February 13, 2008

Just wanted everyone to know, we are going to continue the CCBT tradition and continue to offer our minnows at 5.00 pint.  We've rearranged the store a little bit this year while we've been closed.  Nothing major but we're pleased with how it's turned out so far. 

It all starts in April.  Get your gear ready, bring your reels in for new line.  We will be opening on Mar 15th for limited hours

February 17, 2008

Yes, we will be selling the new Fishing Licenses this year.  I think the best option for a large percentage of my customers is to purchase the Boat Fishing License at $41.50 for 20' and under and $51.50 over 20' IF you ONLY fish from your boat while you're in DE waters.  Have your buddy's flip ya a few sheckles and they can hop on your boat and fish worry-free.  BUT If any of you dip your equipment in any other water than from your vessel, then you will need a General Fishing License.  Here's a link to a page on saltfish.net that can answer some of your questions and gives the license fees.

http://www.saltfish.net/discus/messages/44484/44483.html?1186148863

March 07, 2008 

 Squid will be arriving the 3rd and 4th week of March.  I will contiune to take orders until March 22nd.  Been at the store a lot this week getting ready to open.  A few folks stopped in; their getting grass shrimp at the bridge and catching perch at the boat ramp.  The commercial guys are saying the bay is with filled stripers and bunker but I haven't heard of any one taking any on hook and line or anyone even going out.  Soon though...

Here's a shot of Steve Gallaher from last May with his first drum.  Get ready for the drum action late April - early May, it's not far off.  2.5 mile out the inlet to the coral Beds, fish up to 100 lbs, one hell of a nice way to get rid of cabin fever and start the season!  In the bay, the only other fish you'll catch as big as drum are sharks.  I'll share a few of my techniques on drum fishing next time.

 Tom

MARCH 9                                                                                                                   

Here is a local  fresh water report.Getting the store ready I had 8-9 costumers stop in for small hooks grass shrimp and mini minnows,there catching some nice perch from the boat ramp.Frank Alberts came in to report some nice catches. Fowler's white perch up to a lb & small catfish. Misipillion uptown yellow ring perch,crappie & smaller white perch.Downtown Milton riverside white perch and crappie.Fredarica bigger white perch and catfish

March 10, 2008

We open for the season on Saturday, March 15!  This year we will have boat wash down available to the general public.  Our campers get free cold water washdown, that's still the same.  For 10.00 you can power wash your boat, for 5.00 you can cold water washdown.  Campers pay 5.00 for power wash.  We have seasonal boat storage space available 175.00 for boats 20' and less and 200.00 for boats over 20'

March 18, 2008

We will be open this weekend and will have live eels and perhaps fresh bunker.  We also have Ramp Stickers and fishing/boating licenses.  I have a few friends going out and will post a report on Thursday.

Tom

March 20, 2008

I heard of 2 really big flounder being caught at Indian River Inlet.  A couple friends were trying to go out but the wind kept them inland.  Stripers are out there thick and their belly's are full but I don't know of any being caught on hook and line.  Maybe this weekend someone will put some in the box and I'll have something to report.

Tom 

March 24, 2008

I know if anyone geared up and went out they'd catch stripers!  The weather has been the problem but their bellies' are full!  My boat's still winterized, I haven't had the chance, been too busy at the store.  The netters are just now starting to pick up 3-4 lb trout at the Slough.  I will have fresh bait this weekend; if the weather is on, then I know you'll be able to bang the fish...  if anyone needs any company, it wouldn't be hard to talk me into going..........

Tom

April 02, 2008

John Jackson went out on Friday and did well on Tog at the Mohawk.  He asked me to go out the next day and  we were going for tog in the am and at tide change we were gonna go for stripers.  Sounded good but the wind kept us on shore and has kept me on shore every day since.  I will give a report as soon as the weather allows anyone to fish...  

Tom 

April 13, 2008

OK Here's the deal on everything that's been happening.  The wind finally calmed down enough to go fishing.  On Friday Randy Ritz went out to Site 6 and hooked into tog but most were shorts and he came in with one; the following day he went out again and came in with 2.  Frank Tucker did well trolling stretches, coming in with a total of 5 stripers and losing several big ones while fishing in and around the shoal.  On Saturday, the winds onshore were blowing about 20 from the West and no one wanted to go out.  West winds are fine; though coming back in may get a little rough.  A little before 5p John Jackson came in to the store and by 5p, he and I were heading toward the Mohawk.  We were going for tog then stripers.  We started nailing tog and boated our limit but ran out of time and never got to try for stripers.  Today I went out with Joe and Penny Litner and Dustin.  We headed to the Brown Shoal and since Frank Tucker did so well on Stretches, against my better judgement, rather than chunking bunker, anchoring with bloods, or using clams, I trolled Spro and Stretches and the boat came up with nil.  John Stubitz was jigging the Spros at the Coral Beds and by the rocks and came in and reported 8 throwbacks ranging from 24 -27 3/4 inches.  A customer came in looking to go out striper fishing.  I gave them some bunker and sent them to the Anchorage.  The guy's son boated a beautiful tidrunner/trout and the boat brought in a few stripers.  There were other boats still out when I left.  The netters are picking up drum, the fishing is turning on!  Pack up your gear and get ready!  The season is looking promising! Make sure you call ahead to reserve clams and fresh bunker because they go fast.

Tom 

April 21, 2008

       SURF CLAMS

I just want  to let everyone know that surf clams are hard to get in Delaware.  I will have them this weekend, until the end of May or the tail end of drum fishing.  Surf clams only have a 4 day shelf life.  I am taking advance phone orders and can guarantee you clams.  Today's price was $39.00 a bushel, 20.00 a 1/2; I don't expect that to change.  Surf clams orders are non-refundable; I apologize but they're expensive and  I can't eat 'em!  So far, 6  70-90 lb drum have been netted, none hook and line yet should start around Thursday pending on the temp 

Tom

Weekly Fisherman Report , Weekending April 26, 2008

At Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle, Tom reports The tog bite has been hot and heavy with most anglers bringing in their limit and releasing many more.  Several boaters came in early with citation tog.  Reef Site #6 and #7 are hot!  The Miss Ellie crew came in and reported their boat landed over 50 tog, including one weighing 14.3 lbs.  On Friday Mike Maloney and Steve Reynolds came in with 3 tog; Steve boated a citation tog weighing 10.27 lb while “fishing structure”.  The pair also had  3 throwback flats before the wind picked up ending their fishing for the day.  Lee Devine, Don Johnson, and Brian Kennedy had non-stop action at Site #6, each catching their limit with Lee bringing in a citation 7.35 lb tog.  Art Coleman, captain of Knot Talkin’ and grandson Troy Talley reported a great day tog fishing at Site #7.  8 year old Troy , togging for the first time, boated his limit of tog including a whopping 11.35 lb, 25” long, 20” girth citation.  The duo also hooked numerous dogfish.  The Abra Cadabra brought in their limit of tog in 1.5 hours from Site #7.  Randy Ritz came in with 5 tog from Site #6.  Bob Beavers, Brian Woolman, and Tom Chandler came in with tog from Site #6 with Tom being the high hook with 7.52 lbs. 

This week, Tom had about 6 boat that tried soaking clams for drum.  No one reported any catches; should be starting anytime now.  Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle has expanded their prize offerings for their 2nd Annual Flounder Tournament.  Several businesses have donated items, including the Fisherman and EP Sales.  4^th and 5^th place will win subscriptions and 6^th and 7^th place will win a graphite flounder rod.  They’re looking forward to a great tournament!

DRUM, DRUM, DRUM

I anticipated the drum a little early but I know they can be caught hook and line.  As soon as the weather breaks I will be going out, most likely Wed or Thurs.  Reserve your surf clams now.

Tom

NEW FLOUNDER REGS

The new regs begin on May 11.  Flounder 19 1/2"  Daily Limit  4  NO CLOSED SEASON

As a reminder:  tog will be closed from May 12-Jun 30 AND from Sep 10-Sep 28

MAY 02

WE HAVE CRABS!!

CURRENT PRICES

MALE          160.00 BUSHEL               90.00 1/2 BUSHEL

MALE            25.00 DOZEN

FEMALE        95.00 BUSHEL                60.00 1/2 BUSHEL

It would be good idea, as usual, to call ahead and we will have them ready to go!

WEEKLY FISHERMAN REPORT

At Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle,  Tom reports weighing in their 1^st drum of the season on Saturday.  Brett Whitham, gaffed and boated an 86 lb monster at the Coral Beds measuring 46” long with a girth of 41” while fishing aboard the Osprey II with Richard Greenley.  Tom knew they were here but the rain and wind kept most anglers on shore during the week, including himself.  The weekend provided an opportunity to target the Delaware Bay monster drum.  Please, reserve your surf clams early in the week as they have a short “shelf life”  and availability is limited; he will get extras but, to guarantee them you will need to place a non-refundable order. 

The tog bite is still hot; those who are planted on top the structure are crushing them.  If your boat is 5’ off, your catch will be limited.  Stop into the store and he will give you some pointers on how to get on and hold your vessel on the structure.  Tog season will soon be coming to a close so, get out and get them now.  Our main focus for the next 2-3 weeks will be drum.  For those who haven’t gone “drumming” before; it’s a lot of fun and they’re just 2 ½ miles outside our inlet.  Anchor up, chum and soak some clams and wait for your reel to start clicking.  Be sure to take your gaff, your harvest net can and will break.  Check out their website for a picture of Brett’s citation drum. 

Tom Chandler and Brian Woolman  boated some nice tog on Saturday from Site#6.  Captain Vic McCurry of the Wahoo Crew landed his first citation tog weighing 8.65 lbs, was 22” long, with a girth of 19 1/4”.  Mark and Sam Piascik came in with 5 tog from Site #7.  Gene Heyman came in with his limit from Site #7.  Horacio Gonzalez weighed in a citation 9.42 lb tog from the Outer Wall. 

Don’t forget their annual flounder tournament.  Last years’ tournament winner was an inexperienced flounder angler who gained some insight from an article in The Fisherman featuring Joe Walker who took 2^nd place.  Cedar Creek’s Annual Summer Flounder Tournament is a non-profit tournament with all net proceeds going to the American Cancer Society.  A pig roast is scheduled for July 12 for participating anglers and their families. 

DRUM TIME!

The drum are here!!!!   We had a few guys go out overnight and they called in to report they were boating 'em!  Reserve your surf clams, sea clams, frozen clams and/or clam chum now!  If you guys haven't tried drumming, you have about 3 weeks to get 'em.  It's the only chance to bring in a 100 lb fish from a 20' boat, unless you're sharking....and that's coming up soon!  I might be going out this afternoon for some of the action. 

The tog bite is HOT.  This weekend is the last weekend for togging until Jul 01.  It reopens on July 01 with 14" minimum and we're back at a daily limit of 10.

Tom

May 07, 2008

Hey everybody, just goes to show anyone can win a dream boat challenge and anyone can will our flounder tournament.  Robert came into the store asking for tips on structure fishing for tog.  He had never went for tog before and this was his 3rd try.  He landed the heaviest tog we've seen this year weighing 15.67 lbs.  His photo is posted at the top of the Citations 2008 page.  Don't forget!  THIS Sunday, May 11th, is the last weekend for tog until Jul 01

Tom

May 11, 08    DRUM, DRUM, DRUM, DRUM , DRUM

Judy and I went out last night.  Joe Litner asked me last me last week, and called this week asking to take him drum fishing.  Last night, after closing the shop, we got on Joe and Penny's boat and headed to a spot where I usually do well.  We were anchored up for about 45 min, the bite was slow and the fish were being finicky, BUT we were marking plenty of fish.  Judy said she could hear 'em; I didn't but I am half deaf.  They weren't biting like drum normally do.  There were some porpoise in the water, which was a good thing, cuz they kept the sharks at bay. They were biting strangely, we probably had 6 play with our bait.  Set the hook on one and Judy reeled that one in around 8-8:30p.  We had a couple more takers after that but nothing hooked and boated.  We headed in around 10 because 5a comes fast.  Judy's puppy drum weighed 17.67 lb.  Art Meding was giving it his second drum-try and was anchored up a few hundred yards from us.  This morning when we opened he was waiting with a 71 lb monster.  His son boated a 14.14 puppy.  If you guys have any problems getting on the fish, stop in and I'll give ya some numbers; I'll put you onto the fish.  Make sure your gaff is SHARP!  You'll need it.  RESERVE YOUR SURFS NOW   If you reserve them, I can guarantee them.  If not, I always have sea clams and they will work.  Check out the latest pics on the Photo Gallery Page, Fishing 2008!

Tom

Weekly Fisherman weekending 05/18/08 

At Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle,  Tom reports that drum are here, hot and heavy.  A lot of the drum seen at their store seems to be caught between 6p and midnight.  With the recent Nor’easter, Tom thinks the bottom got so churned up the bite hasn’t been as productive as it should be for this time of year.  The drum seem to be taking the bait but whenever the fish feel resistance, they just drop the bait.  Considering the way they are biting now Tom recommends releasing your spool and feeding them a lot of line before setting the hook.  If you’re repeatedly hooking into shark; change your location because ANYWHERE in the Coral Beds is a good location, including ½ mile off shore.  To view the recent catches and read their almost daily fishing report, go to cedarcreekbaitntackle.com.  Anyone wanting to go out for drum, stop by the store and Tom will take the time to give pointers, assisting you in locating and landing all species the Delaware Bay offers.  Anyone needing surf clams; to guarantee delivery, please, reserve by Monday.  If not, they always have extras but to guarantee them, you must reserve them.   

On Sunday, May 11, Allen  Schuyler stopped by to give a surf report.  He came in asking where he could find perch and Judy told him of a spot to try.  Sure enough, he came in the next day to thank her saying he had great fishing including a few citation size but the store had already closed for the day.  On Friday, Joe Huk of the Fish Huk II called from the bay to report boating a 50 lb drum.  He and Judy waited at the store until 10:30p for them to come in but something must of happened because that fish only weighed 20.64 lbs. when thrown on the scale.  On Saturday Capt. George Neuberger of the Double G, Mike Cathall and  Steve Wdzieczkowski spent some time in and around the 60’ Slough with the boat bringing in a total of 6 and Mike being the high hook with a 63 lb drum .  Later that afternoon, 3 guys came in for clams before heading to the Coral Beds in a 17’ Polar Kraft.  A few hours later Tom gets a phone call; it was getting rough out there, they didn’t want to come in, they wanted to know if it was possible to still catch drum if they went closer to shore.  Tom told them they sure could, all of the Coral Beds are good for catching drum.  They moved closer to shore and each of them had boated a drum in the 20-30 lb range, 1 in 20’ of water and the other 2 in 9’ of water, approximately ¼ mile from shore.  Tom and Judy were headed out themselves in a few hours and went looking for them.  Sure enough, he and Judy found Tony Anderson, Pat Boyd, and Dan Finch just off shore near Fowler Beach with 3 drum.  Dave Mendenhall of the Good Times and son Cain, anchored at the beds for an overnight trip.  The next morning the pair pulled ashore with Cain hooking into and landing his first 19.41 lb drum.  Shortly thereafter, Donna Eichelberger came in with her family after spending an evening trip aboard the Capella with Capt. Neil Bupp at the Coral Beds.  Donna was high hook for the boat with her first Delaware citation drum weighing 76 lbs, a 36” girth, and 50” long. 

Tom received a phone call in reference to a citation porgy weighed in at his store last summer.  Roger and Betty of the Ten Pin had come into the store with several citation-size porgy.  Roger was recently notified that he had caught the biggest porgy recorded of the year.  Congratulations Roger!

Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle 2^nd Annual Summer Flounder Tournament begins June 01.  Dave Russell, of Russell’s Charters has graciously donated 3 pairs of headboat tickets for their tournament.  A pair of tickets will be offered to the angler that is currently in the lead on the last day of June, July, and August.  Dave’s a great captain, you’ll put fish in the box and enjoy a day of fishing with no work involved other than reeling in your fish!  They’ll keep everyone posted of further donations as they come in.  Entry fee is $25.00 until May 31^st.  Once the tournament begins on June 1^st  the entry fee is $35.00.  Each entrant receives a tournament towel Cedar Creek and Aqua-Clear rigs and will be entered into the various drawings throughout the summer long event. 

Tom has begun making shark rigs for the upcoming shark “turn on” which is only a few weeks away.  Gear up, be smart, and land yourself a Delaware Bay monster. 

Non-Stop Drum Action

Check this out.  Judy and I planned to go out drum fishing yesterday after work.  the winds starting kickin up and blowing like hell... It was my son's 23rd birthday so we took him to the Outback for dinner hoping afterwards the winds would lay down just like the weatherman said they were going to do.  We finished dinner 'round 9:30, there was no wind in Rehoboth and got to Slaughter Beach and it looked good for fishing.  The last couple of days, 2 different boats went east of Brandywine and came back with monster drum and plenty of them.  So, I figured what the hell, we headed NE of Brandywine to a spot I had.  We anchored up and starting marking fish.  Judy was chunking clams while I was baiting up 6 rods.  Needless to say, moments later the drum action was insane and 6 rods were IMPOSSIBLE.  The first one Judy had one was HUGE, I would guess over 100 lbs.  The 2nd and 3rd one she hooked into gave her some problems too.  After that, I decided to get in on some of the action.  It was phenomenal, fish taking our bait, marking fish all over the bottom; a little mix with shark but they weren't even a pain in the ass, they gave a rest and saved some pain in our arms.  This drum trip was unbelievable.  We released 10 and brought in 2 with Judy getting the bigger of the catch.  A great night on the bay!  Check out our pic!

Tom

ANOTHER CITATION DRUM

Capt. John Yoder, of the Reel Crazy, along with Alvin and Ivan Miller stopped in for bait around 6:00p and headed to the Coral Beds.  By 10p we were weighing Iin a 50 lb drum.  

Tom   

MONSTER MILKER

Captain Terry Saylor of the Back Taxes and his father Clyde Saylor, who is 83 years old, came down for another weekend fishing trip on the Delaware Bay.  To everyones' surprise, Clyde landed the largest striper ever weighed in at our store.  Believe it or not, Clyde was casting into the rocks, jigging off the rocks at Brandywine at about 2p using a red and white 1/2 oz bucktail with a 6" brown LIZARD with a chartreuse tail when this monster cow fell prey to his last meal! The fish weighed 44 lbs with a girth of 26" and was 48" long.  A beautiful fish! 

We decided to stay open late tonite, lots of boats were out and we weighed in several 60+ lb fish during the day.  Will give more details tomorrow but for now, the drum are biting and they are bringing in some BIG drum.  The folks going out "day fishing" for drum don't seem to be doing as good as the folks that are going out late afternoon/early evening.  The weekend traffic may have something to do with the "bite" being off but I just got a phone call saying there were camera flashes all over the place accompanied by hoots and hollars.  I'd like to be able to stay up as they all come in but.....realistically, I NEED sleep!   You gotta check out Clyde's fish!

WHAT A WEEKEND!

Sun and fair skies have been long overdue but this holiday weekend was a success.  The drum are here thicker than anyone can remember and we've written a lot of citations.  We met some new people this weekend and hope to see them again.  Here's the black drum citation list for the weekend: 

Dick Degnats, 64 lbs, Coral Beds

Michael Brandon, 70 lbs, Brandywine Light

Sean Meding, 57 lbs, E. of Brandywine

Peggy Gold, 67 lb, Brandywine

Chris Scolese, 79 lb, Brandywine

 Dave Westler, 63 lb, Brandywine

David Gold, 79 lb, Brandywine Light

Jason Hoffman, 69 lb, Brandywine

Richard Greenley, 58 lb, Pin Top

In addition, Penny Lintner weighed in our first citation flounder for this year, a nice doormat weighing 8.47 lb, was 27 1/2" long, with a 23 1/2" girth.  She and husband Joe were fishing F Buoy and Joe boated 3.  F and G Buoy should be the spot for flounder in the upcoming weeks as the squid have again settled in the area to spawn.  Last year at this time the flounder bite was strong but with our recent weather and cooler spring temps it looks like things are off by about a week.  Now that the squid are spawning, F and G Buoy and the deeper channels will be filled with fat flats.  Now we have some tremendous flounder fishing to look forward to.   

Drum are in this year THICK but that party's about to end. Maybe 10 more days of quality drum fishing will end until next year.

Hope everyone had a great Memorial holiday!  Our slough tanks should be up and ready soon and the blue crab should start picking back up.  We'll be carrying live spot, live blue claw, live peeler, and live softshell crab 

Clam fiasco....  an apology to all who reserved and had to wait for our delivery.  We were overwhelmed with the amount of interest in black drum.  We try our best to provide the right bait but, unfortunately, this situation was beyond our control.  For those who waited it out, a great big thank you! 

We will again this week be taking advance payment for surf clams.  Be sure to call before Tuesday at 11:00a and the late delivery of this week shouldn't happen again. 

Good night,

Tom

Drum and Flounder, May 26, 2008

Eric Mendenhall weighed in a 15.02 lb drum while fishing with his family at the Coral Beds on May 25. 

May 30, 2008   FLOUNDER TURN ON

With all the drum activity and our cold spring, the flounder bite is a little behind this year.  Because of the prolonged colder weather this year, the drum are still here thick.  Now that folks are starting to target flounder, we are beginning to see some nice catches.  The biggest caught so far this year has been 8.47 lb and was 27 1/2".  The flounder are just beginning to turn on.  They are not in the deep water yet, they are laying on the shoals next to the drop-offs.  As the squid begin to spawn this week and next you will find your largest concentration of fat flats in and arond F and G Buoy in the deeper water, 40-60'.  We've had several customers report limiting out which is a wonderful start considering the new regulations.  We've seen some nice flounder come in from around the structures.  After this weekend, I will update everyone further.  I have been receiving a lot of calls about hardhead/croaker.  Everyone looking for them is gonna have to wait 2-3 weeks.  We've seen some trout being caught in the cove and the Coral Beds.  Most are filled with eggs and are hard pressed to take the bait.  Right now they are picking them up jigging Spro's and bucktails with strips of squid and rubber worms.  We're also seeing a few small snapper blues, not on a consistent basis but hit and miss.  When the croakers first start, all of you guys who love shark fishing, get ready, gear up, and come in; I'll put you on these monsters right outside our inlet.  After this weekend, I won't be getting any extra surf clams but will gladly special order them for all who pre-pay in advance.  It's time to concentrate on other fish, instead of big, dumb, dopey, overgrown saltwater carp - even though they a lot of fun to catch, they're a BLAST, we've seen SO many this year, more than I can recall in 30 years.  In fact, our front parking lot is covered with half-dollar size drum scales.  It's time to put some fish in the frying pan! 

Tom

Clearing the Confusion

Most of you who access this site know me, I talk fishing, whether it's good or bad, I tell it like it is.  I don't bitch about much BUT I must make this issue clear to all.  In recent weeks, I have received numerous phone calls in reference to why my prices on Gulp! are $7.95 next to the boat ramp yet out on the highway I am charging $9.95.  In addition, several folks have called regarding their surf clams wondering why I require advance payment for a product "my store on the highway doesn't even sell."  I AM NOT AFFILIATED WITH THAT STORE OR ANY OTHER BAIT AND TACKLE SHOP.  This store and its name has been here for many, many years.  I run a bait and tackle store; I fish the Delaware Bay and my sole interest is HELPING OUT and having you put fish in the box.  I don't have indoor boat storage-what's the sense of indoor storage if when you get your boat it is covered with bird shit?  I don't sell new boats or overpriced fishing gear; I am NOT a greedy, corporate, prejudiced idiot who doesn't know a damn thing about fishing!  I do maintain store hours but if you are out fishing and put a citation in the box, you are encouraged to call me.  I will be more than happy to open my doors and let you in.  Judy and I are here for our customers, we're here to make fishing affordable as well as pleasurable.  We're the original and the ONLY Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle. 

Tom

One of Tom's proudest weigh-in moments, Caught on May 25, 2008 

This young lady named Shannon hooked and boated this fish all by herself, with absolutely no assistance from her Dad Mike, except for encouragement and netting the fish.  Shannon was beaming with pride when they came into the store.  We had first posted this pic on our front page but due to her young age we decided to remove it for safety concerns but nonetheless,  feel compelled to honor this catch. 

Tom 

Weekly Fisherman Report weekending May 31, 08

At Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle, Tom and Judy are still weighing in big drum but the bite will soon be ending as the waters warm and the big guys move on until next year.    Art Coleman, Capt of Knot Talking and Robert Dejesus were fishing Pin Top and Art brought in a 54 lb drum and Robert boated an 80 lb. drum.  Michael Brandon also weighed in a 70 lb drum caught at Brandywine Light.  Shannon Babcock, age 11, boated her first citation drum after battling the 54 lb monster for an hour and 10 minutes while fishing the Coral Beds with her Dad aboard the Nauti-Shannon on Sunday.  Eric Mendenhall put a 15.02 lb puppy in the box.  Tom Roberts reported boating a 24 lb drum while fishing the Coral Beds on Saturday.  The Mister K had non-stop action Sunday while fishing E of F Buoy with a mixture of shark, blues, and skates while hooking into 11 flounder and coming in with 3 keepers.  On Monday, they did a repeat trip and boated 3 keepers with 8 throwbacks.  Joe and Penny Litner were fishing F Buoy on the 25^th when Penny landed the first citation flat of the season weighing 8.47 lbs,  a 23 ½” girth and 27 ½” long.  The boat brought in a total of 4.  Capt Alex Dudas of the Nauti-Boy, Billy Kogut, and Steve Danatzko spent some time at the Coral Beds and each of them landed a citation drum on Thursday.  Alex and Steve’s weighed 70 pounds with Billy being high hook from the day before with an 80 lb drum.  Jake Jakelski  also landed a 75 lb drum while fishing the Coral Beds on Thursday.  Deke and Harry, from Baltimore spent some time on the bay and brought in 2 shark with 1 keeper 20” flat while fishing F Buoy in 30’ of water on the outgoing tide. 

In recent weeks Tom has received several questions and phone calls and would like to clear up the confusion surrounding Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle.  Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle is a family run business whose name and location has remained the same for many, many years and are not affiliated with any other bait and tackle stores.  They are a certified weigh station and a Dreamboat weigh station.  If you put a citation fish in the box after business hours, you are encouraged to give them a call and they will be more than happy to open their doors.  Remember, they are located on the bay, not the highway!  Once again they will be offering cuttle squid which last year was used by Joe Huk as he held his place in the standings for quite some time.   

Their annual summer flounder tournament began on Jun 01.  The first weekly drawing will be held on Saturday June 07 and every Saturday thereafter for the duration of the tournament.  Prizes include Gulp!, Cedar Creek Rigs, Aqua-Clear Rigs, and Fin-S.  In addition, on the last day of June, July, and August there will be an additional drawing for a pair of headboat tickets from Russell’s Charters.  Join the tournament and join the fight against cancer.  All participants are invited on July 12 from 11a-2p for a Take the Family Fishing Day to include a bottom fishing demonstration, a special hands-on demonstration for the kids, knot tying demonstration, good food and great people!  It’s never too late to sign up for their tournament as it’s a summer long event and ends on Sept 22 at 6p. 

DRUM ARE STILL GOING STRONG

Unbelievable!  The drum bite is still going strong!  On Sunday, we weighed in 3 big drum, 1 from Brandywine and 2 from nearby Pin Top.  Kyle and Kevin Lohmeyer, fishing with Dad Brian came in with a 71 lb drum from Brandywine with Kyle getting his first citation drum catch.  James Spedden and Gary Olinchak were fishing Pin Top when James hooked into a 67 lb drum.  They first tried using a net but it broke so Gary reached over the side and grabbed that huge fish and slung him into the boat like he would a large mouth bass in a fresh water pond!  On Tuesday, Timmy Edwards and Bobby Mitchell spent some time on the bay and reported boating 3 drum in the 30-50 lb range while fishing the Coral Beds.  This years' drum bite has been phenomenal and for now, it isn't letting up.  It has to be soon though but our cooler water temps are still keeping them around.  We have surf clams and sea clams. We won't be taking any advance payment but if you're planning a trip out, just give us a call.  I do expect by next weekend they will be moving on.....of course, I thought they would have already been gone  BUT they're not and they're biting and they're being reeled in.  A new NJ state record was just caught last week, 109 lbs.  Man, those fish are huge and they put up an AWESOME fight.  If anyone harvests a drum they won't be eating please, leave it with us.  We know a few families that will gladly take them and eat them.  We hate to see them thrown in the road and/or discarded along the docks when they could be eaten!

Tom   

SHORT UPDATE  JUNE 05

The drum are still here THICK, I just don't understand it

We weighed in 7 drum today.  John Walter and Matt Richard were fishing E of Brandywine and brought in 3 citation-size weighing 70, 71, and 73 lbs.  Wayne and Dale Hitchens released 3; 1 at the Coral Beds and 2 from Tussy's Slough.  Lastly, believe it or not....Robert Reichenbach was fishing F Buoy for flounder using squid when he hooked and boated a 68 lb drum.  More on the catches tomorrow, a few boats went out this afternooon/evening

Tom

Flounder and Trout June 06, 08

The trout started about 3 or 4 weeks ago with small, limited catches for the guys who know the water and the routes which the trout travel.  For the guys catching now, it seems like the best shot is to fish the cove and beaches using Spro bucktail jigs or any white bucktail.  1/2 oz to 3 oz Spro are my preference; the eyes, body, and color are perfect with a small strip of squid or a light color worm.  The "old timers" are catching buckets of grass shrimp at low tide and are going to the cove; they're actually creating a "grass shrimp chum slick".  These guys hardly ever miss but it's kept hush hush.  If any of 'em have puters and read this, they'll be mad at me but they're always upset with me for giving "their" fish away, those greedy basturds!  It's everybody's bay, everybody's fish; there are plenty to go around.  If I can't be out there fishing then my only glory is seeing you come in with fish in your box and YES, there are plenty.  The flounder are late but they're being picked up in small numbers.  I think the hot weather forecast for the next few days, days of 80-90 degree temps will turn the bite around and they'll turn on strong and stay strong into late Sept/early Oct.  I will report any sudden increase in flounder catches which should be the start of you guys putting fat flats in the box.  Today we had 2 boats come in that didn't even have a single bite, nothing, not even a skate.  Regardless, on Monday and Tuesday, Judy and I going to hit the bay and I have my notes; wind, tides, moon......from many years passed and I am determined to find those fish! 

Tom

Weekly Fisherman Report

At Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle, the drum bite is still going strong and steady.  On Sunday Brian Lohmeyer of the Triple Trouble, with sons  Kyle, and Kevin spent some time at Brandywine with Kyle bringing in a 71 lb drum.  James Spedden and Gary Olinchak were fishing the Pin Top and Gary landed a 42 lb drum.  James hooked into a 67 lb drum.  The pair had no gaff as they had already broken their net on the first fish.  Gary reached over the side of the boat and shoved his fist into the drums’ mouth and pulled him over the side and into the boat like a man catching a large mouth bass in a freshwater pond!  Way to go Gary!  On Thursday Matt Richard, fishing with Capt. John Walter aboard One More Drift, boated 3 drum from E. of Brandywine.  John weighed in a 71 lb and Matt weighed in a 70 and 73 lb.  Robert Reichenback was flounder fishing at F Buoy with squid when he boated a monster fish.  He brought it in and asked Tom to identify and weigh the massive fish.  Robert had caught a 68 lb drum on a flounder hook!

Wayne and Dale Hitchens released 3 drum, 1 while fishing the Coral Beds and 2 from Tussy’s Slough.  Wayne Kraemer and Hank Correll were fishing Tussy Slough on Friday with Wayne bringing in a 59 lb drum.  The Huk family, Dad Joe and sons Chris and Zach were fishing aboard the family vessel aptly name The Fish Huk II for an evening of drum fishing.  Joe and Chris each boated a nice citation-size drum weighing 65 and 70 lbs respectively.  The guys came in the next morning to weigh in their fish and offered them to Tom.  Tom has several people who appreciate donations like this to feed their families and the under privileged.  Their gift was appreciated and fresh drum was served for dinner!   If you don’t plan on eating what you harvest, please, do not toss in the road and/or leave at the dock just for a picture on their counter.  They know several families and homeless shelters in the area who are much appreciative of such a fish. Thanks, Joe and Chris!

Also on Friday, Art Coleman II and Art Coleman III released 2 while fishing the Coral Beds.  Everyone is looking for a flounder update.  2-3 weeks ago they started coming on strong but with the constant storms we’ve been having, churning up the bottom, and making the water extremely cloudy, the flounder bite had been slow to nil.  The recent warmer weather has turned on the bite.  On Saturday, Steve Reynolds and Mike Maloney were fishing F and G Buoy and came in with 2 keepers, one 20 ½” and 1 weighing 5.33 lb with 8 throwbacks.  As long as our water stays clear, the bite should be strong and remain strong.  The squid are now spawning and the deeper water is where most of the flounder action will be taking place for the next several weeks.  In addition, in and around the structure sites should also produce major flounder action.  As this report was being written, more flounder were being weighed in.  You can get up-to-date catches, photos, and more information by visiting www.cedarcreekbaitntackle.com. 

Their annual summer flounder tournament has kicked off their first week and because of an earlier-than-normal deadline, their first weekly drawing winner is Joy Harry.  She will receive 2 Aqua-Clear rigs, 1 Cedar Creek rig, 1 pack Berkley Gulp!, and 1 pack of Fin-S.  Congratulations Joy!  Each week there will be a drawing for various useful products.  Your 35.00 entry fee is tax deductible; you’ll receive a reusable fish towel, a Cedar Creek rig, and an Aqua-Clear rig when you sign up.  All participants are entered into weekly drawings and are invited to join Tom, Judy and Mike Hanson, creator and owner of Aqua-Clear on July 12 for a pig roast and various demonstrations, including one for our youth anglers.  Several drawings will be held throughout the day.  On the last day of June, July, and August there will be a drawing for a pair of headboat tickets from Dave Russell of Russell’s Charters.  Lastly, remember, Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle is located on the bay, not the highway!      

SPOT IS HERE!

We now have live spot!  We're carrying the smaller spot now for flounder and will be carrying the larger spot later in the season for stripers. 

Weekly Fisherman Report weekending 061408 

At Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle, Tom reports the seasons’ drum bite was phenomenal.  The flounder bite has              just begun to turn on with the majority of the action taking place between F and G buoy as the squid begin to spawn.  On Saturday Jamey Cursi weighed in a 69 lb drum from the Pin Top and Capt. John Walter of the One More Drift, and sister Kristie released 2 big drum.  Mark Crow brought in 2 keeper flats from Site #6 and Jayden Heckrote boated a flounder while fishing near the lighthouse.  Stu Moore, Jeff Gipe and John Allison were fishing the Coral Beds and John boated a 68 lb drum and Jeff brought in one weighing 43 lb.  Shawn Burke was fishing The Bell when he landed a 55 lb drum.  Willie Robinson, John Wilhelm, Andy Johnson, and Lee Ulrich were fishing aboard the Fat Head and brought in 1 flounder and boated a 48 lb drum using squid.  The Mister K crew hooked into 8 flounder, bringing in 3 keepers while fishing near F Buoy.  On Sunday Capt. Sidney Long decided to try the ocean, 1 ½ miles west of DB Buoy and came in with 2 fat flats, 22” and 20” with 5 throwbacks in the 18-19” range and 8 sea bass.  Bruce Barner had 2 keeper flats with 2 throwbacks while fishing between Fand G Buoy.  On Wednesday, Gary Kennedy was fishing the Miah Maull Shoal and the Crossledge when he boated a 30” striper and 14 trout.  On Thursday Matt Passwaters weighed in a citation sheepshead  weighing 8.56 lbs, was 24” long, with a 19” girth while fishing the Miah Maull Shoal.  George Musika was fishing the Pin Top and came in with a 35 lb drum and 1 21” flounder.  Tyler Myers came in with a 5.39 flat while fishing between F and G Buoy and is currently holding 1^st place in their 2^nd annual flounder tournament.  Young Tyler uses Spro bucktails with much success and was high hook of the day aboard The Goose with Capt Tim Myers.  Larry Hughes came in on Saturday with a 4.77 lb flat from G Buoy while fishing aboard the Shakey Jake with Capt. Chris Wentz.  On Saturday, The Goose crew came in with 2 keepers and had 9 throwbacks.  Donna Riland was the winner for their weekly drawing which is held every Saturday evening as part of their annual tournament.  All participants are included for each weekly drawing.  Donna’s  prizes are valued at $17.25.  It’s never too late to enter, you can still sign up for their tournament; it’s all summer long with special drawings and events throughout the entire tournament including a pig roast on July 12 with activities for both children and adults.  Join the fun and friendly competition and help in the fight against cancer.  Greg McDonald sought Tom’s advice regarding shark fishing and tom put him on the right spot.  Greg called saying his 2 Penn 50’s were spooled off, he would guess each of the sharks were in excess of 200 lbs.  They landed one small one which measured 52” long, short by 2” of the required 54”, and perhaps approximately 60 lbs.  John Dadisman called to report the shark action was fabulous and emailed a few photos.  If anyone wants to wrestle one of these monster, come in and see Tom, he’ll take the time to instruct you on where, how and when to go for excellent shark fishing.  There are 200-300 lb shark just 2 miles outside the inlet.  He’ll set you up with the proper equipment and the right bait and most importantly, he’ll discuss the #1 priority of fishing on the Delaware Bay- SAFETY, especially if you’re going to pursue these guys from a small vessel.

Trout are being caught during the early evening hours by 14’ Light and Brandywine using Spro bucktails, chicken, and squid/minnow combo.  Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle is now carrying live spot for 2.00 each and will be carrying it throughout the entire season.  The Blue crabs are running again and they are shedding peeler for softshell crabs.  Their blue crabs are kept alive in tanks and go directly from their water to you.         

QUICK UPDATE June 15, 08

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY TO ALL OF YOU DADS

Larry Hughes and Chris Wentz were out again today flounder fishing.  Larry weighed in another flounder and is now in 3rd place.  Rich and Eric, owners of Betsy Ross Pizza in Harrington also came in a 2 flats.  Crab prices have dropped to a more reasonable price.  #1 males are now 135.00 a bushel, 75.00 for a 1/2.  #2 males are 90.00 bushel, 50.00 for a 1/2 bushel, females are 80.00 a bushel.  Mixed dozens are 17.00.

Tom 

FLOUNDER, FLOUNDER

The big, fat, flats are finally here and turning on strong.  This warm weather got them to finally turn on; they're 3 weeks late but they're here!  Today we weighed in several fish ranging from 3.78 lbs to 6.87  but, don't worry guys, none of the fish that were weighed in were from tournament participants.  F and G Buoy is the hot spot, deep water.   Just like last year, we see a big fish come in from a non-participant then they sign up AFTER they catch big flounder.  Today we weighed in 1750.00 worth of fish so stop procrastinating and sign up now, BEFORE you catch the big one!   Even if you don't catch a big one, you still win knowing you can help save a life from the awful disease called cancer.

Tom

Weekly Fisherman Report Weekending 062108

At Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle, Tom and Judy have been keeping busy with peeler and softshell blue crab production as well as keeping spot.  The flounder are coming in sporadically, much like the boats that are going out.  On Monday, Keith McDonald and Wyatt Stoeckl were fishing with Big Mac (Tom Mcdonald) when Keith boated a 5.28 lb flat and Wyatt brought in a 3.5 lb flat.  Brian had 1 keeper and 1 throwback flounder while fishing south of the Mohawk.  On Thursday, Ralph Davis joined Frank Sheets and his family for a day of flounder fishing near F Buoy in 50-60’ water.  The boat brought in a total of 6 flats ranging from 3.87 – 4.84 lbs with young Katie bringing in 2.  Steve Smyk and Capt. Bob Reichenbach  fished the bay near F Buoy and Steve boated a nice 6.87 fat flat.  The Bryant family, true contenders in their flounder tournament, came in with a 5.81 and 6.45 lb flounder which currently places William Sr. in first place.  Milton and Russell Hendley and friend Ralph Messick released a variety of fish including a kingfish and a baby triggerfish while fishing F Buoy.  On Saturday, Chuck Barker was fishing F Buoy and landed a 5.09 flounder.  Scott Wilson and Harry O came in with 3 flounder; 6.42 lb, 4.52 lb, and 4.81 lb.  Jason Lintner boated his first flounder while fishing with his Dad near Site #7.  Pat Morini was fishing off Big Stone Beach and brought 3 shark to the boat with the largest being approximately 50” and losing 2.  Pat has been attempting to hook one of the bays’ biggest sharks; this is his 2^nd year of determination in hooking into and landing a keeper shark in the 100-300 lb range.  His determination has piqued Tom’s interest and the 2 of them will be heading out next week to attain this goal.   Tom says one of the sharks’ favorite foods the bay offers is trout and next is croakers and the croakers are still a little south but they are on their way.  Butch Oudinot and Bill Zimmerman were fishing F Buoy for flounder and came in to report, though thinking no one would believe them, hooking into a huge thresher.  At first it seemed as if they had dead weight or had crossed their lines.   Suddenly the line took off and obviously there was no stopping it as they were fishing for flounder with 30 lb test.  The shark let go and as it arched out of the water there was no mistaking the tail of a thresher.  Tom believed them, these men were not exaggerating or sharing fish tales. 

With everything being late this year, the croakers haven’t arrived yet but when they do, the bigger shark bite should turn on full swing.  Jim Taylor stopped in to report 5 keeper flats and 2 croaker while fishing off Broadkill Beach and casting just beyond the break.  Fishing in general has been sporadic this year; one day they’re reeling them in, the next day brings not a single bite.

With the “fishing season” coming on us late like it did, Tom’s guess on the timing of the squid spawn seems as if it never happened this year or it hasn’t happened yet.  The fish that have been coming in that Tom has cleaned or received phone reports, in their bellies are a mix of crabs, spearing, sand eels, small trout, and spot.  The full moon winds and tides haven’t worked real well for consistent drifts this past weekend.  It seems as though there was no direct outgoing drift.   Perhaps all of these factors had a role in the weekend not being as great as Tom anticipated.  As the water temps rise, we begin seeing a larger variety of species especially in and around the structures.  It’s never too late to join their flounder tournament, it’s never too late to help save a life.  The current standings are William Bryant, Sr is currently in 1^st place with 6.45 lbs, Tyler Myers is currently in 2^nd place with 5.39 lbs, and Ronald Riland is holding onto 3rd place with 5.02 lbs.  An inexperienced, recreational, weekend angler can beat these weights.  As the summer progresses they will announce their current standings for the 4^th-7^th place as well as the monthly pairs of headboat tickets donated by Dave Russell of Russell’s Charters.  As a tournament participant you receive a towel, rigs, a chance to win their weekly drawings valued at $15.00 and are invited to join in their Take the Family Fishing Day on July 12 for a pig roast.  Hands on demonstrations, a cast net demonstration and activities geared towards the younger angler as well as door prizes and a youth angler prize.  No one loses in this tournament; everyone is a winner.  This week’s weekly prize drawing goes to Joe Huk, an experienced, longtime Delaware Bay fisherman who only joined the tournament last week.        

BOAT SAFETY CHECK     JULY 12   FROM 11A

Free boat safety check here in the parking lot. 

JUNE 27, 2008     A SHORT UPDATE

The wind and the weather man:  The winds suddenly kicking up, though not from the NE, have made  some rough rides to an otherwise calm day and The Weather Channel will flash a lightning bolt on the screen.  Add to that the cost of fuel and not many guys have really gone out.  We are seeing some nice flounder come in from Site #6 and #7 and in and around F-G Buoy.  I've said it many times this season but....EVERYTHING is behind this year; the water temps are cooler than usual and the black drum bite stayed strong a little longer than usual.  The croakers haven't arrived in any numbers yet though I did hear reports of them being caught in Broadkill.  The shark bite hasn't taken off yet, last report I got was from the beginning of the week; not many boats have been targeting them but, when the croakers arrive, they'll turn on in full force.  In short, as the water warms up, we'll start seeing more fish varieties.  

Tom

GOOD NEWS  June 27, 2008 PART 2

John Jackson, Capt of the Tog Master, went out this morning and returned just before noon with a nice mix of trout, blues, and 1 keeper flounder with 8 throwbacks while fishing in the Anchorage.

Tom

Weekly  Fisherman Report weekending 06-28-08

At Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle, Tom reports a slow week; winds coupled with fuel costs are limiting trips to the bay.  The fishing is “off” by a few weeks; drum was slow to leave; now croaker and flounder are slow to arrive.  On Wednesday Brian and Mike Logue were fishing Site #6 when they boated 2 flounder, both weighing almost 4 1/4 lbs.  Bob Williamson was fishing Site #6 and came in with a flattie weighing 6.64 lbs.  Thursday’s fishing improved with Tim and Chris Harris and Fred and Dave Dewey landing 4 flats with 4 throwbacks and 1 kingfish.  Tim Harris was high hook of the day with 2 keeper flounder.  Harvey Johnson and Joe and Tina Shetsler had 4 keepers ranging 19 ¾”- 21 ½ and On Friday, John Jackson anchored at the Mohawk and was back on shore by noon with 1 keeper flounder with 8 throwbacks, 1 kingfish, and 1 trout.  Bill Sellers and RJ Snyder reported fishing the Beach Ball with 5 throwback flounder and 2 throwback trout.  There have been reports of croaker being caught in small numbers near Broadkill but no reports have come in from the bay thus far.    

Their flounder tournament is nearing the end of its first month and William Bryant, Sr. is still in the lead with 6.45 lbs.  Tyler Myers is currently in 2^nd place and Ronal Riland is in 3^rd.  This weeks’ weekly drawing winner is Scott Wilson of Middletown, DE valued at $13.00.  A few events have been added to their Take the Family Fishing Day to be held on July 12 for all tournament participants.  Art Meding will conduct a cast net throwing demonstration and MESCO has donated a door prize.  There will also be a Boat Safety Check in the parking lot next to the store. Anyone can sign up, join in

the fun and help find a cure.  Entry fees are tax deductible and all proceeds go to the American Cancer Society.

TOG RE-OPENS JULY 01

Tog re-opens tomorrow, July 01 14" minimum, daily limit of 10.  We'll be carrying live green crab beginning Wednesday.  The flounder bite is just beginning to pick up.  Dale Brown came in with a 20", 2.91lb flat and Myron Edwards brought in a 7.05 citation flat caught while fishing Brown Shoal.  Frank Tucker and Andy Fields came in with 3 total, 1 X 22", and 2 X 21".  Gene Heyman reported the first croaker of the season from Site #6 in the 16" range.

Tom

Weekly Fisherman Report weekending July 05, 08

At Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle,  Tom reports on Sunday  Dale Brown brought in a 2.91 lb flat and Gene Heyman reported 2 16” croaker from Site #6.  Frank Tucker, Capt of Here Fishy, Fishy came in with 2 21” and Andy Fields landed 1 22” while fishing Site #4.  Myron Edwards, Capt. of the newly-named Serenity weighed in a citation flat while fishing Site #7 weighing 7.05 lbs, was 26 ¼” long, with a girth of 21 ¼”.  Lloyd and Jason Wary, and Dave Lendis hooked into 5 shark off Big Stone ranging from 3’ – 7’  and snapping off 2 while fishing the incoming tide.  Jake Kennedy and Tyler Robinson were fishing Site #6 with their families when Jake boated a 3.53 lb flounder.  On Friday, John Walter weighed in a 3.12 lb flat from Site #7.  Kalee Russell was fishing with her grandfather, Joe Gierschicz in the Mispillion River when she caught a 1.01 citation white perch.  Tom reports the fishing is continuing to be off-kilter and with the recent weather and water temps, the fishing has been unpredictable.  The good news is…it can only improve.

Weekly prize drawing winner is David Trumbull, Sr.  Their monthly drawing winner for a pair of headboat tickets from Russell’s Charters was Mervin Jumper.  Mervin and a guest will enjoy a day on the bay fishing with Dave Russell.  Their Take the Family Fishing Day will be held this Saturday and they are looking forward to everyone having a great time.  It’s not too late to sign up; the tournament doesn’t end until September 22^nd at 6p.  Each participant in their non-profit tournament receives a fishing towel, an Aqua-Clear, a Cedar Creek rig, and their families are invited to join in on the festivities from 11a – 2p.  The Coast Guard will also be conducting a free Boat Safety Check during the event in the parking lot adjacent to their store.  The leaders at the end of June are William Bryant, Sr is holding onto 1^st place with  6.45 lbs, Tyler Myers is holding onto 2^nd place with 5.39 lbs, Ronald Riland is 3^rd with 5.02 lbs.    

A QUICK UPDATE    JUL 12

The problem this season is the damn water temp.  The surface water temp is only 72^o but 30 feet down is a whole different story.  Our waters should be warm through the fall months.  I would venture to say that flounder may be here until Nov/Dec.  We are starting to see citation flounder coming in and the croakers have finally arrived here but so far we've only seen small catches.  On Thursday, a couple of guys caught a cooler full of croaker but otherwise, croakers are coming in slowly.  To the shark fisherman:  You know what that means…the big boys are ready for targeting!  Today from 11a-3p we are having our pig roast and Take the Family Fishing Day.  Door prizes, drawings, good food, drinks, and beautiful weather.  Art Meding, Joe Cherneski, and John Jackson will be conducting cast net demonstrations.  Aqua-Clear will be conducting know tying demos, bottom fishing demo, and a demo for our youth angler with a youth angler drawing valued at over $50.00.  We'd love for everyone to join us, we don't get much time to "hang out" with our customers and we'd love to see you here today!

Tom and Judy

Weekly Fisherman Report Weekending July 19, 2008 

At Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle,   the flounder bite has turned on strong, a little late but the bite has been phenomenal.  Since the water temp has risen, we’re seeing a variety of fish, from triggerfish and sheepshead to thresher shark.  Most of the fat flats being caught seem to be concentrated in and east of Site #7, up to and around the 10-Can.  The Brown Shoal and the Anchorage have also sprung to life and are producing nice fish numbers.  Tog and trout have been coming in from 14’ Light, Brandywine, Mohawk, the Haystacks, and the Outer Wall.  The white perch run in the Mispillion and Cedar Creek Rivers have been well above average with anglers catching 10-40 lbs of fish during tide change. 

On the 13^th, Dick Degnats was anchored on Site #7, jigging a bucktail and squid, bringing in 5 keeper flounder with 3 throwbacks.  John Robinette, fishing with Frances and Bill Sellers came in with amix of trout and blues while fishing the Coral Beds and Beach Ball.  One Thursday, Joy and Frank Harry were fishing Site#7 and came in with 2 keeper flats.  Joy’s flat weighed in at 5.50 lb.  John Schnaitman, fishing with Capt Bob Bryant, William Bryant Sr., and Michael Schnaitmann had a total of 17 keepers over the course of 3 days, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.  Toby Miller, fishing with Capt. Bob Sanderson of Some Guy had 2 keeper flats with 9 throwbacks.  Toby Miller weighed in his biggest flounder to date at 6.70 lbs.  Mike Cathell was fishing near Site #7, East of the Anchorage and brought in a 7.79 lb citation flat using a small minnow and squid.  Capt Bill Yeager  and Chip Kelly had 15 total with 10 throwback and Chip weighed in a 6.44 flounder caught during slack tide.  David Jr, David, Sr., and John Trumbull were fishing 10-Can and had a total of 8 flats, bringing in 2 keepers in the 20-22” range.  Capt. Brian Rentz of BR Painting, LLC was fishing the 10-Can on Saturday and landed a 60” thresher shark and  2 21” flats reporting 1 throwback and a mix of skate and dogfish.  Brian also hooked into a 4’ thresher.  Brian used a squid and minnow on an Aqua-Clear rig. 

Current tournament standings for 1^st through 3^rd  are John Schnaitman with 6.73 lb, William Bryant Sr., with 6.45 lbs and Dick Degnats with 5.66 lbs. 4^th  through 7^th place has been changing daily now that the bite has turned on.  Their weekly drawing winner was William Bryant, Sr.  Their tournament is at the mid-way point and fish are coming in almost daily.  You can still sign up, it’s not too late to catch a $1,000.00 winning fish. 

If you’ve thought about signing up, do it now; you can fish until Sept 22 at 6p.  Last years’ tournament winning fish came in 4 days before the end of the tournament by Gerald Erie who had only fished the Delaware Bay twice a month through the course of the summer.  There are cash prizes for 1^st through 3^rd and fishing-related prizes 4^th through 7^th place.  Weekly drawings and a monthly drawing for a pair of headboat tickets valued at $90.00.  This is a non-profit tournament aimed at helping cancer research and saving lives.  Do you part: sign up, catch a fish, and help save a life. 

Many thanks to all who assisted in their tournament’s pig roast, a special thanks to the entire Mendenhall family for preparing the finest pig on the east coast and a big thanks to Trudy Rosenblatt for preparing the salads.  Thanks also go to JW from Aqua-Clear for his helpful seminars.  A big THANK YOU to all of the folks at EP Sales, Mesco, Russell Charters, Fisherman Magazine, and all of our participating anglers who made the day a success!

Weekly Fisherman Report weekending 072608 

At Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle, On Sunday, Dale Short was fishing the Brown Shoal and boated 2 keeper flounder, a 22” and a 20 ½” – one in 25’ water and one in 40’ water.  Capt. John Walter, of One More Drift, came in with 2 triggerfish anchored at Brandywine.  One triggerfish was caught using clam and one was caught using squid.  Chris Weigner also released a triggerfish.  Kenny Stamm joined Dale Short on Tuesday for a trip to Brown Shoal and Dale Short came in with a 5.32 lb flat which put him in 6^th place in their summer-long flounder tournament.  Capt. Gene and Jim Heyman were fishing Site #7 from early morning until after noon with non-stop tog action.  The pair kept 9 tog over 6 lbs. and released many in the 3-5 lb range along with some throwback flounder. 

Shortly before noon on Saturday, Ron Leeper came in with a 6.74 lb fat flat with a 19 ½” girth that was only 24 ½” long which was boated at Site #7 to take over 1^st place in their tournament.  30 minutes later, Capt. Bill Yeager, also a tournament participant, came in with a 6.72 lb flat with a 21 ¾” girth, and was 27” long to take over 3^rd place.  Dorothy Coleman came in with a 5.06 flat while fishing with her dad, Tim Coleman, at Site #7.  Louie Dunlap came in with a 3.20 flat from between Site #6 and Site #7 using a ½ oz white bucktail with a Gulp! pearl white, 4” swimming mullet. 

Brian and Mike Logue have been averaging one shark trip a week and have scored some nice shark, 200+ lbs.  Browns, sand tigers, and threshers are in thick.  Tom can put you onto them and they’ll definitely give you one heck of a fight.  But you must be prepared and safety is the major factor when fishing for these monsters.

Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle’s fight against cancer annual summer flounder tournament weekly drawing winner was Mary Strauss.  She receives Gulp!, Fin-S, Aqua-Clear, and a Cedar Creek rig.  Currently, 1^st through 3^rd place is only separated by hundredths of an ounce.  Ron Peeler is currently in first with 6.74 lbs, John Schnaitman is now in 2^nd place with 6.73 lbs., and Capt Bill Yeager is in 3^rd place with 6.74 lbs.  These weights can be beat, their tournament ends on Sept 22^nd at 6p which means there is still plenty of time to get in on the action.

Shark Fishing July 31, 2008 

It’s that time of year again, time for shark fishing.  Usually, the months of June and July are the

best for sharking but this year EVERYTHING is behind, shark included.  We are seeing a few croaker being caught near the Beach Ball and the guys who are targeting shark are getting some awesome shots with their cameras as they bring them to the boat for release.  The big guys come in to breed and spawn; threshers, browns, sands, even hammerheads come into our bay.  As I have said before, DO NOT venture out for shark without being prepared; the right bait with the right knowledge coupled with SAFETY FIRST and you’ll have the DE BAY fish fight of your life!  Identification is important; you don’t want to bring in a monster that will land you jail time and/or a huge fine.  There are differences which can be identified; all you need is a little knowledge.  Sharks must be 54” in length, nose to fork length and only 1 per boat or 1 per angler if on shore.  

I am not claiming to be an “expert” on shark fishing or an “expert” on anything for that matter but I have been fishing since I was a kid and was always interested in listening to the older guys as they shared some of their knowledge with me.  In return, I am willing to share my knowledge with anyone who will listen. 

I had a conversation not too long ago with a charter captain.  He said, “No need to chum, the other boats around you are chumming.”  I wholeheartedly DISAGREE.  Chumming brings the shark to YOUR boat; would you go to a buffet or just hang by the trash can hoping for leftovers?  My point exactly!  Attracting the big guys to your boat is a necessity when targeting shark.  Chum buckets; sink one and float one.  Pay attention to your arms hanging over the side of your boat near the floating chum bucket; Bill Louthian had a rude awakening last year while resting his arm near the chum bucket rope - he saw a closer view of a sharks throat then he wanted!  As I said earlier, be prepared; if you plan on harvesting a shark DO NOT try to put him in your boat.  He will wreak more havoc than you can imagine and you will truly be risking your boat and all people on board.  Catch and release is best but if you’re planning to bring one ashore, you’ve got to plan ahead. 

There’s 200-300 lb shark for the taking and it would not surprise me one bit if I saw a 400+ lb.

As I said earlier, the bite is a little wacky this year, our bay temps just aren’t up to where they should be for this time of year but if you’re looking for blue water action without the expense it takes to get you to the ocean then stop in and see me; I can put you onto the shark.  Brian and Mike Logue have been successfully sharking for a few weeks now and the pictures they have taken should dispel all doubt for any non-believers.

Tom

Weekly Fisherman Report weekending 08/02/08

At Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle,   Sunday, Chris “Itchy” Huk weighed in a 5.06 lb flounder caught while fishing reef sites.  On Tuesday, John Yoder was fishing at 14’ Light and came in with his limit on blues and reporting 8 throwback flounder and 12” throwback trout.  Ron Strickler and John Brodack were fishing near the Beach Ball during the end of the incoming tide and brought in 8 croaker in the 12” range and reporting the bite was short lived.  On Thursday, Toby and Herman Miller were fishing with Bob Sanderson aboard Some Guy and Toby brought in 2 keeper flats and Herman Miller boated one 21”.  On Friday Bob Wagner, fishing aboard the Abra-Ka-Dabra with Capt. Chip Kelly came in with a 5.9 lb flounder caught between Site #6 and Site #7.  Arnold Mattson and John Mattson were anchored on the south side of the Mohawk and had non-stop action with 60-70 throwback flounder and 2 keepers.  They hooked into tons of blues and Arnold threw back a 27” striper caught on live mullet.  Dustin Shearer and Lloyd Markley were fishing at Brown Shoal when Lloyd boated a 7.45 lb citation to with a 21 ¼” girth and was 25” long to take over first place in their tournament.  Lloyd caught his flounder using minnow.  The boat also had a mix of snapper blues.  Jeff Compton was fishing Site #7 and came in with a 6.73 lb  flat.  Capt. John Walter and Chris Weigner were fishing Brandywine when they got caught in a storm.  They anchored, rode out the storm and it was worth it because afterwards the bite turned on and they hooked into a nice mix of fish including ½ dozen throw back flounder, 50-60 throwback sea bass and cow nose rays.  The boat came in with a mix of sheepshead, spadefish, trigger, tog, and trout.  Tom says anyone interested in catching a variety of different species should anchor at 14’ Light, Mohawk, or Brandywine using small size 6-8 hooks, split shots, and small pieces of clam

John Konievicz was the winner of their weekly drawing and Dick Degnats won a pair of headboat tickets from Russell’s Charters.  The current standings for their summer-long flounder tournament  are 1^st place is held by Lloyd Markley with 7.45 lbs., Ron Leeper is in 2^nd place with 6.74 lbs., and John Schnaitman is holding onto third with 6.73 lbs.  There are still 7 weeks remaining in their non-profit tournament; it’s not too late to join in the fight against cancer and walk away with an extra $1000.00 in your pocket.

For those who travel and wish to fish the Delaware Bay for more than a day, Cedar Creek Bait and Tackle offers affordable overnight accommodations for up to 6 for as little as 50.00 per night.  Be sure to check out their fishing reports at www.