Cast Netting

December Delaware Fishing Report

Freshwater:  The weather has been bitter cold for the first half of December but as I
write this, the rain has brought temperatures up into the 50's.   This makes for good
winter time fishing in Delaware's thawed out ponds, rivers and creeks.  Anglers can
pick from bottom fishing for catfish or spinner fishing for Rainbow Trout in White
Clay Creek.  Most recently,  I had the chance to visit the Appoquinimink River near
Townsend and caught a Largemouth Bass, thick Bluegill and a 3/4 lb. Yellow Perch
(pictured below). 

Yellow Perch are running in the
tidal rivers of Delmarva now. 
Deliciously deep fried
with lemon and tartar sauce,
Perch are a major food fish
in Chicago and often found on
the menu in seafood, pizzerias
and grocery stores in that
region.  Here in Delaware's
rivers, the best setup is a
double hook or jig rig
with a slow but steady retrieve. 

Yellow Perch will bite best on minnows and mini bluegills both of which can be fun
to catch on river docks with a Cast Net.   I just visited Captain Bones Bait & Tackle
and, though the Captn. did not deem my perch heavy enough for a Delaware Citation
award, I did purchase a fun Christmas gift for my wife.  So much fun fishing gear in
that store.  I would recommend you check out Captain Bones if you are ever in Odessa.

Saltwater:  I have not had the opportunity to saltwater fish in December, but I
am hearing that there are some Tog and Rockfish being caught around the Indian River
Inlet, DE Bay and Atlantic Beaches.  You can rely on dogfish and skates any time of
year, but I am longing for the return of Speckled Trout and Kingfish in the warm water
months.  Surf Anglers don't forget that you need to renew your drive-on beach tag when
December ends.  DO IT HERE https://www.destateparks.com/Know/PassesTagsFees
Surf tags can also make a great Christmas gift idea for someone.

Another great Christmas gift is the critically acclaimed ebook, Big Bass in the Small Wonder , complete with all the best kept secret fishing spots in the state of Delaware. 

November 2018 Delaware Fishing Report (Appoquinimink River; Sassafras River; Northern Snakehead, Indian River Inlet, Big Bass in the Small Wonder)

November 2018 Fishing Report Delaware

October ended with a Noreaster and then some very mild weather in Delaware.  On November 1st, Delaware temperatures were higher than 75 degrees throughout the day. Needless to say, I hit the water with hook and line in hand.

Freshwater Report:

Not Delaware, but in nearby Maryland, I fished the Sassafras River with much luck.  Catfish were biting one after the other.  I had at least 2 catfish break my line.  They were huge and would probably not have fit into my hand net. I caught a nice big catfish after about an hour on ultra light tackle.  Took it home and enjoyed it Cajun Style.   In other freshwater news, largemouth bass and panfish were biting in Appoquinimink River. I harvested a large bluegill.  The Bass are hungry right now and feed on these blue gills also.  If you are looking to check out some new bass fishing spots, I'd encourage you to read the critically acclaimed ebook Big Bass in the Small Wonder today on kindle for only 0.99 cents.  If it is trout you seek, White Clay Creek was stocked recently and one angler I talked to recommended giving it a try.  The fishing pressure should be nothing like it was during the Spring stock. 

Saltwater Report:

Anglers fishing the Indian River Inlet report tog, rockfish and blues are available.  I know that sharks, skates, blues and kingfish are biting down in the surf so I may take a trip down to the beach to soak some squid or maybe clams.  Must get my fishing in before it gets too cold.

Invasive Fish:

A word about one of Delaware's most recently invasive predatory fishes, Northern Snakehead.  I have observed snakehead swimming in the Brandywine and I know of other guys who have caught them in mid-Delaware ponds.  They are here for sure.  While I lament the introduction of a new fish that might outcompete native gamefish like the Largemouth Bass and Chain Pickerel, I am intrigued by this fish and I admit I would really like to catch my first snakehead. I hear they are excellent eating and a good fighting fish.  

And now I ask you: Have you caught a Northern Snakehead fish in Delaware? Be sure to comment below if you'd care to share your Snakehead fishing tips, techniques or recipes.  They are clearly an invasive species, so the more people fishing for them the more we can remove from the ecosystem.  Tight lines everyone!

October 2018 DE Fishing Report (Japanese Eel, Homemade Flies, Big Bass in the Small Wonder, Surf Fishing, Delaware Ghost Stories Supernatural Tales)

October 2018 Delaware Fishing Report

Freshwater

I have enjoyed several nights of freshwater fishing on the Eastern Shore
 during the month of October, catching dozens of white perch and
a few channel catfish.   One fish I know are present are American Eel.  If you ever decide to
harvest catfish and eel I recommend you try cooking the Catfish Cajun Style. For Eel I like
to cook using an old Japanese Recipe.

Trout fishing is on the agenda once again, as the state is doing a final
2018 stocking of White Clay Creek this month.  I have been stocking my
freezer with fish filets for the past several months and would very much like
to add some Rainbow Trout to enjoy with a baked potato this winter.
Powerbait and homemade flies will probably work early on and then I will
switch to minnows as the temperature cools.

Bass fishing in Delaware ponds continues to be hot and I expect the action
will carry on late into November.  Some of the biggest bass I saw caught in
my experience came after Halloween.   Not to change the subject from Big Bass 
but I encourage you to check out this ebook Ghost Stories of Delaware you
are interested in some spooky tales about Delaware this Halloween.  By the
way, did you hear that Lums Pond, a great bass fishing hole, is purported to
be haunted?


Saltwater

I had caught another nice
kingfish at the Indian River
Inlet and scores of Spot.  I
know that Tog season must
be in full swing and I will be
giving it a shot with Green
Crabs if I can slip away to
the beach for the night.   Out
in the bay, I am hearing reports
of bluefish, seabass, trout and
flounder also.   Too bad my Dad's
 boat is getting winterized this
weekend.  It was a wonderful
season though.  So many great
times!

I don't want to end the blog entry without a word about.  Surf fishing has been
good during the past 30 days fishing for kingfish with the occasional bluefish
caught as well.  Squid, clams and bloodworms are all excellent surf fishing
baits this time of year.   While Hurricane Season continues to churn away,
anglers should remember that although it can be productive to fish in the
days following a hurricane (ample natural baits scattered in the surf) you
must be very careful.  The waves are rough and can easily carry an angler
away.  Everyone be safe out there and, until next time,  tight lines!

September 2018 Delaware Fishing Report (Shad, DIY fly fishing, Big Bass in the Small Wonder, and Fall Saltwater Techniques

September 2018 Delaware Fishing Report

Freshwater

Fishing has been excellent at spillways across New Castle County.  Most people
don't think that fishing is worthwhile following a driving rain, however on the right
river, fish can be caught by the bucket.  This blogger has had great luck in September
targeting Rockfish, Shad, Bullhead Catfish, Crappie, and White Perch in local
freshwater rivers and creeks.  Big Bass in the Small Wonder continue to hit a variety
of lures.  Largemouth/Smallmouth and Bluegill fishing remains hot in Delaware's
sluggish creeks and millponds at morning and dusk.  Try tossing out a rubber power
worm, buzzbait, nightcrawlers or even make a DIY fly fishing lure to make the big
ones bite.


  Gizzard Shad




Saltwater

This blogger has been out twice to fish saltwater during the month of September.  On one occasion, I fished the mouth of the Millsboro River on a boat originating from Ocean View.  No flounder were caught this time, however my wife and I had a great time catching Spot and Croakers on light tackle, before heading over to the Paradise Grill. 

The second fishing trip took place the surf of Delaware Seashore State Park.  This time last year, I was landing large bluefish on spoon lures from this particular stretch of beach, but recently I was fishing light tackle and easily filled up a small cooler with fresh seafood (Kingfish) using bloodworms and sandfleas.  Regarding the latter, I saw a recent youtube video of a local kid eating steamed sandfleas and it did not look appetizing.  No need to eat the bait.   Delawareans have plenty of delectable seafood choices to pick from and I recommend heading over to Jessop's Tavern in New Castle some time to try the fish and chips.

                                                              Sandfleas and Crabs

August 2018 Delaware Fishing Report (Rockfish, Bayside Girls and Delaware Coyotes)

August 2018 Delaware Fishing Report


Freshwater 

I haven't made it up to White Clay yet, but friends tell me that you can catch your share
of Black Bass, Rock Bass and Sunfish.   Some of the deeper holes are likely to have
some holdover trout. 

Try tossing out a juicy nightcrawler along with a couple split shots and you'll be likely
to entice whatever big guys are on the bottom.  I look forward to Delaware's fall trout
stocking season in October.  I am looking forward to trying out one of my new flies
that I tied on my handmade fly tying devices see here   . One other freshwater spot that
I want to mention is the Appoqunimink River.  Based on a few trips to this location, I
can report that Rap Shads in the early morning are the ticket if you want to catch a good
fighting rockfish or white perch.  Crappie, bass and pickerel are biting well at all the
millponds throughout Kent and Sussex Counties.  For more information about the best
freshwater fishing ponds in the state don't forget to purchase the critically acclaimed
Ebook BIG BASS IN THE SMALL WONDER


Bays

I had the chance to join a charter trip out of Rock Hall MD over the weekend.  The
boat was called Bayside Girls and the fishing was incredible.  Our crew very quickly
caught the limit on rockfish (charter boat cooler total catch pictured below).  A really
enjoyable experience if you ever get the chance.  Live spot brought on the bite.  Spot
and White Perch were also present on the trip.

Ocean

One Friday night in August, I took a ride down
to South Bethany Beach and threw out a line
for Kingfish.  Using bloodworms and light
tackle, I quickly loaded the cooler with three
nice Kings and headed home to grill them up. 

You want to talk about a good tasting fish? 
Kingfish is flaky white meat and I enjoy it
more than cod or haddock.   At the Indian
River inlet, I had some luck catching
Croakers and small Black Sea Bass but
threw them back as I was hoping to hook
a flounder.


Of note: Coyotes in Delaware 

Many of us who fish the waters also hike or hunt the land. 
As an outdoorsman, I wanted to share the following picture
with my readers.  A family member sent me this photo of a large Coyote/Coy
Wolf taken by a trail camera in Pike Creek.  Having been out west, I have
encountered many coyotes in the wild.  They are typically skiddish, but can be bold
around children, small pets and even tiny women.  While, I wouldn't worry about
coyotes being a significant danger to the local neighborhoods (plenty of deer to eat), I
wanted to share this photo to document that, yes, the Coyote population is expanding
in Delmarva. 

Coyote in Delaware 2018

July 2018 Delaware Fishing Report

Freshwater:  I was out of state for most of July but I had a chance to fish the midwest and really enjoyed it. Didn't get the Walleye I was after but the perch fishing was excellent.The rivers around Delaware have been high due to recent rains.  However, I had alot of luck with Rockfish near Appoquinimink River using a Shad Rap I had bought for Walleye.  When I went fishing recently I noted Carp, Largemouth Bass, a citation sized White Perch, Catfish, and American Eel.

I look forward to fall troutfishing in PA and upstate Delaware.  I tie my own flies using a Personal Fly Tying StationFly Fishing Station You can DIY too! Here are a few pictures:


Saltwater: 
Flounder Fishing in the Indian River Bay continues to be good, despite the rain.  A fair amount of anglers are also catching alot of Croakers in the Inlet.  Next chance I get, I plan to go down to Bethany Beach before dawn to try my luck for some Kingfish on the surf.   Good luck to everyone fishing out there and remember to pick up a copy of the acclaimed book Big Bass In the Small Wonder!

June 2018 Delaware Fishing Report

June 2018

Freshwater:   

The rivers around Delaware have been a hotbed of summer fish activity.  In most upstate tributaries of the New Castle County Delaware river and bay, the bait fisherman can score abundant Yellow Perch, Catfish, White Perch and American Eel.  I have not made it to White Clay Creek yet, but when I do, I am looking forward to loading up on Rock Bass (redeyes), Smallmouth Bass and perhaps even a trout.


Flyfishing can be really peaceful this time of year, check out how I make my own flies.  Personal Fly Tying Station You can DIY too! Here are a few pictures:

Yellow Perch.  Odessa, Delaware

American Eel, caught on nightcrawlers

Saltwater: 
It has been a few summers since I have caught a keeper flounder.  The minimum size in Delaware this season is posted as 17".  Me and my friend have caught a few flounder this season.  I recommend jigging using bucktails, squid or bloodworm.

Delaware Fishing Report (Late Spring) -May 19th, 2018

Delaware Fishing Report (Late Spring) - May 19th, 2018

 A sizable largemouth bass caught by Chris in Kent Co. Delaware.  

Freshwater:  Fishing for largemouth bass, panfish, catfish, pickerel and perch has continued to be good across the state of Delaware from the Swamps of Sussex County to the Yorklyn hills.  Rainbow/Brown Trout and Smallmouth Bass fishing can be excellent in the deep holes of White Clay Creek and other coldwater streams in the area.   Wax worms, night crawlers and crayfish have worked well for me in the past.  Brackish fishermen have been striking it big with Striped Bass in the C and D Canal and upper Delaware bay.  Perch and catfish continue to take bottom fished baits.

Salt Water:  I am aiming to do a considerable amount of fishing the Delaware and Chesapeake Bays for the remainder of spring.  My Dad also just bought a Pontoon so I am looking forward to being his first mate in the Indian River Bay this summer.  Beyond that, I am lured particularly to Bowers and Broadkill beaches for the possibility of a few good Weakfish, Rocks or Bluefish.  

Tog (Black Fish) are another example of an exceptional food fish and can be caught easily from the rocks of the Indian river inlet using green crabs.   You do need to be quick in setting the hook lest the Tog snag your line up on the rocks as it dives deep for cover with your bait.  Though I have yet to catch a Tog this season,  I had the chance to surf fish at Delaware seashore state park and caught a very nice 21 inch Striped Bass on a bloodworm.  After releasing this fish, I stayed a few minutes longer in the hopes of connecting with a kingfish, but caught none. 

Tip of the month:

Now is the time to get geared up -if you have not already done so.   Take a ride to Walmart or your local tackle shop and get everything you need for the next few outings.   You can even save a bit of coin if you check out pinterest and google for creative ways to save money on fishing gear.  I particularly recommend taking your kids or grandkids outdoors to find your own bait.  Be sure to look under rocks and logs in your yard for nightcrawlers after a good rain.  Bait can be an expensive part of your hobby so that is one area to focus on if you are looking to minimize the costs of this enjoyable activity!  

Lately, I have been gearing up recently by making own lures and flies using a custom built  Fly Tying System.   Also, I continue to do my research by reading books about Delaware fishing.   Here is one great source chock full of information about the best, under the radar bass fishing spots in Delaware.   Download this excellent Ebook Big Bass in the Small Wonder today.  Best of luck for the remainder of Spring.  Be safe!

Delaware Sport Fishing - Early Spring Fishing Report

Delaware Sport Fishing - Early Spring 2018 Fishing Report

Saltwater

As water temperatures begin to rise, following an exceptionally cold and snowy month of March, fishing is beginning to pick up.   Reports are coming in from around the state of anglers catching the first Rockfishes of the fall.  One friend of a friend hooked up with a monster Rockfish in the upper Delaware bay this past week.  Other anglers are reporting success with smaller rockfish close to shore.  Bloodworms are the bait of choice.  Didn't get any tog out of the inlet this month, but conditions were not ideal. Charter boats will be running soon and I hope to get onboard for a trip out of Lewes or Ocean City in the coming months.  Anglers targeting weakfish, seabass, bluefish and flounder in the bay will be sure to have some luck as soon as Delaware gets past this last round of early April snow!

Freshwater

Lots of reports of white perch, yellow perch and catfish being caught in the tidal creeks and rivers of Delmarva.  Can't go wrong with a big fat, juicy nightcrawler or shrimp as a bait.  Bottom fishing with a 1 oz sinker usually does the trick.

In the ponds and creeks of Kent County, a couple of buddies of mine had a heyday with some crappie, bluegill and the first largemouth bass of the year (pictured here).  Anglers would still be wise to work their artificial lures at a slow rate, given the water temperatures.  Another trick is to find a slow moving creek with a bridge or other cover.   Try to catch a small to medium sized bluegill and hook it as bait for hungry Chain Pickerel.

Speaking of creeks, another friend of mine caught several nice trout up in Pennsylvania, while we Delaware anglers excitedly await the 2018 Delaware trout season.  Red Clay Creek will be stocked with trout this year for the first time since the 1980's!  Good luck to everyone out there and if you are in need of a list of Delaware's best kept secret bass fishing spots, check out the critically acclaimed ebook Big Bass in the Small Wonder