It doesn’t take long, but when spring fishing springs, it goes off. We wait and we wait and we wait. You hear a rumor of a big fish, then another. Then, you see a picture, could that be real? Is that really a Delaware beach?

Black drum run is on and just got started in Delaware. A week ago commercial netters were seeing a few in the nets. That is always good news to hear. So we start targeting them more and more. Because while that is happening, south of us in Virginia it is on fire for black drum catches. Once that starts, it doesn’t take long — in this case, about a week.

The best baits are clams, crabs, or sand fleas. They are in the surf eating all three. Fishbites sand fleas will attract black drum, even in the chilly water. That is just one fish we have been waiting for.

The striped bass action up north on the river and bay has been solid for many anglers. The Port Penn, Augustine Beach area anglers are doing well. Land-based not as well as boats. But on the New Jersey side, they are destroying large striped bass with jumbo bloodworms from the DOD area.

I know a few guys getting them from land in Delaware. They just don’t want any company. I can’t blame them. This time of year when the bite is hot, it is on for only a bit then shuts down. The short bass action is great all over the place. The aquarium at the southside inlet has been the hot spot for surf rats.

Speaking of the southside, I am sure you have heard about the surf tag voucher program. That was done Wednesday morning in a few state parks. The night before, people were lining up in parks around the state. Some folks showed up in parks at 9 a.m. that morning.

It created a little pandemonium for the rangers, but, as usual, they were on top of things. I spent ten hours plus online fielding questions and making “Hunger Games” memes. It was very entertaining for everyone, mostly me.

The vouchers were gone as fast as they could be given out. Some didn’t make the cutoff for the line. It was a well-run program that was put together quickly by Parks. I was impressed. I even saw Rep. Pete Schwarzkopf. “I took off for the inlet at 4 a.m. after seeing it all over social media,” he said. Sorry Pete, but when the phones blew up, the articles and memes went out.

Yes even state representatives missed out on the robocall. Nobody gets to slide when it comes to surf tags in Delaware State Parks.

Fishing is picking up and that is grand! The surf is now more of a variety of catches. Skates and of course dogfish — but the smooth doggies are here too. Striped bass short and migratory on occasion. Northern kingfish on bloodworms or fishbites. Sand fleas are easier to dig up for bait. Black drum on clam, sand fleas or crab.

The fish are hitting the cuts hard, searching for stirred up food. As early as the black drum and kingfish are, I would expect to see puffers soon in Delaware. Dave Moore got one on Assateague a few days ago. Chicken of the sea is incoming.

Now we want flounder in that mix, and that isn’t too far off. They are already hitting below Ocean City. Flounder migrate into the coast, not up and down the coast. So they will be coming to shore soon and the bays. Then we want bluefis,h which should be here by now with the bass.

White perch action is great in the waterways and Delaware Bay beaches.

The charter and head boats are getting out more and soon will head for the coral beds for black drum. Check the local charters for availability as many are filling up fast.

The freshwater fishing is picking up. Catfishing has been excellent and just getting better. There is a nice variety of catching for everyone to get out and do some fishing and enjoy some space in the fresh air.