Milford chronicle., 1960-09-02
FISHING LINES
Late Fishing Season Expected

From all indications, Delaware's
marine fishermen may look for
ward to an extra long fishing sea-
son; many different species are mi
grazing into the Delaware Bay
area. Bluefish, porgies, sea bass,
trout, founder, crOakers, kingfish
and drum are now being taken by
sportsmen. Many of these fish are
making an appearance for the first
time this season, and they are ex-
pected to remain in the area until
the middle of October. Recently
boats operating from Mispillion,
Bowers and Lewes have been max
ing fine catches OF trout both dur
ing the day and night On a windy,
blustery day this past week, a
catch of over $50 was observed by
Game and Fish Commission per-
sonnel while recording charter boat
catches.
Croakers Taken In
MispIllion River
Possibly croaker fishermen
should begin fishing in our tidal
streams rather than principally in
the open waters OF our bays. Rus
sell Wright of Mispillion Light
House recently landed several
several croakers weighing one and
one-half pounds each while fishing
In the Mispillion River. 1t Is poss-
ible that these croakers are feeding
on a mussel bed or some other pa
tural growth in the area, and IN
.terested fishermen should attempt
to locate these feeding areas.
Croakers will take wide variety of
baits when feeding; they have been
known to bite on noodles and even
pieces OF white cotton. However,
the most successful bait Is peeler
crab and squid.
hass Fishing
Fresh water bass have been strik-
ing quite regularly, and many very
large fish have been caught. A four
and one-half pound bass was taken
from the bank Of Moores Lake, and
1t is believed that there are many
more Of equal size swimming in the
depths OF the lake Haven Lake and
Grifith Pond in Milford also have
been very successful in producing
large mouth and crappie bass. With
September just around the corner,
3 little stronger test line should
be added to the reel, for it Is usu-
ally in September that the largest
bass are landed. During the cooler
fall months, algae and other pest
grasses are declining, making
ponds and lakes more accessible for
fishing. Another important factor
il the reduced quantities of natural
food available, thus making the ar
tfficial lure more attractive.
Fish Plentiful In Delaware
Throughout the season, approx
mately 10000 fishermen have been
interviewed concerning the num-
bers and species of fish caught
Thus far, the Game and Fish Com
mission Statistics Program has re-
corded over 100000 fish caught by
sportsmen and 10000 pounds OF fish
caught by commercial methods.
PorKies were more prevalent in the
first half of the season than any
other hsh. Sea bass, ling cod, blue
fish and founder were also very
plentiful for hook and line anglers.
Shad. rock and winter founder
composed the bulk OF the CONNER
cial spring catch. Shad were found
in the largest quantity. APPROX
mately $4,000 pounds of these fish
were caught. by either stake or
drifting gill net
Small boat fishermen Will De
glad to learn that kingfish are
plentiful less than half mile off
shore at Kits Hummock. Until re-
Gently these fish had been quite
scattered throughout the bay, how
ever, at present they are being
taken from water about seven
feet deep, over hard, sandy bot
toms. 1t is believed that the kings
are feeding on small crabs and
shrimp which are abundant in
this area. The king will approach
a bait of peeler crab, shrimp or
souid and begin nibbling, then
after sizing up the bait, he will
strike hard, and it is at this time
that the hook should be set. Once
hooked. the kingfish will put up
good fight before being boated.
The kingfish is also considered
one of the best as table fish.
Trout are available for those
venturing farther from shore. Nice
catches of up to 80 fish, weighing
over two pounds, are being taken
Last weekend it has been estimat-
ed that small boats operating from
kits Hummock landed over 1000
fish. Rental boats and motors are
available in this area.
In the Mispillion and Slaughters
Beach area trout are very plentiful
for small boat operators. Excellent
catches have been reported less
than 500 yards from the jetty at
Mispillion Light House. One small
boat came in with over 100 trout
weighing approximately three
quarters pound each. Party boat
operators. unable to fish in the
shallow waters, have been joining
the Bowers fishing fleet in the
vicinity of Fourteen-Foot Light
House where founder and trout
are plentiful.
Rehoboth Bay and Indian River
Bay have also been providing row.
boat fishermen with excellent
founder fishing. Fishermen out
from Masseys Landing have re-
ported from five to 90 fish per