2020 Recap and Closeout: Nothing turned out like I planned

When I flipped the calendar over to January 2020 11 months ago, I could not have forecasted much of anything for the new year.  Certainly Covid-19 changed a lot, and when it first started to grip our country in March I knew it was going to burn at least for the remainder of the year.  Everything else outdoors-wise turned out to be collectively different than I expected. And that's how I am going to approach this recap.  Let me start with,...

FISHING RECAP:  

ROCKFISH:  2020 greeted us with tightened rockfish regulations, with a new creel limit of ONE stinking fish per day.  Well, all I can say is that I caught more rockfish this year than in other year in recent memory.  And by and large they were healthy fish, not the skinny sore-laiden fish I had caught the year before.

CATFISH:  The year actually started for me in April with blue catfish, and I was able to load up on them in the Wicomico River.  They were not prolific in Tangier Sound as they had been the before, but then again we didn't have all that heavy spring rain in the region as in 2019.

SPECKLED TROUT:  This species was the show-stopper for 2020.  I caught more speckled trout in 2020 than in the prior 5 years combined.  Some outings were indeed dominated by speckled trout, hitting the 4 fish limit many times.

DRUM (RED and BLACK):  I caught one legal (and tasty) 25 lb legal black drum in May, my first in the Chesapeake.  My buddies caught many more, and also larger specimens.  Starting in August I caught many puppy red drum, but such a shame they didn't make the 18" minimum slot size.  Still, more drum than ever before, and completely unexpected.

OCTOBER and NOVEMBER FISHING:  I didn't get out nearly as many times as I had hoped (and expected), and even when I did, the unexpected happened.  One trip with JB in early November, the fog was so thick we could not see 100 yards.  And the fog persisted that day until our conclusion at 2pm.  Another outing with Brooks resulted in arms tired from casting, but only 4 caught fish.  There were 2 other decent trips in this time, with Spring Island unexpectedly being one of my most productive spots.  I never did get in on any of the late season jigging action, as time and weather conspired to eliminate most opportunities.  CRABBING:  I got out one time in the impoundment, on Nov 7th.  Like clockwork- I expected to fill at least a bushel basket with big heavy crabs.  And as my unexpected fate would have it, I ended up dumping the 4 keeper crabs at the end of 3 1/2 hours.  Note to self:  the water level was low, and the silting-in of the impoundment toward the dike is progressing at a rapid pace. 

HUNTING:  Squirrel camp outcome was totally unexpected.  Apparently, a late spring heavy freeze had so damaged the buds on the hickory and oak trees that hey largely failed to produce nuts, thereby sending the squirrels to other areas in search of food.  Totally unexpected.  DEER HUNTING in WV:  Totally new and unfamiliar land, as Pat had moved an hour SW of his previous location.  Seeing only 2 deer in my new location in the 2 days I had available to hunt, it was unexpected (to me) when my shots on each failed to connect with their target.  I typically don't miss at 100 yard stationary targets.  No excuses, bottom line is I left WV empty handed, although I hope to exact some revenge on these deer next year.  DEER HUNTING in MD:  The week started unexpectedly with apocalyptic  rain and wind.  Before the weather set in, I had opportunity to join Mark on Sunday at his new lease outside of Pocomoke City, but in that one evening we saw no deer.   Monday blew in with 3 inches of rain and gale winds, so I did not get out until the evening.  Little did I know that the line of showers that passed through that evening would drop another 3 inches of rain right on my head- I have never ever sat in such an intense focused period of rain.  And yes, it was unexpected.  Tue and Wednesday both blew 20-30 mph, and hunting on the public resulted in zero deer seen.  Not to mention that unexpectedly, the state of MD has stopped planting corn or soybeans in the fields on these properties.  The deer have stopped showing up, and for the most part so have the hunters.  Thursday evening presented another (unexpected) opportunity to join Mark on some private land on Deal Island, where he had killed 2 the night before.  And just at 5:10pm, 2 deer showed up to feed on the corn Mark had set out for them.  Neither deer were big (one button-buck, the other a smaller doe), but my week was ending the next day so I quickly harvested them both.  Unexpected (as if on cue), each required a 2nd round to put them down on the ground.  I'm glad to have been provided this opportunity, but honestly- I'd like to write a different script for next year.  

Final thing to share- we got yet ANOTHER 3 inches of rain at Deal Island Friday night.  The already saturated ground could not absorb the water whatsoever- the picture below is of my camp, under about 10 inches of water in many places.

Looking forward to a great 2021, with more adventures and as always-hoping for more opportunities to fish, crab, and hunt.  Until 2021, this is #dealislandrandy

Late September and good fishing

Late September can bring really unpredictable weather.  Anywhere from cold to stinking hot, dry to humid, and raining when it's supposed to be sunny, and sunny when it's supposed to be raining.

Mark and I left the dock at 0800 9/26/20, unusually early for a guy like myself who prefers fishing in the afternoons and evenings, but I had a small window of opportunity (as usual) and that's just how this worked out.  I checked the radar at 0755, and there storms in the Richmond and Norfolk areas, but no precipitation showing anywhere near Tangier Sound.  Yeah right.  Headed across the sound to a destination over 10 miles away, it began raining precisely at 0805.  The rain was gentle at first, but rapidly progressed from a mist to a gentle but driving rain, which seems like much more in a small center console cruising at 25 mph.  After we finally got to the destination, I was SOAKED, oh and did I mention COLD too (it was mid-60's that morning.  I could continue to cry about being wet and cold, except I won't.  Oh did I mention it rained for another 2 hours straight?

We caught a few small rock in our usual (secret) spot, feeling lucky just to have found soft crabs at end of September.  As the tide really started rolling out with force, we relocated more toward the mouth of the creek, where we connected with a few more fish, including one keeper rock and one speckled trout.  This dried up after a while, and with the skies clearing, the sun appearing- we began to dry out.  What better time to jet off toward the north end of South Marsh Island.  We anchored at Gunbarrel (sp?) Point, noting that the little tiny island on the left side of the point had now vanished.  We managed to catch many decent rock here, and some nice kingfish and puppy red drum.  It was critical that we throw our lines to the east of the point, as 20 feet to the west resulted in zilch.  Don't ask me to explain, but it can sometimes be important to notice and adjust to such trends. 

Looking for a change of scenery while the tide was still falling, we moved over to Spring Island, to the west side of the cut between the island.  This also resulted in the same type of experience as on South Marsh, actually, we probably caught more fish.  And by this time, it had become an abolutely gorgeous and sunny September afternoon, defying the overcast forecast.  All told, we encountered 5 keeper size rock, mostly 19-21", and countless (50+?) smaller rock.

I'm expecting that this may be the last time this year I have the opportunity to fish with bait, but you never know. Actually, I'm looking forward to testing my skill casting jigs and jigging.  Until then, this is #dealislandrandy

Labor Day Rockfish Rumble

First, the front end of the weekend:  Finally had an opportunity to chase rockfish after the lifting of the 15-day moratorium by MD DNR (thanks a lot DNR!).  The water temps had cooled from 86-88 to 82-83, which makes a huge difference on the way the fish feed, in a positive way.  Also, was finally able to get my new son-in-law out on the boat with me.  I gave him a new Ugly Stick and Penn spinning reel wound with Spiderwire last Christmas, and he was finally able to break it in.  And break it in he did !

Sunday, Sept 6 we launched at 130pm, showing up early for an expected 4pm high tide after a 30 minute ride to the secret spot.  There were 2 other boats there when we got there, and we creeped past them and secured our own spot far enough away from them.  For the next hour and a half, we picked through countless small rock, and also managing to put two keepers in the boat.  One of the other boats caught nothing during this time, the other, a few small fish.  And then they both just left !!  And I knew when they left what a big mistake they were making, as the tide was just about to turn (start falling) and it was likely going to be the start of a short-lived bonanza. 

 

And then it started, just as the tide changed direction.  Boom !! Bam !!!  One nice rockfish right after another.  There were an additional 8 keepers (above 19”), all in the 19-21” range, and also a number 16-19, all great-fighting fat fish.  None of the skinny rocks like we saw last year.  So much for the rockfish shortage, DNR.  Mixed in were 2 nice speckled trout, which were quite tasty for dinner the following evening.  Also 1 small (14”) red drum, which we had also caught a bunch of two weeks prior at Spring Island.  Well, we left and the fish were still biting but it was best to leave them for another day.  I’m hoping to get another piece of this action before the bait gets scarce and we change up to throwing plastic. 

And now, the weekend grand finale, which deserves a little space on my otherwise fishing/hunting dominated blog.  I had the high honor and privilege of once again being a passenger on Skipjack Kathryn as she sailed and competed in the 61^st Annual Deal Island Skipjack Race!  I am a HUGE fan of these vanishing vessels, and my connection to Kathryn is quite personal.  In 2011 I witnessed her almost sink during the race.  And from 2013-2015, I was able to be part of the crew that fully restored the 1901-built wooden sail-powered oystering boat.  I am so very grateful to the current owners, David and Dawn Whitelock, for having my aboard!

Until next time, this is #dealislandrandy

 

Pre-2wk closure Rockfish slam

It is really hard for me to believe that the State of Maryland actually closed harvest of rockfish for 2 weeks (16 days) this summer, mostly because I simply can't agree with their assessment of low population levels.  I've caught more rockfish this summer, and in many many different places, than in any year in memory.  Anyhow, here we are now in the midst of this oh so stupid moratorium.  At least I've got time to get caught up on sharing what I did right BEFORE the closure.

The brutal heat continued up through 2nd week of August, at which point we received 5+ inches of rain and temps somewhat cooled.  I'm writing to report about 2 outings in the weeks that preceded the closure, 7/24 and 8/9/20.  The July date was an unsuccessful attempt to repeat our magic in the Manokin 2 weeks prior, despite all the conditions being right (except for the brutal heat and high water temps of 88F+).  The trip on Aug9 was 180 degrees the opposite.  Water temps had cooled a mere 2 degrees, but apparently it was just enough.  We got to the secret place around 3:45 pm.  The tide was still coming in slightly, and fishing was slow.  We picked up a number of small rock, some skates and rays, some new species of ray that we are just starting to see this year (yay !-not).  And then, the tide turned early and quickly picked up steam.  Funny how this little funnel area often doesn't match the main tide cycle in the water 100 yards away.

Repeating a story I have told so many times before, it was as if someone flipped a light switch.  We started pulling in nice rockfish like it was nobody's business.  Our meager limit of 3 keepers was realized in about 10-15 minutes, and we tossed a few back an anticipation of something better, a move I don't always feel so emboldened to make.  Not to disappoint, we ended up with a 20, a 21, and 22" in the icebox.  Oh yeah, one keeper speckled trout to boot.  In the pic above, Mark and I are quickly untangling two lines in attempt to get back in the water. 

I am planning to go out again this Friday, but in keeping with the regulations will not be targeting rockfish.  I'm trying to decide whether to pursue something else familiar, or reach out for something new.  Either way, it's almost always an experience worth blogging. Until then, #dealislandrandy 

July update- The weather got Really hot

July got increasingly hot with each passing day.  So far, I've been out 3 times.  The first, July 4, was really just a mid-day add-on to a boat ride with my family.  The location was right (island secret-spot), the tide was perfect (last hour of incoming, first hour of outgoing), but the time was terrible.  I'm talking mid-day, blazing hot sun, no clouds, little wind, and 11AM-1:30 pm.  Even though fishing with my good luck charm Peter S., the fishing was slow and poor, placing on keeper speckled trout in the cooler (pic w/ Peter and his speck).  Not surprised with my poor choice of timing, but it was the only opportunity I had.

Next up was July 12.  I had this one planned for weeks.  Going back the the secret spot as it had produced steadily for 2 months.  The tide was perfect and at end of the day.  Even the weather was great.  Dana S. replaced my previously scheduled crew (Warning: you cancel on me at the last minute, it may be a long time before another invite), and I was certain we were going to slay the fish. Well, we had a good time, but the fishing was the slowest I've had all year.  I regretted placing the 10" kingfish and 9" spot in my cooler.

Chalking the previous 2 sub-par outings up to increasing heat, I decided it was time to change up my game.  And I wasn't really certain what that was going to be, all I knew is that it had to be different.  I went back and read my own blog going back 4-5 years, to see how I had responded to onset of really hot summer.  And this gave me a few ideas.  When it came time to finalize the plan, the weather and 20-25 mph winds out of the south dictated my strategy.  Seeking protected water, I launched out of Champ, in St. Peter's Creek.  After launching in nearly low tide, I was shocked to find only 1 foot of water leaving the harbor and creek, headed into the Manokin River.  I was able to dodge some of this on the return trip.  Peter S. again accompanying me, this time fulfilling his role of good luck charm.  After a fairly unproductive stop just off the first big beach, I headed over to the mouth of the creek that drains St. Pierre's Marsh.  It was here that on the very last hour of outgoing tide and in only 2 1/2 feet of water, we quickly caught 3 keeper rock (19, 20, and 20.5 inches).  The tide went slack and so did the fishing.  Having our rock limit, we didn't stick around for the incoming tide.

On a really positive note, I installed some side bunks on my trailer in effort to pull the boat up straight.  I have struggled with this situation since day one with this other wise great boat, and was just about at my wit's end.  Thankfully, this mod seemed to do the trick, as the boat pulled up straight on the trailer first time, without any other maneuverng or assistance.  Hoping to get again soon and test it out further (and catch some more fish).  It was 97 F today in Millsboro and supposed to be 90+ hot through Thursday.  Until next time, #dealislandrandy 

Pre-wedding rockfish smash, June 24, 2020

This outing was destined to be outstanding. With my daughter scheduled to be married in 3 days, I was almost a basket case.  The Lord knew I needed some spectacular fishing to straighten me out.

We (Mark, Mark's son Derek and I) launched from Wenona around 2pm, on track to be in front of the early evening tide change at the magic spot.  And in fact, we were anchored up a full 60 minutes+ prior to peak high tide.  After setting anchor and getting lines in the water, it was less than 3 minutes before I had keeper rock #1 in the boat (at 19"), and then another 2 minutes later at 22 inches.  Rockfish Randy was on a roll.  Mark caught the next one at 19" five minutes later, and because of how quick this had transpired, we agreed to throw Mark's fish back as that would have put us instantly at the boat limit.  This was the first time we have had this much success in this spot on the last of the incoming tide.  As we joked about how throwing back a keeper rock was apt to jinx us, sure enough, we proceeded to catch one short fish after another.  Mixed in were 3 nice speckled trout, and below is pic of Derek with a nice 18" speck,

As the tide turned, we continued to catch rock after rock, many in the 16-18.5" range.  And then, WHAM !!! I knew I had a brute of a fish on the line.  Catching these rock in shallow water is so much fun.  This fish measured in at 25", the largest I've caught this year.  After a few more rock, and a kingfish, things slowed down and we headed back to port. the pic below is the 22" 2nd fish, and shame on me for not having a picture of the 25".  Until next time, #dealislandrandy

June 2020 and continued great fishing in Tangier Sound

I was going to wait until next week for this update, but my daughter is getting married in 3 days and I am afraid my mind will be expunged of all non-wedding related memory.  June 12, a Friday afternoon timed perfectly with an early evening high tide and all that (now routinely) comes with that.  I piloted my boat across Tangier Sound at 3pm and we anchored about ¼ mile north of the magic spot, in about 7 ft of water.  Dan, Mark, and I (mostly me LOL) proceeded to catch half of our collective limit (6/12) in speckled trout, all nice fish I the 18-21 inch range.  About an hour before the tide changed we moved into the magic spot, which notably is always so teaming with life (muskrats, nesting gulls and ospreys, etc).  Fairly quickly we started putting fish in the cooler.  It was late in the day and the bugs were challenging, so I deemed that we would return to port upon obtaining our limit of speckled trout.  At about 730pm, just half our after high tide, we hit that target (12 specks) and headed back in.  We also one nice 23” rockfish to go with it.  We caught many more rock, and many at 16-18”, but this continued our 2020 trend of catching more specks than rock.

The following Friday, June 19 ,my son Brooks came to visit me for Father’s Day.  I desperately wanted to show him some good fishing, but it was quite a windy day and had we taken my 18ft boat out, we would have been quite limited in where we could go on the low tide.  So, I convinced Dan (who has a really nice and much bigger 21ft (23?) Parker) to take us out late afternoon.  With storm warnings prevalent, we headed north out of Scott’s Cove to just below Fishing Bay in Dorchester County.  Dan and Mark had done well here earlier in the day, which of course is no indication of how I should have expected we would do.  To make a long story short, the storms prevailed and we scrambled back to port with a few white perch and a catfish in the cooler.  Upon reaching land, we resumed our fishing party where it probably should have started, Dan’s dock in Chance.  With the end of the outgoing tide quickly approaching, we immediately started catching nice rockfish, and I think Brooks and I first scored at 22 and 23 inches.  Having been joined by the rest of Mark’s family and also Sue, we continued to fill our striped bass quota (this year being one fish over 19”), two of which occurred after the slack tide hiatus and with the new incoming tide.  Total tally was 5 rock (19-23”), 3 speckled trout, 4 perch, and one cat.  The rock were vacuum sealed, all else were fried and consumed fresh- YUM !!!!

At my wife’s suggestion (a real rarity), I am headed out later this afternoon for a quick trip.  And when I report in next, I’ll have a new son-in-law.  So until next time, this is #dealislandrandy