It’s summer here in the Maryland portion of the Chesapeake Bay and while that means vacations and fun on the water for many humans, it means tough times for fish, crabs and other marine species in the Chesapeake. During these high water temperature months we experience dead zones because of algae blooms that are a result of pollutants such as run off from fertilizer and other like substances. The blooms suck all the oxygen out of the water in the lower depths which basically kills everything below. More scientifically speaking, when the algae dies it sinks to the bottom and decreases the amount of oxygen available in the bottom waters, a process called , killing all the fish, crabs and other species as well as their food sources.

Those of us who live and fish in and around the Chesapeake Bay have been aware of these dead zones or red tides as they are sometimes called, for some time now. Striped Bass this time of year are almost always found in the upper water column, generally from 15ft and above. It’s the only place they can get oxygen to breathe.

A US-Sweedish report was released last week suggests that dead zones are increasing all over the world. Dead zones have been steadily increasing over the past five decades and now encompass 400 coastal areas of the world. Dead zones now comprise around 245,000 square kilometers (95,000 square miles), according to researchers Robert Diaz of the Marine Sciences Institute at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, and Rutger Rosenberg, a marine scientist at Gothenburg University in Sweden.

“The formation of dead zones has been exacerbated by the increase in (pollution) … fueled by riverine runoff of fertilizers and the burning of fossil fuels,” the study said.The phenomenon, called eutrophication, is caused by industrial pollution as well as runoff of water containing phosphates and nitrates into the oceans.

“From 1970 to 1990, the hypoxic zone on the northwestern continental shelf of the Black Sea has expanded to 40,000 square kilometers (15,500 square miles),” the study stated. “However, since 1989, the loss of fertilizer subsidies from the former Soviet Union reduced nutrient loading by a factor of two to four, with the result that by 1995 the hypoxic zone had gone.”

Baiscally if these dead zones increase it will reduce where fish can live. With that means fish as a food source decreases. What would life with out fish, crabs, shrimp lobsters or other marine species look like? A heck of a lot of chicken and beef. Not that that is the end of the world, but think about it and what an impact that would have on food availaibly around the world. Hard to even phanthom. Scarey? It scares the heck of of me. Think about it the next time you fertilize your yard or pour other types of chemicals into the enviroment. With a little work we can reduce these dead zones, it just takes us wanting to.

Anytime you are in any sort of “boat” which includes kayaks, canoes, one man paddle boats and/or other like water going vessel you should have a life vest. You never know what can happen and it only takes a few seconds to get into trouble. In all my years kayaking I always have had a life vest aboard. Most states it is required to have a life vest.  I received the below note from the North Carolina Wildlife Division and thought it was a good reminder for all of us
(Pictured is Lateral Line Ambassador Cory Ruthelss Routh catching a redfish from the kayak. He is sporting the Lateral Line Crisfield Summer Fishing Shirt)

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North Carolina Canoes and Kayaks Not Exempt From Life Vest Law

In North Carolina, having a life vest for everyone onboard a canoe or kayak is smart, potentially lifesaving — and the law.

Wildlife Officers with the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission will work to inform paddlers about an update to state regulations and begin enforcement on waterways. General Statute 15 NCAC 10F .0201 now requires that vessels be equipped with personal flotation devices.

The regulation previously stated “motorboat” and not “vessel,” which excluded canoes, kayaks and rowboats. All vessels are required to have at least one PFD (Type I, II or III) for each person onboard. If the vessel is over 16 feet in length, it is also required to have a throwable flotation device (Type IV PFD). The regulation update brings state law in line with existing federal regulations.

Any child younger than 13 is required to wear an appropriate life vest whenever they are on a recreational vessel that is underway. The life vest must be of proper size and have a U.S. Coast Guard approved label.

Important recreational boating information is available online at www.ncwildlife.org, including the Vessel Operator’s Guide, a safe boating checklist and how to enroll in a free boating education course, or by calling (919) 707-0031.

AMBROSE TOWER, RIP
There are those special places that are responsible for burning permanent memories in an angler’s brain.   Spots where extraordinary things have happened.  Spots where there exists so many possibilities…  So much opportunity.   Ambrose Tower, located approximately 7 miles SSE of Breezy Point, NY was just such a place.   “The Tower” marks the convergence of several main shipping lanes in Lower New York Bay.

Unfortunately, because of idiots standing poor navigation watches on the birdge, the Tower had been hit by wayward tankers 3 times in the last decade, one of which required a total rebuild.  On July 25, 2008, with nary a public hearing, the Coast Guard announced that Ambrose Light would be taken down once and for all.   That’s a bummer.

The thing about The Tower is that no matter what was going on inshore, I could always count on, at the very least, to be able to shoot out there and tangle with some exceptionally big bluefish, and man there were some bruisers out there.  A couple of years ago we weighted a fish on the boga that was 19.5 pounds!  But bluefish weren’t all that was out there.  The water at The Tower is a good 100’ deep.  Any good angler knows that once you get into that kind of depth, all sorts of species can show, and all sorts did indeed show at The Tower.

Indeed, I’ve had my best bluefin tuna days there ever.  I can remember being out there on a slick calm day and throwing crease flies into boiling pods of 20 to 40-pound footballs.  Bluefin would leap out of the water to grab those things.  I can also remember seeing 200 pound fish leap clear out of the water at Ambrose although I can’t say I every hooked any of them.  I can, however, remember hooking “things” that would just swim straight to the bottom and which we couldn’t budge, much less have any hope of landing.  We’ve caught big jacks out there…  Many a Mahi.  Once we even hooked and lost a big cobia at the boat.  Now that was cool!  The Tower was a stopping ground for various whale species as well.

Perhaps the most memorable moment at the tower came in 2005 during the best (and might I add one of the few) bluefin years we ever saw, and perhaps ever will see.  While chasing sparse pods of busting bluefin, out of the corner of my eye I saw a big animal breach and come crashing down.  It was quite far away, but being that I had two marine biologists on board from Environmental Defense I thought I’d ask what type of whale was gunmetal gray and had a white belly.  The response I got was that there was no such whale.   Twenty minutes passed and maybe 20 yards directly off the bow of my 20’ skiff an adult Great White, maybe 20’ in length came flying out of the water, shook it’s body in mid air, then came crashing down with a massive splash.  Everyone’s jaw dropped.  100% true!  There was chatter all over the radio from other folks who had seen the shark as well.  Cool sht.

On my last outing to The Tower, at approximately 9:00AM a big barge with a crane and other equipment pulled up and went to work, as if we weren’t even there.  That was it for Ambrose.  The demolition comes almost 41 years after Ambrose Tower replaced the Ambrose Lightship.  She is no more, yet she will always be remembered.  May she rest in peace…

Fishing Reports
Summer doldrums continue in most areas.  Inshore in Jersey, there isn’t much but the occasional bottom fish.  Roving schools of big and/or small bluefish can be found here and there, but even they aren’t very consistent.    Way, way off of the Jersey Coast, there has been some action with bluefin that are north of 100-pounds, but the midshore spots are relatively barren.  In New York Harbor, the topwater bluefish action has been pretty good.  Find structure with a swift moving current around it and you’re likely to score.  There have also been plenty of medium bluefish under the birds throughout the day.  It’s worthy of noting here that the amount of bait skyrocked over the weekend.  There are a ton of bay anchovies on the outside and a ton of peanut bunker on the inside.  So far it’s just been the bluefish on them as well as a few random bass.  It’s only a matter of time before bonito and/or false albacore get on these abundant baits.  Across the Island it’s been very similar.  Lots of bait, but only bluefish.  Expect that to change soon.  On the North Shore the first reports of bonito have been coming in.  Not a whole lot of them, but indeed, folks are scoring.  Connecticut, Rhode Island and Mass were into bonito this week as well, but most folks believe that the big push is yet to come.  The bass fishing in those states remains in the typical summer patterns.  Early morning and nights are producing for the sharpies, but it certainly isn’t gangbusters.

New York Saltwater Fishing Reports
From Lower New York Harbor, Capt. Chris Hessert from Manhattan Fly checks in with this report:
Well, to continue with reporting more of the same…poor conditions along the shore line with this continued southerly thats bring the brackish water and weeds, I have been running out to the Mud Hole and Monster Ledge. Along the inshore, it has been…at best, cocktail blues. Pretty crummy. Getting passed the 20 fathom line its a different world and yes, the hard tail search continues…yet so worthwhile when you get to  cobalt. Ran to Monster Ledge yesterday and had sights of things you would only see on Blue Planet or Nat Geo if not getting out there. Gas?, well thats just part of the game, dropped a bit too. Not a bad run with a blow less than 10, about 50 minutes. We hung with in a few yards of a mother Fin Back with her calf for a good half hour, giving her a little distance…so cool! then along come around 120 (last count) ocean going dolphin and these guys are not shy, hanging around the boat and riding the bow. You could reach over and touch the dorsal fin. They sound like the are breathing through a plastic cone…Big ‘ole Mola-Mola and a bunch of Leather Back turtles…speaking of turtles, Capt. David Azar was out the prior day and witnessed a Mako making brunch of a turtle…wow!  Yes, the toons are in our thoughts but this is one hell of a cool diversion while on our search, there was the usual chatter a bit south and there are hook ups. Sights like these can give you a larger perspective of the blue stuff, puts you in awe. The weird part, is being on the Subway 4 hours later!

From the Western Long Island/Breezy Point area, David Berman checks in with this report:
Hi John, David Berman here.    On sunday Bob W., Ken J. and I ventured forth fly rods in hand, in the relatively early am, in the search for the ellusive bonito fish that we’ve heard so much about lately , most sightings having been made in the local fishmarkets! Ken was first out towards the tip of jetty while Bob and I hung back to fish a bit from the beach., nothin doing. Look up to see Ken casting and terns working the tip, could it be the green fish? A scramble to find out ensues. Which brings to mind a play on one of the old Chinese Philosophers words to the wise and not so wise. “Old flyfisher who hurry on jetty bound to have crackup” , and it was so! All kidding aside , a hurried misstep on the rocks can result in pain and suffering. I was lucky , some pain and still some suffering, but nothing broken, body or tackle. And all that in persuit of cocktail blues, yellow eyed devils, as it turned out. Nothing doing except a take, a brief fight and then a bite off over the next hour or so, at which point a walk back into the inlet for me to see if I can see stripes instead of green. Sun,sky and tide were perfect for looking, the water could have been clearer  but was manageable if fish would  make themselves viewable. A few  did but showed no interst in my first offering, changed over to a small crab pattern , looked up saw another striped one, flipped the fly, he came up and took as if I had offered a cookie, and we were off. I’ll wait a bit longer for the green fish!   

Capt. David Blinken from North Flats Guiding checks in with this Eastern Long Island report:
I missed last week (bummer) sorry, but there was not much to report any way the fishing was tough at best. This week is another story! There seem to be more and larger bass around relative to last week.
There are also big blues prowling around. The bait as you might think is peanut bunker but what is coming out of the fish when they are brought to the boat is (tiny) bay anchovies (micro bait) go figure. this is making things fun and a bit challenging, and matching flies to this bait means small hooks (size 4 and 6) which makes it tough to keep the hook in the mouth of a fish. Look for the occasional Bonito and Spanish mackerel you might just get surprised.  There is a big problem affecting the late summer bass fishing and that is GILL NETS, strung from shore out 300 feet right in the lanes where bass swim. Sport fish status cant come fast enough! With fewer bass from Maine to New York one has to wonder if the 1980′s are no longer a memory but a reality. Lets hope things change soon!!! Remember, release release release so you can enjoy them another day.

Connecticut Saltwater Fishing Reports
Capt. Sandy Noyes from Rumrunner Guide Service checks in with this report from Eastern Connecticut:
This past week showed some promise of things to come. Mathew came up from the big city and spent the day catching a good number of bass and bluefish. It was pretty steady all day . Also I had Marty and Ron come down from the other end of NY. and they spent a pretty steady day using fly and spin gear. We had bluefish early and bass in the afternoon. I took one day to do a little fishing for myself. My wife and I were looking for the elusive bonito. In about four hours we managed to each catch one and lose another. They were pretty spotty and you needed lots of patience. I know of a few that have been taken between Fishers Island and Charlestown, RI. They haven’t showed with any regularity yet but its still early. One treat that I had this week was to have a seven foot dolphin come by to pay a visit near Watch Hill, he stayed awhile and then left for parts unknown. This happened about 100 yards from shore and in 25 feet of water. 

Massachusetts Saltwater Fishing Reports
No reports from the mainland, but Capt. Tom Rapone from Highly Migratory Guide Service reports good action with the bonito:
8.14.08 -  While the summer fishing pattern still persists on the Vineyard, the first few chilly mornings of mid-August definitely have me thinking about fall. It won’t be too long before we’re in full-on bone/albie mode, and it’s certainly one of my favorite times of the year.  For now, it’s been the same lights-out bluefishing and scattering of bones that we’ve had for the last couple weeks. I would expect the inshore bone scene to blow wide open any minute, as every single creek mouth and harbor entrance on the island is crawling with silversides and juvi herring. As of now, the fly/light tackle bass fishing for anything over 30″ remains a pretty tough gig. The key this time of year is a combination of EARLY morning, fast moving water, and rocks. The rocks will hold at least a few resident fish regardless of water temps…That’s all I got for now. Catch ‘em.

That’s all for this week.  A little light on the reports, but that’s because we’re in the depths of the summer doldrums.  Expect that to change in the coming weeks. 

Wow!  On that note, I’m gonna sign off.  See ya on the water…

Capt. John McMurray

Virginia Fishing Report: Covering the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel, Inshore and Virginia Offshore Fishing by Tidal Fish Correspondent Julie Ball
As we push toward the end of summer, anglers are finding a multitude of different fish to target. Flounder is still the main attraction inshore, with doormats lunging at live bait presented around structure in the lower bay. The Cell area, as well as the 1st and 4th islands of the Bay Bridge Tunnel are producing. Keeper flatties are also coming from offshore wrecks. Although each day is a gamble, whether you are drifting, live-baiting, or jigging, odds are good for landing keepers with a few trophies scattered in. On windy days, Lynnhaven Inlet is providing good catches of decent fish lately.(pictured: FellowTFer ClassicRockfish and family with  a nice catch from the other day. Check out the full report with pictures here. ) The next top species is cobia. The transition to their usual top-water rendezvous with structure is providing a new approach for cobia hunters. More fish are also beginning to cruise the surface. While most of cobia are still not huge, a few whoppers are taking offerings, especially along the coastal waters off Sandbridge and False Cape. This trend should continue to gain momentum.

The king mackerel bite continues at a steady pace. With cooler air temps this week, kings should become more active along the shoreline, especially if an easterly direction is mixed in. Trollers are reporting scattered catches of fish ranging to about 20-pounds by live baiting and fast trolling south of Rudee Inlet in about 20 to 60 feet of water.

According to local charter captains, the Spanish mackerel fishing along the coastal Virginia Beach is some of the best they have seen in years. Big fish, with many ranging from 22 to 24 inches, are keeping trollers content. A fast presentation of small Clark or Drone spoons on a planer will do the trick for some decent Spanish action.

Red drum are still schooling around the lower bay shoals and near the 3rd and 4th islands of the CBBT. Black drum are also still meandering around the four artificial islands of the Bridge Tunnel where folks are hooking and releasing fish on artificial lures.

The great puppy drum action is still going on within most any skinny water location in Tidewater, with steady action within Lynnhaven and Rudee Inlets. These young reds will hit a variety of baits, with fresh cut mullet and Gulp mullets the top choices lately.

Most have lost interest in spadefish, but some decent sized fish are still available along the northern span of the CBBT, the four artificial islands, and many inshore structures. Folks are spotting numerous sheepshead along the pilings of the CBBT mixed in with the spades and triggerfish, but they are not taking baits easily for most. And what about those triggers? They are everywhere on lower bay structures and inshore wrecks. These little fish will take most any offering on most any type of rig. But be aware they can pack a nasty bite.

Croaker are everywhere. Bigger hardheads are coming from the deeper areas north of the 3rd island of the CBBT, Back River Reef, and the Cell. The folks at Ocean’s East 2 report that big fish to 2-pounds are coming from the West Norfolk Bridge area in the Elizabeth River. Anglers fishing Oyster are also still filling coolers in the back waters. Tarpon are also available in the deeper holes and along the cuts in Oyster.

Nice spot are hitting within Rudee and Lynnhaven Inlets on bloodworms, with good numbers of smaller fish also available off Cape Henry. Pier catches are routine for this time of year with small croaker, spot, and bluefish the norm, with a shot at a king or Spanish mackerel from the beach piers. Small pompano are also showing off the Oceanview pier.

Amberjack are providing good opportunities on offshore wrecks and at the Southern Towers. Although most don’t consider jack crevelle to be an inshore species, often these fish are noted schooling around the bay late in the summer. Although catches are not common, trolling spoons and live bait in these areas may entice a lucky hit. Schools of jack crevelle were spotted at various locations near the 3rd and 4th islands of the CBBT lately.

Not many boats made it offshore this week, but Captain Steve Richardson skipper of the Backlash out of the Fishing Center predicts that the marlin bite should still be decent at the Canyon. He also had a few nice catch of 60-pound class yellowfin tuna and nice gaffer dolphin recently. Scattered citation dolphin and big wahoo are also still in the mix, mostly coming from the Cigar area.

Until next week, good luck fishing!

Julie
Dr. Julie Ball
IGFA Representative,

Luckily we have some reports from the Virginia Saltwater Review covering this region.
Chincoteague – Donna at Captain Bob’s reports that fishing in Chincoteague is excellent. Although many species had a slow start due to a late spring with high winds, once the flounder showed up, fishing took off like a NASA rocket! It hasn’t slowed up yet. Currently, the hot catch is croaker and kingfish, with some spot mixed in. The occasional flounder are also available. Offshore, anglers must venture to the 30 or 40 Fathom Line to hook up with some yellowfin tuna. Large dolphin were found beyond the Parking Lot area. Bluefin tuna fishing has died back considerably, but the wrecks are busy with spadefish, triggerfish, a few sea bass and tautog. Other offshore reports included whale sightings, hundred of various types of turtles, and schools of colorful fish.

Wachapreague - At the Wachapreague Marina, the weather kept many anglers home this weekend. Those that went out found really nice tautog and black sea bass at the offshore wrecks. Offshore, the tuna run has stopped, but anglers have caught plentiful dolphin. In the bay, coolers were filled with croaker, and flounder are plentiful. Sea mullet and spot are numerous as well. Citations for the week include sea mullet and croaker. Anglers are catching croaker and flounder at Captain Zed’s Marina. In fact, the large croaker finally seem to have arrived. Sea mullet were caught as well. Citations this week include a 10-pound flounder. Offshore, black sea bass were found at the wrecks. Tuna fishing was slow, but gaffer-sized dolphin were hooked. A few white marlin have been spotted in the Norfolk Canyon as well.

Virginia’s Middle Bay Fishing Report
by Jerry Thrash From Patriot Charters and Queens Creek Outfitters
Jerry writes: “Spanish in good numbers are still available  along the drop off at Windmill Bar and there have been  fish caught near R2 and southward towards Wolf Trap.   Spanish bite best at 6-8 knots as shown on the GPS.  Slower speeds produce bluefish. Small to medium croaker good size Spot continue to be caught at Cherry Point, off Gwynn Island in 25-30 feet of water and at  the Spike (#3 Rappahannock marker) and at Butlers Hole.  White perch are mixed in. Flounder have slowed.  We only registered one citation this week and it came from jigging rather than trolling or drifting. Red Drum continue to available almost anywhere there is grass or shell bottom.   They are  mixed in with croaker, spot and small stripers and are hitting Gulp baits.  The creeks are full of small menhaden and the drum are feeding on them as are speckled trout and bluefish. Blues caught trolling are pretty good size (1-3 lbs) and there are a lot of them around the Cell, Buoy 42 and Windmill Bar.Citations:
Flounder:
26.5″,7 lbs, 1 oz  caught 8/7 at the Cell on a jig by Eli Shirley of Ruther Glen.”

Routine water quality monitoring by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources and the Morgan State University Estuarine Research Center recently identified high concentrations of toxic blue-green algae, Microcystis, in Mattawoman Creek off of the Potomac River.

“Excessive nutrient pollution in the water fuels these algal blooms, which are not uncommon in the freshwater and low salinity waters of the Potomac River.  Harmful algal blooms such as these can be prevented if more people living in the Potomac River watershed take steps to reduce run-off pollution,” said Tom Parham, DNR tidewater ecosystem assessment director.  “Some easy and affordable backyard solutions include planting native trees and rain gardens, using rain barrels, and refraining from fertilizing in the spring.”

After learning of algal toxin levels higher than typical acceptable standards for human and animal contact in water samples from Mattawoman Creek, Charles County issued a health advisory for the area encouraging people to take precautions to reduce the risk of illness or discomfort related to blue-green algal blooms:

• The public should not swim in areas where a blue-green algae bloom is evident.
• Do not drink water from any area with the appearance of a blue-green algae bloom.
• If contact is made with problem water, simply wash off with fresh water.
• In some cases, skin irritations may occur after prolonged contact. If irritations persist, see a physician or local health care provider.
• Keep pets and livestock away from bloom areas.
• Blue-green algal blooms may contain toxins that could be harmful or fatal to pets and livestock.
• Do not eat internal organs of fish caught in blue-green bloom waters.

Inhalation exposure to blue-green algal bloom waters may result in irritation of the eyes, ears, nose and throat with extended recreational activity on such waterways.
Please note that illness associated with harmful algal blooms is a reportable illness and physicians should be reporting these to local health departments.

“We will continue to monitor the algal bloom,” added Parham.

For up to date information on all of Maryland’s harmful algal blooms and water quality, please visit DNR’s Eyes on the Bay website at

The US Navy has recently reported that it wants to expand it’s bombing ranges within the Pamlico Sound, these bombing ranges are off-limits to recreational boaters and fisherman. The BT-9 and BT-11 bombing ranges in the Pamlico sound have been around for decades but now with stronger and stronger bombs they have decided they need to expand these areas to stay safe. Both areas of off-limits to boats and foot traffic. The BT-9 bombing range is near Brant Island and is already a circular region 6 nautical miles across. If this passes, the region will be expanded so that a boat will have to cross over Brant Island Shoals to pass the island, these shoals are highly dangerous to small recreational fishing boats. The BT-11 bombing range is near Piney Island, if this range is expanded some of our state’s finest shoreline fishing will be taken away. Both of these regions are home to many crabs, shrimp and oysters as well as trout, red drum and flounder. Many see this as a trend of the government taking away public access to our public resources.

Not only are they trying to take away our public access to a fine fishery but they are doing so without a full environmental impact study. No one knows how these high tech bombs will affect local fish habitats but you can bet that they won’t be improved. Please let your local representatives know that you are against the expansion of the BT-9 and BT-11 bombing ranges in the Pamlico Sound.

North Carolina Saltwater Fishing Reports

Bill from Oregon Inlet Fishing Center reported: ”
August 14, 2008 Fishing Report
Ocean conditions while not as bad as were predicted were unsettled enough to keep all but one offshore boat in port. That boat found conditions improving throughout the day. Unless something unforeseen happens it should be a nice day tommorrow. The fishing was good for both dolphin and tile fish. Inshore bluefish and spanish mackerel trolling was good. Open boats went after different types of fish. Only two boats did the same type of fishing. They had good speckled trout and flounder fishing both morning and afternoon. One boat caught puppy drum morning and afternoon. Another boat caught bluefish. Finnally the last boat caught two cobias and a dolphin. Miss Oregon Inlet caught flounders, croakers and sea mullet. I have to get out there and try to catch some of those sea mullet they are really good eating.

August 13, 2008 Fishing Report
Offshore good dolphin and tile fishing. Both fish are good eating. The dolphin are more sporting to catch. For many people the tile fish are their favorite to eat, often compared with grouper. Inshore good trolling for spanish mackerel and tailor bluefish. Open boats also trolled for spanish mackerel and tailor bluefish. Miss Oregon Inlet caught croakers and sea mullet.

August 12, 2008 Fishing Report

Today dolphin combined with tile fish resulted in outstanding catches made at the Gulf Stream. I counted eight white marlin flags and three sailfish flags. Hurrying from one side of the marina to the other I almost missed a god catch. I got there just in time to see the captain tossing fish into a big plastic can. The fish cannot be left on the dock any longer than it takes to get a picture or two. The pickup crew waste no time getting the fish to where they can be kept cool and fresh. Inshore excellent spanish mackerel by all the inshore boats. open boats caught speckled trout and flounders. One boat had a nice catch consisting of a cobia and spanish mackerel. Miss Oregon Inlet caught flounders, sea mullet and croakers in the morning croakers and flounders in the afternoon.”

TW’s Bait and Tackle reported: ”
August 14, 2008 Fishing Report
Surf Fishing Report: Surf-casters are beaching Bluefish and bottom fish.

Sound Fishing Report: The Little Bridge reported Flounder and Croaker. They have also caught Stripers in the 23 in range. Of course you can’t keep them but it is good action.

Pier Fishing Report:
Avalon: Small Blues

Nags Head: Spot, Blues and Spade.

Outer Banks: Sea Mullet, Croaker and Blues.

Inshore Boats Report: Spanish and Blues.

Offshore Boats Report: Good Dolphin and Tile fishing.

August 13, 2008 Fishing Report
Surf Fishing Report: Scattered bottom fish and a few Blues.

Sound Fishing Report: The Little Bridge on the causeway are catching Black Drum and Flounder

Pier Fishing Report:
Avalon: Blues and Spadefish.

Nags Head: Blues and Flounder.

Outer Banks: Blues and a 22 lb Cobia and a 50 lb King this morning.

August 12, 2008 Fishing Report
Surf Fishing Report: Bottom fish and Bluefish.

Sound Fishing Report: The Melvin R. Daniel Bridge on the Nags Head/Roanoke Island causeway are decking Flounder and Black Drum.

Pier Fishing Report:
Avalon: Sea Mullet and Blues.

Nags Head: Blues, Spanish, Spot, and Flounder.

Outer Banks: Blues and Spanish early. Spot, Sea Mullet and seven keeper Flounder.

Inshore Boats Report: Open boats are catching Flounder, Bluefish, Trout and Cobia. Trolling boats are catching Spanish, a few King were caught also.

Offshore Boats Report: Dolphin. Limits of Tilefish are caught. Many Billfish caught and released on Monday.”

NORTH CAROLINA FISHING REPORTS COVERING THE ENTIRE NORTH CAROLINA COAST

Reported from North Carolina Division of Marine Fisheries

From Knotts Island to Ocracoke:
Ocean: Offshore anglers caught limits of dolphin with moderate amounts of wahoo, king mackerel, amberjack, and billfish.  Very few tuna were caught.  Midrange anglers caught king mackerel, cobia, and very large striped bass 6-8 miles offshore.  Triggerfish, sheepshead, and black sea bass were caught around most of the artificial reefs.  Inshore anglers caught limits of Spanish mackerel with very little effort when seas were calm enough to access them in the near shore surf zone.  There were also some good catches of bluefish, flounder, and kingfish.

Inlets/Sounds/Bays: Spotted seatrout and flounder were most prevalent with most specimens being caught in the early morning hours throughout the area.  Keeper ratios have been very good for both flounder and trout.  High numbers of croakers were caught on a daily basis with a few kingfish mixed in.  Sheepshead, tautog, and black drum were caught around the bridge structure at Oregon Inlet.
Piers/Shore: Anglers had similar success to the inshore boaters.  Spanish mackerel catches were the best I have seen in recent memory, with limits being caught by everyone targeting them.  King mackerel catches off piers were very good, with a few citation size ones being recorded this week.  Bluefish were caught in short-term high-volume numbers.   

General Overview: Water temps in the surf are very warm with upper 70s to lower 80s throughout the area.  Catch rates continued to improve ccross the board.  Weather is predicted favorable for the coming week.

From Portsmouth to Surf City:

Ocean:  The Spanish mackerel bite is still strong off the beaches, particularly around Shackleford and Cape Lookout.  Smaller fish in the 10 to 12-inch range have been holding closer to the beach while larger fish of up to 2-3 lbs are in deeper water.  Look out for the occasional small king mixed in!  Small kings, larger Spanish, some keeper flounder, and lots of sharks have also been reported from the near shore artificial reefs and wrecks.  Large black sea bass were caught at AR 300.  Offshore, the dolphin bite appears to have slowed, but many grouper and triggerfish were caught on hard bottom.

Inlets/Sounds/Bays: The sheepshead fishing is still good.  In and around Beaufort Inlet, anglers caught some of the biggest sea mullet of the year, along with a mix of spot, croaker and pigfish.  Anglers in the New River/North Topsail area reported catching sheepshead and some nice speckled trout.

Piers/Shore:  Look for bluefish, small sheepshead, spot, croaker, and the occasional black drum or Spanish mackerel.

From Topsail to Sunset Beach:
Ocean: Offshore, bottom fishing in the 30 to 50-mile range has been producing red, gag, and scamp groupers, along with an assortment of other reef fish. Closer to shore there are some kings around but fishing has been a little slow. Most ledges in the 10 to 20-mile range are holding a few fish along with amberjacks, barracuda, and the occasional sailfish. The near shore reefs are holding some nice flounder and spadefish.

Inlets/Sounds/Bays: Fishing has been decent, considering we are in the dog days of summer. There are still some nice trout catches taking place. Oak Island/Southport area is were most of the trout are being caught. Along with the trout there are some decent flounder catches as well, with fish up to 8 pounds reported last week. Carolina Beach Inlet has produced some nice flounder over the last couple of weeks. Sheepshead and black drum are biting. The ADM dock and Snow’s cut are two good spots to try.

Piers/Shore: Fishing picked up this week. Topsail Island piers saw some spots show up along some pompano and sea mullets. They also saw some more tarpon catches last week. New Hanover and Brunswick county piers reported Spanish, blues, pompano and some keeper flounder. Until Next Week, Tight Lines! Dalton

The Delaware Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control will hold a public hearing regarding proposed new regulations that would establish state fisherman registries at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27 in the DNREC Auditorium, Richardson & Robbins Building, 89 Kings Highway, Dover. The new regulations would go into effect Jan. 1, 2009.

In order to improve upon present means of determining recreational catch and effort in marine waters, Congress authorized the National Marine Fisheries Service to compile a nationwide registry of all anglers fishing in saltwater beginning in 2009 and to begin charging for participation in this registry as of 2011. According to existing federal plans, fees generated by this program will be deposited in the federal treasury and not returned to the states.

“These proposed additions to Delaware’s tidal and non-tidal fishing regulations will allow us to meet these new federal requirements, with no additional cost to our anglers,” said DNREC Fisheries Section Administrator Roy Miller. “The federal National Marine Fisheries Service has been tasked to identify saltwater anglers for survey purposes. If we can provide a complete registry of Delaware’s marine recreational fishermen from our state-issued fishing license program, our anglers will be exempt from participating in the federal registry and federal license fees.”

Delaware Code currently requires a general fishing license to fish in tidal and non-tidal waters, and license applications contain most of the information needed for a state registry, with one important exception. “Under the new regulations, the first question we would ask our license applicants is ‘fresh, salt or both?’ Presently we have no way to determine this, and the Fisheries Service is only looking for saltwater angler information,” Miller said.

A complete registry would also need to include Delaware saltwater anglers who are not legally required to have a fishing license, or National Marine Fisheries would classify Delaware as non-exempt. Current Delaware fishing license regulations allow the holder of a recreational boat license to take any number of non-licensed anglers with them on the licensed vessel, and therefore these unlicensed anglers would not be included in a database of Delaware anglers. In addition, resident senior citizens age 65 and older also are exempt from Delaware recreational fishing license requirements.

Therefore, to avoid a federal determination that Delaware is a non-exempt state, the proposed regulation will establish a state-level registration process, to be known as the F.I.N number (Fisherman Information Network), for all anglers fishing in Delaware.

The new regulation would require all prospective Delaware anglers age 16 or older, licensed or not, to obtain a F.I.N number on an annual basis before fishing in Delaware waters. This requirement is similar to a federal registration system known as the Hunter Information Program (H.I.P.) for all who intend to hunt migratory birds.

The F.I.N. number would be available at no cost to anglers by calling a toll free number or by providing requested information online. Anglers would be asked for their name, address, phone number and whether they intend to fish in freshwater, tidal water or both. Each person who requests a F.I.N. number should write this number on his or her Delaware fishing license, or for those who are legally unlicensed, be able to produce this number when asked by an authorized enforcement agent.

Both the website address and toll-free number would be advertised and made readily available to all Delaware anglers.
Once all Delaware fishermen have obtained a F.I.N. number and the National Marine Fisheries Service has a copy of Delaware’s saltwater angler registry, Delaware will be exempt from the federal marine recreational fishing registry and charges.

Individuals may present opinions and evidence either at the public hearing or in writing to Lisa Vest, Hearing Officer, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control, 89 Kings Highway, Dover, DE 19901 or via e-mail to Lisa.Vest@state.de.us.  The hearing record will remain open for written or e-mail comments until 4:30 p.m. Aug. 31, 2008.
For more information, please contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife, Fisheries Section, at 302-739-3441.

Just in from the National Coalition of Marine Conservation

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As the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) deliberates over whether or not to approve a permit for a single vessel to explore a west coast longline fishery in federal waters (3-200 miles off the U.S. coast), the Pacific Fishery Management Council (Council) has turned its attention to the high seas (seaward of 200 miles). The Council recently announced alternatives for a high seas longline fishery, which is being developed as Amendment 2 to the Fishery Management Plan for West Coast Highly Migratory Species (HMS FMP). Minimally, the fishery would consist of 20 vessels deploying over 1 million hooks. An option for an unlimited fishery (in terms of vessels and hooks) is also presented. The law requires NMFS to prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) on the proposed action, and comments from the public are being accepted until September 8, 2008.

Contact the National Marine Fisheries Services to oppose the west coast high seas longline fishery, and to demand that they include in the EIS a comprehensive analysis of the impact on all species expected to interact with the proposed fishery.Despite some modest successes in gear modifications, longlines kill indiscriminately with detrimental effects on sea turtles, marlin, sharks and other imperiled species.

Read the full story on our web site which includes instructions on sending comments.