By Scott Lenox
Posted on January 27th, 2024
Check out our recent trip to Sunset Provisions in West Ocean City!
We had another very nice day with temperatures, but it also came with very thick fog this morning. There was a major accident on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge this morning where 20-30 vehicles were involved and several people were taken to local hospitals. I hope everything goes well.
Captain Monty Hawkins of the Morning Star slowed his steam to the east this morning thanks to the fog and also put his folks in some good tautog fishing.
We encountered a light breeze and a bit of fog as we removed her lines this morning. Visibility came and went all the way; made for a dull sunrise.
Hunter from the heights Wilmington brought down our blocks to a new place. We pressed. About a mile before we came to my first piece the boat picked up a mammalian escort; a humpback whale headed in the same direction. Seeing spout after spout – two whales? We approached him when I arrived. Vic has a pic; ugly, but got it, like the fog coming in again. I took this as a good sign.
It wasn’t long after the lines that we had some great releases – legal releases even, some of the best of the day – and some tog heading for the ice. There is a choice, sometimes better, better, most of the day. After working all day the current turned ‘scream’ at my last spot – goose egg! The fog coming in after sunset was still unexpected – it pulled the plug after 20 minutes.
Paul from Newark DE took the pool with a chubby guy he released to rebirth.
It’s amazing to have good fishing on the bits I’ve hit for years. There are so many fish that can be kept in law now that they are not.
That makes a difference.
Building more habitat, discarding females if possible, keeping less than we can afford – I sure want the next generation of tog anglers to wonder why anyone thought they were so hard to find and catch..
Other.. There was a pigeon that joined us offshore today. There have been many species of birds washed ashore over the decades, especially in the fall. Some we catch and put in a safe place, others go on to make a fatal mistake. The sea gulls didn’t miss it. When a songbird without equipment for water falls from exhaustion?
Gulf.
Our new rock dove friend found an out of the way spot next to the wheelhouse and chilled. When we got made fast in the slip in he wanted the passenger salon to himself -Vic chased him out a few times- boat lift next to my rig is as far as he made it. I doubt we have friends for life, but he seems attached now.
Brand new to my understanding of the marine food web of the region – on the way home the boys saw a large seal on the surface eating a 30+ inch striped bass. No pics but they both reported.
Of all the mystery behind the decline of stripers? Ah Ha!!
(Yes, it happened. A seal eats a rockfish. But that doesn’t really make them weaker!)
I will try to go out as often as possible. This winter is sure to be a big beg during the fishing season!
Cheers Everyone,
Monty
