Article by Larry Budd
It is another cool and breezy day as I write this report on the last days of April! It seems the winds have been blowing all spring without much of a break until mid April. Fortunately for us, many of our hardy fisherman headed out or took advantage of the few fishable days to get on the water and share their action with us. The last several weeks have also seen a pick up in black drum from the beach and a bluefish blitz! Check out the details in our fishing reports from Capt. BJ Pietryak and Capt. Matt Abell.
So welcome faithful readers to our 2024 Summer season of the Coastal Fisherman, our 49th season! In addition to our returning fishing report captains, we are fortunate to have our Mark Sampson returning. After many years of writing “Chum Lines”, Mark wanted to take a different approach this year. Observations with humor and edginess will be the theme of the new “Snarky Lines”. I think you will enjoy the irreverent stories about fishing, life and just being! Our resident expert Capt. Steve Katz also returns offering insights and details about the boating industry, regulatory issues and operation issues. The man gets into the details. We are lucky to have both.
While the canyons remain in the high 40°’s, several of the early season regulars have made some runs or tries. Capt. Tommy Perry ran out past the Norfolk Canyon in mid April to test a warmish eddy on his new boat and enjoyed a nice ride! It also looks like other former first fish captains like Jim Barbey on the “Full Service” and Zack Brunner on the “Hot Line” have been trying to get out. The current forecast looks like the wind may lay down for the weekend, but it is still early. Last year saw a lot of first tunas in the first week of May, marlins did not arrive until June.
So, in absence of offshore action to report, I thought I could share some of the happenings that occurred over the winter to help our offshore anglers for the season.
Marina’s on the Move
Owning and operating a marina is not for the faint of heart. These are capital intensive businesses with Cap Rates lower than some other business type due to the ongoing infrastructure cost. They are sometimes compared to a “U-Store-It” type of company since you are basically storing a boat in a slot. However, your local storage facility is not typically subject to tidal conditions and wave action, not to mention the regulatory considerations. Marinas have fuel, pump out facilities and maintenance services that are subject to an ever increasing amount of oversight. So we have a great appreciation for facilities like Sunset Marina, Indian River Marina, OC Fishing Center, Bahia Marina and South Shore Marina for the level of service they provide.
A couple of these made some notable improvements over the winter. The Sunset Marina acquired Fisherman’s Marina in West Ocean City in 2023 and has been greatly enhancing and improving the facility. Notably they are working to restore the bulkhead to its original position. As the bulkheads needed maintenance or replacement, the prior owners would just build a new bulkhead in front of the old. Over the years that moved the seawall out 4’ to 6’. That is significant and you can see from the pictures the impact of putting them back where they should be! Additionally, there are all new docks, electrical and services, as well as landscaping and lighting. Nice job Sunset!
Up north the South Shore Marina completed a major project, they moved the marina inlet. The historical entrance on the North side had a history of silting in quite quickly. After changing hands a few years ago, the new owners committed to not only enhancing the facility but moving the entrance to the West side for improved access and navigation.
New to you Boat Blitz
This offseason saw a surprising number of notable boat sales and upgrades. The charter boat “Wrecker” made a move to a 57’ Blackwell and did a major refit over the winter. The new boat is faster and has a bigger cockpit and will remain at the Ocean City Fishing Center. Capt. Dale Lisi made a big upgrade! He moved from his legendary 36 footer to a new ‘Foolish Pleasure” charter boat, a 50’ Custom Carolina! He too has spent the winter enhancing this platform. You can find his new ride at the Bahia Marina.
Some names you know left the area. The “Blood Money” headed to a new port down South. The “Primary Search” headed south too, but a new and larger one will take up the moniker.
Of course, no boat update would be complete without a shout out to Duffie Boatworks and their latest hull. The new 79 foot “Reel Joy” has moved from their facility to Sunset Marina for final rigging before sea trials. The tower has been added and the wheels mounted, so it won’t be long before she is in the water. Beautiful boat! We hear the 59’ “Boys Toy” is not far behind.
That’s it for now. Please keep sharing your catches by texting or emailing:
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Upcoming Tournaments
• The Capt. Zed’s Spring Flounder Tournament in Watchapreque runs through May 5th.
• Old Inlet Bait & Tackle hosts the Delaware Seashore Spring Surf Fishing Tournament on May 6th. This event offers over $2,000 in cash and prizes. Visit OldInlet.com for more.
• The Lewes Harbour Marina will hold it’s Canal Flounder Tournament on May 17th. For more info check Facebook or call (302) 645-6227.
