FishTalk Magazine December 2022

All Star Marine Inc | 410-574-8281

2434 Holly Neck Rd, Essex, MD

Bob’s Marine Service, Inc. | 302-539-3711

31888 Roxana Rd, Ocean View, DE

Danny’s Marine LLC | 410-228-0234

3559 Chateau Dr, E. New Market, MD

Fawcett Boat Supplies | 410-267-8681

919 Bay Ridge Rd, Annapolis, MD

Friday’s Marine | 804-758-4131

(Malise Marine Sales & Service)

14879 GW Memorial Hwy, Saluda, VA

Galahad Marine | 410-827-7409

121 Rental Ln, Grasonville, MD

Hidden Harbour Marina | 301-261-9200

600 Cabana Blvd, Deale, MD

Intercoastal Marine | 410-335-0458 2925 Eastern Blvd, Baltimore, MD

Jett’s Marine, Inc. | 804-453-3611 18477 Northumberland Hwy, Reedville, VA

JF Marine Service LLC | 443-432-3121

138 Bugeye Sq, Prince Frederick, MD

Lancet Marine | 757-335-9580 119 Tilden Ave Ste C, Chesapeake, VA

Maryland Boat Sales | 410-574-3988 2426 Holly Neck Rd, Essex, MD

North Bay Marina Inc | 302-436-4211 36543 Lighthouse Rd, Selbyville, DE

Pasadena Boat Works | 443-858-2400

Mountain Rd, Pasadena, MD

Pontoon Express | 302-945-0654

Harbeson Rd, Harbeson, DE

PYY Marine | 410-255-1771 1132 Pasadena Yacht Yard Rd, Pasadena, MD

Sandpiper Marine Inc | 757-787-7783 21530 Taylor Rd, Accomac, VA

Scott’s Cove Marina | 410-251-8047 10551 Eldon Willing Rd, Chance, MD

Thornes Marine | 410-957-4481 1237 Greenbackville Rd, Stockton, MD

Total Marine | 410-604-6000

Wells Cove Rd, Grasonville, MD

Tradewinds Marina | 410-335-7000

Armstrong Rd, Middle River, MD

31

Holiday Gift Guide for Anglers

It’s time to put on your Santa cap and deliver some holiday cheer to the anglers you love.

By Staff 34

Snake Oil

Slither your way to trophy-sized December rockfish.

By Lenny Rudow

Delaware Ocean Wrecks Part II: East of Fenwick Island

There are numerous wrecks off the Delaware coastline.

By Wayne Young 38

10 Tips To Catch More Tautog

As temperatures plummet this is one bite that will only get better and better — if you know how to tempt those tog.

By Staff 39

Recording, One… Two… Three… Keeping fishing logs will help you catch more fish. By Jim Gronaw 44

Winter Fishing for Beginners

There are plenty of winter fishing opportunities in the Mid-Atlantic region, and there’s no better way than casting to cure cabin fever.

By Lenny

the cover

Rudow

Janet pauses for a quick pic before tagging and releasing her catch aboard the FishTalker.

612 Third Street, Suite 3C, Annapolis, MD 21403 (410) 216-9309 FishTalkMag.com

ANGLER IN CHIEF

Lenny Rudow, lenny@fishtalkmag.com

PUBLISHER

Mary Iliff Ewenson, mary@fishtalkmag.com

A SSOCIATE PUBLISHER

Chris Charbonneau, chris@fishtalkmag.com

MANAGING EDITOR

Molly Winans, molly@fishtalkmag.com

SENIOR EDITORS

Beth Crabtree, beth@fishtalkmag.com Kaylie Jasinski, kaylie@fishtalkmag.com

COPY EDITOR

Lucy Iliff, lucy@fishtalkmag.com

FISHING REPORTS EDITOR

Dillon Waters

ADVERTISING SALES

Eric Richardson, eric@fishtalkmag.com

CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGER Brooke King, brooke@fishtalkmag.com

DISTRIBUTION /BROkERAGE /CLASSIFIEDS MANAGER Beatrice M. Roderick, beatrice@fishtalkmag.com

ART DIRECTOR / PRODUCTION MANAGER Zach Ditmars, zach@fishtalkmag.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER / PRODUCTION A SSISTANT Royal Snyder, royal@fishtalkmag.com

Rudow’s FishTalk is a monthly magazine for and about Chesapeake and Mid-Atlantic anglers. Reproduction of any part of this publication is strictly prohibited without prior consent of the officers of Rudow’s FishTalk LLC. Rudow’s FishTalk LLC accepts no responsibility for discrepancies in advertisements.

Rudow’s FishTalk is available by first class subscription for $45 a year, and back issues are available for $4 each. Mail payment to Rudow’s FishTalk Subscriptions, 612 Third Street, Suite 3C, Annapolis, MD, 21403.

Rudow’s FishTalk is distributed free of charge at more than 850 establishments along the shores of the Chesapeake and the DelMarVa Peninsula. Businesses or organizations wishing to distribute Rudow’s FishTalk should contact the Rudow’s FishTalk office, (410) 216-9309 beatrice@fishtalkmag.com.

CÁCERES – MATO GROSSO

Notes from the Cockpit

By Lenny Rudow

An Open Letter to the Governors of Maryland and Virginia

Dear Governors Moore and Youngkin: All of the tens of thousands of FishTalk read ers and I have one thing in common: we love fishing and we love the Chesapeake Bay. And we all share a common problem, in that the ailing health of the Chesapeake and its fisheries has a negative impact on our lives.

The Bay is the heart and soul of our region. It’s the playground for millions, an economic dynamo, and one of the most impressive and impactful natural wonders of the entire eastern seaboard. And it’s sick. It’s been sick for all my life, and for all of yours as well. Decades ago people such as yourselves in positions of power recognized just how important it was to have a healthy Bay, and in 1983 they put it down on paper in the Chesapeake Bay Agreement. This simple one-page document noted the “historical decline in the living resources of the Chesapeake Bay” and committed to reversing it.

Unfortunately, since the signing of that document, despite heathy doses of both good intention and financial investment, the state of the Bay has not improved. We can point to significant progress in certain areas, but there are also many areas of clear and major decline. The bottom line: when it comes to the well-being of the Chesa

peake, for 40 years we’ve been treading water, at best.

In some ways this is a win. Between 1980 and 2017 the human population in the Bay region grew from 12.7 million to 18.2 million, and demographers estimate that the number continues to grow by around 160,000 people a year. More people means more development, more pollution, and more runoff, but by most measures the overall health of the Bay has held relatively steady through this time period despite the increasing population pressure. Yet hold ing steady is simply not good enough. It’s not good enough for those of us who live and breathe the Bay’s brine, it’s not good enough for those of us who take immense pride in the Bay’s natural glory, and it’s not good enough for those of us who earn a liv ing through the natural resources the Bay provides. It should not be good enough for you, either.

Please, Governor Moore and Governor Youngkin, take the health of the Chesa peake Bay personally. Don’t sacrifice its health in the name of progress or politics. Don’t be fooled by short-term economic gains which belie the immense economic values of recreation and tourism, which have yet to be fully utilized because of short-sightedness and the degraded state of our waters.

The Chesapeake Bay — the largest estuary in the United States, home to over 3600 species of plants and animals, over 300 species of finfish, over 170 species of shellfish, dozens of species of waterfowl, and close to 100 species of migratory waterbirds — could be one of the premier ecotourism destinations on the face of the planet. Even in its present imperfect state, with the proper development and market ing people would flock to the Chesapeake from all over the world. Were it restored to its former glory the Bay could easily rival any destination on Earth. Were its fisheries restored anglers would be coming here from Key West rather than viceversa. And those of us living here would enjoy a quality of life surpassing that of our parents.

This is where the writer in me wants to type “I implore you…” but I’ll just flat-out beg, instead. Please, please, please, Gov ernor Moore and Governor Youngkin, please try to see our Bay for what it could be if the two of you believed in the poten tial of the Chesapeake — and dedicated yourselves to one day seeing it revealed on the world stage.

# The beauty of the Chesapeake can hide the truth about its health, for those who don’t know better. Photo by Kelsey Bonham

OOPS!

Dear FishTalk, Ijust read the November edition and on page 22 there’s a picture of a guy holding a red drum, with the caption reading that Scott caught it. The angler is actually a neighbor, Harry Bailey. No big deal, but I wanted to give the angler the credit! Thanks.

-Scott M, via email Dear Scott, OOPS and sorry!! We run through something like 60 to 80 photo captions a month, and I do confuse one here and there. My bad, Harry!

-Lenny R.

DOUBLE OOPS!

n Jim Gronaw’s article “Options for Fall Trout” on page 45 of the November issue of FishTalk Magazine, the photo caption mentions “native brown trout.” However, brook trout are the only native species to the Mid-Atlantic. Brown trout were brought to the U.S. from Western Europe in the late 1800s. Thanks to fisheries biologist Dave Hopler for pointing this out.

I

Higher Education

Q: Why are all the students so scared of the boat teacher? A: She is very stern.

-Anonymous

Send your fish photos, questions, and comments to lenny@fishtalkmag.com

Fis H News

By Lenny Rudow

Mayhem in Maryland

This fall brought a flurry of action to the state record keepers in Maryland with two monster catches shattering previous marks. Tad Bodmer of Poolsville, MD, was aboard the Top Dog when a 77-pound albacore tuna smashed a ballyhoo, leading to a 25-minute fight that ended with a new state record fish flopping on the deck. The tuna topped the old mark by three pounds, putting Bodmer into the record books.

Meanwhile on the RoShamBo, angler Jeff Jacobs was completing a day of fishing out of Ocean City, MD—or so he thought. While preparing to pack up and head home after eight hours of fishing, a hookup resulted with a fish on the line that “jumped out of the water and looked like a Volkswagen.” It took him five and a half hours, but even tually Jacobs bested a 393-pound swordfish. That crushed the previous 301-pound record set just last summer during the Big Fish Classic. Our congratulations go out to Tad Bodmer and Jeff Jacobs, both of whom certainly enjoyed epic days on the ocean this year.

Record Release

Tennessee may be a little out of our usual area of coverage—okay, a lot—but we just can’t help but report on a catch made there this fall which will blow an angler’s mind no matter where he or she does their fishing: Micka Burkhart caught and released a mammoth 118.7-pound blue catfish in the Cumberland River. The catch broke the standing 24-year-old record, which was also from the Cumberland River, by 6.7 pounds. After a 45-minute fight on 30-pound test (which included nearly getting spooled) Burkhart managed to land the beast and fit the 54-inch catfish into his boat’s livewell. He waited almost four hours for a Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency official to locate a certified scale large enough to weigh the catch. After confirming the weight, he put the monster blue back in the livewell, went back to the river, and released the fish alive. Congrats, Micka!

Flying Free

Free State Fly Fishers will have hands-on seminars on fly tying patterns on December third, and fly rod building on December 17, running from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. The events take place at the Davidsonville Family Recreation Center (3789 Queen Anne Bridge Rd in Davidsonville) and are free. Con tact Ryan Harvey at rybeer@gmail.com for more into.

Ladies Night Out

Anglers Sport Center in Annapolis is holding a Ladies Night on December 11, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., with wine, snacks, and special discounts for the female fishers. It’s free to attend and a great opportunity for lady anglers to network and socialize. 1456 Whitehall Road is the address; check anglerssportcenter.com to learn more.

# Jeff Jacobs claims a new state record for swordfish, besting the one set last year by almost 100 additional pounds.

Photo by Jeff Jacobs

Sensenbrenner Plummer

Tournament News

Winter may be closing in, but that doesn’t mean the tournament calendar is over for the year. December 10 is the CCA Winter Classic, a catch-photo-re lease rockfish contest where the stringer of the three longest fish wins. There are prizes for Youth, Fly, and Top Lady Angler categories, as well.

We also remind everyone that the Winter Pickerel Champion ship is now underway and runs through February 28. There are a ton of ways to win or place in this one, which is also a C-P-R tournament platformed on the iAngler app, and it’s definitely not too late to join in the fun—the biggest pickerel of the year are often caught late in the game, so break out those gloves, hats, and hand-warmers and enjoy some red-hot winter fishing action. Visit ccamd.org to learn more about either event.

Cheaters Never Prosper

Just about any angler with access to the internet will have seen the videos by now—the “profes sional” angling team of Jake Runyan and Chase Cominsky was busted and berated after bring ing abnormally heavy walleye to the scales this fall in the Lake Erie Walleye Tour in Cleveland, OH, with close to $30,000 in prize money on the line. Tournament director Jason Fischer immediately realized something was amiss, sliced open the fish, and found a mix of walleye fillets and sinkers had been stuffed down their gullets. Ten lead weights, six fillet chunks, and a pair of pliers totaling over eight pounds were liberated from the walleye’s bellies as angered contestants and the silent culprits looked on.

Police were called to the scene to prevent any violence, and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources was provided with evidence of the crime. Cuyahoga County prosecutor Michael O’Mally released a statement shortly thereafter that the two anglers were being criminally indicted on felony charges of cheating, grand theft, and possessing criminal tools, and a misdemeanor charge of unlawfully owning wild animals. This same team was disqualified from the Fall Slam tournament last fall, after failing the post-win polygraph. We guess that some people just don’t learn—cheaters never prosper.

with Lenny

Tune in Thursday, December 1, 2022 at 6 p.m. for a new episode of LIVE with Lenny!

New episodes air on the first Thursday of the month on our Facebook page (facebook.com/fishtalkmag) and YouTube channel (youtube.com/fishtalkmagazine).

Scan this code to follow us on Facebook and YouTube or sign up to get notified about upcoming LIVE video streams via email at fishtalkmag.com/email-signup

Fish For a Cure

Team FishTalk/PropTalk was once again proud to participate in and sponsor the Fish For a Cure tour nament November 5. We exceeded our fundraising goal of $10,000, raising funds for cancer survivorship programs at Luminis Health Anne Arundel Medical Center’s Center’s (LH AAMC) Geaton and JoAnn DeCesaris Cancer Institute. Thank you to everyone who made a donation and participated in our online silent fundraising auction.

Our team placed 11th in the Captain’s Challenge, raising $13,175. The top fun draisers were team Reel Counsel, raising a whopping $141,533. We placed 12th in the catch and release rockfish division coming in at 75 inches (longest three fish), and we were just four inches away from third place. It was a close field! Congratulations to winners PYY Marine and the other top competitors. Stay tuned to PropTalk’s January issue for the full results. For more information, visit fishforacure.org

# Team FishTalk/PropTalk

HOT NEW GEAR

editor’s Note: We wish we could personally test every item that appears on these pages, but that simply isn’t possible. So that you know the difference between when we’ve physically tested a piece of gear and when we’re writing about it because it’s newsworthy and we think you’ll want to know about it, we’ve developed this FishTalk Tested button. When you see it printed next to something in this section, it means we’ve personally run it through the wringer.

Fantastic Plastic

When the bluefish and mackerel come to town savvy anglers switch to bite-proof plastics, but those things are no panacea. Some are difficult to rig on the jighead, while others get pulled down the hook shank with every hit. Game On! said their DuraTech tails were better than the norm so we gave them a fish-test — and they came through with flying colors. Retrieved through schools of mixed blues and rockfish boiling the water in Eastern Bay, a single tail lasted for 45 minutes and fooled fish into biting on virtually every cast. Along with some serious tooth-resistance, we loved that these sixinch PVC-free plastics slide easily onto the jighead and stay put a lot better than many competing brands. Both jerkbaits and paddletails are available (five- and seven-inch jerks and six-inch paddles) in a range of colors. Price: $8.99/pack (three to eight tails depending on size and type). Visit gameonlures.com to learn more. Added Bonus: the Game On! people are anglers like us (this brand is not owned by some mega-company) and they have generously contributed prize-packs to Team FishTalk/PropTalk’s Fish For a Cure fundraisers multiple times.

Offshore LTJ

Looking for an offshore light tackle jigging rig? The Shimano Trevala is a classic choice, and was one of the original LTJ rigs that could handle big-game species like tunas and the power of heavy braid line. Now, however, Shimano has given the Trevala a re-do and introduced a new version of the series. This first difference you’ll notice is in the butt section, because the new Trevalas have a gimbal under a cap. Guides also enjoy an upgrade, and additional carbon fiber wraps have been added to the blank to increase its ruggedness and reduce twisting. We checked ‘em out at the ICAST show this past summer, and much as we love the old Trevala, found they’ve made them even better. Trevala models are available in spinning and conventional models, from 5’8” to 7’0”. Visit fish.shimano.com to learn more.

# The Angler in Chief checks out the new Trevala at ICAST.

Visionary Art

We don’t have to tell you about the uber-awesome optics of Costa sunglasses, their 100-percent UV protection, or how their “Beyond Polarized” lenses filter out harsh yellow light and absorb HEV blue light, because you almost certainly know about all that stuff already. But beyond all the usual Costa perks their new Tuna Alley Pro has a few fishing-specific perks to pay attention to. There are sweat management channels along the temples to drain away moisture, and integrated drains at the bottom of the lenses to prevent water buildup inside the frames. The rubbery adjustable nose pads are more durable than those used in the past, and the temple tips also have a rubbery patch to improve the glass’s grip. When we tried ‘em out, however, what struck us first was how light these are for sunglasses with real glass lenses, as well as how well they wrap around the side of your face and block sunlight from creeping in around the edges. They’re available with blue, green, or silver mirror, as well as non-mirror gray, and frames are available in black and Wetlands (similar to a tortoise shell pattern). Price: $284. Visit costadelmar.com to learn more. Special Thanks: Costa was one of the generous companies who donated to this year’s Fish For a Cure fundraiser, and some lucky angler out there is enjoying their Tuna Alley Pros right now as a result.

A Better Mousetrap?

Fish hooks have been around for just about as long as humans have been eating fish, so evidently Taizhou Yunmen Industrial Design Co., Ltd., was driven to ask: why hasn’t anyone come up with a better way to catch those scaled critters? (Nets? Traps? Oh, never mind). Now, we have the No Hurt Fishhook. Which isn’t a hook at all. The idea is that this spring-loaded giz mo gets baited, and when a fish eats it, the metal parts pop open into a triangle. This wrenches the fish’s jaws open and wedges them apart with so much force that the fish, struggle though it might, can’t get away. Thus anglers can enjoy catching a fish “without causing any injury,” says Taizhou. We’d like to put this to the test and ask the fish how those jawbones are feeling, but mercifully, it ap pears that this product has not yet been put into production. Price: None. Visit wherever you’d like for no more information.

Byte This

Many anglers use Gulp! in vari ous situations, but surf fishing is not commonly one of them. That could be about to change, thanks to their new Surf Bytes. Introduced at last summer’s ICAST show, Surf Bytes are designed specifically for surf fishing and come in cuttable strips as well as three-inch baitfish-shaped flaps. They’re available in five colors, all of which are vibrant to allow for better visibility in the surf. The material is also “rechargeable” and if it doesn’t get eaten you can pull it off the hook, put it back in the bag, and it will soak the Gulp! juice right back up. Price: $7.99/4-pack of strips or 12-pack of baitfish. To learn more visit berkley-fishing.com

Oh, the Webs We Weave

Braid lovers will want to check out Spi derWire’s new DuraBraid, which won the Best New Fishing Line category at the 2022 ICAST show. This stuff is designed to address the biggest issue with braid line, abrasion resistance, by making it 25-percent tougher than conventional braids so it can be fished around snaggy structure with confi dence. It comes in moss green and hi-vis yel low, in eight- to 80-pound test, on 150-, 300-, 500-, and 3000-yard spools. Price: $13.99 and up. Visit purefishing.com to learn more.

You can catch videos of the Shimano Trevala, Gulp! SurfBytes, and SpiderWire Durabraid, at the youtube.com/fishtalkmagazine

Spinning for Winter Neds

You’re winter fishing for yellow perch but you either can’t get any minnow, or just don’t like using bait? Casting small spinnerbaits (like Beetle Spins and similarsized spinners) is an excellent method to try, especially in relatively shallow ponds and creeks. They weigh very little, so you can give a slow retrieve to match the cold conditions without snagging bottom even in shallow water — and perch absolutely love ‘em.

• Cast out and allow the spinnerbait to sink all the way to bottom.

• Lift your rod tip quickly enough to get the spinner blade spinning, and begin to reel. At this point, you should feel the vibration of the blade.

• Continue cranking as you drop your tip, maintaining tension on the line.

• Slow your crank speed and feel for the corresponding slow-down of the blade’s vibrations.

• If it feels like the blade has stopped spinning, you’ve slowed down too much. But increasing cranking speed slightly won’t necessarily get it spin ning again; you may need to give a short but fast swipe with the rod tip to activate that blade, then slow the retrieve back down again.

Getting that blade to spin as slowly as possible is often the ticket to success. If it seems to stop spinning easily, remem ber to check the arm and swivel closely. Even a tiny bit of weed or detritus can ruin the action.

# A small spinnerbait can be the ticket to success, especially in shallow waters.

Trout in the Chill

You’re looking for a way to catch speckled sea trout when chilly weather has them acting lethargic and slow? Apply this tactic and you’ll be able to catch them even when the best of anglers get flummoxed using the usual methods.

• Rig up a pair of light bucktails in a tandem rig with an eight-inch leader on the top and a three-foot leader on the bottom. The exact size heads you’ll want to use will vary depending on depth, current, and drift, but you’ll want to have the minimum amount of weight needed to reliably feel bottom.

• Lip-hook a bull minnow on each bucktail.

• Lower the rig to bottom, then crank down until your rod tip is right at water level.

• Lift your rod tip a foot or two, so the lower bait hovers just above bottom as you drift.

• Don’t add any action — let the minnow do their thing.

• When you feel a strike drop your rod tip to match the speed of your drift, so the fish feels no added resistance.

• Give it a five-count then set the hook.

# OOPS, how’d that rockfish get in there, Kevin?!

C HESAPEA k E C ALENDAR

BROUGHT TO YOU BY

F O r Ch ESAPEAKE B AY BOATI ng n E w S , v ISIT PROPTAL k. COM

December through Feb 28

cca mD Pickerel championship

Target chain pickerel all winter long in this catch, photo, release tournament to compete for great prizes including Panfish, Kayak, Fly, and Youth divisions. Learn more at ccamd.org

1 - Jan 1, 2023

st. clement’s island museum christmas Doll & train exhibit Enjoy a holiday exhibit of antique and collectible dolls, classic trains, and other retro toys in this festive holiday display inside the St. Clement’s Island Museum in Colton’s Point, MD.

2

Yorktown tree lighting ceremony

Everyone is invited to gather at the Yorktown Victory Monument by 6:30 p.m. for live music including a performance by the Fifes and Drums of York Town. From there, the procession will make its way from the Victory Monument to Riverwalk Landing, where the tree lighting ceremony will begin.

3alexandria holiday boat Parade of lights

Parade starts at 5:30 p.m. at Alexandria City Marina. Dockside festivities start at 2 p.m. at the Old Town Alexandria Waterfront. Dozens of brightly lit boats will cruise along one mile of the Potomac River shoreline.

3baltimore Parade of lighted boats

A spectacular display of decorated boats will parade through the Inner Harbor and Fells Point. Find a spot at the Inner Harbor Promenade or choose a waterfront restaurant to watch from. The parade is scheduled to begin at 5 p.m. at Anchorage Marina and lasts until 8:00 p.m.

3bear creek lighted boat Parade

5 p.m. starting at Hard Yacht Cafe in Dundalk, MD. Visit the Bear Creek Sailing Association Facebook page to register your boat.

3maryland safe boating course

3 Yorktown lighted boat Parade

Pre-parade festivities start at 6 and include caroling around a beach bonfire, a musical performance by the Fifes & Drums of York Town, and complimentary hot cider. The boats will finish out the evening, as they make their way down the river in a dazzling show of lights that starts at 7 p.m. Yorktown, VA.

3-4

Yorktown christmas market on main

Close to 100 vendors line the streets in Yorktown, VA, selling everything from nautical paintings to handmade soaps to Christmas wreaths. The Town Crier will ring in the market at 10 a.m. on Saturday, followed by a performance from the Fifes and Drums of York Town. Then, Santa Claus will ride in on York County’s first fire truck. Expect strolling musical entertainment throughout the day.

7

This is an eight-hour (one day) class, and by passing the course test, participants satisfy Maryland law to operate any motorized boat on Maryland waters. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at “Pip” Moyer Recreation Center in Annapolis, MD. Cost: $25. Ages 12 and up. Questions: lmsimmons@annapolis.gov

kent island fishermen monthly meeting 7:30 pm at American Legion 278. Contact: Bert, 302.399.5408.

9-11

christmas in st. michaels

2-11

christmas in onancock Events vary, from Holiday Wine Wednesday to a tree lighting (Friday, December 2 at Ker Place at 6 p.m.) and holiday movie screenings. Santa arrives by boat December 10 at the Wharf at 11 a.m. The 10th also features a holiday artisan market, Christmas homes tour, caroling, a music festival, and more. The Onancock holiday parade takes place Sunday, December 11 at 5 p.m.

3

the District’s holiday boat Parade 30th Anniversary of the District’s Holiday Boat Parade. Celebrate the holidays with this iconic Washington, DC event that features over sixty beautifully decorated boats parading along the Washington Channel. 6 to 9 p.m. at District Pier at The Wharf in DC.

This year’s events include a lighted boat parade and festive Talbot Street Parade, a home tour, breakfast with Santa, holiday music and meals, a Santa dash, marketplace and sweet shop, and a “Light up the Night” drive-by house and harbor tour. Raises funds for local beneficiaries. Lighted Boat Parade December 10 at 6 p.m. around St. Michaels Harbor.

10

cca Winter classic

Catch-photo-release rockfish contest where the stringer of the three longest fish wins. There are prizes for Youth, Fly, and Top Lady Angler categories, as well. Tall Timbers Marina, Tall Timbers, MD.

December

(continued)

10 christmas in chesapeake city

Poplar Hall presents the Christmas Parade of Horses and Market from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The day begins with an amazing parade of horses directly through and around Historic Chesapeake City, MD. Afterwards, enjoy an allhandmade artisan Christmas market, bagpipers, a European Father Christmas, and so much more. The Chesapeake City Candlelight House Tour takes place that night from 6 to 9 p.m.

10 eastport Yacht club lights Parade

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the parade! 6 to 8 p.m. in Annapolis Harbor. Find a parade route, viewing locations, parking, public transportation information, decorating tips, and a registration form at eastportyc.org/lights-parade

10 hampton lighted boat Parade

Downtown Hampton waterfront from 6 to 7:30 p.m. with an awards ceremony at 8 p.m. Santa will join the fun dockside from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m.

10 solomons christmas Walk

The Christmas tree in the Solomons Riverwalk Gazebo will be lit at 6 p.m. on Friday, December 9. At the gazebo, you’ll also find Santa’s mailbox for letters to Santa, and the island will be decorated with lights and banners. The deadline for judging the Best Decorated Home and Best Decorated Business is Saturday, December 19 on Facebook. The Solomons Lighted Boat Parade captain’s meeting is at 5:45 p.m. at the Solomons Yachting Center dock office and the parade starts at 6:30 p.m. The awards ceremony begins at 8 p.m. at Solomons Island Yacht Club. To register, call the fleet captain at Solomons Island Yacht Club at 887.256.6272 or email fcsiyc@gmail.com

14

frederick saltwater anglers club monthly meeting

Frederick Saltwater Anglers meet monthly at 7 p.m. at the Frederick Elks Club, the second Wednesday of every month. Food starts at 6 p.m. and we have speakers, vendors, and raffles with 50/50s. Call Rob at 301.606.0392 for more information.

17 maryland safe boating course

This is an eight-hour (one day) class, and by passing the course test, participants satisfy Maryland law to operate any motorized boat on Maryland waters. 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at “Pip” Moyer Recreation Center in Annapolis, MD. Cost: $25. Ages 12 and up. Questions: lmsimmons@annapolis.gov

January through Jan 1

retro christmas at Piney Point lighthouse museum

Enjoy tours in a family friendly retro holiday exhibit inside the museum and keeper’s quarters. At the Piney Point Lighthouse Museum in Piney Point, MD.

through Jan 1

st. clement’s island museum christmas Doll & train exhibit Enjoy a holiday exhibit of antique and collectible dolls, classic trains, and other retro toys in this festive holiday display inside the St. Clement’s Island Museum in Colton’s Point, MD.

For links to the websites for these events and more, visit proptalk.com/calendar

11

frederick saltwater anglers club monthly meeting

Frederick Saltwater Anglers meet monthly at 7 p.m. at the Frederick Elks Club, the second Wednesday of every month. Food starts at 6 p.m. and we have speakers, vendors, and raffles with 50/50s. Call Rob at 301.606.0392 for more information.

14

North beach VfD fishing and outdoor expo and flea market

This inaugural event will feature tackle vendors, charter captains, boating and fishing supplies, door prizes, food and drinks, and more! 8 a.m - 2 p.m. at North Beach Volunteer Fire Department, 8536 Bay side Road, North Beach, MD.

20-22

the chesapeake bay boat show

At the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. Presented by the Marine Trades Association of Baltimore County. Featuring over 30 Maryland boat dealers showcasing new boats and marine equipment, as well as entertainment, food and beverages, free educational seminars, and plenty of free parking.

28-29

kent island fisherman’s 12th annual fishing flea market

At the Kent Island American Legion Post #278 in Stevensville, MD. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Admission: $4 (ages 16 and under are free). Fishing rods, reels, lures and other fishing accessories, fishing charters, crabbing supplies, food, and more.

# Mark your calendars! The 2nd Annual Chesapeake Bay Boat Show is January 20-22 at the Maryland State Fairgrounds.

# Ouch – Brooks had to go to the Er to have this one removed, but…

# They gave him the hook back. And a few days later he used it to nab this bass. Dang Brooks, that is hardcore! respect!!

FIS H PIC

OF THE MONTH

#

# It was a mixed species kind of day at Poplar, for Keith and Zach.

Authorized d e A ler. Certified t e C hni C i A ns.

# Taylor, w illie, and Morgan caught some massive snakeheads on chatterbaits and frogs fishing near Blackwater refuge.

# Mckenna reeled up this 22.5-incher off Chesapeake Beach.

# Mandy caught her first Spanish mackerel after cruising from the way north region all the way down south of the Bridge.

Mike caught this beautiful speck on a five-inch ZMan paddletail, while fishing aboard the iFishMD.com

Authorized d e A ler. Certified t e C hni C i A ns.

# The crab-crushing crew of Clark, r iley, Emi, Pierce, and James scooped their way to a cooler of crabs near Fishing Creek. Break out the steam pot!!

# Tucker caught some rock in the South river this summer.

# Four and a half year-old gunnar caught a 28.5-inch mackerel near Sharp’s Island Light – that’s a tough Spanish mack to top.

# grace caught a barracuda – wow, that fish has some gnarly teeth!

# Kyle got a sheepshead while fishing out of Smith Island. nice one, Kyle.

# Kevin displays a mix of species from the open Atlantic.

Authorized d e A ler. Certified t e C hni C i A ns.

# Alex and Kevin cranked up some nice ones on the Heat Wave, running out of wachapreague.

# Matthew and Zeke got into the spadefish at the Light Tower, big-time.

# Sarah picked up her first shark in Chincoteague this summer.

Authorized d e A ler. Certified t e C hni C i A ns.

# holy cow Shaefer, that is one heck of a hUgE white perch – nice catch!

# Ethan nabbed his first flounder in the OC Inlet. w Tg, Ethan!

# Lucas tied into a nice one, casting in the Middle Bay zone.

# Jack and crew enjoyed a quality mix of species during an awesome day of fishing near Kiptopeake.

# Brad Ditmars tussled with this nice 45-inch red near hoopers Island Light.

Authorized d e A ler. Certified t e C hni C i A ns.

# herb found one heck of a nice speck swimming in the shallows of the Choptank.

# Ken was trolling spoons behind planers when… BOOM!

# Madeline caught her first mahi — nice!

# Eric tied into this utterly gorgeous speck in the Bay this summer.

# The van Dykes are one happy fishin’ family – Landon even caught a Middle Bay keeper flounder this summer!!

Hot New Fishboats

By Lenny Rudow

Sportsman Masters 267: King of the Bay

Bay boats have been becoming more and more popular on the Chesa peake in recent times, and it’s no wonder why: they’re ideal for light-tackle casting and jigging, the relatively low gunwales make it easy to handle and release fish, they maximize fishing space, and they ride waaaaay better than the bay boat models built just a few years ago. But most bay boats are relatively small, falling into the 20- to 24-foot range. You say you want enough room for a half-dozen anglers to go fishing in such comfort that they feel like royalty? And you want the beef to run offshore from time to time?

Enter: The Sportsman Masters 267. With a 26’7” LOA and a 9’2” beam this is one of the largest bay boats around, and it has room for all those anglers and then some. In fact, when we tested the 267OE we fished with five aboard and the

boat felt practically empty. Hold on — why take a look at the 267 when we’ve already reviewed the OE version, a simi lar model differing mostly in that a coffin box/lounger is added and the deck layout is a bit different? Because for the 2023 model year Sportsman has redesigned and reintroduced the 267.

So, what’s new? The helm seats perched atop the leaning post/tackle station are one big change. Each now swivels independently, and can face aft for when you’re interested in what Sportsman likes to call going into “sand

bar mode” as opposed to fishing. It’s a slick mod, and although you do lose the rocket launchers on the back of last year’s seats, the comfort factor of these sliding, swiveling, arm-rest-equipped seats is second to none. Another change in seat ing can be found in the bow, where the old flip-up backrests complementing the foredeck sunpad have been swapped out for the drop-in type. Additionally, the backrest on the forward console seat has gotten an upgrade.

From the angling perspective the forward casting deck’s reshaping is a bit

more important. You still have a single step up to an expansive platform, but the deck hatches have a different shape. The two on the side are now squared-off, and offer locking rod stowage for up to 10 rods. If you ever look seriously at one of these boats, be darn sure to swing open those hatches and give them a hairy eyeball. They’re a case study in how to make hatches the right way — finished on both sides, lifting on gas-assist struts, gasketed, and dogged down tight and lockable when closed. Other highlights in that monster foredeck include a 14-gallon bow livewell with Pro-Air aeration, a fishbox, and pre-wiring for your trolling motor.

The stern and stern deck remain more or less the same as in the past, with

Crevalle 33 CSF: Jumping the Bar

Crevalle has always been known for building hybrid bay boats, and naturally, that’s consisted of models under the 30-foot mark. But with the 33 CSF they bust right through that barrier — and then some.

The 33 CSF is, like other Creval les, a resin infused boat. But the hull and stringers are infused together, so they create one single, solid fiberglass component. That delivers the optimal resin-to-glass ratio, maximizing strength while minimizing weight. Note that the 33 CSF tips the scales at 8800 pounds (excluding motor weight), and it doesn’t take a lot of searching to find boats with similar dimensions that weight 15 to 20 percent more. The lighter weight gives the Crevalle a performance edge (more about that later) but just as important, the single-structure infusion process delivers a solid feel underfoot and elimi nates worries of bonding failures with age and hard use.

There’s a slew of other construction features you can point to that are above par in addition to the resin infusion. Wiring connections are the waterproof Deutsch type, electrical terminals are heat-shrinked, fuel tanks are epoxy-

flanking 21-gallon livewells and a 35-gal lon center compartment that can serve either as a cooler or can be plumbed as yet another livewell just in case three of ‘em isn’t enough for you. The real highlight back here, however, is the flip-up seating. This boat is so darn wide that you don’t get a jump seat on either side, you get a double-wide seat with an arm rest and cupholders in the middle. That means that when you’re making a run to distant hotspots you have prime seating for a total of six people aft of the console.

What about performance? Since we inspected the new 267 at the Annapolis Boat Show we couldn’t take it off the dock, but we wouldn’t expect to see any significant differences between this model and the predecessor. When we ran that

boat (with a Yamaha F425), we noted a top-end of 60.2 mph, a 4500-rpm cruise of 43.5 mph, and a most efficient cruise of 2.7 mpg running 31.3 mph at 3500 rpm. Sportsman did shave 300 pounds off the boat, so if anything, the new ver sion could be just a hair faster.

Most would agree that the 2023 Sportsman Masters 267 is more of a re fresh of an existing model than it is some kind of earth-shattering development. But most would also agree that Sports man has made some cool improvements to an already awesome model. Long live the king.

Area Dealer: Riverside Marine, Essex, MD, (410) 686-1500 or riversideboats.com

coated, vinyls are Sileather silicon fabric, grab rails and pipework are powdercoated, and gel coat is scribed under the rubrail to prevent crazing.

This list goes on and on, but what impressed us most when we crawled through the 33 CSF at the Annapolis Boat Show was simply looking into the bilge. In fact, a peek down here gives you so much insight into just how this boat is constructed that we felt it necessary to include a picture of it here, rather than showcasing a more glamorous feature. Yeah, we know nobody wants to look at a bilge, but flip the page and check it out: plumbing and wiring runs are neat and loomed; plumbing is doubleclamped; the ends of clamps get a cap so

you never cut yourself on the sharp ends; in addition to the bilge pump there’s a high-water pump; and all the mechani cals are easily accessed for servicing.

While you’re down there you may also notice the beefy bracing on the transom, which can hold twin or triple outboards up to 900 hp, total. Stack on a pair of 400s and top-end will come in at darn close to 60 mph, while a 4500-rpm cruise will get you a hair over 40 mph according to Crevalle’s performance reports.

Speeds like that make short work of long runs, and once you get to the fishing grounds you’ll appreciate that Crevalle has included just about everything you could want on the

Hot New Fishboats

By Lenny Rudow

Crevalle 33 CSF

CONTINUE d

standard feature list. In fact, the only angling option you may want to add are the downrigger/electric reel outlets, electric trolling motor, and carbon fiber outriggers. Just about everything else one could come up with is already on the stock boat: three 30-gallon insulat ed, lighted livewells; underwater lights; 11 rocket launchers on the hard top and supports; 11 flush-mount rodhold ers; a tackle station; in-deck dedicated five-gallon bucket stowage; rig/knife/ pliers holders; twin 70-inch insulated, macerated fishboxes; under-gunwale rodracks; and a raw water washdown. Heck, Crevalle even includes dual 16inch MFDs in the package, your choice of Garmin or Simrad.

There are also a few non-fishy perks that may be of less concern to diehard anglers, but we feel compelled to mention nonetheless because they’re uber-cool. If you’re feeling a bit salty in the hot summer sun, for example, you can simply position yourself under the aft starboard section of the hard top, flip a switch, and enjoy a freshwater rinse from the overhead rain shower. If your phone is about to run out of juice,

you can sit it on the Scanstrut wire less phone charger integrated into the helm. And if you’ve pined for the ease of joystick docking, you’ll be glad to know that’s a standard feature on the 33 CSF, too.

The bottom line? Crevalle didn’t just go big, they went bigger — and better. They didn’t just jump over the bar, they moved it up a notch and then sailed right over it. If you’re looking for a 30-something center console that’s built with the latest tech and gets outfitted to match it, this is one boat you’ll want to check out.

# now that’s what we call one beautiful bilge.

Q U i C k F ACTS :

LOA: 33’2”

Beam: 10’6”

Displacement: 8800 lbs. Draft (hull): 1’8”

Transom Deadrise: 20 degrees Fuel Capacity: 300 gal.

Max Power: 900 hP

Area Dealer Tradewinds Marina, Middle River, MD, (410) 335-7000 or tradewindsmarina.com

Project 406: Fathom This

If you appear on the world’s billionaires list and think it would be cool to own a sportfishing boat that can scrape the bottom of the Bay Bridge with its outrig gers, you’ll find Project 406 of interest. Designed by Vripack (which has offices in the Netherlands, Monaco, and Dubai) and currently under construction at the Dutch shipyard Royal Huisman, this aluminum, 171-foot-long, six-story sportfish is set to be the largest recreational fishing boat in the world upon its launch in 2023. Few ad ditional specifics have been disclosed about the yacht at this point, but what we want to know is how the heck you’ll get the rods out of the bridgedeck rocket launchers.

Holiday Gift Guide

for Anglers

By Staff

Much as we’re perturbed by the thought of putting on six layers of cloth ing in order to go fishing, December does have a few redeeming quali ties. One of them is getting cool gifts and goodies for the holidays.

And if you or someone you love reads FishTalk, obviously, those gifts and goodies should consist purely of fishing gear. You were thinking your favorite fisher might rather be gifted gold? Or perhaps that precious piscator would go gaga over some new golf clubs? Banish those thoughts — nothing but nothing will make we fish-heads grin from ear to ear like a torrent of new tackle.

Each and every month we pick a selection of cool new stuff we think anglers will want to know about in the Hot New Gear section, and now in our fifth year of publication, we’ve put our hands on an awful lot of awesome angling armaments. For this year’s Holiday Gift Guide we’ve looked back through the years and picked out some of our favorite goodies which are sure to help any angler catch more fish.

Leading the Way

Whether you favor wacky-worming for bass, jigging for rockfish, or chunking for tuna, one thing is for sure: anglers need leader. Lots and lots of leader. We all know that using fluorocarbon is a must to minimize visibility and maximize bites, and having used Hi-Seas Grand Slam Bluewater flouro for multiple seasons, we feel confident saying it’s premium grade. A stand-out feature is how well it cinches down into knots, which can be prob lematic with some stiffer fluorocarbons. It’s available in 20- to 175-pound test, in coils and spools. Pricing ranges depending on size, starting at $11.99 for a 25-yard spool of 20-pound test. Check out afwfishing.com to learn more.

Organized Chaos

Few boats have sufficient onboard tackle stowage, and even fewer have well-organized stowage. If you’re sick and tired of fighting through tangles, rusty hooks, and messy boxes, check out Teak Isle’s lineup of tackle centers. These are made of CNCroutered high-density polyboard with stainless-steel fittings, hinges, and drawer slides. There are over 100 dif ferent styles and sizes so you can find one to fit just about any boat, and we’ve found the five-box, two-drawer 20” x 28” unit to be one of our favor ite additions to the cockpit that we’ve ever tested out. Price: Varies by size and style. Visit boatoutfitters.com to see the different choices.

One for the Trollers

If the angler receiving your gift-giving goodness enjoys trolling on the Bay, they’ll be stoked to unwrap a new Shimano Tekota level-winder. The 500, 600, and 800 sizes have now all been redesigned and updated with improvements like stronger gears, boosted corrosion protection, shielded bearings, and crosscarbon drags. These reels can put out gobs of drag pressure for level-winders (24 pounds for the 500/600 and 35 pounds for the 800), which means they can handle any rockfish in the Bay and on top of that, will be perfect when the cobia and bull redfish start swimming around in our waters next summer. Line-counter versions are also available. Depending on the model expect to pay between $200 and $300 — but hey, can you really put a price on the smiles you’ll see when the wrapping paper comes off? fish.shimano.com

It’s time to put on your Santa cap and deliver some holiday cheer to the anglers you love.

Holiday Gift Guide for Anglers

Take Me to Your Reader

If there’s a reader in your family looking to find hotspots, hotspots, and more hotspots, one or more of Wayne Young’s reef and wreck fishing site books will expand their horizons in a big way. If you read FishTalk you’re already familiar with Wayne’s work, and his graphic descriptions of different natural and man-made fishing hotspots. His different offerings cover the Delaware Bay, the MidAtlantic coast, and the Chesapeake Bay from top to bottom. Wayne doesn’t just write about this stuff — once upon a time he was one of the guys who actually helped build some of these reefs. Visit Amazon.com and plug his name into the search bar to see all the different areas he’s covered.

BONUS GIFT: Wayne has a new book hitting the streets: DelMarVa Fishing Reef Pilot, cov ering rocks, reefs, wrecks, and ruins from the C&D Canal to Cape Henlopen, Cape Hen lopen to Cape Charles, and the Chesapeake Eastern Shore. The forward is by noted angler Shawn Kimbro, and it includes 432 pages of in terest to anglers who trailer among the Eastern Shore hotspots along the coast and in the Bay.

And, More Plastic!

When you need a larger plastic to add some appealing wiggle to a skirted jig or bucktail, the Striper Sniper Snake Worm gets the nod. This has become one of our favorites for pitching to cobia when sight fishing — the Lemon Lime color under a white skirt is a killer. You have six colors to choose from, and the price of these baits is a real stand-out: $6.99 for a 15-count. Can you say, “stocking stuffer?” Check out stripersniper.com to learn more.

Presenting the Plastics

Is it possible to ever have too many soft plastic baits? Heck no!! We have two different styles we love packing the tack lebox with: paddle and straight tails. In the paddle category Bloody Point Baits four-inch Shad are a winner (we like whites and chartreuse the best), and when conditions call for an aggressive snap-style jig, six-inch BKDs get the nod. Both are less expensive than most big-name brands by a mile (buy a 25 pack and it breaks down to around $0.50 or $0.60 per lure) and both are available at alltackle.com.

The Ultimate Dock Accessory

If your loved one has his or her own dock and you want to make them the happiest person on the planet, check out the Killerdock Slam 8. This is the king of all fish cleaning stations, built of ceramiccoated marine-grade aluminum with a SolaMesh canvass canopy and an eight-foot cutting surface. There are also accessory trays and it’s lighted. It isn’t cheap at $3995 (and you’ll need a hundred buck’s worth of wrapping paper), but it truly may be the best dock accessory ever invented by mankind. Visit killerdock.com to learn more.

Playing Hoops

Landing nets are critical gear and just about every angler has one — but how many anglers have a stowable net that’s capable of handling a keeper-sized cobia or a monster bull redfish? They’re few and far between, but since trying the Norseman Outdoors StowMaster SS116Y we’re true believers. This net has a telescop ing handle formed of 1.25” extruded 6005 T5 aircraft-grade alu minum and a 0.75” diameter hoop frame with a 48” net bag. The mesh is coated in a rubberized, fish-safe material, and the entire affair folds in the middle for easy stowage. Price: $255.99. Visit norsemanoutdoors.com for more information.

Rokk It

All Decked Out

Also in the best-additions-ever category, we have ShipsDek. Stand ing on molded fiberglass all day takes a toll — especially on rough, bumpy days — and adding this foam deck ing has, by our estimation, reduced post-fishing back pains by around a third. Another pain reduction comes when you kneel on the deck and do so on padding instead of scratchy raised non-skid. Added bonus: this stuff looks great. Double-added bonus: ShipsDek is a local company, located in Baltimore. Arranging it as a gift might be challenging, but we’re sure that if you reach out to ‘em you can get a package set up ahead of time.

Price: Varies by boat. Contact ships dek.com for more information.

Do you carry your cell phone on your boat? Of course you do! Do you worry about it bouncing around in a fiberglass compartment, getting soaked by spray, or simply running out of juice? Of course, again. The Scanstrut Rokk Edge solves all those problems in one fell swoop. This wireless charger/phone holder grips the phone securely, charges it even through a protective case, and is incredibly easy to mount on any boat (three screws and a power wire is all it takes). Using it for several years we have yet to find a phone it won’t charge and every time we step off the boat, battery level is 100 percent. Plus, they just upgraded the charger so for 2023 it’s even more potent than before. Price: $150. Visit scanstrut.com for more information.

Lightning Rod

If your amorous angler loves fishing with the best of the best, consider getting him or her a G. Loomis IMX-PRO Blue. We tested an 844 MF seven-foot fast action several years ago and we’re still testing it each and every time the opportunity arises to target trophy-sized stripers, cobia, bull reds, or mahi-mahi. This rod is amazingly light and nimble but has the beef to handle 40-pound braid with ease. Grips are cork, the reel seat and guides are top-shelf Fuji Fazlite K-frames, and spinners and casters are both available. Price: $390 to $405. Visit gloomis.com to learn more.

Snip and Slide

Getting your first pair of Boomerang snips is life-changing. No more searching for scis sors, struggling to cut braid with a knife, or fumbling with side-cutting pliers. You can clip the end of the tether to a belt loop or tacklebox, pull it out when needed, then let go and the auto-retracting tether brings it back home. And, while many anglers already have a pair of these snips, they’ll still be psyched to see a new one in the stocking because they’re only good for a couple-few years of use before the tether wears out. Price: $12. Visit boomerangtool.com to learn more.

Slither your way to trophy-sized December rockfish.

By Lenny Rudow

Who says humans aren’t a migratory species? Keep a close eye on the roadways, and you’ll notice a late fall/ early winter migration taking place — a migration of DelMarVa anglers headed for the ramp with boats in tow, ready to get in on the late season striper action. These fishermen are getting ready to target big fall and winter fish throughout our region, from the shoals at the mouth of the Delaware Bay clear down to the CBBT. Ready to hook into one on light spinning or casting gear? Then head for the bait shop, and get yourself a bucket full of snakes.

The Eel Deal

As stripers run down the coast they’ll be caught by trollers and casters, so why should you focus your efforts on these slimy, squirmy, hard to deal with baits? Because small fish don’t eat them. Coastal regulations call for a minimum size of 28” and it’s rare to catch fish smaller than this when you sink an eel in the Atlantic. Even inlet anglers get an edge, as they increase the chance of an increased size fish taking the bait.

Eeling is most effective when you can pinpoint the fish at a particular structural break like the edge of a shoal or a coastal wreck, or where present, on a piling or series of pilings. Generally speaking, if the tide has the stripers in a feeding mood and you put a live eel in front of the fish, it’ll eat. So smart eelers will stick with a spot when they’re sure it holds fish, and work it through the tidal cycle even if they don’t catch anything at first. What’s the best piece of the tide? It varies from season to season and you’ll have to put in some time fishing (aw, darn!) to determine the

# rockfish find it tough to resist those slimy, slithery eels.

pattern before you can put your foot down and say exactly when the fish will bite during any given time frame. That said, however, the hottest bite often begins at the peak of the current flow, which usually occurs an hour to a half hour before the change depending on your location. The good bite continues as the current drops, and may or may not continue as the cur rent dies completely and then turns. If it does continue into the new tidal cycle, usually after a half hour or so it dies off.

Static Discharge

Once you’ve pinpointed a fish-holding location and arrived at the right time for a bite, you’ll have to decide whether to

drift or anchor. Interestingly, how you fish depends greatly on where you fish. Along most coastal locations, like Overfall shoals at the mouth of Delaware Bay, Hen and Chicken Shoals off Delaware’s coast, and Little or Great Gull Shoals just outside of Ocean City, drifting the eels on bottom is the usual modus operandi. But at the CBBT and the mouth of the Chesapeake, anchoring up and fishing the eels under floats is the norm. When fishing along the rocks of any of the inlets along the coast, either method may be seen.

First, the drifters: you’ll want to rig up with a four- to five-foot leader of 40- to 50-pound fluorocarbon, terminating with an 8/0 to 10/0 live bait or octopus

circle hook. Bait up by sliding your hook in through the eel’s lower jaw and out through the top of its upper jaw (note: some Virginia anglers are known to hook the eel through the tail, and they swear it works). Either slide an egg sinker over your main line or add a cigar weight between swivels attached to the main line and leader to weight the eel down. Both weighting methods have a good and a bad side. Using egg sinkers, the line can slide through the lead so the fish don’t feel any additional weight, but changing weights means cutting your line and re-rigging. Switching cigar weights is much faster and means just un-clipping your swivel, but it also means that the fish may detect a little something extra pulling on the line.

When a striper sucks your eel into its mouth, there will be a very distinct thump-thump-thump sensation. When this happens it’s imperative that you go into freespool or open the bail and let the fish eat, tension-free, for at least five seconds. By the time you reach five, the thumps should have ended and the striper should be pulling on the line consistently; it’s choked the eel down and is now swim ming away. Fail to give that fish enough time to do so, and when you s-l-o-w-l-y apply tension to let the circle hook do its

# Those oceanic rockfish are heading towards the Bay to spawn — releasing a keeper fish is a personal decision, but if you decide to, no one will fault you.

thing you’ll just be pulling the eel out of its mouth.

Eeling via float can be done with essentially the same rigging, except of course, you’ll downsize the weight and add a float to your line. Many anglers use large bobbers, but chunks of foam pool noodle work better. Simply cut one about three inches long, put a thick rubber band around it, and slide your main line through it before tying or clipping on your leader. Then hold the noodle as you let out the desired amount of line. When you have the proper depth set, pull two or three inches of slack line out through the noodle, and slip it under the rubber band. Tension will hold the line in place but when a fish hits, it’ll pull the line from un der the rubber band and allow the float to slide freely over your line while you fight the fish. Added bonus: when night fishing you can push a cyalume light stick into the hole in the noodle for added visibility.

Remember that even at places like the CBBT, where large numbers of small fish can both be found, as a general rule of thumb only the larger fish will attack a live eel. That alone should get you chilly weather anglers interested in grabbing a bucket of slime balls — and it should be enough to motivate you to take part in the “migration” this winter. #

5 Bonus Eeling Tips

1. Keep your eels in a Tupperware tub with holes punched in the bottom so slime can drain, and keep it inside your cooler. The chilly temps will slow down the eel’s metabolism and make them easier to handle, but as soon as they hit the water they’ll kick right back into high gear and start swimming.

2. When drifting, you may think you detect hits without get ting a hook-up. If this happens check your eel’s skin and look for circular scrape marks going all the way around the eel. If you find them, you’re getting hit and need to lengthen the time you allow the fish to chew before setting the hook. If you don’t see any circle marks, those “bites” are most likely just your weight bouncing along a rough bottom.

3. Early in the season int he ocean if you feel two or three sharp, strong twangs on the line instead of the thumps, reel up and check your bait. Usually, you’ll pull in a half or a quarter of an eel, thanks to a bluefish. (Late in the season this problem usually goes away, thank goodness.) Rip it off and start over, because those stripers want an eel that’s whole, live, and wiggling.

4. When moving, keep your eel on the hook, dangling in a bucket of water. Dangling, not resting, or it will twist all over itself and tie knots in your leader. And never put two eels in the same bucket or you’ll end up with a hopeless mess.

5. When you need to handle a live and feisty eel, reach for a fresh pa per towel. Rags work for a while but once they’re slimed you’ll need something new, so keeping a roll of paper towels onboard ensures easy bait-handling.

By Wayne Young

Avaried array of natural, acci dental, and artificial bottom features marked by blue circles on Chart 1 are avail able for sportfishing off the southern end of the Delaware – Cape Henlopen Traffic Separation Scheme (TSS). There are two popular wreck fishing hotspots inside the lower end of the TSS. First look for “Patty’s Pitcher Wreck” at Site 13. It’s a 93-footdeep wooden wreck at coordinates 38’30.146 x 74’43.779. The feature is documented as File Number 10399 in the Coast Survey’s Automated Wreck and Obstruction Information System (AWOIS). The wreckage is described by divebuddy.com, a diver website, as “...mainly a series of ribs with lots of nooks and crannies for bugs and fish to hide. The bow sports a large anchor and pony boiler out in the sand. The stern has a large rudder flat on the sand. Several gudgeons have been brought up in the last few years. She is also thought by some to possibly be the Singleton Palmer, sister ship to the Elizabeth Palmer.” A wreck that is low

profile or distributed on the bottom doesn’t mean that it won’t attract sportfish, as we’ll see with the follow ing wreck site.

North of the southeast end and just inside the eastern edge of the TSS Separation Zone are 105-foot

obstructions marked as Site 14. This is an unidentified shipwreck known as the “Independence Day” wreck and also the “Bimbo Wreck.” BAG imaging shows a large object, but not with much detail. However, high-definition sonar scans by Ben Roberts, Eastern Search & Survey (ESS), reveal a low-profile distrib uted wreck that is about 240 feet long and 38 feet wide. Back in 1921, the five-masted wooden schooner Singleton Palmer sank following a collision some 10 to 13 nautical miles from Fenwick Shoal Lightship. This wreck is a bit shorter than the Single ton Palmer, although it’s in proxim ity to where she went down. This wreck, located as it is in the bottom of the old riverbed, is a fish magnet, especially for sea bass and tautog. The ESS scan shows the wreck literally covered with fish — don’t pass this one by!

The southern end of the TSS (Site 15), is marked by Delaware Lighted Buoy “D,” formerly “DL.” This was the location of the Delaware Light

There are numerous wrecks off the Delaware coastline.

Chart 2: Approximate locations of wrecks and reefs in and in the vicinity of Delaware Fish Haven 13.

ship, and the location is commonly referred to by that name. The bottom here is quite irregular and is a flounder and sea bass hotspot.

When running offshore, it’s nice to have multiple fishing spots to prospect. Sites 17 through 24 are located in the same general area and include Delaware State Fish Haven 13. Coordinates in the following narrative and positions shown on Chart 2 are based on best available information including the Navionics electronic chart community layer and reef program, diver descrip tions, and underwater and historic pictures which are available online for some of them.

Site 16 is a 104-foot-deep wreck at coordinates 38’32.008 x 74’33.582. Site 17 is a general marker for Fish Haven 13, the Del-Jersey-Land Inshore Site, where substantial artificial reefs were deployed. These include 288 subway cars as well as fishing ves sels, the 563-foot-long destroyer USS Arthur W. Radford (broken into three pieces), and the 206-foot-long USCGC Tamaroa of “Perfect Storm” fame. The relative locations of the deployed reefs are shown on Chart 2. The Delaware State reef program grid drawing was superimposed over a nautical chart and then manipulated into alignment with geographical coordinates. This is an active reef site, and additional reef deployments may occur. The subway cars are in six 44-unit clusters and one 24-unit cluster. Coordinates can be found in the program reef guide that is accessible online.

In the movie Perfect Storm, a modern-looking, high-sided Coast Guard cutter portrayed the Tamaroa Had it been such a cutter, it would have been much more difficult, if not impos sible, to do what the officers and crew of the Tamaroa did. The actual cutter was a high bow, low sided seagoing tugboat — a workboat configured to work alongside another vessel. The low sides facilitated the rescue of persons onboard the distressed sailboat under horrendous sea and wind conditions.

I suppose the low profile, ancient mariner look wasn’t appealing enough for either the movie screen or the Coast Guard. Too bad. Showing what the actual ship looked like would have con veyed what the Coast Guard historically has often had to work with: old ships past their planned service life.

The first cutter I served on right out of the Coast Guard Academy in 1968, the Acushnet, was a former Navy seago ing salvage tug, then over 20 years old. The venerable ship was still in service three decades later in Alaska when a propellor sheared off due to metal fatigue. The Coast Guard tried unsuc cessfully to find a replacement prop in museums.

Sites 18, 19, and 21 are from a six-section Bethlehem Steel wooden drydock. The drydock had massive twofoot by two-foot square timbers. It was deployed in 1985 in the general vicinity of Del-Jersey-Land. AWOIS records that each section is 133 feet long by 96 feet wide by 54 feet tall.

Site 20 is an unidentified 73-footdeep wreck at coordinates 38’30.879 x 74’31.266, and site 22 is a 70-foot-deep (also unidentified) wreck charted at coordinates 38’30.218 x 74’32.044. Site 23 marks the USS Moonstone at coordi nates 38’29.068 x 74’32.633. The vessel was a 171 foot long by 26-foot-wide private yacht that was converted into a Navy patrol craft during World War Two. It was lost following a collision with a destroyer in 1943. A picture of

the vessel in better days and an under water picture of the heavily encrusted deck gun are posted on njscuba.net, a great diver website and information resource. The website reports that the vessel is upright and intact except for a large hole in her port side and collaps ing midsection superstructure. Depth charges still in the racks are also re ported, though structural conditions are likely to have deteriorated from those indicated. Southeast at Site 24 is a 90-foot wreck at coordinates 38’32.008 x 74’33.582. With position errors in contemporary reports of up to a nautical mile and a date given as one month af ter the Moonstone sinking, Site 24 could also be describing the same feature.

Remember that older wooden wrecks, like many of these, are frag ile and can be easily damaged when anchors fouled in them are forcibly removed. Damage accelerates the loss of both archeological value and fish ing reef structure. We should respect wrecks when fishing them and attempt to avoid damage that could shorten their lifespan. Plus, anchoring directly in them runs the risk of losing an an chor. Using a wreck anchor that bends out, or anchoring off of the wreck itself, is a better move. #

Editor’s note for anglers fishing DE coastal waters: Tune in next month for the third installment for this area, when Wayne takes a deep dive into Cape Henlopen waters.

As well as being a regular contributor to FishTalk, wayne Young is the author of multiple books detailing wrecks and fishing reefs in the Chesapeake Bay, Delaware Bay, and beyond. All are available at Amazon.com, and you can find his Facebook page at Chesapeake Bay Fishing reefs.

USCGC Tamaroa. U.S. Coast Guard photo.

# Tog will suck the crab in-between those puffy lips, crush the crab, suck out the meat, then spit out the shell — you have a fraction of a second to time the hook-set correctly.

10 Tips To Catch More Tautog

As temperatures plummet this is one bite that will only get better and better — if you know how to tempt those tog.

By Staff

Good winter bites can be tough to come by for a Mid-Atlantic angler, but there’s one species we can always rely on to keep our rods bent during the frigid months: tautog. Not! Truth be told, tog are quite temperamental and they can bite fast and furious one day, then seem to be completely MIA the next. Reliable is definitely not a word an experienced togger would use lightly when describing these fish. That said, if you want to bend a rod on a serious saltwater fighter when snow is falling and there’s skim ice in the marina, tog are the ticket. Use these 10 tips to help get more of ‘em on the line.

1. Don’t start fresh with zero experience and take a stab at these fish on your own. They require specific rigging, tackle, baits, and techniques, and you don’t just “get lucky” with this fish. Wise anglers will take a trip or two with a pro and get their toggin’ feet wet before they strike out on their own. If you don’t have a buddy who’s experienced with tog, there are several party boats and charters that will run for them all winter long (mostly out of Ocean City and Virginia Beach). Also be sure to visit FishTalkMag.com and punch “tautog” into the search box to gain additional intel and insight.

2. Don’t allow your weight to bounce on the bottom. Tog are deterred by a moving bait and a bouncing weight, and hit a lot better when you rest your offering on the bottom and leave it there.

3. Keep your rod in your hands, not a rodholder. When these fish eat you need to set the hook firmly and immediately, or they’ll suck the meat right out of your offering and then spit the shell bits — and the hook — right back out of their mouths.

4. Set your drag as heavy as you dare, and the moment you get a fish on the line apply maximum pressure. Tog are famous for darting into a hidey-hole the moment they feel threatened, and if you don’t pull them away from the structure quickly, the fish are likely to tangle your line in a snag or pull it across a sharp edge.

5. Stick with sand fleas or fiddler crab in the bays and inlets, and go to green or white crab in oceanic waters. Truth be told tog will hit

just about any sort of crustacean bait, but these top the list for most savvy tog fishermen and matching the inshore versus offshore hatch is a good move.

6. Use a whole crab to target monster tog off the coast, but if you keep losing baits without hooking up, switch to a crab chunk or half-crab. Fish under four or five pounds may have a tough time getting their mouth around the whole crab (but the real monsters definitely enjoy being served up the entire meal).

7. Before sending a crab into the depths sit it on something firm, and use your sinker to crack up its back-shell. This will allow more fish-attracting scents to ooze out and bring in the tautog.

8. Your baits need to be right in and on the structure. If you’re in a boat and you aren’t anchored perfectly over the wreck or reef, take the time to reposition. And if you’re fishing inlet rocks or bridge pilings, get those offerings just as close to the structure as possible.

9. Bring lots of spare rigs — see #8. Yes, fishing directly in the cover you will have lots of snags when tog fishing. Don’t let it frustrate you, because that’s all part of the game and is to be expected. You can lessen the blows a bit by attaching your sinker to the rig with a piece of relatively light leader, so you can break it off when need be. Many snags are the sinker, not the hooks, so if you’re willing to sacrifice some lead you can do a bit less re-rigging.

10. When you realize you just had a bite a fraction of a second too late to set the hook, don’t wait long before reeling in to check your bait. Nine times out of 10 it will be gone, so waiting for a follow-up strike is almost always a waste of time.

Okay: are you ready to set your sights on tog fishing this winter? Remember, this is no easy gig. But if you gain some experience, pay attention to the details, and put in your time, you could be catching these fish all winter long. #

# A chunky tog will put a big smile on any winter angler’s face.

# w hen you’re on the hunt for trophy-sized tog out in the ocean, whole crabs will do the trick.

Recording, One… Two… Three…

By Jim Gronaw

Back a long, long time ago when I was in my mid-20s, I began diligently keeping fishing records for about 17 years. That was an endeavor I thought I’d keep up until the day I died. I kept a detailed journal of dates, weather, times, catches, locations and much, much more. However, as time wore on, other issues like raising a family, work, coaching, and playing music started to crowd out the record-keeping efforts and I just couldn’t devote the time to it. I probably learned more about fishing during those 17 years than any other period of my fishing life.

Fast-forward to the present-day era of computers, cellphones, and live sonar imaging. Surely I could, in my retirement years, advance my efforts and incorpo rate modern technology for a detailed, intricate, and accurate assessment of suc cess and failure throughout my angling career… right? The creation of detailed graphs and mapping systems could easily send me on the way to stellar catches… true? And without a doubt, those new and fancy fishing apps would certainly make my decision-making chores a lot easier… correct?

Well, yes and no. You see, there is this strange and almost hypnotic realm in the fishing world that says things should turn out one way but, well, you know. Some call it luck, some call it karma, and others call it paying your dues. I found out a long time ago that if you wanted to catch fish, and espe cially big fish, you had to put in work and time, and assess each and every situation as a new and different experi ence. In time, I discovered that I could actually put the odds more and more in my favor by keeping an informative record that, over time, would prevail during most situations of similar weather and seasonal timeframes. But many other factors do come into play.

As many of you know, one of my passions for angling is locating and catching large, trophy-class panfish. Depending on the year, weather, and available fisheries, including emerging fisheries, I traditionally spend about 60 percent of my total angling effort on pursuing slab bluegills and crappies. That angling effort can include chunks of time that are earmarked for simply finding quality water, driving out and

assessing new waters in question. More often than I care to admit, a rumor or hot-prospect does not pan out. Indeed, the pot at the end of the rainbow doesn’t always have gold in it.

During that 17-year period of record keeping I made precise location notes on various Mid-Atlantic public lakes, coves, creeks, and points. I noted sun-exposed areas for early spring time trips, and a variety of water level fluctuations. Cumulatively, most if not all of these factors play a role in success or failure. It’s easy for us to remember what lake, river, creek, or pond yielded the biggest catch of any given year, but you return another day to find the water is high and muddy or the weeds are to the surface, it’s obvious that the conditions are variable on almost every body of water we fish.

Since my retirement 13 years ago, I have used an informal record style whereby I make notes on a calendar rather than scribe in a journalistic manner. True, it doesn’t allow for the detail of the book or tablet form, but it does show me seasonal patterns, weather variations, and over a span of

keeping fishing logs will help you catch more fish.

# Our records indicate a falling barometer and storm front conditions to be “prime-time” for exceptional catches... most of the time!

several years, where this or that fishery is headed in terms of species diversity, average size, and top-end size structure. Predator-prey relationships can shift over a period of time and where quality threeto five-pound bass once dominated, a lake or pond can emerge into water with smaller average sized bass but larger blue gills or crappies.

The recording of some information is obvious: where, when, water condi tions, and lures or baits used to catch the fish. Average and top-end size structures should be tracked, although all of us know where we have caught our largest, most memorable catches. Overall, I have found that weather continues to dominate as a factor in angling success. With today’s improved weather forecasting it’s easier to cipher when, where, and what species and techniques to employ as compared to in the past.

If I were to fish this very day, the first thing I’d check is the weather forecast. My preference would be to fish dur ing a falling barometer, perhaps ahead of a storm front or precipitation event,

and I would pay close attention to wind direction and air temperature drops or rises. From big waters to small, the wind can do a lot to determine fish location, feeding activity, and access to the angler. I have found that fishing during mid-day during colder weather periods usually (usually) out-produces other timeframes. However, when ice-fishing or open water panfish fishing in the winter, low-light periods can, like in the summer, be a very productive time.

Logging often shows patterns and spe cies behavior that many of us would oth erwise forget or ignore. Big fish patterns tend to be different from smaller game. Rather than leaving details to memory, if time permits, at least from the onset try to record data such as lure size, color, depth of fish located and caught, sunlight penetration, and wind speed and direc tion. Barometric pressure, air and water temperatures, tidal phases, and additional notes on baitfish or insect activity are also important. Fish size and numbers caught will be the bottom line on what most of us consider a successful trip. But keep in

mind that we often learn more when we have to fish hard and figure things out, rather than when the fish are going nuts and feeding like crazy.

Over the course of several years, pat terns will emerge — and some may differ from one body of water to another, even with like species. By developing a threeto five-year record keeping process you can look back and see what patterns have been best, ones that are getting better, and how different fisheries are chang ing over time. What worked then may not produce now. That great little bass lake you used to nail them at might not have yielded a four-pounder in a couple of seasons; time to look elsewhere. The small river that had so many nice channel cats in it may evolve to produce fewer, yet bigger, cats than five years ago. As always, the introduction of a new species, native or invasive, can change things over time.

Regardless of your individual angling preferences, record-keeping is something that can teach us many things, and make us all better anglers. #

Editor’s note: You tech-savvy types may eschew manual logging in favor of apps that make it easy to collect and aggregate your fishing data. Check out “Best Fishing Apps to Turn Bytes into Bites” at FishTalkMag.com to learn which ones we found most helpful.

Winter Fishing for Beginners

By Lenny Rudow

gets uber-frigid

Like they say on some obscure TV show no one’s ever seen: winter is coming. The good news is that in this neck of the woods that doesn’t portend the end of fishing season, much less an invasion of malevolent blue-eyed ice creatures. Truth be told, in the Mid-Atlantic region fishing season never does end — it just changes. And for those new to fishing, these changes can make it challenging to get a bend in your rod. Never fear, beginner angler, we’re here to help. Though your fingers may go numb and you might find yourself standing in blowing snow, remember these basics and you’ll be fighting fish all winter long.

How To Fish During Winter

When it comes to winter fishing, the first thing you need to keep in mind is that preparing properly for the chilly conditions is job number one. Not only can it be dangerous to head outside in sub-freezing temperatures, if you’re shivering uncontrollably or lose all dexterity in your hands, you simply can’t fish because tasks like tying knots or baiting hooks become impossible. So, it’s critical to dress properly. In addition to layering up and wearing a warm hat, a good pair of fingerless gloves is must-have winter fishing at

tire. You can’t tie those knots nor bait those hooks with a pair of ski gloves covering them up. Everyone has their own favorite style, but most serious winter anglers like fleece gloves that have a flap you can leave off when using your hands and then fold over to cover your fingers when you don’t need to use them. Waterproof ver sions are best.

TiP: Getting your hands wet can quickly ruin a trip so try hard to keep them dry and carry a small towel for drying your fingers off immediately, if they do get wet. When fishing with live bait like minnow, always use a small dip net or pull-out strainer bucket so you can minimize the mois ture when baiting up.

Another item many anglers like to bring is a hand warmer. Having an artificially warm pocket you can shove your hand in for a few minutes works wonders. Some gloves will also have a slot designed to hold a hand warmer, though we must note that modern battery-operated hand warmers can quickly generate a lot more heat than the old shake-and-bake pouches.

If you’ll be on a boat or watercraft, both the potential for trip-ending exposure and the danger-factor gets multiplied during the winter months. Check out “Paddler’s Edge: Winter

Kayak Safety” at FishTalkMag. com, to find detailed information on safety and gear for spending winter fishing time afloat on small water craft.

As for the fishing itself, tempting the fish to bite isn’t all that different from fishing at other times of the year with one big exception: since fish are cold-blooded, their metabo lism slows down quite a bit during the winter months. As a result, everything happens a lot slower than it does during the summer. Bait and predators will both be swimming around at what appears to be a rath er lazy pace. In most cases (there are a few exceptions) jigging rapidly or retrieving frantically is more likely to startle the predators than it is to get them biting. So you need to slow all motion down a notch. Rather than snapping the rod tip, just give it a little twitch. Rather than trolling at four or five mph, slow down to two or even less. You want your offering to appear lethargic, just as it would in nature when the water’s chilly and cold. That said, you can’t let a lure just sit there and expect it to be eaten. So don’t stop retrieving or jigging entirely, just use mellow motions and gentle jiggles. Which brings us to...

There are plenty of winter fishing opportunities in the Mid-Atlantic region, and there’s no better way than casting to cure cabin fever

# If it

out there, you may even want to try your hand at ice fishing. Photo courtesy of Bobby van Dyke

Fishing Lures vs. Fishing Baits in Winter

Baits are more effective than lures in many situations, but this is never truer than during the winter months. In fact, most anglers — even those who may fish lures religiously through the warmer months of the year — will “resort” to using bait once the waters have grown icy-cold. Of course, there are exceptions. But as a general rule of thumb you’ll do a lot better by using bait in one fashion or another.

That’s not to say you should leave all the lures at home. In fact, many anglers favor using lures along with bait. If you’re targeting bass, crappie, or pickerel, for example, bring plenty of marabou jigs or shad darts. But instead of tossing them out there bare, lip-hook a minnow for added attraction. The minnow will wiggle enticingly, adding a slow but irresist ible temptation to your offering. Or if you’re after sunfish, perch, or trout, the slow-motion curling of a live wax worm or mealworm can trigger the strikes.

Choosing Hotspots for Winter Fishing

During the cold months of the year fish will move to different areas than you’ll usually find them when it’s warm out. As a general rule of thumb, it’s common to find fish holding in or near deeper than usual waters. Once surface temps drop to about 39 degrees (Fahr enheit! We live in ‘Merica!), the cool water becomes less dense, and begins floating over warmer water. Deeper waters also feature more temperature stability on a day-to-day basis. Of course, factors like current or a strong breeze that causes mixing will change things. But as a rule of thumb once winter hits you should expect the fish to move to deeper areas as compared to where you found them in the warmer months.

There are some specific exceptions anglers need to know about. One big one is late in the afternoon on sunny days. In this scenario the sun may warm up the south-facing bank of a lake or pond through the course of the day, and water temperatures can rise by a couple of degrees as that heat

makes its way from the banks into the shallow waters close by. By the time late afternoon hits, fish may congregate in the warmer zone to catch a break from the chill — and if you know to look for them there, you’ll be the one doing the catching.

What about choosing which body of water to try in the first place?

Checking out the FishTalk fishing reports is step number-one. If you’re not already signed up to get them, visit our website, click on Reports, and then click the Sign Up button on the lower right corner of the screen. Then you’ll get an email with a link to the reports every Friday by noon, when the new ones go up. And yes, we do keep them flowing all winter long!

Beyond that, remember that gener ally speaking in our region the best action will come from freshwater lakes and millponds, rivers, and relatively low-salinity areas of tidal tributaries. When and if ice starts forming you may be limited to areas with current that keeps the water open, or if it gets really cold out you might want to try your hand at ice fishing.

# warm, waterproof, fingerless gloves are a must-have for winter fishing, in order to maintain dexterity for tying knots and baiting hooks.

Winter Fishing for Beginners

Most of the species that overlap freshwater and tidal waters, such as bass, pickerel, and perch, are known to bite well year-round. Species that live in flowing river waters like trout, smallmouth bass, and walleye are also a good bet. But in the Bay and along the coast many of the saltier bites shut down, as a good number of the gamefish species we enjoy pursuing in the summer months migrate away.

Exceptions? Striped bass may be found in a few select hotspots (but of course are out of season and at some times in some places are closed even to catch and release, so check the regs closely); some open waters can produce white perch; and you can catch tautog until water temperatures drop into the lower 40s in southern portions of the Bay. Running out into the ocean may be possible to find fish like tautog, sea bass (though it may not be legal to keep them, again the regulations need to be checked for current restrictions), and tilefish. Considering how difficult the weather can make things and how tough it can be to find good action, however,

the majority of the anglers who fish year-round in the Mid-Atlantic region mostly look to freshwater and inland waterway options at this time of year.

One other species we need to note: whether you’re talking about a freshwater impoundment or a tidal river, in many cases catfish will present an excellent winter fishing opportunity. These fish do feed all year long, and in some areas (like the Susquehanna near the 95 bridge, the Potomac in the D.C. area, or the up per James or Rappahannock Rivers) will provide nonstop action through a day of winter fishing. Check out ‘Hot Action on Cool Cats” at our website, to find out the details.

Tides and Timing for Winter Fishing

As during the summer months, tides can be a critical factor in tributary waters. Generally speaking falling or low tides will concentrate the fish in a smaller area and make it easier to find them. Often finding the chan

nels and fishing around their edges is a solid move when the water’s low. On high tides the fish do tend to scatter out a bit more and may be tougher to find, but that doesn’t mean they won’t be biting if you can locate them.

In freshwater impoundments tides obviously aren’t a factor, but time of day certainly is. Expect mornings to be good but on a slightly delayed sched ule as compared to summer fishing. Rather than peaking at sunrise, the best action will often come an hour or so later. Similarly, the period leading up to an hour before sunset is often better than last light. Weather patterns can modify this, however, as a very warm, sunny day may cause the fish to continue a late afternoon bite right up to dark.

Yes, it’s true: winter is coming. But there are no White Walkers you’ll need to hide from around here, and winter most certainly does NOT mean that fishing is over for the season. So grab those gloves and a hat, fill a ther mos with piping-hot coffee, and let a day of fishing help make cabin fever a thing of the past. # # Even when there’s snow on the ground, fishing in our region IS a thing.

Winter Gear Maintenance

By Eric Packard

Unlike the winters of my youth in the Midwest where ice covered ponds and lakes prevented a cast, here in Maryland you can almost always still get out and fish. Anyone who knows me knows that I’ll be out on the water casting on pickerel, largemouth bass, and crappie throughout the winter months. But there’s more to my winter months than just dragging the kayak out and taking a few casts.

As early as December I’ll start to get my gear in order for the upcoming season, even though I’m still fishing quite a bit. A summer of fishing can be hard on your gear. Pliers and hemostats may show signs of rust from the Bay’s brackish water. Reels might have a slight squeak, and baits are showing some real signs of wear. And then there are the kayaks…

Winter is a great time to tackle that angler to-do list that you’ve been putting off all summer, especially on those bitterly cold and windy days when you just can’t make yourself get out on the water. Here’s a to do list for the kayak:

• Check your kayak’s hull for any wear, and clean off any built-up dirt or grime.

• Check your peddle system closely, and make any adjustments or repairs necessary. Lubricate joints and gears where applicable.

• Clean and wipe down your depth finders, checking batteries and replacing them if needed. Remember not to leave batteries in units over the winter when they don’t get much use.

• Adjust the steering system cables, check rudder alignment, and apply a lubricant at the pivot points.

• Clean the seat and repair or replace any worn or broken fabric, straps, and/or adjustment points.

And for the rest of your gear:

• Wipe down and lube reels.

• Change any worn fishing line and replace leaders.

• Get a soft rag and wash and wipe down your fishing rods, check the guides for wear, and make any needed adjustments and repairs.

• Take up some steel wool and clean your pliers, hemostats, and braid scissors, wiping away any rust. Place a drop of oil at the joints, too.

• Check for cracks in hard-bodied baits, the sharpness of hooks, and rust on any inline and spinner bait blades.

• Organize and clean your tackle storage boxes.

I store my tackle in a temperatureregulated space. My fishing rods are stored in rod holders; you don’t want to store them leaning against a wall for any length of time. Doing so will cause a permanent bend in your fishing rods. If I store my rods and reels for the long term, I remove the bait and wind up the line, keeping the tension off the reels.

My baits are stored in tackle storage boxes. All freshwater hard baits in one box, jigs in another, inline spinners in their own box and so on. Saltwater baits are stored separately from freshwater baits, in boxes by the type of bait as well. Soft plastic baits are stored in their original packaging and separated by bait type and colors, keeping fresh and saltwater plastics apart.

If you don’t have the time or skill you can take your rods and reels to your local tackle shop for repairs and line replacement. The offseason is a great time of year to show your support for your local tackle shop by loading up on replacement baits and using their other services, too.

And when the weather allows… go fishing! Remember, a cast not taken is a fish not caught — during the winter months too! #

Fis H i N g F O re CA s T

Editor’s Note: We all know printed fishing reports are generalized, and weeks have passed before the report gets into your hands. for timely, up-to-date reports, visit our website fishtalkmag.com current reports will be published every friday by noon — just in time for your weekend fishing adventures. in the meantime, here’s our monthly prognostication.

Coastal

Welcome to winter, coastal anglers. This month should start off with good sea bass action, scheduled to close up on the 11th in Delaware, Maryland, and Virginia. The southern areas of our zone should continue to see plenty of flounder and bluefish off the coast well into the month, and with a little luck some big stripers will swim inside of the three-mile limit. In the inlets, meanwhile, tog should continue snapping up fiddlers and sand fleas.

Freshwater

The last month of the year can be an excellent one for freshwater aficionados. In lakes and reservoirs the pickerel bite should be in prime form by now, bass will continue biting, and crappie will be found hovering near deep structure. Don’t forget about trout fishing opportunities, too. Wild fish will be feeding, and Maryland and Virginia both have strong fall stocking programs that get a lot less press — and a lot less pressure — than spring stockings do.

Way North

We’re not going to talk much about catfish, because you already know they’ll keep on biting right up to Christmas and beyond in this neck of the woods. Let’s instead take note of the arrival of yellow perch, and the good fishing to be found in the northern tribs for a mix of perch and crappie at this time of year. Minnows on darts are the premium offering, though tube jigs and minispoons tied in tandem will often work quite well, too.

Upper Bay

If the weather holds we may find rockfish in this zone right up to the December 10 closing, though if it gets too cold too fast a run south may be in order. Meanwhile, look for the pickerel and yellow perch bite to explode in the tribs and the Baltimore-area creeks. Minnow under bobbers, small spinnerbaits, and Roadrunners should all be in the offing. Question: will white perch set up shop at the Bay Bridge rockpiles as the temperatures plummet, as they have in the past?

# It’s freezing outside? reports Editor Dillon waters says that can only mean one thing: time to go fishing!

Gathered over the past month by Dillon Waters

# here’s a flashback to Lilian’s December rockfish from last year, caught near 59A.

Middle Bay

As with the Upper Bay, there’s a fair shot at catching rock right up to the end of the season in the Middle zone depending on the temps. That said, look deep in the final days as it’s likely the fish will desert shallower areas. Meanwhile, in some of the tribs (we’re looking at you, Eastern Shore), the perch and the pickerel will both be picking up the pace. Remember that on the west side in some deep haunts on the Patuxent you can still catch white perch in strong numbers through December, too.

Lower Bay

In the Potomac and Virginia’s waters rockfish remain fair game until the end of the month, and you can bet they’ll be the prime target for a huge number of anglers. The lower Potomac is often ground-zero for this action in December and it’s common to find ‘em breaking water, so grab those binoculars and get going. Ounce-plus jigheads with seven-inch or larger plastics are a good bet, and trollers tend to do quite well at this time of year, too, particularly with tandems, Mojos, and umbrellas.

Tangier, Pocomoke, and Lower Shore

Up to the December 10 closure in Maryland’s chunk of this zone stripers will be a likely target, and will remain such in Virginia waters through the month. Just remember that at some point those fish will shift to a deeper environment. Also remember that some big cows may well hang a right turn at the mouth of the Bay and surprise monster fish can show up at this point. In southern areas there’s still going to be a shot at reds and specks for much of this month, though we’d expect those reports to grow thinner and thinner as December progresses.

Way South and VA

There should be tog and flounder at the CBBT for most or all of this month, but trophy striper catch-and-release fishing will be foremost on many angler’s minds. And don’t forget that as the speck bite taper off numbers-wise the biggest fish of the year are often landed. We’d expect the HRBT and lower Elizabeth to be prime options for working plastics slowly along the bottom.

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# Mike Mc guire, Lou g earhart, and Jeff Avery hauled in this 79.9-pound winter cat last December, and fish like this will be biting right through this month! Check out their YouTube at Po Cats.

presented by

www.annapolisyachtsales.com

27’ Boston Whaler ‘16 $126,000 David robinson 410.310.8855 david@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

27’ GRAND G850 L ‘21 One owner, lift kept, low hours, enclosed head. This is the ultimate rIB and provides comfort, speed and safety. 12v fridge, freshwater shower & amp; cockpit sink, extended platforms and extra storage lockers. A real sexy boat with a 350hp Suzuki! Inquire today and grab a deal on a fully warrantied vessel! $120,000 make an offer! Call Charles herbert for details and demo; 443.995.4800 or cherbert@annapolisyachtsales.com www.annapolisyachtsales.com

SECTIOnS

MAR k ETPLACE &

HELP WANTED

Are you on a search for a full-time sales position that requires you to get out and enjoy the water, where all your co-workers are super cool, and where flip-flops and shorts are considered business casual? SpinSheet, PropTalk, FishTalk, Start Sailing now, and PortBook magazines are in growth mode, and we are looking for that special advertising sales rep who understands the marine industry and knows how to work and play hard. If you think you will excel in creating sales and marketing solutions for advertisers, then we would love to chat with you. Send your resume, a description of your boating experience and interests, and a cover letter telling us why you’d be a great fit for our team today! info@spinsheet.com

TWO P/T Delivery Drivers Wanted for three-day-amonth magazine distribution route in Baltimore City and Annapolis (one per area). Compensation based upon quantity of stops. Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing, reliable vehicle, and be able to lift up to 25 lbs. Contact Beatrice at 410.216.9309 or beatrice@spf-360.com

Yacht Sales - Curtis Stokes and Associates, Inc. is hiring new salespeople for our Chesapeake area operation. Candidates must be honest, ethical and have boating experience. This is a commission only position. Contact Curtis Stokes at 410.919.4900 or curtis@curtisstokes.net www.curtisstokes.net

M ARINE E NGINES

TWO EPROPULSION ELECTRIC OUTBOARD MOTORS FOR SALE nAvY6.0 EvO: Used motor only, very good condition. $2,900 -- nAvY6.0 EvO: new motor only, in box, never run. $3,199 Contact Annapolis hybrid Marine 410.353.4348 or info@annapolishybridmarine.com

MARINE SERVICES

Advertising Sales Representative

we are looking for that special advertising sales rep who understands the marine industry and knows how to work and play hard.

P/T Delivery Drivers

Three-day-a-month magazine distribution routes in Baltimore City and Annapolis (one per area). Compensation based upon quantity of stops. Must have a valid driver’s license in good standing, reliable vehicle, and be able to lift up to 25 lbs.

For more info visit spinsheet.com/join-our-crew, call 410.216.9309 or email info@spf-360.com

S LIPS AND S TORAGE

TAC kL E S HOPS

S LIPS AND S TORAGE

Alltackle.com 2062 Somerville road, Annapolis, MD 21401, 410.571.1111, and 12826 Ocean gateway #9548, Ocean City, MD 21842, 410.213.2840, www.alltackle.com

Anglers Sports Center 1456 whitehall road, Annapolis, MD 21409, 410.757.3442, www.anglerssportcenter.com www.portbook.com

Accreditation Director

The American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) has named Sarah Devlin as the new accreditation direc tor to manage and promote the ABYC Foundation’s expanding Marine Trades Accreditation Program (MTAP), which launched earlier this year. Devlin will work directly with secondary and post-secondary schools across the country that are educating future marine technicians. “I am eager to get more involved in these initiatives for graduating technicians to receive the guidance necessary to succeed in the marine industry,” Devlin said. “I look forward to connecting with both schools and industry to ensure students are getting trained to the Standards behind 90 percent of the boats built in North America.” Devlin, who has been ABYC’s content director since early 2021, formerly worked as communications director for The Landing School and Education Direc tor for the International BoatBuilders’ Exhibition & Conference (IBEX). She will continue the work with teachers and school administrators that Margaret Podlich initi ated as the foundation’s executive director. Accreditation is available to all high school and post-secondary school marine service technology programs that deliver consistent and reliable instruction on industry-acknowledged topics and techniques. Practices, resources, and instructors must all meet ABYC Foundation Accreditation Commission standards. Visit teachboats.org to learn more.

Rise in Female Angler Participation

Women now account for 37 percent of anglers in the U.S., the highest level on record ac cording to the Special Report on Fishing announced at ICAST 2022 by the Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) in collaboration with the Outdoor Foundation. 19.4 million women went fishing in 2021, an eight percent increase in fishing outings since 2019. 1.6 million female participants were first timers. The total number of fishing outings for females in 2021 was 288 million. To attract and reengage women and families to the sport of fishing, Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing focuses on attracting women to fishing through educational hands-on programs with networking and fishing as well as online events and promotions. In 25 years, the organization has generated more than 9000 new female anglers, not including the others they bring to the sport. Their motto is: “Bring the women, get the whole family!” Fishing contributed 49.8 billion dollars to the US economy in 2018 (most recent report available). That spending contributed $63.5 billion to the National GDP and total economic impact, including all multiplier effects, was nearly $126 billion in 2018. Female anglers spend billions of dollars each year, creating tens of billions in economic impact dollars. For more information on Ladies, Let’s Go Fishing visit ladiesletsgofishing.com

Legasea Marine

New Product

Suzuki announces the DF350A/300B, the newest, biggest, most powerful engine in the Suzuki lineup. Suzuki engineers came up with a symbol to inspire the team in their work. In Japanese it’s called Geki, which translates to “part ing seas.” In other words, a force to match the power of nature and the sea. Suzuki started with a V6 engine with 4.4-liter displacement, which would be the largest displacement in the V6 category. Then they had to figure out how to get 80 horsepower per liter and still achieve their other goals. Suzuki’s 350-hp solution was to increase the compression ratio to 12.0:1, the highest compression ratio ever for a production outboard engine. In order to make this work without knocking (a typical problem at this ratio), they developed a dual injector system that mixes highly atomized fuel with cooler air to pro vide optimal conditions for complete and controlled combustion. The new DF300B was designed for boats with 300/600/900/1200 maximum ratings. The combination of the Suzuki Dual Propeller System and the Suzuki 2-Stage Gear Reduction successfully produced better torque to power larger, heavier boats. Engineered with a 10:5:1 compression ratio, the DF300B can run on 87 octane fuel. Learn more at suzukimarine.com.

A well-known name in boating throughout the Mid-Atlantic and far beyond has announced their purchase of Dare Marina Chris Hall Jr. and his wife Jennifer have formed Legasea Marine, a premier yacht sales, service, and marina enterprise. Situated in the historic river community of Yorktown, VA, the Dare Marina property has been serving boaters for over three decades. “We would like to thank the former owners of Dare Marina—Cason Barco, Hugh Delauney, and Pat Milmo—for their kindness and help in making our dreams a reality,” reflects Chris. A lifelong Hampton Roads resident, Chris not only has deep ties to the local boating community, but he also brings well-established rela tionships with most national and local marine vendors and manufacturers. Jennifer was raised in Newport News and enjoyed a successful 24-year career working for the Department of the Navy in Information Technology Acquisition and Business Systems. Jennifer is excited to bring her leadership and proficiency prowess to work collaboratively with her husband, team members, and customers to ensure Legasea Marine experiences are on time, on budget and, most of all, enjoy able. Long-standing customers and transient boaters who have made Dare Marina one of their favorite stops will enjoy seeing familiar faces on the crew while benefitting from new management and ownership. legaseamarine.com

# Chris and Jennifer hall