With spring-like temps, fish are moving up north

“When spring came, even the false spring, there were no problems except where to be happiest. The only thing that could spoil a day was people and if you could keep from making engagements, each day had no limits. People were always the limiters of happiness, except for the very few that were as good as spring itself.”  

Ernest Hemingway. "A Moveable Feast"

Like a siren singing sweetly from the rocks, the whispering zephyr of spring teased around the corners of Sussex County. Daffodils burst forth from roadsides, blazing blankets of yellow, while camellias, planted decades before, hung heavy heads of red like Christmas balls against the green leaves.

There were fish, too, during the past week. Word of mackerel swam its way up the fishing pipeline from down south. Locally, commercial fishermen found stripers and bunkers in the Delaware Bay, and even some mackerel. 

Both white and yellow perch have been caught from local waterways during the warmer days, though I've found that when the "run" is really on, the cold weather doesn't dissuade the fish from biting. 

Minnows, grass shrimp or bloodworms all are effective in the early season, but many sharpies prefer the bloodworms in cold water, as they believe that they release more scent in the water.

Crappies, too, have been providing action for anglers that work the edges of darkness. The Broad River and, closer to home, the Broadkill River both offer pretty good crappie fishing. 

Right as darkness falls is always a good time to cash in on the crappies, and it's really surprising how much of a difference the low light makes. Water that moments ago seemed barren becomes flooded with fish. Often the bite lasts for 45 minutes or so and then shuts off. Timing this period with a flood tide often works the best. 

Minnows, grass shrimp or small jigs tipped with Power Bait work well for the crappies day or night.

Pond fishing for trout in downstate ponds kicks off the first Saturday in March which, true to form, promises to be the coldest day of the week! 

Tidbury Pond and Newton Pond offer stocked rainbow trout which affords Delaware anglers a different angling experience. Throwing spinners works well, as does using salmon eggs, worms, corn or Power Bait. 

Anglers should check with the Division of Fish & Wildlife for trout stamp requirements. Dress warm!

Comments, questions or reports to captjackrodgers@comcast.net