***

Dick Papp reports that Monday, June 25th, 1:30 AM at high tide, he fished the Indian River Inlet on the north side rocks directly behind the east wall restroom. On his 3rd cast - down river, parallel and very close to the rocks - he hooked into a big school of stripers up to 23 inches in length, using a 2/0 black weighted Deceiver.

***

Phil Lee reports that Thursday, June 28th, 3:15 PM, near high tide on the Cape Henlopen Beach flats, he battled not only the bright sunshine and blazing heat, but a 15" flounder as well. There were also numerous strikes while using a 2/0 white Deceiver at the end of a slow sinking fly line. He had tied the Deceiver just 2 hours earlier, thinking that he "might get lucky" with it. Indeed...

July, 2001
Rick Ranalli reports that Wednesday, July 4th, 6:00 PM, near high tide, he fished Cape Henlopen Beach flats (to the right of the fishing pier). On his 5th cast, using a newly tied snake fly in white, he saw a striper follow the fly, but no strikes. Then switching to a brown snake fly, on his first cast he hooked a 15 inch striper. No other fish were taken.

***

Pascal Girard reports that in the Delaware Bay, he caught a 40" striper on a red & white Clouser. Date, time and tide were not given.

***

Bill O'Connor reports that Wednesday through Friday, July 4th through 6th, he fished Corson's Inlet (NJ) each of the three mornings from 4:45 AM until sunup - tide was early incoming each day; by Friday it was actually slack at first. On Thursday he had one fish, fairly sure it was a small striper but it 'long distance released' itself about 15 ft. away. He also met another fly fisherman named Joe Cairone, who was the winner in the Bluefish category at the Wildwood Tournament last October. He informed Bill about a couple of other spots to wade fish in the area, one to the left before going over the Longport Bridge in north Ocean City. The other is the ocean beach in Strathmere below Corson's Inlet. Lots of old pilings in the water - definitely fishy looking.

***

Don Avondolio reports that Thursday, July 12th, with outgoing tide and light winds, he accompanied Fred Jensen on his skiff around dusk at Roosevelt Inlet and Broadkill Beach (bay side). They landed one sea bass on a Skeeter fly at the end of a 350 grain line, and later caught, landed and released two Sea Trout on Ultrahair Spearing flies presented on intermediate line.

***

Rick Ranalli reports that Wednesday, July 18th, 8pm to 11pm, he fished the end of the floating dock toward the drawbridge in Lewes. Flies used were floating snakes and crease flies, but produced no fish. Bait fishermen were also present but had no luck as well. Rick also reports that it was a beautiful evening - at least something was good...

***

Rick Ranalli reports that Tuesday, July 24th, 7pm to 9pm, low tide just turning, about nine SFAoD members armed with fly rods met at Lewes Beach, fishing next to the Ferry jetty. Winds were moderate to heavy. Two people with a net seined the water and displayed the bait they had caught, which included silversides and calico crabs. There were a few flounder (no keepers) and one croaker landed, while one fly rodder chose to exhibit his "crabbing skills" and caught several sponge crabs on a fly. We won't mention any names, Rick...

***

Phil Lee reports that Wednesday, July 25th, 5:15pm to 6:30-ish pm, low tide, he fished the Lewes Beach jetty next to the ferry, raising three nice sized flounder on a white deceiver (again), one of which might have been a keeper had it not slipped from his feeble hands. He also reports several hits, but no crabs... (sorry Rick)

***

Phil Lee reports that Wednesday, August 1, 6:00pm to 9:00pm, incoming tide, several SFAoD members met at the Lewes Beach jetty, raising several flounder, a small weakfish, croaker and yes Rick, some sponge crabs... ;-). Two bait fishermen were fishing the other side of the jetty (toward the ferry) and were ~nailing~ some good sized croaker.

August, 2001
Rick Ranalli reports that Thursday, August 2 in the evening hours, two hours before high tide, he fished the ferry side of the Cape Henlopen fishing pier, landing several croakers and flounder on a shrimp pattern and a clouser (#6 hooks). Larger flies produced nothing, not even crabs...

***

Gary Stewart reports that Monday, August 27 in the evening hours, outgoing tide, he and fellow member DJ drifted the backside of Burtons Island, noting that several baitfish were being chased by something. They fished between the islands, across from the boat ramp at Masseys Ditch, when Gary hooked something big, but lost the battle when the mystery fish tossed the fly. Gary also reports that on previous expeditions to Masseys Ditch, he has hooked a dozen or so small bluefish on a small #8 Clouser pattern.

***

Phil Lee reports that Thursday, August 30, from 2:00 pm until 3:30 pm on the incoming tide, he fished the Cape Henlopen flats on the ferry side of the pier, with no fish taken. Discouraged, he then fished the Lewes Beach ferry jetty for another hour or so, again with no fish taken. Bummer. Where did they all go?

September, 2001
Scott Newlin and Don Avondolio report that Friday, September 21 at 5 PM, incoming tide from almost a dead low, large Flounder were produced at Henlopen Flats, wading out near East cove. Don caught a 17" Flounder on a Silverside (Ultrahair) fly that was demonstrated at one meet. A few hours later Scott caught an 18.25" Flounder caught on a large chartreuse/wht Clouser. They both were using intermediate lines. Several other surface feeding spots were noticed at intervals. Baitfish present were silversides and 6" mullet all over.

Note: Due to water temperatures dropping, it is suggested to wear heavy pants under breathable waders. This location should be improving with bass in a few weeks as waters get colder. Last year, this cove produced bass near Thanksgiving.

***

Bill O'Connor reports that Saturday, September 22 at 7AM, he and John Sotak fished the Susquehana flats, launching from Tydings Park Marina in Havre de Grace. Heading south out of the marina toward the flats, John caught a 14 incher on his first cast. There were small fish everywhere they went in the general vicinity and when they headed out to the flats due east, they came upon a school of feeding fish and caught a bunch of them as well. The largest fish caught all day was probably 15" (on down to 7"), using light rods (5 wt. & 7 wt.). They were fishing for them like you would fish for dolphin - keep a hooked fish near the boat and you throw a fly at his pals who have followed him up and - bingo!

They then headed south and cut across the middle of the flats to fish the grass beds, but produced no fish. They then headed back to the western side channel where they had seen some deep fish, but again, no fish. They headed back north to see if the others were still willing, but by that time there was lots of boat traffic and it appeared things were done so they headed in and hit McGregor's for a beer. A good day - there'll be more - fish and beers...

***

Phil Lee reports that Saturday, September 22 around 7:00 PM, tide almost at dead low but still going out, he fished the Cape Henlopen flats on the ferry side of the pier. Starting out with a silversides minnow produced nothing, but after switching to a 1/0 black deceiver, he immediately started getting hits, landing a nice 16" flounder. No more fish after that. Afterwards, a trip to IRI (north side behind the restrooms) produced nothing.

***

Phil Lee reports that Sunday, September 23 around 6:00 PM, tide going out, he fished the cove at the bird nesting area in Cape Henlopen State Park. Using a white deceiver produced no fish, so he switched to a black deceiver and pounded the water to a froth, but still no fish. He then moved to the Cape Henlopen flats on the ferry side of the pier. Still using a 1/0 black deceiver, he got a few hits, landing a strange, toothy creature resembling an eel crossed with a fish. It had a wide head with a big mouth full of rows of teeth. The tail was thin like an eel, the body was kind of silvery and it squirmed like an eel. Luckily, it released itself before he had to try to remove the hook...

October, 2001
Rick Ranalli reports that on October 2, high tide (time not recorded), he fished the creek at the back of Roosevelt Inlet at first light, catching two bass between 16 and 20 inches, using a black snake fly and a yellow snake fly. He also reports seeing three or four caught the night before at the point, late rising tide, on plugs and live bait.

***

Bill Michelinie & Bill O'Connor report:
From: Bill M's. 20' Shamrock
When: Monday Oct. 1
Where: Chester River, Eastern Neck Narrows area; Chester River Mouth and Eastern Shore Rockpile of the Bay Bridges
Species Caught: Striped Bass and Bluefish
Quantity: All you wanted - the bite lasted from 7 AM until about 5 PM
Size: 8"-10" for the Bluefish, 7"-16" for the Stripers
Strategy: Look for working birds, get updrift and drift into the vicinity; fish were feeding on Bay Anchovies and Silversides
Flies used: Chartreuse & White Clousers, Small Chart. & Wht. Half and Halfs; #2 Olive & White Deceivers; Crab Colored Clousers; Rhody Chovies; Sully Seducers
Rods used: 7 and 9 wt. - 7 when fish were on top and close
Lines used: Floating; Intermediate; 250 Grain; 500 Grain
Weather: 15-25 mph northwesterly wind; widely scattered rain showers; whitecaps

This fishing was not for the meek. Got pounded, bounced, rocked, splashed, windburned and caught a TON of fish. Rain gear rules.

***

Don Avondolio reports: "Just returned from LI fly fishing in a flats charter won 2 years ago. We fished the North end of LI (plum Gut towards Rocky PT) for 1/2 day. Weather was calm in morn then winds of 20 MPH arrived. Got tossed around quiet a bit. Contacted surface schools of 8 Pound albies many times by watching for birds. Unfortunately, schools were only up for 2 minutes. Capt Bob Robl an intense ,knowledgeable guide was sometimes frustrated like ourselves. We changed flies many times when schools appeared temperamental. The fish were feeding on massive schools of small anchovies, -one of the problems. Although this was common, we managed 9 fish caught withone blue. I had 4 and Ken had 5. Lines were intermediate 10 weight on 15 pound tippets. Successive flies were small brown Clousers and an anchovie fly of brn/wht fish fur and epoxy. I will tie this pattern at our meet in the future. These fish are feisty on the fly and offer much excitement to the angler. All fish were released."

***

Rick Ranalli reports:
Thursday, October 11 -
Went to the point at Henelopen yesterday and saw sharks and 1 trout taken. Later at dark and low tide tried Canary creek and could hear fish all over but could not catch with a dozen different flies so went to plugs and had one on. He got away so NO fish. That area has much life and we should explore more at high tide.

***

Carlyle Windley reports:
Thursday, October 25 -
Fished Indian River inlet, 7:30 to 9:00 last night, 10/24. rocks around the marina as well as inside the marina due to wind out of South. Nothing, saw almost no bait and had no strikes. Didn't even try the jetty. Moved to Cape Henlopen for about an hour, low tide was 10.00 or so. Fished next to Army dock. May have had a couple strikes, but hooked nothing. People on the pier were not doing anything either.

***

Bill O'Connor reports:
Monday, October 29 -
Scrapped my planned trip with my friend Dale to the Bay Bridge area due to the forecasted winds and went instead to the Susquehanna Flats. Wind did indeed blow as forecast 15-20 from the North and some gusts may have been even higher. Fortunately though, the water wasn't that choppy but high tide (6:52 AM) looked like 2 hrs. into the outgoing due to the blow. When the tide was low, large areas of the flats were out of the water.

My friend hooked the first fish, a Striper, on a Bass Assassin but the knot parted about 10 ft. from the boat. We did see the fish though and he looked to be about 20" or better. He hooked another later on a Rattle Trap that we brought to the boat.

Later in the morning I had a 14" Striper on a chartreuse and white clouser and afterwards had a solid hit on the same fly and set the hook. The fish skyrocketed from the water about 30 ft. from the boat and I could clearly see that it was not a Striped Bass but a fresh water bass - I assumed Largemouth - and a sizable one to boot. He jumped completely clear of the water three times and once more at boatside he tried again but was too weakened at that point. Dale reached down and lipped him and I was VERY pleasantly surprised when he held up a 4 1/2 lb. Smallmouth! I've heard of them being caught on out there before on rare occasion but I certainly wasn't expecting it. That was the last fish we caught but it made the day.

***

Don Avondolio reports:
Tuesday, October 30 -
Morning on jetty IRI 2 keeper bass taken during night (spotted )--- But at rail near Coast Guard Sta many bass close in on bucktails + worm tails. This occurred 2 days and should occur hopefully tomorrow at end of flood best. Boats in middle of IRIS seemed to be skunked during daylight period. Lee Bragdon had several keepers on Monday morn.

November, 2001
Rick Ranalli reports:
Thursday, November 1 -
Beautiful nite to fish the IRI. Full moon and clear nite made for a good morning. I arrived about 1 AM and had the whole inlet to my self until about 3 AM. There was room to use the flyrod at the CG and had one fisn on a silverside which broke me off when i tried to get over the rail to land the fish. Fish were along the bulkhead under the lights ( the one light is turned in and the bulb was out) and at the corner to the west at the sandy beach. People started to arrive about 5 to fish the incomming tide at the rocks east of the CG. Don and Lee B were also there slinging lead and had a good day fishing. I can not talk for the other 2 but I had one small bass before the lines were always tangled. I think Don had some blues and am not sure what Lee did. Not a productive night but a beautiful nite and morning. Left about 9 AM.

***

Don Avondolio reports:
Tuesday, November 13 -
At the IRIS (5 AM to 8 AM ) fish were showing under birds outside of IRI. Blind casting with fly rod, (as surface fish were not evident), Fred Jensen caught 4 bass on chartreuse/white lge Deceiver and 550 grain sink line. Don Avondolio using Blue water fast sink caught 1 bass on large Clouser Chartreuse/wht. All fish ran from 6 to 7 pounds. Previously at location (few days ago) Fred caught a 32" bass on same fly. Small blues were also evident inside near Southside condos. Look for rips

***

Rick Ranalli reports:
Wednesday, November 14 -
Went to the IRI at 3:30 this morning and there were fish at the light on the coast guard wall. The only problem is they are too far to cast to with the fly rod so out came the lead. Fish are short of the 24 inch limit but plentyful. At first light I moved aroung to the rail and had 1 0ver 30 and 1 slot fish early. I did not see anyone on the jetty or in the boats do as well as from the shore but the rips hold the fish. If you did not get to the rip you did not catch fish. The north pocket was also dead. The fish did move in to the inlet at first light and not before. I have fished this area all week and can not find the clue. Don is also stumped about the fish. I hope this helps for you guys with boats to get these fish.

***

Rick Ranalli reports:
Thursday, November 15 -
Went down early to IRI and could not get the fish under the light to take anything. Others tried and also nothing. Waited till first light for the blitz and it never came. The fish never showed up on the incomming and I left before it changed to outgoing. I may try tonite on the late incomming or just go somewhere else with the fly rod.

***

Don Avondolio reports:
Friday, November 16 -
Evening hours at Henlopen flats, Scott Newlin SALTWATER FLY ANGLER OF DE,caught and released 5 bass (17") on lge YEL/WHT Clouser + intermediate line. Fish were there at turn of light (income tide) and were actively feeding on spearing into dark. Bait is along shoreline from Hoss pier to Cape Shore pier. Weather conditions were perfect for casting and sight fishing-avg temp + no winds . With some luck we should see more as waters cool.

***

Scott Newlin reports:
Tuesday, November 27 -
Went back to Cape Shore pier last night right after sunset to try again for the fish under the lights. It was slack tide and they were swirling and rising till the tide really started moving out. Caught 5 stipers (14 - 21") and missed 6. Started out with a small white/red popper and fished too long with it with no takers. Finally switched to a #2 Black crystal over smoke ultra epoxy minnow about 3-4" long and had a hit on the first cast. Continued cathching and missing strikes for about 40 min till action stopped. Fished from 6 to about 730.

***

Rick Ranalli reports:
Friday, November 30 -
Fished early this morning before the sun came up at the pier in Henelopen. Had 2 short fish feeding on bait between the 2 piers. Used a rootbeer and black fly with an intermediate line and they were within feet of the shore (had waders on but could have done without). The bait left and no more stripers. The sun was comming up (about 6) and I went to the IRI to see if any fish were there. When I got there only 2 others fishing at the CG so there was room to use the flyrod. The tide was coming in and the birds were working on some shad so I tried to catch the shad. Had a few shad about 20 feet from the bend in the railing and saw a few short bass caught closer to the CG on bucktails. Had a good morning and may try the beach later before the rain.

***

Bill O'Connor reports:
Saturday, December 1 -
Phil Lee and I launched the boat at Elk Neck State Park at about 7:30 AM and headed around to the west side of Turkey Point for a day of largemouth bass fishing (since the striped bass season closed on Nov. 30) and saw a fair number of fish on the fish finder in the channel in anywhere from 13 - 19 ft. of water or so but they were suspended in the water column at about 4 - 5 ft. I caught one 16" striped bass by accident on my first cast with an olive head, chartreuse marabou collar and black ostrich herl tail 'experimental' snake fly. Knowing that the season was closed I profusely apologized to the young buck and as I slipped him back into the water I told him to spread the word to his kin not to eat for the rest of the day. Apparently he did just that because that was the only fish that wanted that or any other fly that we tried - and we tried plenty at all different depths. Water temperature was in the mid fifties and we marked fish in a lot of places - most of them I'm guessing were probably perch but there were some larger fish in there with them. We saw a few breaking fish in the shallower water in the middle of the flats but still couldn't buy a strike. However it was a beautiful day for fishing - just the kind of day the stripers hate. If this weather holds I'll probably try again this weekend.

***

Don Avondolio reports:
Wednesday, December 5 -
Scott Newlin and I hit Henlopen Point 2 to 6PM Today. Weather was warm, lite winds, and turbulant rips were forming on outgo tides. Amazing,-we met 4 other flyrodders wading waters around the point. These were experienced anglers from Annapolis. Several bass and Herring were taken & released. Scott had 3 bass and 1 shad. I managed 1 nice bass feeding in deeper waters beyond the rip line. In conclusion the other anglers mentioned that Thanksgiving weekend bass were quite evident at this spot.

Dominick Bet reports:
Thursday, March 21, 2002 -
Striped Bass catch and release fishing on the Susquehanna Flats. The season runs from March 15th through April 19th. We were fishing south of Perry Point and north to the Rte 40 Railroad Bridge. Sinking lines with weighted Lefty's deceivers in about 8-12 feet of water seemed to be the best. A slow jigging type of retrieve seemed to be best. Use a depth finder and you will see fish suspended about 3-5 feet from the bottom. Fish were swirling in the area and most boats were catching fish on fly rods.

We caught some really nice fish from 20-35 inches and released all 7-8 of the fish unharmed. It was a great day and we really had a lot of fun. We only fished a couple of hours in the morning, but we had great weather and there were only about 20 boats in the area. We fished in 8-12 feet of water mostly and it was 47 degrees; it looks like things will only get better.

April, 2002

Bill O'Connor reports:
Thursday, April 4, 2002 -
Arrived at my usual starting spot which was occupied by FIVE great blue herons, with two ospreys in a tree above - always a good sign if you're wondering whether the shad are really in yet. In the water, within sight, were at least 20 dead shad - not good, but a sure-fire indication that the time is here. Didn't see any live ones at first but it wasn't long.

Tried chartreuse estaz fly, nada; tried pink estaz fly, nada; tried small pink and yellow clouser, nada. A bump or two along the way but no hookups. Then, as it was starting to get too dark for sunglasses (and damn cold), I tried a white marabou streamer with silver wrapped shank and some flash, can't remember the flash color. Immediately I had a solid hookup - in the tail of an 18" shad. An 18" shad doesn't fight worth a damn when hooked in the tail but between its weight and the current he proved a worthy adversary (translation: I'm glad my tippet didn't break).

Shortly thereafter I caught one the right way; unfortunately his massive 10" length proved no match for my 5 wt. Then a few minutes later, one about the size of the tail-hooked one hit and we were off to the races. A short race, unfortunately, 'cause he threw the hook about 15 seconds into the first lap. To use my favorite fishing cliche - he was a REALLY NICE FISH!!!!

Rick Ranalli reports:
Friday, April 5, 2002 -
No Fish!!!!!

Now that that is over I will give the particulars. Went to Broadkill at about 9:00 this morning and the wind had the water dirty. The bay had whitecaps and also some surf so it did not take long for a smart guy like me to figure out that this was not going to work. About 1 hour later I left.

Went down to IRI about 11 and the wind was still blowing good. The tide had just turned and started to come in. Fished with 2 other who also had NO FISH. There was a guy in a small boat with an outboard fishing the bulkhead with a flyrod and he was also skunked as far as I could see. There were some small fish chasing bait and jumping but could not get any to bite. I left when I could not feel my finger, hard to cast at that point. Not the best day but at least It is a report.

Rick Bender reports:
Saturday, April 27, 2002 -
Took Eric R. to the flats Saturday, on the water @ 5am , 6:15 had 7 in boat. 15-20 lbs.

Things were slow but the big poppers (floating) were on for 25 lb. fish Til 10:00, water temps 59-62 (superscript: o) F. Spent the rest of the morning taking smaller 8-10 lb fish. Constantly getting yahood by opening at the lower end of the alimentary canal, They would cut across our drift or pilot their boats directly at us or simply pull within 40 yds. and begin to fish. Most of the creatins would get away amnd find their own fish they'd just pull close watch you catch a bunch. we'd move away, start catching fish again and they'd motor overand cast and watch again.

I must look like a bouy to the weekend idiots.

Anyway per Dennis C. there was some action at the bottom of the flats mid day a fleet of 100 + boats stayed away from that. There were more nice 25 lb. fish taken. Things were slow most of the afternoon 12-3pm. Winds changing , dying resuming and temperature fluctuations. The fish had just left it's done for the year was one report.

Went to a mark I had from 2 weeks ago @ 4pm. We initially noticed Small Shad 2-3in. busting the surface. Sound like the grey and white Clouser time Mike? Then the black backed herring about a foot to 14 in long began to leap from the water, guess why? They were persued by 20-30 lb rock were leaping after them. The next 1.5 hrs was the feed before the front. tails and dorsals every where 1 boat a 1/4 mile away. It was like crusing trout rising in still water. You know get the fly to them fast enough you might get their get their attention. Best retreives just under the surface but syncopated.

Soon the boats began to fill in around us. Only 1 yahoo, most captains kept off with their own fish. Result fo the effort approx. 30 fish between us 20 to 30 lbs. The wind picked up ESE and the party was over, left with the wind.

Sam I am

Phil Lee reports:
Saturday, April 27, 2002 -
Bill O'Connor and I fished the Susquehanna Flats from Bill's boat, resulting in a pretty good day.

Bill landed two 20" Stripers and one slightly smaller early in the day, using a yellow Deceiver and another fly I can't remember. Later, I managed to catch a nice 23" Striper, using a chartruese and white Clouser - what a fight!

We were both using sinking head lines when the fish were caught. I believe Bill was using his 9wt rod with a 300 grain sinking head, while I was using my 10wt with a 500 grain sinking head line. We had tried other weight rods and line combos, but with no luck. We were both kicking our respective butts for not bringing a camera...

All in all, it was a good day, but was cut a bit short due to some motor problems. Hopefully, whatever went sour with the motor won't be too serious. We did manage to end our day with a couple of well-deserved cold beers at MacGregors...

May, 2002

Rick Ranalli reports:
Wednesday, May 8, 2002 -
Just my luck, we go home to Pa. to work on the house for a day or two and when I get back and go to the Pier tonight they tell me the fish are there. I fished the incomming from 5 until 7 and had nothing. The bait fisherman had nothing until I left. I left one of the club membor there and he will tell us tomorow what happened. He said the fish were ther yesterday evening but could not hook up. I may try tomorow if it is not raining or windy. The wind was from right to left and made casting difficult but not imposiable. Tried clouser and jiggy and silversides(surf candies) but no luck.

Rick Ranalli reports:
Friday, May 10, 2002 -
When I arrived home last nite my wife was in a panic, she had the blue screen of death on the computer. I am sorry I did not make it up to the pier last nite. I had to hold her hand and show her how to reboot the tube and start over. I di get to use those crabs this morning at Broadkill and also used the flyrod early before the crowd arrived. I made the beach about 5 am and had the first trout about 5:05. I then used the flyrod for about 1/2 hour until people started to move in on me. Had one trout about 20 with a yellow and white clouser. The fish were in tight to the beach. I had 4 trout and missed a few with circle hooks. I also had a 3 foot shark all within 100 feet. Getting one with the fly made it all worth it. I was home by 7:30 and had breakfast with my wife.

Rick Ranalli reports:
Thursday, May 16, 2002 -
I arrived in Lewes this morning to a nice surprise, my neighbor cut my grass for me yesterday. It left me with a few chores to do and then I went up to the pier in Henlopen to see if Val Fox was catching any fish. The wind was howling and I did see a few flounder caught on the pier. I would have needed a rocket launcher to get the fly out. I went home for more chores and decided to go to IRI about 6. The wind was still howling, I could not resist trying a jig and had trout along the rocks. They were not too far from the rocks, aroll cast would have worked. A guy above me had 2 very big trout (8 or 9 LBs). Blues were hitting also close to the rocks. The tide was falling and close to changing. Must give ti a try when the wind stops. Give a line if anyone interested on trying soon.

Rick Ranalli reports:
Wednesday, May 22, 2002 -
We made a trip to the beach in Lewes for some trout and flounder. It was Don and a friend of mine, Bill who fished with a jig. The three of us started towards the ferry jetty. There were a few people fishing with bait. The first to strike was me, a crab. The usual for me at that place. Don had a flounder and a few trout, Bill had a flounder and a few trout, and I had my usual- a crab. Phil you would have been proud.The nite was great and it was a perfect nite to fly fish. The sunset was great and there were fish, and crabs.Will try another nite.

Rick Ranalli reports:
Friday, May 24, 2002 -
Made my early visit to IRI this morning. The moon was almost full and the wind was blowing. When I arrived the tide was still going out a bit. It should have started to come in but the wind was still pushing it out. I started with a spinning rod and a jig but had nothing and did not see or hear anything. About 4:30 I noticed a few swirls on the water so I tried a popper on the spinning rod and did nothing. I finally went to the flyrod thinking it would be a joke with the wind. I could not get the distance as usual but was far enough to catch fish. I was using a 9wt. with an intermediate line. The fly I used was a size 4 pink clouser. It was small and I did miss a few shad but connected with quite a few blues and shad. People started to arrive about 5 or 5:30 and I knew it was about time to put the flyrod away when a blue made my decision easy, it bit me off . I then fished with a small white jig and yellow twister and had fish until 6:45 and then it stopped. The flurry of shad and blues looked like Bob P. video but not as big as their blues. I helped to net 2 stripers that were also on jigs down at the rip. Hope to try again tomorow or tonite. With the holiday weekend either early or late with the flyrod will do or find a place with no one to bother. Wish everyone well and try the inlet if you can.

Bill O'Connor reports:
Saturday, May 25, 2002 -
Began fishing at 6:30 PM. High tide was 8:45 PM. After only a few casts I hooked what I believe was a flounder but my tippet parted just below the blood knot for some reason, guess it was nicked. Anyway, a few casts later, I hooked and landed a 14" flounder and not long afterwards an 18"-er. A bit later I hooked another fish and he bit my pink and white clouser off clean. Bluefish. Shortly thereafter, I hooked another fish of somewhat decent size. He was all over the place and every which way he headed another wake followed along. Shortly afterwards, the fish broke off. The line was bitten clean. I believe the fish following him was a bluefish, as was the one I had on I'm fairly certain, and I think he tried to take the clouser out of the other fish's mouth and nicked the tippet.

At that point I switched to a black clouser and soon afterwards had the rod nearly yanked out of my hand by what turned out to be a fat, feisty 18" weakfish and before long, another of the same length but nowhere near as feisty or fat. Afterwards, I saw Rick Bender, Eric Robertson and Ken and Dianne Tidy and they had caught fish also, west of the pier.

All in all the best night I've had so far at the H. Flats.

Rick Ranalli reports:
Tuesday, May 28, 2002 -
Have been fishing the beach in Lewes and have had some luck there. Don and I have gone, and I have gone myself, and we have had trout and flounder and a few small bluefish. The flies are an assortment of clousers and streamers. Most of the flies are sparse and small. The west side of the Pier is also giving fish. Mostly at high tide at dark. Have also fished high tide in the morning and have had a few there. Fished the falling tide today at the flats and had nothing. I had a friend, Bill, who was using minnows and he had nothing either. I know that we are not the only ones from the club fishing and would like some reports to help us. Bill O'Connor and a few others have been reporting and I think others are fishing. Good luck with your fishing, and will await the reports.

Irv Eberhart reports:
Tuesday, May 28, 2002 -
I caught my first salt water fish on a fly! A 22 inch trout off the beach just north of the state pier in Cape Henlopen. It was near dusk on an incomming tide. I was casting a gray/white clouser. My thanks to club members in getting me interested in this activity. Happy Fishing !!!

The WEBMASTER reports:
Due to technical difficulties, fishing reports from the beginning of June, 2002 to the end of March, 2003 are missing. Please accept my sincerest apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused.

Rick Ranalli reports:
Thursday, April 3, 2003 -
Was up early (4 am) and decided to try Roosevelt Inlet at the change and incoming tide. I started to get ready and left the house about 5:15. I had a warm cup of coffee and a light jacket. At the house it did not seem too windy or cold. When I turned the corner onto the Kings highway the fog was bad. Thru town the fog became worse. When I drove into the parking lot I knew that is was windy because of the white caps on the inlet. Flyfishing was out so I used the spinner with some jigs. As I walked out on the bags there, my glasses fogged up and had to remove them. After a few casts I had a hit and that warmed me up a bit. A few more and fish on. After getting it over the old jetty without cutting him off, I landed a 24 or 25 incher. It was measured with the rod and was close so it went back. Now I was warm. A few more casts and another fish, also about 24 or 25 inches long. More casts and the wind seemed to pick up, I became cold so I went back to the car for coffee, it was also a bit cold so home I went. I was home about 6 am to make breakfast. The bay was angry with the wind but the fish are there. Good Luck

Rick Ranalli reports:
Monday, April 14, 2003 -
Fished at 21 this morning and the only thing I could smell was the skunk. I fished from about 4:30 until about 6:30 and had not a bump. Fished with sinking lines for the first hour and then tried some Jigs with BAIT and nothing. As I was getting ready to leave there were a few throwing eels and did not see anything either. Water cloudy and still in the mid 40 degrees. The tide was incoming and the morning was beautiful. Must go now to shower and get rid of the skunk.

"TP" reports:
Tuesday, April 15, 2003 -
Been down on the flats for the last several days-been slow in the day and just as slow in the evening. The morning gig seems to be the call. Every one I've spoken to has nailed'em in the 6-9 Am timeframe. You definitely need the chartreuse and white whatevers, they all seem to be working, when the fish are on. Size doesn't seem to matter-3" to 10" seem to be catching fish when it's on. Will be down for the remainder of the flats season-may have some openings if anyone wants a ride. Bring your sinking lines as well your intermediates, and plenty o' chartreuse and white. Tight Lines!

Myron reports:
Tuesday, April 15, 2003 -
Went on the Susky flats yesterday (4:30pm - 7:00pm) and tried fly fishing but forgot to take any chartreuse clousers and thus couldn't buy a hit. Switched to spinning with chartreuse Fin-S lures and 4" Storms and caught 11 fish to 24 lb in 3 hours. Great trip as the water was 54F and moderate clarity, beautiful sunny afternoon with most strikes between 5:30 and 7:00 when I had to leave. Fishing in 4' of water fairly near Carpenter Point - chartreuse half-and-half would be okay, but large clousers should do the job - next time. I will be out saturday with my daughter and should have a chance to try again, but I like the afternoon trips better.

Rick Ranalli reports:
Wednesday, April 16, 2003 -
The night started with a bit of wind. There were 3 of us, Jerry Groll, Dave Shuey and I. We started about 6:30. Bill Smith came down to talk and give support and we will get him flyfishing shortly. The wind almost went calm and just before we left it picked up again. There was bait in the water but no runs, no hits, and no errors. Had to go home and shower again. Hope the skunk left. Did you get it off Dave. Good luck if anyone goes tonite. I may try if not busy. The water temp is high 40 almost 50. The fish should turn on shortly and hope not to miss it. Much more traffic and fisherman on the pier.

Bill O'Connor reports:
Saturday, April 19, 2003 -
Launched at Havre de Grace at about 6 AM and headed south around the bottom of the flats up to the small fleet that was forming west of Rocky Point. Phil had one on early on but it got off. Did nothing else until about 11 AM after moving short distances many times and trying several different depths. Eventually we made our way to a fleet that had formed north of the red marker near the southern end of the HdG channel, east and a little south of the Fishing Battery island in about 10' of water. The bite turned on for a while and that's when I caught 2 of my fish. We eventually moved to the east/west finger northeast of the Fishing Battery island and I picked up 1 more there. We headed in at about 3 O'Clock. Chartreuse and white clousers 3"-4" long on a 2/0 hook were the ticket. Also, somewhere in the mix, Phil had a nice hit (which led to a miss) on a red and white seaducer.

Rick Ranalli reports:
Monday, April 21, 2003 -
I went down to 21 this afternoon at high tide. The fog was everywhere and the tide had about 1 to 1 1/2 hours to high when I arrived. There were a few people who I know fishing along the rail so off to see if I can get some info. They all said the fish were not biting. They said early this morning there was 1 caught. The boats working did not have any luck either. I did not see any thing working and the water looked bad on the jetty. I made a few casts and nothing, so out came the jig rod to throw 3 oz. bucktails and still no fish. Fished about 1 hour and nothing so home I came to work in the yard. Will try tomorrow somewhere.

Rick Ranalli reports:
Saturday, April 26, 2003 -
I worked at the house yesterday in the early morning and went to #7 to see if any fish were being had. It was at low tide and I did not want to put on the waders, so I took the spinning rod on the pier. I fished for about 1 1/2 hours with a few folks using minnows and we had nothing. The guys who fish there every day said they had a few flounder the day before on the low tide. I then went back to work. About 6 PM I went back with the fly rod to fish the high tide. No wind at the house so off I go. In the parking lot I ran into one of Scott N. co-workers and he had nothing. When I made the beach the wind seemed to be right in my face. I had a 10 wt. with a clouser tied on a #2 hook. First cast took about 10 backcasts and was blowned back to about 20 feet from the shore. second was a bit better but the wind was straight in my face. Tried a few more and then decided to go home for supper. I had to wash off the skunk first and will try again today. I did see Hoss' truck by the wicker place before the bridge on Kings Highway. Rumor may be right.

Phil Lee reports:
Monday, April 28, 2003 -
Due to my map being in the Jeep and I'm in my office, the spots referred to in this report will be identified by their actual names. What a concept.

Armed with my 7wt and a variety of clousers, deceivers and black eel flies, I fished Cape Henlopen flats last evening, from around 5:30 until dusk. The tide was high when I arrived and started moving out by the time I left. I beat the water to a froth in the area between the first house and the Cape Shores Pier, but no fish. I saw a few break the surface, but could not entice any of them.

I then hit Roosevelt Inlet at the second bag. By then, the tide was moving out quite nicely. I figured the black eel fly would be the ticket, but I figured wrong - no takers - I couldn't even buy a hit! So, I headed north for some much needed sleep.

I know there's fish out there somewhere...

Rick Ranalli reports:
Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - I cut the grass today and was getting ready to make a trip back to Pa tomorow. I started to get the sweats so I went up to #4 . I fished with a 225 grain shooting head and yellow and white jiggy. The running line was a pain the tip of my rod became loose when a knot of running line became caught in it. With all that the tide was just starting to come in and the wind was great. I fished the area around the corner and had one hit. A young guy came down and he had frozen minnows to fisn on the bottom so I put the fly down and tried a jig for a while. I fished about 2 hours. The guy with the frozen minnows had 2 fish before I could pack up my things to go home. I think I am going to get some bait so I do not have to shower the SKUNK off so often. The fish are there you just have to keep trying and maybe you will have more luck then me. I may try tomorow sometime but not sure.

A freshly washed fisherman...

Rick Ranalli reports:
Wednesday, April 30, 2003 - Fished from 3pm until 5pm in the same spot as yesterday and still have the SKUNK. Same as yesterday no fish. I did not go to the dark side and resort to BAIT yet. I used a sinking line and a few flies until the wind became so bad the shooting head had a problem getting out. Switched to BT and worms and had nothing. I am starting to dry out from the showers to get rid of the skunk.