Delaware's Tautog season reopens this weekend, Saturday September 29th. Anglers should be aware that as of August 11, the minimum size was reduced from 16 inches to 15 inches. The creel limit this fall will be 5 tog per person per day, 15 inches or greater. We'll have crabs and sand fleas available at the store for blackfish bait, and also keep rope, wreck anchors and toggles on hand for toggers. The water is still warm, close to 70 degrees, so tog fishermen are likely to encounter triggerfish and sheepshead in the next couple weeks, since they frequent the same structure. Matt Johnson recently scored a 4.31 pound jumbo trigger aboard the Lil' Angler II. The Inner and Outer Walls, Ice Breakers, Reef Sites and wrecks are all probable hangouts for blackfish. Ocean bottom fishermen will also encounter sea bass on reefs and wrecks until that season shuts down for two weeks from October 12 to 31. Catching has been pretty decent for crews willing to brave rough seas the past week. Captain Brent ran Katydid to wrecks in the 25 to 35 mile range for 105 keeper bass Saturday, and 165 keepers Monday. Luis Mispireta decked a 3.49 pound citation knothead on that trip. The guys also boxed some big ling and a flounder. Scott Ayars fished with Captain Ricky Yakimowicz Saturday for a nice catch of bass and a 4.3 pound fluke. Those fishing lower Delaware Bay still found a few trout, kingfish and croakers around the Outer Wall and on Site 8. Snapper blues continue to work over baitfish near the Outer Wall lighthouse. Captain Brian hosted a hardy group from Minnesota for some bluefish action on this past blustery Sunday aboard Lil' Angler II. They bucktailed over 50 blues near the Wall, and also released some short stripers. Spot are still here, and folks fishing Lewes Canal, Broadkill River, and the Cape Henlopen Pier with bits of bloodworm or Fishbites on small hooks had fair numbers of eating size panfish. Mullet have been thick along Lewes Beach. They may be grouping up before making their exit for the season. Many guys have been castnetting a supply to freeze to use for bait later later when fresh ones aren't available. Wind made it tough to get offshore, but Goeff McCloskey and his crew braved big waves Saturday aboard his 28 foot center console. The pounding was worth it when Phil Falgowski landed a 61.4 pound wahoo just inshore of the Baltimore Canyon.
Tog Season Re-opens
Lewes Harbour Marina - 9/27/2012 12:00:00 AM