Fish weren’t biting, but a good time was had

On May 23, I departed Ocean City, Md., on the Angler head boat at 8 a.m. along with a full complement of other fishermen, all looking forward to coolers full of fat sea bass. Capt. Chris had called Sunday evening to say he was leaving two hours later to avoid the strong winds in the forecast for the early morning. I don’t know what the winds were like at 6 a.m., but they were right brisk at 8.

After a two-hour ride in confused 3- to 4-foot seas, we anchored up on our first piece of structure. I tried to use a slow jig, but with so many anglers on the boat, it was impossible. I switched to a top-bottom rig baited with Gulp! and caught a keeper on the first drop. The second drop produced a short.

Unfortunately, I was surrounded by a group of novice anglers who were not prepared for the difficult conditions. They were all using top-bottom rigs with 8-ounce sinkers on rods and reels supplied by the boat. Each would drop their rig to the bottom, then engage the reel, sit back and that was it. No effort was made to control the line or rig in the 3- to 4-foot seas and 15- to 20-knot wind. Tangles ensued.

In truth, it really didn’t matter because the fish just were not feeding. Capt. Chris moved from structure to structure, but everywhere, the story was the same. I am sure he was seeing lots of fish on his sonar, but they just were not feeding. Why, who knows? I am going to blame the sudden increase in barometric pressure when the cold front passed by.

In any case, the fishing and the weather were so bad Capt. Chris packed it in two hours early and gave everyone a credit on their next trip. I ended up with two keepers, but I enjoyed every minute I was on the water. The guy to my right, not so much. He only threw up once, but he never spoke and assumed the fetal position when the boat was moving. I don’t think he will be taking Chris up on that credit.

Joe Morris Memorial Canal Flounder Tournament 

May 20 saw perfect weather for the Joe Morris Memorial Canal Flounder Tournament. Amanda Morris at Lewes Harbour Marina said more than 500 anglers participated in the contest, which is a new record.

First place went to Matt Moffa with a 4.15-pound flounder. Matt Mitchell was in second place with his 4.00-pounder, and very close behind in third place was Jim Okoniewski with a 3.99-pound flounder that was tied with fourth-place finisher Jen Petkus and her 3.99-pounder. The tie was broken by time of weigh-in. In fifth place was Kyle Slayman and his 3.83-pound flatfish, while sixth place went to Tim West with a 3.62-pounder.

All proceeds from this tournament go to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network in honor of Joe Morris. This includes the more than $10,000 from entry fees and the money from T-shirt sales, bucktails and floating jigs donated by their creators. The final total is more than $19,000.

Cast for a Cure Surf Tournament 

On May 21, Clark Evans from Old Inlet Bait and Tackle and Brandy Timmons from Delaware Fisherwomen put on the Cast for a Cure Surf Tournament. They had 26 four-person teams that fished the surf and each team paid a $200 entry fee. That money went directly to the Tunnell Cancer Center to help patients and their families who have been stricken by that terrible disease. While there were no money prizes, the top three teams won trophies made by Brandy. I have seen these works of art and they are beautiful.

The top team was One More Cast with Sporto Gray, Tim Wallace, Bob Zak and Lance Cochran. Sporto’s 22-inch black drum put them over the top. Team In and Out Tire Pros, and Team Bayliss and Sons each scored two kingfish to tie for second place. Team In and Out Tire Pros comprised Eamonn Cary, Martin Cary, Henry Busby and Jim Steel. Team Bayless and Sons were represented by Chad Bayless, Brian Hafer, Samantha Moyer and Richard Lineweaver. In fourth place was 2 Dudes Fishing with Matt Mills, Brandon Quidas, Duston Smith and Keaton Quidas.

Fishing report

Not a whole lot to report with a consistent northeast wind since Monday. Before the wind changed, the black sea bass bite was off the charts. Boat limits were common over ocean structure.

Flounder were caught out of the Lewes-Rehoboth Canal, the Broadkill River and the Indian River and Rehoboth bays. This fishery should improve as the water warms in the next week or two.

Surf fishing remains slow.