Coastal Mid-Atlantic Fishing Report, September 26 Update:
Weather has been an issue recently, and reports have been a bit thin for both offshore and inshore; late in the week Capt. Monty on the Morning Star was simply saying he’s itching to get back at it, and that weather-wise this is the worst September he’s ever seen. This weekend looks like a wash thanks to the weather, too. Constant east winds have also kept the surf churned. FishInOC says the sheepshead are still around the OC inlet and there are some bluefish, black drum, flounder, and stripers around as well. There have also been some very nice weakfish caught in the bay and inlet recently, including some pushing the 30” mark. We heard from a reader who tried fishing in Wachapreague last weekend, but he said the water was dirty and the fish weren’t biting except for one slounder too small to measure.
Editor’s Note: Our intrepid and awesome Reports Editor Dillon Waters is away on his honeymoon this week, and the reports were compiled by the staff in his absence. We send Dillon and his bride Layla our congratulations and best wishes for a wonderful future.
Coastal Mid-Atlantic Fishing Report, September 19 Update:
As exciting as fall is to fish along the coast, the weather can sometimes get in the way. That is exactly what happened this week. The Angler in Chief reports of a complete surf fishing bust most of the week until Thursday’s respite from the wind allowed for catching some spot, a kingfish, and a shark from the still-churned waters of Bethany, where northeast winds have kept the waves large and rather vicious. Indian River has been fishable but was barren. The best action at the beach this week was a sheepshead bite on sand fleas during the early incoming tide at the OC inlet. Fishing with Dave Moore of Shark Whisperers, they hooked several one afternoon midweek, landed a 19”, and caught grunts, small sea bass, and ocean perch. Oh, and horseshoe crabs, lots of horseshoe crabs. On an afternoon earlier in the week Dave landed four sheepshead, again all on fleas.
The wind kept many of the offshore boats in their slips this week. Luckily, Fish In OC reports that there was some good flounder fishing in the back bays. They reported an angler fishing the route 50 bridge caught his limit of flounder up to 23.5 inches and also caught a small gag grouper. Now that’s cool. There were also reports of a good rockfish bite in the north bay of OC with a good amount of fish in the mid 20s caught by anglers throwing artificial lures. On The Run Charters had a few good trips this week which included flounder up to four and a half ponds along with keeper sea trout.
Anglers should be aware that many of the coastal beaches from Delaware down to Assateague were allowing limited access as medical waste from an unknown source was washing up on the beaches. The Northeast winds are expected to be around for a while, so there may be more waste washing up, so be careful. Surf conditions are still rough thanks to the “almost” tropical storm off the coast but should be improving through the weekend. Make sure to check the forecast and wear shoes if you plan to visit the beaches.
Coastal Mid-Atlantic Fishing Report, September 12 Update:
Captain Chris Mizurak of The Angler made the long haul out this week and caught several big bluelines with some anglers reeling in two at a time. They also had a few goldens mixed in. Tuna fishing has been slow overall, but there have been some good days for crews putting in hours on the water. The Wound Tight had a good day offshore as they boxed three big yellowfin tuna. Two of their fish were caught on the chunk and one was caught trolling. FishTalk’s own Zach Ditmars spent a day trolling at the Offshore Deli and reported two knockdowns that didn’t come tight, but said he saw a few bent rods on the boats in the same area.
Capt. Monty on the Morning Star has still been finding some mahi inshore, though half or more of the usual spots are turning up blank and this bite may be winding down for the season. Fortunately, sea bass are providing good action when the green missiles aren’t at home and some knotheads were reported swinging over the rails this week. The offshore grounds have been good for deep droppers searching for blueline and golden tilefish. It is a long run out there, but the rewards have been big with coolers full of fish.
Beach fishing expert Dave Moore reports that big red drum are starting to trickle in along the beaches of Assateague. The better fishing has been at night, and he caught bulls up to 49 inches this week. Chunks of crab or cut bunker on fish finder rigs were the ticket. The OC inlet jetties have also offered steady action and Fish In OC reports that there are plenty of nice sized bluefish willing to bite jigs and Roy Rigs. Rockfish are also hanging around structure and can be caught anywhere inside the inlet along rocks, bridge structure, and docks. Most of the stripers are below the 28- to 31-inch slot, but some keepers have been pulled from the bay. As summer boat traffic continues to dwindle, flounder fishing in the coastal bays has been very good. A pair of anglers fishing at the Route 50 Bridge combined for four keeper flounder ranging from 19 to 21 inches caught on live bunker. On The Run Charters pulled some doormats from behind OC this week with one angler catching a seven-pound fish and another landing an eight-and-a-half-pound jumbo. September should be a great month both inshore and offshore, so don’t miss out on the action.
Coastal Mid-Atlantic Fishing Report, September 5 Update:
It was a cooler week across the region as north winds brought a breeze showing us the first signs of fall. Surf fishing anglers at Ocean City and Assateague are enjoying less crowded beaches and steady pickings from the wash. Those throwing out bottom rigs baited with bloodworm flavored Fishbites are catching a mix of kingfish, spot, and croaker. Cut bait is catching mostly rays, but a few bluefish were reeled in this week. At the OC inlet and Route 50 Bridge, sheepshead and tautog are being caught on sand fleas and peeler crabs. The bite has been tricky at times, but persistence has paid off. There are also still plenty of bluefish and striped bass around at bridges and jetty rocks. Artificial jigs, Roy Rigs, and Gotcha plugs have worked to get these fun fighters into the boat.
Readers venturing to both Poor Mans and Washington reported big catches of mahi this week (one boat had a limit of 40 and another had “dozens”). Neither specified fishing the lobster pots, but you can bet that’s a smart move right about now. Tilefish up to 14 pounds were also in the mix for those dropping baits to the bottom slightly inshore. Offshore billfish fishing was also good this week and we saw multiple boats return to dock flying catch and release flags, most of which were white marlin. Captain Monty on the Morning Star reports that a bit farther inshore mahi are still around, too, although they’re mostly a smaller grade. Chasin’ Tides Charters filled their box with golden tilefish on top of a limit of bluelines tiles and mahi. The crew of the Fish Bound had a great mix of catches this week including tilefish, mahi, sea bass, and flounder. Fish In OC reports that the ocean flounder fishing at the wrecks and reefs is picking up as we head into fall. The inshore grounds are historically very productive for flounder in the fall before they head farther offshore for the winter. Back bay founder fishing has also been better since the summer tourist season is winding down. Live spot are preferred for the big flatties, though Gulp! baits and squid strips will catch fish of all sizes.