range, though even the big fish are “all head” with thin bodies this time of year. These blues can range from small “snappers” to big “slammers” in the 8 to 12 lb. They come a little later, usually around Mother’s Day, and nowadays they are not the guarantee they once were, but anglers fishing cut bait often find blues, especially in May. The bluefish is another spring species along Delmarva beaches. Blacks can also be in very close to the shorebreak, just behind the dropoff at the edge of the beach. Black drum can also be caught in these areas, but don’t be afraid to fish up on the bar in the “white water” when targeting blacks, especially during high tides. This same setup of Fish Bites® and sand fleas has also taken many stripers in the past few years.Īnglers targeting stripers usually look for a “hole” or a cut in the bar to set up. Leadered hooks with beads and spinner blades work well for the black drum. Another reason for using a large, relatively thin wire hook. Many anglers nowadays put a two-inch strip of clam or crab flavored Fish Bites® artificial bait on the hook first, then follow with as many sand fleas as they can fit on the hook. The same terminal tackle used for stripers will take black drum. Just keep the crabs in a cool spot out of the sun and wind and they will live for quite a while. You don’t need to put sand or water in the container. If the waste isn’t drained, it will kill the crabs. You can dig your own “fleas,” of course, and you’ll need a container with plenty of holes in both the sides and bottom to allow for air and most importantly, to let the crabs’ own urine to drain. Sand fleas (actually mole crabs) have become the favored bait for spring blacks, primarily because of availability. Black drum feed primarily on crustaceans, so the favorite baits are peeler crabs, clams and sand fleas. range, although some fish up to 40 or 50 lbs.
Most of the black drum are in the 10 to 20 lb. The blacks usually show up in April and will also stay through May. braid usually don’t require the use of a shock leader.Īnother favorite target species for spring surf anglers is the black drum. test “shocker” that is long enough to make several wraps on the spool and keeps them from snapping the main line during the cast. test monofilament main line with a 40 lb. Anglers who prefer conventional tackle often fish a 20 lb. The reel, either spinning or conventional, should be capable of holding 275 to 300 yards of 20 lb. Most are in 10 to 13 foot lengths and are rated for 3 to 8 ounces, 4 to 12 ounces or similar ranges. The heads stay on well and resist crabs.īig baits such as a bunker head, especially when fished with a five to eight ounce sinker, require a relatively heavy rod. Hook the head under the “chin” and out the top of the head in the tough area above the lips. The heads of these baits are also used and are favored by many. Striper fishermen usually cut the menhaden, spot or mullet into “chunks” and hook the bait once with the hook protruding. A pyramid or “storm” sinker is necessary to hold bottom in the surf currents. The Mustad 39951BLN or 39954NP-BN and the Gamakatsu 208418(8/0) are some favorites, although quality hooks by other manufacturers such as Owner or Eagle Claw work just as well. Most anglers nowadays use circle or octopus circle hooks, especially if they are going to release their fish. test and a hook in the 5/0 to 10/0 size range. The fish finder rig is generally tied with a short, four to six-inch leader in 80 to 130 lb. Other good baits include peeler crabs, clams and sand fleas.įor terminal tackle, most striper fishermen use a sliding sinker “fish finder” rig, although double hooked top and bottom (hi-lo) rigs also work well. The bunker is usually available fresh, while spot and mullet are mostly frozen this time of year. Most surf anglers target the stripers with cut bait, especially menhaden (bunker), spot or mullet. The spring striper run can last through May, with even a late straggler or two well into June.
Surf fishing along the Delmarva coast generally begins in April, as migrating striped bass move out of the Chesapeake Bay and travel north to their summer grounds off New England. Surf Fishing the Delmarva Coast By Dale Timmons
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