Capt. Rick Yakimowicz, off the all-day headboat out of Fisherman’s Wharf in Lewes, reports some improving tautog action with catches pushing the 9-pound mark.
The fish are starting to show in both the ocean and bay in all of the usual rocky nooks and crannies.
Capt. Rick said the fish are really snapping at times, grabbing practically any bait offered.
This is sure a change from their normal finicky patterns.
Of course, the fish can really be tide specific as with many salt and tidal water fish.
The ebb tide can produce the best bite — the water is a taste warmer than the flood — but if we’ve had a lot of rain, that can go out the window fast.
Striped bass are also in the fishing news with good catches coming from the Jersey side of the bay. Anglers using fresh surf clams have had some big trips on nice rockfish as the fish swarm the shallow bays and coves.
It’s a pretty good haul from our side of the bay to the Egg Island Flats where the bulk of the catching has been.
Striper sharpies can probably get a line on the linesiders on the Delaware side from Bowers up, as the fish appear to have pushed northward on the last cold snap.
Bloodworms will also fool stripers, but you sure can’t be squeamish putting them on.
While it’s relatively easy to get fresh clams on the Jersey side, you really have to order ahead over here. Call Lewes Harbor Bait and Tackle or Bill’s Sport shop to secure your bait.
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