Article by Larry Budd
This Week Last Year
• The weather was not a friend to the offshore fisherman this time last year compliments of a lingering low pressure system.
• Before the weather there were many reports of 5 and 6 white marlin releases mainly from the Washington Canyon. The “Big Stick” and the “Buckshot” both released 6 whites on the same day.
• The tuna bite was scattered across the area with mostly single bites of both yellowfin and longfin including a 65.5 lb. longfin on the “Marli”.
• The weather pushed the mahi offshore and the bite dropped significantly, but big dolphin were still being caught like the 42” fish Mike Orchulli boated in the Baltimore Canyon.
While not an offshore event, we did spend some time at the scales for the 16th Annual Bahia Marina Flounder Pounder Tournament last Sunday. This popular event mainly draws local participants, and this year was no different. 32 boats registered with 105 anglers all vying for the $6,655 in prize money. This event limits anglers to the Ocean City Bays, and most we talked to shared that it was hard on Sunday. Only 5 boats came to the scales, but all with some nice fish. The “Screaming Hooker” started things off with a 3 lb. flattie from the bay behind Assateague Island, however it was the boats at the end that filled the top spots. Capt. Dave Caffrey and the crew on the “On the Run” headed out early and were rewarded with 3 flounder they caught before the water got dirty and were the only ones for the day. The largest at 3 lbs. 7 ozs. was enough to take 2nd Place earning $500. Almost last to the dock was last year’s winners Rich Daiker and Kenny Schoen on the “Delicious”. They brought a total of 7 fish to the scales with the heaviest at 3 lbs. 15 ozs., besting the next closest by 1/2 pound to lock in 1st Place. Both boats also tied for 3rd Place with matching flat fish at 3 lbs. 2 ozs. The final payouts were a combined $5,995 for the “Delicious” and $660 to “On the Run. More details and pictures can be found on page 54.
As for offshore fishing, last week was tough. Several days of wind as well as waves driven by Hurricane Larry kept most of the offshore boats snug in their slips. That weather however seemed to help the bite with some great reports from Saturday and fair weather expected for Monday and Tuesday, so let’s break down what we do know happened last week.
Billfish
The pickings were slim and have been slim for white marlin for a while, despite this being prime season for whities. Last Wednesday before the blow we did see some low single digit releases mainly from the Poor Man’s Canyon. The “Game Changer” released a white as well as a blue marlin in 1200 fathoms. The “Loaded Up’ released a single white estimated at 70” that ate a skirted ballyhoo and the “Spring Mix II” found 3 whites in the Baltimore Canyon. After the blow on Saturday we saw more action with the “Big Stick” returning with 6 white marlin releases from the south end of the Washington in 500 fathoms.
Tuna & Mahi
Tuna, specifically yellowfin tuna, were more consistent and ranged from the Poor Man’s Canyon to the Washington Canyon. Lots of multiple hookup were common in reports. The “Marli” kicked things off early last week bringing 14 nice sized yellows to the docks from the Rockpile. Before and after the wind the “Ro Sham Bo” did well, getting 4 yellowfin from the 800 Square on one trip before and 6 yellowfins last Saturday from the Poor Man’s. The “Rhonda’s Osprey” made a quick day landing 8 yellowfins after two quad hookups in the Baltimore Canyon. A real standout for the week was the 113 lb. allison yellowfin that Nick Fuldner caught on the “Primary Search” last Saturday in the Washington. It was a quest for Capt. Austin Ensor that he can now check off the list!
Mahi continue to be in the peanut to gaffer range and seem to be mainly by catch while trolling for tuna, others are targeting them around the sea bass pot markers near the Baltimore Canyon. For trolling, the Poor Man’s remains a hot spot with some gaffers in the mid 20’s, with some still being caught inshore at the Hot Dog and reefs. However, the notable for this week was a 58 lb. bull caught on the “Fin Chaser” by Brad Brin. He hooked up to this one on a small spinning reel and took over an hour to get it to the boat!
As for other species, tilefish are consistent with some nice goldens being caught. Our own BJ Pietryak did well in the Baltimore Canyon in 850 ft. raising some nice sized goldens.
Upcoming Tournaments
• The Delaware Seashore Fall Surf Fishing Classic hosted by the Old Inlet Bait & Tackle is on the books for September 25-26. This year’s event offers over $15,000 in cash and prizes and of course the prestigious bronze statues for the winners. More at oldinlet.com.
• The 2nd Annual Rena Bishop Broadbill Bash is scheduled for October 15-17th with weigh-ins at Sunset Marina in West Ocean City. This event is in memory of Rena and raises money for the John H. Burbage Cancer Center. It is also a great event to see these wonderful fish. Learn more at ocbroadbillbash.com.
There are also more fall events so keep an eye on our schedule in the paper and on-line to keep up to date!
Until next week, keep sharing your fish photos with us! §
