Fishing from the Point: Variety is name of the game

Despite stormy weather, cool temperatures have gotten fish a-moving and a-grooving. Those fishing at night and during early morning are picking up rockfish at Indian River Inlet. They’re biting at sand fleas and eels drifted in the rocks, but don’t be surprised if you pick up sheepshead or triggerfish, too. If you can catch irregularly moving blues on the incoming current, metal lures may bring them in.

False albacore have been sighted around A Buoy, where trolling is a common method. But if the school is feeding at the surface, they might be distracted by a fly cast with a metal lure. B Buoy and Red Buoy have been the spot for croaker. Codfish and Red Hake have made an appearance, as well. At Fenwick Shoal, Spanish mackerel and blues have been snagged by trolling spoons.

School is in session, so mullet are migrating, and bigger fish are usually close behind. As always, the Old Grounds are a treasure trove of flounder, sea bass and small trout, but not when it’s windy.
In the deep sea, fishing has been scattered. Some boats landed marlin, but tuna and dolphin have reportedly been scarce.

Anyone still at the shore in September probably loves the quietness of the beach. Despite some high seas last week, anglers enjoyed the surf with a rod in hand and got an unexpected run of pompano on the Fishbites that were meant to tempt croaker.

Cut bait has brought in blues, which anglers can hope will be as plentiful as last year. Meanwhile, croaker, red drum, kings and spot are devouring bloodworms, Gulp! or Fishbites. Roving seabirds can be an indication of where to cast for false albacore, according to Eric Burnley Sr.
If you’re ready to make a special trip, or even if you’re just on the beach anyway, Old Inlet Bait & Tackle will host the 15th Annual Delaware Seashore Fall Surf Fishing Classic on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 22 and 23.
More than $15,000 in prizes will be awarded in multiple categories, for overall winners, women and children. Prizes will be awarded Sunday, Sept. 23, at the pavilion at Savages Ditch Road.
All fish in the tournament must be caught on hook or lure and landed on the beach. No more than two rods are permitted, each equipped with no more than two hooks.

A fishing license is required to compete at the designated surf fishing areas in Delaware Seashore State Park and Fenwick Island State Park, but they will be available for purchase at check-in each day.
Pre-registration by mail will be accepted until Monday, Sept. 17, costing $30 per person, or $15 for children 14 or younger. After that, entries will be accepted in person until the day of the tournament at 7 a.m., with a $2 late fee.

Here’s hoping that your Saturday morning catch turns into a tournament winner!