It’s been exciting for surf anglers the past week. The bluefish, striped bass and black drum action is consistent. Even the big dogfish are fun to catch. Anglers are using a variety of baits — clam, sand fleas, blue crab and Fishbites formulas, mostly sand flea. The action is better than we have seen in a few years so it has been fun for many. Get out and fish — you’re missing some fun action. There are small fish around too but everyone is going after the big predators before they are gone for the season. Assateague has great action and Delaware is holding her own too. This has been a great season for anglers.

Flounder action is picking up weekly as the water gets warmer and the fish spread out around our waterways. Drifting minnows or jigging with Fishbites Fight Club or Gulp have been productive. The surf will produce flounder jigging close to shore in the cuts and along the sand ledge. They lie in there waiting for baitfish and crabs to ambush. The cool thing with the surf for flounder jigging is you don’t have to cast too far so you can fish under everyone’s lines that are set.

Fly anglers are starting to fish more and more in the salt. Striped bass are fun on a flyrods, especially if it is one of the big girls. Check out the Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware. Bluefish will destroy a fly but are tanks on a fly rod to land.

It is that time of year when the migratory fish are here and the summer fish arrive. Most will fish for the bigger predators. I like to put a line out for both sizes, you just never know. The kingfish are around and will show up more and more. Weakies are around as well. Now we wait for the rest of the summer fish.

Freshwater is picking up. A lot of Chesapeake Channa are being caught. Kill every one of those invasive fish you catch. Snakeheads are terrible for an ecosystem, I don’t care what anyone says. The fish scientists say it is a problem. They would know better than the bucket biologists creating a larger problem. A buddy of mine scoops up the fry balls and dumps them on land. He makes sure they don’t survive.

Catfish catches are increasing and there are some big cats out there. Catfish love stinky baits, but the Fishbites formulas put off a scent that isn’t too bad for the angler. Bunker works well for catfish too, or try some shad. The blue channel cats are also invasive and should be removed permanently.

Get out and fish. There are many options as far as species and spots to try. Explore areas you’ve never been — that is always rewarding in many ways.
Maryland has a survey out on microfishing. That is when people fish for the smaller, unregulated species, even minnows. We like Tenkara fishing and have the rod set-ups. Those hooks are so small you need a magnifying glass to make a fishing rig. Minnow fishing is definitely different. These are fun things we do when we get bored with the traditional things.