Delaware State News
Six state records in fresh- and saltwater fishing were established during the 2022 Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament, the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control announced Monday.
Anglers landed the record catches from a freshwater pond, the Nanticoke River and the Atlantic Ocean, where there were three saltwater records set, including a tautog weighing almost 21½ pounds and caught from an artificial reef established by the Division of Fish & Wildlife.
The six record-breakers were:
- A 7-pound, 10-ounce, 30-inch chain pickerel caught March 5 at McGinnis Pond, near Frederica, by kayaker William Mack of Frederica.
- A 21-pound, 7.7-ounce, 32-inch tautog landed May 5 at Artificial Reef Site 11 in the Atlantic Ocean, by Brent Wiest of Milton, fishing from and as captain of the Katydid.
- A 26-pound, 11.2-ounce, 35.5-inch false albacore reeled in July 8 from the Atlantic Ocean by Mike Spayd of Wyomissing, Pennsylvania, while fishing on the No Limit, captained by Jon Azato.
- An 89-pound, 3.2-ounce, 63-inch cobia caught July 15 in the Atlantic Ocean by Scott Brooks of Hockessin, while fishing on the Coughin’, captained by Jesse Coulbourn.
- A 25-pound, 8-ounce, 38-inch blueline tilefish landed Aug. 27 from the Atlantic Ocean by Dain Hursh of York, Pennsylvania, while fishing on the Outnumbered, captained by Chris Graham.
- A 48-pound, 3.2 ounce, 40.5-inch blue catfish reeled in Oct. 8 from the Nanticoke River by James Lord of Bridgeville.
For information about Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament records, visit de.gov/recfishing. Details about the tournament and record fish also can be found in the 2023 Delaware Fishing Guide, available in printed form from license agents.
