Fishing Reports
Old Inlet Bait & Tackle Fishing Report
Notice to Anglers: Effective May 11 the minimum size for flounder increased from 18 inches to 19.5 inches. The daily limit remains at 4 fish.
Annual Spring Surf Tournament Roundup:
Despite poor weather, an impressive 414 anglers participated in the Annual Spring Surf Tournament on May 10.
Fishing was tough and only 14 anglers caught scoring fish. Bob Hayes, of Selbyville DE, landed a 35 inch striped bass that won the tournament with 35 points and was the largest fish of the tournament worth $1,000 in addition to the $750 first prize. Chad Mitchell, of Frankford DE, just missed first place with a 34 inch striper (34pts), but it was good for the second place prize of $500. Third place was a tie (30pts) between Vernon Hudson (Dagsboro) and Steve Bishop (Millsboro). They split the $350 prize netting $175 each. Shel Chandler, of Ocean City Md, took fourth place with 24 points good for $150. Prizes were also awarded to the other 9 individuals that caught scoring fish.
Rob Hemmen, of Seaford DE, landed the largest bluefish of the tournament. It measured 21 inches and took the $2,760 Calcutta prize.
Fifteen year old Scott Donovan, of Seaford, won the early bird drawing for having his tournament registration in before May 1. Scott won a Daiwa rod and reel valued at $200.
No scoring fish were caught in the Womens or Kids Division and prizes were not awarded. It was suggested by some that the prizes should be raffled off in these divisions. After careful consideration it was determined that this option would jeopardize the long term viability of the tournament because a raffle had not been published as a means of distributing prizes and 100% of the tournament participants in these divisions were not present at the awards ceremony for such a raffle. Tournament coordinators want to maintain the integrity of this tournament as a competitive sporting event, not as a raffle.
Unawarded prizes and prize monies will be held over for future tournaments. In addition, tournament coordinators are exploring options related to making donations with tournament proceeds that would directly benefit surf fishing and/or kids fishing opportunites.
Overall 4 striped bass over 30 inches were caught during the tournament. Bluefish were hard to find. A few kingfish were caught. There was also a good run of striped bass on the beach at Cape Henlopen over the weekend.
This run of stripers has also been occuring in the Indian River Inlet. The nightime incoming tide has been productive. Storm lures, swim shads and bucktails have been effective for striped bass ranging from 15-30 pounds.
A spring northeaster has everything torn up right now. It will likely take until Thursday for fishing to get itself straightened out.
Upcoming Events
Annual Memorial Day Weekend Tent Sale - Friday, Saturday and Sunday, May 23-25
11th Annual Delaware Seashore Fall Surf Fishing Classic - Saturday and Sunday, September 27-28
Fishing License Info
The new license requirement is in effect as of the first of the year. A license is now required for saltwater fishing in Delaware waters. You can get your license here at Old Inlet. Delaware law requires your social security number to get a license. We CANNOT issue the license without it. A passport or work/education visa can be used in leiu of a SSN for foreign born anglers. Also, if you are getting a boat license you will need to show your current boat registration.
You can find out more about the license requirements on the DE Fish and Wildlife website: http://www.fw.delaware.gov/Fisheries/Fishing+license+FAQs.htm (you will need to copy and paste this link)
