Ocean City Maryland & Assateague Island - Delaware Beaches - Ocean n Bay Fishing Report
By Sue Foster, Oyster Bay Tackle Shop, Ocean City MD - Fenwick Island DE
Feb 8th, 2010
Fishing Report by Sue Foster
Water Temperature (WTMP): 41.7 °F
Two major snow storms have put a damper on fishing. Water temps are pretty
chilly! Capt Monty slipped out and caught some trophy tautogs. Maryland
Flounder Options are Here! See below, and cast your vote.
Shop Online The Online
mall is always open!
(Oyster Bay hours- No set hours for a few weeks. We'll be open Saturdays in
February, weather permitting and we'll be open Boat Show Weekend, weather
permitting. Call 410-524-3433 to see if we are there or to place an order.
E-mail sue@oysterbaytackle.com if you want to order something over e-mail.
We had no surf reports this week. Water temps just too cold.
Many anglers ask about reading the beach when surf fishing. "Poppy" a very
good angler has posted another very good description with pictures on
Stripers Online. Check it out:
Reading the Beach He draws it out completely! If you're not catching
fish in the surf, you need to study this!
Larry Jock of the Coastal
Fisherman reports:
TUESDAY, February 3, 2010: A couple of us ventured out into the ocean to see
if we could locate some stripers. Unfortunately, we struck out. Never marked
a fish. Went to the Jackspot, African Queen, Winter Quarter Shoal and some
other inshore spots. Looks like the season could be over.
*** Maryland is working on a Recreational Fishing License that will take
effect in January 2011. Until then, anglers need to register with the
Federal Angler Registry.Here's the link:
https://www.countmyfish.noaa.gov:443/register
Larry Jock gives us more info on the "March on Washington"
"The FISHERMEN'S MARCH ON WASHINGTON to protest the recent increase in
closures and increased regulations will be held on February 24th. The bus
leaving from the Ocean City Fishing Center is filling up fast. There are
only 15 slots left on the bus. To reserve your spot, call 410-213-1121 or
stop by the tackle shop. This is a very important event, and one that
everyone should attend if they can. "
Flounder options for MD are here.
If you can't attend, E-mail CKennedy@dnr.state.md.us
with your vote.
We have to take reductions for 2010
.
Harvest estimates indicate that we must take a 23.6% reduction for 2010
.
The target number of fish for 2010 is 75,000 fish, an increase from 61,000
in 2009
.
Because we will be increasing the size, we may able to increase the number
of
days in the existing season
.
The ASMFC did not approve the option for split minimum size and creel by
area
"The sample sizes and data available are insufficient to evaluate
regulations with area or mode splits."
The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission is requiring reductions for
the 2010
recreational season. The ASMFC Summer Flounder Management Board met February
2
and approved options for meeting the reduction. We will present options at
the scoping
meeting and at a meeting in Salisbury.
The options being proposed will include one of the below options:
Open Season Creel/Size Limit.
Statewide
Total %
Reduction
Option 1 April 17 to September 21 3 @ 18.5 24.5%
Option 2 April 24 to September 24 3 @ 18.5 24.5%
Option 3 June 8 to October 30 3 @ 18.5 24.5%
Option 4 May 22 to October 16 3 @ 18.5 24.5%
Option 5 April 17 to Nov 22 3 @ 19.0 24.2%
The meeting in Salisbury will be *Thursday, February 11th *at Wor-Wic
Community College at 6pm in Guerrieri
Hall Room 101.
If you can't attend, E-mail CKennedy@dnr.state.md.us
with your vote.
E-mail Sue Foster at: Oyster Bay
Tackle with your pictures and/or reports.
E-mail me your name and where you are from so we
can put you in our weekly fish reports and/or Gallery!
Need surf
rigs? We have plenty in our shops or buy online! Shop Online
Clark from Old Inlet (302-227-7974) reported on the 18th:
" No reports of any fish lately, but there will likely be a few people
trying for winter stripers in the inlet. Tautog fishing in the Inlet is
pretty much done. But, there are tautog on wrecks in the ocean when the
weather cooperates."
Old Inlet is providing a bus to go to Washington! Here's the info: "United
We Fish Rally on the Capitol Steps in Washington, DC Scheduled for February
24, 2010. Old Inlet and the Delaware Fisherman's Alliance have chartered a
bus to take a group of concerned fishermen to this event. Space is limited
and available to the first 48 that sign up. Cost is $20 for DFA members and
$22 a person for non-members. Bus departs from Old Inlet on February 24 at
9am. The rally is from Noon til 3pm. Returning to Old Inlet at approximately
6pm. Bring a box lunch. No alcohol or glass containers on the bus. The bus
is equipped with a restroom. Call 302-227-7974 to sign up or for more
information."
structure, and in about a year, the reef will be fully productive,
resembling natural habitat.
Anglers now need a DE Fishing License to fish, crab, and clam in DEL: The
state has published a very good
FAQ on the license requirement.
Individual Delaware Fishing Licenses are now available
online.
Delaware anglers will also need a F.I.N. number every year, similar to a
hunting H.I.P. number. It is free, very simple to get, but necessary. DNREC
has e-mailed us how to get it!
To obtain a F.I.N. number or for
more information, anglers may visit www.delaware-fin.com, or call
800-432-9228, any time of day, any day of the week. Those needing live
operator assistance may call 866-447-4626 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. (EST). "
Anglers are responsible for calling and getting this FIN number. (You do
have to update your FIN number every year. In 2010 you need to go online and
apply again. It only takes a couple minutes. Simple, easy.... )
Anglers in MD and VA will also need a FIN number this year. For more info
on the FIN number go to
www.countmyfish.noaa.gov
If you have a FIN number in Delaware for 2010 that number is good for
Maryland in 2010. BUT,if you get a FIN number to fish in Ocean City from
NOAA, you still need to get a separate FIN number if you fish in Delaware.
Capt. Monty on the " Morning
Star" works hard to catch fish for his customers.
Here's his
latest newsletter and letter: Fish Report 2/7/10
Fish Report 2/7/10
Nice Toggin'
Calm Before The Blizzard
Murfs & Chlorine Gas
Hi All,
Friday, 2/5/10, was an amazingly calm day despite the reddest of "Red in the
morning, sailor take warning" sunrises.. a day with virtually no sea,
certainly no wind and just enough current to hold straddle-set danforths
tight.
Wonderful.
A slow bite all around the rail at the first stop. Decent toggin' for the
patient angler; not-so-patient anglers need not apply.. Dipped one a tad
better than 15 pounds, tagged some shorts, some legal females too.. worked
it out, waiting for the tide and bite to pick-up their respective paces.
Wasn't to be.
Weather forecast full of doom and dire warning, we picked up anchors and
moved.
How nice. A very light WNW breeze where there should have been an increasing
NE; most of our 30 tags for the day came from this second spot: none were
sub-legal. The biggest was a 28 inch female that Dennis put back, his
personal best...
The week had begun with mate Mike getting to the boat Monday to make her
ready for Tuesday's trip. Not a lot of work, just a general going-over and
warm the engines; get last weekend's snow off the decks..
Yeah.
He sent me a picture.
Snow off the boat one thing; all that snow had frozen up the marina cut.
Daughter & friend with school snow-day pressed into duty; ended up doing a
day's work just to get the ice broken, clearing a way out so we could fish
the next morning.
Next day--Tuesday & slick-calm too--Frank caught his 19 lb 10 oz tog; Friday
we caught Dennis's personal best, 16 lb 2 oz, and released it.
Truly wonderful days at sea in-between some of the worst winter weather I
can recall in the mid-Atlantic, even pulling icebreaker duty.
Sadly, I think it will be a while before we can go again. This crazy
blizzard followed by yet another snow expected mid-week.. Need to send the
EPIRB off for fresh batteries and a hydrostatic release anyway.. Change the
batteries in the life jackets, the float lights; a thousand things that go
into another set of government regulations that underlie the fisheries: The
Coast Guard Regs. Any who complain of those has likely never seen heavy
weather, nor failed hose, nor had a drunk jump off a perfectly good boat..
This week the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council, MAFMC, meets in
Cambridge, MD. Its very likely here that the sea bass season will be
decided--but not cast in stone until NOAA's regional administrator removes
the 180 day emergency closure, if she indeed does.
The Coast Guard asks 'what went wrong' in their investigations; why did
these men die, why did these boats sink, why did this boat survive when
others did not. With pinpoint accuracy they learn, then go from there to
make the public safer.
Neither NOAA, Council, nor Commission has, thus far, delved that deep;
they've never sought to isolate successes for cause, nor failures for
pressure point: Its only about catch, catches on paper at that, and
catch-restriction. It is these broad "Coastwide" fisheries analyses that
camouflage the key to understanding a better way forward; where regional
populations -not coastwide- have skyrocketed and collapsed without catching
management's eye.
Two men deep within the fisheries have written me recently that the striped
bass rebuilding is the only model where they see success. They are perhaps
surprised when I tell them there's no success evident on the coast for
stripers, that we are still closed; that the over-pressure on the prey
supply from super-rebuilt stripers comes at the cost of no progress, no
success whatsoever in sea trout restoration; that a more holistic approach
in our fisheries is needed.
My kingdom that they would investigate why the sea bass juvenile index is
through the roof in this region just now, that they could understand the
value of a sub-legal spawning stock; that they would cease the
shoulder-shrug, "Some luck, eh?" That they would see reef every bit as
important to preserving/restoring fisheries as life jackets, rafts &
emergency radios are to the mariner in dire circumstance...
It's also very important, as Capt. Adam Nowalsky points out, that we double
check their math..
He's not kidding. I don't know what Adam gets paid for his efforts. I fear
its the same as my advocacy salary. He's certainly one of the good guys.
Some help, not everyone.
The Petersons and Powers of the region put their mega-donations into our
restoration efforts. Without these heavy-hitters we would not have come so
far with Maryland's reefing.
Mike & Brian, who have resurrected the Maryland Fisherman's Annual, made a
fat donation to the MD artificial reef initiative, MARI, based on sales of
their new magazine.
Capt. Danny on the Fin Chaser has piled-on the reef donations and written
many letters to his representatives.
Fellows working for Maryland, Marty Gary & Erik Zlokovitz, go way beyond
their salaried efforts; often work well into night to put new reef on state
permits.
Fellows from the Atlantic Coast Chapter of the MSSA and OPAC have been
burning through some ink writing letters to representatives.
So too have many of you: Determination...
Spoke with another captain that fishes a fair-many bottom trips the other
day. He said he 'hopes' the sea bass season is extended. I asked if he'd
written comment..
Hope without action leaves little likelihood of success.
A woman hollers from inside a brand new Mercedes convertible, "I bought it
with my sea bass money!"
She's kidding of course. No one made 'money' fishing sea bass recently;
never-ever that kind of money.. Still, tip of humor's edge caught & thrust
completely through; sword's hilt struck hard upon breast-plate..
Ought to consider an artificial reef stamp, even as an option, when the
state license comes in 2011. "User pays" works, look at our highways.. some
manner of dedicating license revenue toward this important part of fisheries
restoration is needed.
Fishing is not on our nation's radar; falling off, it's an antiquated sport
being pushed aside by frozen groceries and electronic gaming. For most
residents--even along the coast--quaint, old-fashioned 'extractive' fishing
is of no concern, of no consequence: Until, that is, room taxes and home
values fall like a rock, the result of some pathogen and associated fish
kill: The only binding-tie is water quality.
The truly profitable fisheries, surf-clam & menhaden reduction---now fully
consolidated and an extreme representation of what to watch out for as
'catch shares' advance---are protected in ways most can not fathom; the
deepest of well-positioned and paid lobbying efforts shield these
businesses.
We are not there.
But there can be success in grass-roots efforts.
Carry a sign February 24th on the Capitol steps, just be there at the Rally.
Putting the "Flexibility in American Fisheries Restoration Act" into law is
key to preserving what is left of our marine fishing businesses while
science & regulation catch pace.
We do not yet grasp what can be done to restore fisheries. We can not
possibly value catch-shares until we have a fuller and more complete
understanding of what is missing from the production model; the 'where do
little fish come from' angle of fisheries.
The success of that "Take a Kid Fishing" trip is crucial.. bending rods and
smiling faces are the only preservative fishing needs.
We do not know how many will want to 'go extracting' when the research has
been well-bound with regulation, when fisheries have been pushed far beyond
restored..
A day when clients can chose to throw back jumbo tog on every trip, when
clients can select cbass based on the size they want to cook..
That day is coming, I've seen shadows of it.
White marlin every summer on the twenty fathom line and we'll have arrived.
Instead, this week coming there will be a clash as recreational for-hire sea
bass fishers vie for the somewhat less-skimpy leavings regulators offer; the
quota of a fishery they clearly do not understand, divided based on catch
estimates created by MRFSS--apparently after many months Uncle Murfs spent
scrubbing heads with bleach and ammonia.
The reason this year's sea bass season is being cut 3 1/2 months is because
MRFSS has small private boats out-fishing, out-catching, partyboats by huge
margins; even the numerous Jersey partyboats in March.
I won't even take my boat to the sea bass in March, to the canyons.
I do dislike having my life run-through by deceitful, misleading data.
The lack of "Flexibility" means regulators have to use this MRFSS data
because it is "The Best Scientific Information Available." That offers a
clear depiction of why fishers need to write representatives & go to DC to
advocate for the Flexibility Act.
Better direct full and complete attention to it for a while.
Wife sez there's some game on TV, its commercials worth more than US reef
restoration.
Will return to toggin as soon as the EPIRB is back!
Regards,
Monty
E-mail Capt Montyfor more info.
To receive Capt. Monty's newsletter e-mail Capt. Monty.
Capt. Monty Hawkins
mhawkins@siteone.net
Party Boat "Morning Star"
Reservation Line 410 520 2076
http://www.morningstarfishing.com/
Watch the
weather.
Go to the RFA website to find out
more about the Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act of 2009.
Even if you are not an advocate of the RFA you can learn about the bills by
going to the website. Click here to email a letter
to your representatives.
Capt Monty wrote last week: "I hear that Senator Mikulski has only received
5 letters supporting the Flexibility in Rebuilding American Fisheries Act...
Can that possibly be?
I don't think it can.. Perhaps there is a problem with her mail delivery..
Fishing typically flies well below radar - it should.
Not now though.
Send a short note--another--a post it note, anything, supporting SB 1255 to
Teri Curtis, Environment Staff, who has been doing a wonderful job
representing our pleadings to Senator Mikulski:
Senator Barbara Mikulski
C/O Teri Curtis RSG
503 Hart Senate Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20510
An email/comment on the Senator's website might be as effective.. I doubt
it, but put Teri Curtis RSG in the title if you do."
I wrote another letter, snail mail..... I had written several e-mails and
never even got an acknowledgement, so it appears Capt Monty is right, the
e-mails aren't working..... Do it the old fashioned way! A typed letter, an
envelope, and a stamp!
Check out the new link on our web site to the local chapter of the MSSA. They are keeping us
abreast on all the Fishing Issues plus the upcoming march on Washington!
From our Oyster Bay Website,
go to "More Fishing Info" on the left hand side, and click on "MSSA Atlantic
Anglers". President Capt Bud says more fishers should get involved and the
local MSSA wants to help anglers write letters and keep everyone informed.
Check the weather before driving hours to go offshore or fish the surf. Go
to
Coastal Marine Forecast to get an idea of the weather and height of the
waves.
Capt. Rick Yakimowicz of the "Thelma Dale V" Reports from Fisherman's Wharf
on Dec 10th:
.... Long Range trips after the first of the year have been put on hold
with the mandated closure on the Black Bass and depending on the 2010 rules
may not resume until sometime this Spring.
If you would like any more information about trips sailing out of the Wharf
or you would like to book a private charter for Stripers or Tog in the
upcoming weeks please give us a call at (302) 645-TUNA.
His full report and boat info is
here.
Capt. Rick Yakimowicz
Thelma Dale V
catchfish@verizon.net"
VA
charters.
(Wilson Cropp Charters and Guide Service. Cape Charles, VA- 1-434-531-6376)
Capt. Wilson reports... striper fishing will happen again when the water
temps rise a few more degrees."
Please feel free to e-mail me your fishing reports and pictures, Vacation
Pictures welcome this time of year. E-mail Sue Foster
CHECK OUT the Fish Talk Forum - At
The Beach - Fishing Ocean City MD Assateague Island - Delaware Fishing
Beaches
(Just a note to say to my readers that many of my fishing reports are from
other anglers and party boats that come over my e-mail. When I "copy/paste"
their reports I try to leave them intact. It keeps the fishing reports
lively and interesting. But any comments/politics within the quotes are
their comments and views, and not necessarily mine.)
Need info on where, how, when to fish, crab, and clam? Go
to Drifting
Easy Archives and READ UP! It's all in there and it's
FREE!!!!!!
James A. Donofrio, executive director of the Recreational Fishing
Alliance
has been actively working on the summer flounder and sea bass crisis. The
RFA believes the future of our fisheries is dependent on fixing the
Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act which has laid down
strict time-frames that do not take into account livelihoods and that a
fishery is rebounding steadily.
The RFA is fighting hard for our right to fish.
Need to tie a knot? Click
Here. This is really cool! You can also click Here!
Good fishing...
Sale!
Pirates of the Carribean Push Button combo for kids. Regular: 19.99 Now
on sale for 12.99!
Gift
Certificates Call 410-524-3433 or order
ONLINE.
Oyster Bay Tackle (410-524-3433) No set hours. Saturdays in
February, weather permitting. Fenwick Tackle is closed for the season.
For information e-mail Sue
Foster. I always check my e-mail at least once a day!
2009 White Marlin Shirts! Short sleeve and long
sleeve! Order ONLINE.
Shark Tournie shirts we have 2xl &3XL. A few tuna shirts as well.
Sputnik
sinkers back in stock!
We have Calcutta hats, visors, t's, long sleeve t-shirts, sweatshirts, tanks
and new
T-shirts on our online mall. We have the Bloodworm scented
Fish Bites in stock. You can buy these items online.
Tire deflators are great! Call Oyster Bay Tackle at 410-524-3433 or order on line.
We also now carry the
Oasis Trailhead Tire Deflators. 59.99 for set of 4 in store.
To buy a dozen assorted flounder rigs for $21.99. (Reg- 28.08) call
410-524-3433, stop
in our stores or
Order Online.
To buy a selection of a dozen of the most popular Got-cha Plugs in our area
for 44.99
Shop Online or call 410-524-3433.
We have a great value on a stuffed surf box
Big surf box for 49.99- a $56 value- available on line, at both our
stores, or call 410-524-3433.
We offer a great value in our stores or on our web site of
a package of 12 assorted surf rigs. (Value $28.28) for $23.99.
Surf rigs buy online or call 410-524-3433.
To buy a big stuffed Flounder box
for 49.99 stop in our stores, Shop Online, or call 410-524-3433.-
We have
6-packs of bucktails and we
have fishing
books.
There's a new product out called "Rod Log." It is an affordable storage
system for your rods and reels you can set up in your garage or carry with
you to your boat. Check it out.
Visit our online mall year
round. Check it out and
e-mail me with any comments or suggestions.
We have a
Australian Gold
Suntan Lotion web page that shows all the Australian Gold Suntan
Products available in both our retail stores. Oyster Bay Tackle~410-524-3433
and Fenwick Tackle~302-539-7766. E-mail
Sue for pricing and availability or call 410-524-3433. (During the
winter season it is best to e-mail.)
Visit our Website.
Visit our
Drifting Easy Archives to learn where and how to crab, clam and fish in
our area.
Sale!
We have lots of rods and reels out for this season by
Daiwa, Tica, Sea Striker and Okuma.
If you have any fish reports please share them with us on our Fish Talk Board or e-mail
Sue Foster at: Oyster Bay
Tackle. E-mail me your name and where you are from so we can put
you in our weekly fish reports!
Visit our
T-shirt page of our Online Mall to see all the t-shirts available
including this year's popular Calcutta T-shirts and our new Inshore-4
T-shirt.
Tire Deflators, Calcutta t-shirts, 2009 White Marlin Open,
Storm Wild-eyed Shad lures, Gift Certificates, Got-cha Plugs, Ugly Sticks,
Tica rods, new Okuma surf rods, Daiwa reels, Windcheaters, Mann's, Stretch
25 lures, Mullet Rigs,
Aqua-Clear Tangle free Rigs, Tsunami Shads, Tandem Rigs, Spec Rigs,
Beach Runner surf rods on sale, Penn Reels, Okuma reels,
Collapsible Bridge and Pier Nets, Rat-L-Traps, Calcutta Hats, Stuffed Tackle
Boxes and more. Stop in to our shops or Order Online.
E-mail Sue Foster at: Oyster Bay
Tackle
if you have any questions about our inventory or if you want to place
an order for an item we do not have on-line.
Shop Online
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