It's hard to believe 2012 is coming to a close. Fishing activity has been slim over the Christmas Holiday due to family obligations and less than favorable weather. Water temps are around 45 degrees, and stripers should still be available along the coast and in Indian River Inlet. Striped bass catches for the Fall were a little disappointing overall. Hurricane Sandy came at a bad time, and the string of northeast storms following her definitely affected water quality in Delaware Bay, likely keeping many migratory bass away. A bright spot was a new Delaware State Record striped bass taken from the surf. Congratulations to Ben Smith from Bryn Mawr, PA who landed the 52 pound trophy on December 8th. The former 51 pound 8 ounce State Record striper was caught by Betty Rosen from the Indian River south jetty in 1978. Surf and jetty anglers were also surprised by the large numbers of red drum around this year. It was unusual to see so many puppies, but it would be great if they return next season. Tog action had started to pick up on Ocean Reefs and wrecks, and that should continue through the winter. Delaware officials announced that the State sea bass season will open January 1, to coincide with the opening of sea bass season in Federal waters from January 1 through February 28. Most of the effort takes place well offshore, but this will offer another cold weather fishery for anglers hardy enough to brave the chilly elements. This past summer offered up some of the best flounder fishing in quite awhile, and that's certainly something to look forward to next year. More boaters are learning how to work reefsite and wreck structure for flatties, and their efforts are paying off. Some guys are really dialed in and finished the year with impressive totals. Captain Brent on Katydid ended up with over 800 keeper fluke. It was encouraging to have more weakfish around too. There was a spread of spike trout along Broadkill Beach in the Spring, reminiscent of years back. Trout continued to come from Roosevelt Inlet and Bay structure throughout the Summer and Fall, hopefully indicative of a resurgence of the popular gamefish. Amanda and I will be leaving for our winter vacation in the Florida Keys January 1, when we'll finally get to do some fishing ourselves. The store will be open on Saturdays from January through March, with Mac McNaught behind the counter. The Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware meet at the shop for tying sessions each Saturday until the end of March to learn new patterns, compare techniques and swap stories over coffee and donuts. It's a great treatment for cold weather cabin fever. Many thanks to all our customers and friends for a great season. We're taking a side trip to Guatemala in February for Pacific Sailfish and marlin. We'll post pictures of our Keys fish and those from our Buena Vista Sportfishing Lodge adventure in the website Photo Gallery, so be on the lookout. Wishing you the best of success, much prosperity, bent rods and smooth drags in the New Year! Joe.