April 2013

There is a lot of misinformation in the fishing community about the shellfish aquaculture program to introduce oyster "farming" in our bays.  I have been contacted by people on different sides of the fence ... if you will.  I asked Captain Bill Baker, whom is a member of many of the committees concerned with our fisheries for some factual…

Well that was a wash today, literally, with sand!  This morning the winds were twenty plus sustained with gusts that had to be close to 35 on the beach.  Iwent to Beach Plum Island for a little clean up, and when I walked out on the beach ... not a good day to be in the sand.  It was crazy in the bay, and I was pelted with anything…

DNREC issues air permit to restart cooling tower at Delaware City Refinery Investment will help facility meet required  33 percent reduction in water withdrawal   DOVER (April 22, 2013) – DNREC Secretary Collin O’Mara today approved issuance of an air permit for the Delaware City Refining Company to restart an unused closed-loop cooling water…

HAPPY EARTH DAY!! Don't forget to join us tonight for a very fun Happy Hour to celebrate. $3 wine and beer specials and $1 local Oysters as well as lots of other great food and drink options. Thanks Bethany Oyster House for helping us celebrate Earth Day today!! 4-7 pm in Downtown Bethany - Looking forward to seeing everyone! Check out the…

So, how many of you got stuck on Beach Plum Island?  That is a bay beach, and they are harder to drive on.  The beach there has always been difficult to drive.  The storms, winds, and high tides have made the sand very mushy like sugar, would be a good description.  We have been going out there for the past four weeks and the sand has been…

From the Tri-State Bird Rescue and Research, Inc ...  In the last week, we have received several injured osprey, and these skilled birds of prey eat fish almost exclusively. With fishing season ramping up, we would greatly appreciate donations of whole fish (18” or smaller, fresh or frozen). Osprey favorites include spot, perch, trout, scup,…

From Eastern Marine in Newark, DE ......  NEW STATE RECORD!!! Tiger Muskie, caught in the Brandywine by Thomas Sutton of Dover. Weight= 19 lbs 13 oz., Length = 42-1/4”, Girth = 19-1/2”. Congratulations Thomas on your State Record and Thanks for bringing it To Eastern Marine (Unofficial for now, but DNREC was here to take fish and verify)…

Yesterday morning I was setting up to help a buddy of mine install replacement windows.  Then the phone stats blowing up.  I was sent a picture of Ray Hibbbs holding the 41 inch striped bass he caught in the surf at Beach Plum Island.  The next series of pictures and texts were driving me nuts.  DSF in the surf ... "More fish, and do we post…

Well we had an awesome weekend in Delaware fishing.  The blue crabs have started moving around, showing up in crab pots, and clamming is still excellent.  The striped bass are starting to move around and show up in the surf.  These are our resident bass that are schooling, and getting ready to head up north as migratory striped bass.  Not all…

The other day I met a part time Game warden at Massey's Landing.  He was telling some folks new to the area about fishing and our waters.  After they left,  we spoke for a while about the problems of poaching and the sources.  Most of the time poaching is done locally.  People from out of town that get caught with undersized fish, mostly are not…

It has been an eventful few days.  I met CJ of Striper King Gear on Beach Plum Island the other night for some surf fishing and chillaxing in the sand.  He was grilling chicken and taters and they were excellent.  I was torturing everyone on the DSF Facebook page with food and grill pictures.  The weather was gorgeous for a few days, and felt…

Yesterday Brian Dunkelberger was fishing up north below the C&D canal with friends, and they hit 2 keeper striped bass on bunker chunks.  Some of the boys up north saw a few weighed in at Port Penn as well.  Brian and crew lost a third fish, but are very happy they managed some nice dinner for the table.  Jeff Sands and his crew…

Today I wandered around the bays and checked out the beaches and inlets.  There are fish here of all species it would seem, and some may be a tad early.  The netters according to Rick's Bait & Tackle have been catching weakfish and striped bass, as by catch.   Large fish in keeper sizes, and in decent numbers.  The striped bass…

Not much going on in our tidal waters in Sussex county.  Hunter Lied (I kid you not, the best name for an angler) was at Broadkill beach yesterday hitting skates.   He had a good time getting a tug on the line, and chillin on the beach.  Instead of surfing a couch, and playing video games.  Most kids these days are not into fishing and the…

Anglers reminded that harvesting river herring is prohibited DOVER (April 4, 2013) – DNREC’s Division of Fish and Wildlife reminds recreational anglers and commercial watermen that harvest or possession of river herring, a popular baitfish, is illegal in Delaware. Anglers must have a valid receipt from a state or jurisdiction where…

There are fish up north and it is too cold in the south?  Funny as that may sound it is true, the northern waters of the Delaware River are starting to see more action.  Down here in the south or Lower Slower, we are seeing fewer fish (mostly perch and skates) and still averaging 44 degrees for water temperatures.  The other Day Jeff Sands,…