As the temperatures start to drop, Delaware's waters come alive with extraordinary fishing opportunities that avid anglers won't want to miss.
The Delaware Fishing Report, prepared weekly by experienced angler Eric Burnley, Sr., dives into the current fishing conditions, techniques, and hotspots for November
2024.
This month offers an exciting assortment of catches, from the elusive striped bass to plentiful white perch, catering to both seasoned fish enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Join us as we explore the top fishing locations in Delaware, the best baits to use, and valuable tips to help you reel in a prize catch.
Key Takeaways
- Indian River Inlet is producing some unexpected slot striper catches using live eels at dawn.
- Tidal creeks and rivers are ideal for catching white perch and catfish, with bloodworms and cut bait being the most effective.
- Lewes Harbour Marina is a hotspot for boat anglers landing tautog and impressive bluefin tuna, including a notable 310-pound catch.
Fishing Hotspots in Delaware
Delaware is a hidden gem for fishing enthusiasts, offering a diverse array of fishing hotspots that cater to both novice and seasoned anglers alike.
According to the latest Delaware Fishing Report, expertly compiled by Eric Burnley, Sr., exciting fishing opportunities are abound as of November 21,
2024.
At the Indian River Inlet, anglers have been catching slot stripers, particularly at dawn using live eels—a rare but thrilling experience.
For those venturing into tidal creeks and rivers, the white perch and catfish are proving to be bountiful, with bloodworms working wonders for perch and cut bait or stink baits drawing in catfish along the fishing piers from Augustine Beach to Woodland Beach.
Delaware Bay has not disappointed either, with anglers successfully landing slot stripers by casting bucktails and plugs near lighthouses and shoal rips.
Although Broadkill Beach's fishing scene has been somewhat slow, savvy anglers can still find white perch in the Broadkill River using bloodworms or shrimp, though striper catches remain scarce.
Additionally, Lewes Harbour Marina is becoming a hotspot for charter and private boaters, as the waters are yielding impressive catches of tautog and bluefin tuna, including a remarkable 80-pound bluefin.
Recently, Rick’s Bait and Tackle in Long Neck shared a thrilling story of a local angler who battled for two hours to land a staggering 310-pound bluefin tuna.
With this variety of fishing locations and species in Delaware, there's something to catch for everyone, ensuring an exciting day on the water.
Techniques and Baits for November 2024
As we delve deeper into November fishing techniques, it's essential to consider the varying conditions and preferences of fish species in Delaware waters.
Experienced anglers recommend using lighter tackle for white perch to enhance the fight and prevent spooking the fish, especially in the tidal creeks where they tend to be more wary.
For stripers, targeting the early hours of dawn is a proven tactic, and anglers are encouraged to experiment with different retrieval speeds when using artificial lures like bucktails and plugs to mimic the erratic movements of baitfish.
Utilizing a fish finder can also significantly increase catch rates in Delaware Bay, as it allows anglers to identify underwater structures where fish often congregate.
Moreover, taking advantage of the tidal movements by timing your fishing trips accordingly can make a notable difference in your success on the water.
Whether you’re casting from a boat or surfcasting from shore, staying adaptable and aware of the environmental changes will lead to a more rewarding fishing experience.
