Mid-Atlantic Saltwater Fishing

The Mid-Atlantic region offers some of the best saltwater fishing on North America's Atlantic coast.

New York and New Jersey both offer a variety of saltwater fishing opportunities. Inshore fishing is the popular, with anglers catching scup (porgy) black sea bass, tautog, weakfish, fluke (summer flounder), winter flounder, and other species.

Anglers that venture into the open sea catch tuna, billfish, sharks, and other pelagic species. Groundfish are also caught off the coasts of New York and New Jersey, including cod, haddock, pollock, hake, and whiting. Along the edges of the canyons, bottom fishermen catch tilefish and other deepwater species.

Striped Bass

Separating New Jersey from Delaware is the Delaware River and Delaware Bay. From Philadelphia to Cape May New Jersey, this estuary is home to striped bass, weakfish, flounder, tautog, and other species. A few miles south is Indian River Inlet, which provides access for deep sea fishing.

In Maryland, an incredible variety of saltwater fishing occurs in Chesapeake Bay and its rivers. Popular fishing ports include Baltimore, Annapolis, Deale, Solomons Island, Cambridge, Tilghman Island, and Crisfield.

Along the Atlantic Coast, anglers fish out of Ocean City, Md. This famous resort town offers inshore fishing for flounder and other species as well as deep sea fishing charters for sharks, tuna, billfish, and other species.

Virginia offers some of the top saltwater fishing opportunities in the Mid Atlantic region. Along with Maryland, Virginia has scores of ports that provide access to the Chesapeake Bay. To the south, the Hampton Roads - Tidewater area is nationally recognized for its winter striped bass fishery, outstanding cobia fishing, and other local fisheries.

In North Carolina's Outer Banks region, inshore fishing occurs in the Pamlico Sound and other local estuaries. The area is also known for its surf fishing with its fall runs of red drum and monster bluefish.

Despite frequent hold ups due to horrific weather, offshore fishing off the North Carolina coast can be incredible.

In summer, offshore fishing often includes fishing for mahi mahi, wahoo, and billfish.

During the winter season, deep sea anglers catch yellowfin tuna and occasionally, giant bluefins. Closer to shore, anglers catch king mackerel, cobia, and bottom fish including snapper and grouper.

Outer Banks NC Outdoors Day

The N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission is hosting a free “Outdoors Day” on March 30 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education in Corolla.

At Outdoors Day, visitors can experience the outdoors and gain practical knowledge through hands-on activities and demonstrations, such as fishing, kayaking, shooting a bow and arrow and an air rifle.

Visitors also can check out other activity stations, such as Game Species, Talking Turkey, Backyard Bass, Birding Basics and Sea Turtles.

Staff from Alligator River and Pea Island National Wildlife Refuges will be on hand to describe their seasonal tours, canoe outings, and ranger-led programs on local wildlife during the day.

The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education features exhibits and programs that interpret coastal North Carolina’s wildlife and habitats, natural history and cultural heritage. Things to do include daily showings of an award-winning documentary, and a calendar of events, and educational courses.

Admission to the center is free, as are the educational programs offered. The Center is Located in Currituck Heritage Park on Highway 12, next to Currituck Beach Lighthouse and the Whalehead Club.

For more information, visit ncwildlife.org/obx.

source: North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier 2015

In September, DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation announced that the historic Cape Henlopen Fishing Pier in Cape Henlopen State Park will reopen just in time for the fall fishing season.

The pier and surrounding surf-fishing opportunities make Cape Henlopen State Park the most popular fishing destination in Delaware, and after a spring and summer closure for repairs, DNREC worked to get the pier reopened ahead of its projected construction schedule.

The pier was closed late last year due to engineering concerns about the structural integrity of the pilings that it sits on. In April, the piling repair project was awarded through competitive bid to Commerce Construction of Bridgeport, N.J.

Recently, the contractor completed $400,000 of repairs to approximately 108 pilings, wrapping up the first phase of the pier’s latest renovation project. The second phase entails decking replacement and various repairs to the pier’s superstructure and fencing. It will again be competitively bid, with work done over the winter to minimize impact on recreational fishing.

The Cape Henlopen Fishing pier was originally built by the Army to serve Fort Miles during World War II. The pier is now over 70 years old and, according to DNREC’s consulting engineers, has long outlived it useful life expectancy. The pier has had repairs made in 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2012.

The latest renovation project is expected to extend the life span of the pier for two to five years and is the largest repair to date undertaken by Delaware State Parks.

Anglers using the pier from the Labor Day weekend forward are reminded that the privately-operated park concession Lighthouse View Bait & Tackle Shop will be closed in the spring of 2016.

 source: DNREC’s Division of Parks & Recreation

Things To Do in Harpers Ferry West Virginia

Harpers Ferry West Virginia is one of the best kept secrets in the Mid Atlantic region. Steeped in history, this small town offers an incredible array of outdoor recreation.

This friendly town's appeal is due mostly to its geographic location. Harpers Ferry is located at the junction of two of America's most famous rivers; the Potomac and Shenandoah.

Things to do outdoors in Harpers Ferry West Virginia include hiking, biking, rafting, tubing, kayaking, fishing, birdwatching, camping, tours of the town, and many other activities.

Not to be overlooked are things to do indoors, including shopping, dining, and museum tours. History buffs can tour the John Brown Wax Museum, Brunswick Heritage Museum, Jefferson County Museum, and Civil War Living History Museum.

Harpers Ferry and other nearby towns host a number of festivals and other events throughout the year, including the Harpers Ferry Outdoor Festival, American Conservation Film Festival, African American Heritage Festival, Mountain Heritage Festival, and others.

Visitors to Harpers Ferry generally find local services to be good. The town has bed and breakfasts, restaurants, cafe's, specialty shops, river outfitters, fishing guides, hiking and biking shops, gift shops, bookstores, and more.

Related Information

Harpers Ferry Kayaking

Winter Recreation Ideas

With an incredible range of weather, geography, and culture, the Mid Atlantic region offers plenty of winter recreation.

The following list includes a few recreational activities that can be found throughout the Mid Atlantic states:

Cross-country Skiing - Showshoeing

Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge in New York contains 7.5 miles of ungroomed ski trails and 2.5 miles of ungroomed snowshoe trails.

In Pennsylvania, Erie National Wildlife Refuge offers 4.5 miles of trails for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, hiking.

In West Virginia, Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge has 31 miles of ungroomed refuge trails plus 18 miles of trails groomed by adjacent White Grass Ski Touring Center. For information, call: 304-866-3858.

Snowshoe enthusiasts can explore Canaan Valley National Wildlife Refuge by taking a Snowshoe Discovery Tour from adjacent White Grass Ski Touring Center. Information: 304-866-4114.

Ice Fishing

In New York, anglers can enjoy ice fishing at Iroquois National Wildlife Refuge.

Outdoor Recreation

Along the Delaware River, Bulls Island Recreation Area is a popular destination for biking, hiking, boating, wildlife watching, and outdoor recreational activities. Bulls Island is a hot spot for birding during spring migration. The Bulls Island Recreation Area is approximately three miles north of Stockton, within Delaware Township.

source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

Related Information

Things To Do - Mid Atlantic

Raritan River Dam Removals

Three dam removals on the Raritan River will open up 10 miles of migratory fish habitat along a stretch of the river which runs through the communities of Bridgewater, Hillsborough, Bound Brook, Somerville and Manville.

The dam removals will also will allow spawning fish to access about 17 miles of tributaries, including the Millstone River.

American shad, American eel, herring, and striped bass are among the species which historically migrated up the Upper Raritan.

Completed and pending dam removals include:

 * Calco Dam, demolished in 2011, was located at river mile 20.9

 * The Robert Street Dam was located at river mile 27.9

 * The Nevius Street Dam, located at river mile 27.0

source: New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection Division of Fish and Wildlife

Anacostia River - Watt's Branch Restoration

The Anacostia watershed is one of the most urbanized watersheds in the Chesapeake Bay drainage basin. Because of its cultural importance, the watershed has been identified as a priority area for interagency cooperation in both President Obama's America's Great Outdoors Initiative and the Urban Waters Federal Partnership.

In 2010, a group of federal agencies, local organizations, and others formed a partnership to restore a section of Watts Branch, a tributary of the Anacostia.

Completed in 2011, the restoration project was funded largely by the District of Columbia's Department of Environment and also carried out by the Department of the Interior's U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service along with the National Park Service, USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Washington Water and Sewer and several local organizations.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other partners restored eroded stream channel while nearby sewer lines were relocated and improved.

After the restoration, a local nonprofit, Washington Parks and People, has begun using Watts Branch as an outdoor classroom to prepare an emerging workforce for jobs in urban and community forestry.

A follow-up analysis of the Watts Branch restoration by the U.S. Geological Survey found that the effort has had a substantial impact on the local economy, directly or indirectly. The study estimates that the project added 45 jobs, $2.6 million in local labor income and $3.4 million in value to the local D.C. metropolitan area in 2011. 

source: U.S. Geological Survey

Delaware Fisherman Information Network - FIN

In Delaware, resident and non-resident anglers age 16 and older are required to obtain a Delaware Fisherman Information Network (F.I.N.) number.

The free number is included as part of a Delaware fishing license purchase. License-exempt anglers, including Delaware residents 65 and older, may visit www.delaware-fin.com or call 800-432-9228 toll-free to obtain their free F.I.N. number.

source: DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife

Cape Fear River Basin Action Plan for Migratory Fish

The Cape Fear River Partnership recently announced a request for public comment on its “Cape Fear River Basin Action Plan for Migratory Fish.”

The plan identifies threats to migratory fish populations, outlines actions to improve water quality, habitat conditions and fish passage, and will determine the community and economic benefits of improved migratory fish populations.

The Cape Fear River basin stretches from North Carolina’s Triad area near Greensboro to the mouth of the Cape Fear River near Wilmington. At more than 9,000 square miles, the river basin is North Carolina's largest watershed.

Poor habitat quality in the watershed's rivers and streams threaten American shad, striped bass, river herring, American eel, endangered Atlantic and shortnose sturgeon, and other fish species. Dams and other structures limit the passage of migratory fish.

The Cape Fear River Partnership is a coalition of state and federal natural resources agencies, academic entities and private and non-governmental organizations, will accept public comments through Dec. 19.

For more information, visit www.ncwildlife.org

source: Cape Fear River Partnership

2012 New York - New Jersey Fisheries Disaster

On November 16, 2012, officials from the Department of Commerce declared a fishery resource disaster in New Jersey and New York.

Under Section 308(d) of the Interjurisdictional Fisheries Act and Section 315 of the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, the Commerce Secretary can declare a fishery resource disaster and a catastrophic regional fishery disaster, respectively, which allows Congress to appropriate federal relief funds for assistance to alleviate harm resulting from a natural disaster.

If money is appropriated, financial assistance plans will be developed to help the fishing industry and coastal communities.

In 2010, New Jersey and New York commercial fisheries landed almost 190 million pounds of fish, valued at more than $210 million dollars.

source: NOAA Fisheries

Fall Trout Stocking in White Clay Creek

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife recently announced that White Clay Creek in Northern Delaware has received its fall stocking of trout. DNREC Fisheries staff, along with volunteer help, stocked 1,000 pounds of rainbow trout throughout White Clay Creek from near the border with Pennsylvania downstream to Newark.

The volunteers used float boxes to carry hundreds of fish upstream and down from the truck access points along White Clay. Fisheries staff noted that the fish arrived healthy, most of which exceeded 12 inches in length.

Delaware’s trout stocking is conducted under the Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Trout anglers support the program directly through the purchase of the required trout stamp along with the normal resident or non-resident fishing license. Proceeds from trout stamps go directly towards the purchase of rainbow trout for stocking.

To purchase a fishing license or trout stamps, or for more information about trout fishing in Delaware, visit www.fw.delaware.gov, or call the Fisheries section at 302-739-9914.

Delaware Division of Fish and Wildlife

Atlantic Coast Shark Regulations

Shark fishing remains popular along the Mid Atlantic Coast, despite a number of changes.

In the mid-1980s, sharks were considered an under-utilized resource by fisheries managers and increased fishing pressure was encouraged.

Over the next several years, fishing effort increased considerably and the impact of unregulated harvest was beginning to take its toll on some shark species.

In the early 1990s, the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) implemented a Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Sharks of the Atlantic Ocean.

In May 2008, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission adopted an Interstate FMP for Atlantic Coastal Sharks to complement federal management actions and increase protection of pregnant females and juveniles inshore in nursery areas.

The Shark Conservation Act of 2010 instituted additional measures to protect shark species from illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing activities, as well as allowed for the continued, regulated harvest of smooth dogfish within U.S. waters.

source: ASMFC

Ocean City Maryland Saltwater Fishing

Ocean City is one of Maryland's top saltwater fishing spots. Its popularity as a vacation resort and fishing destination is due to its unique location. Ocean City has beaches, fishing piers, bridges, coastal bays, Atlantic Ocean access, fishing charters, and other resources for fishermen.

This incredible diversity of saltwater fishing allows anglers of all ages, skill levels and budgets to participate. Much of the fishing action can be combined with family vacations or weekend getaways.

For example, the Route 50 bridge, Ocean City Jetty, Oceanic Fishing Pier, OC Fishing Pier are all located within a few blocks of the beach. Fishermen can access these areas while family members enjoy the nearby boardwalk, beaches, amusements, or other attractions.

Northside Park is located where 125th Street meets Assawoman Bay, and features a fishing pier, concessions, playgrounds, a picnic area, walking paths, playing fields and a sports center. Northside Park is a designated free fishing area.

The Chicago Avenue Boardwalk, also known as the "2nd Street Bulkhead" is popular fishing spot. Located between 2nd and 4th streets, the park has metered parking, wheelchair access, and a fish cleaning station. The Chicago Avenue Boardwalk is a designated free fishing area.

Surf fishing is also popular along the less crowded stretches of Ocean City and nearby Assateague Island. Surf fishing is usually best in the fall, although good catches may last into December.

A small fishing and crabbing pier is located beside the Verrazano Bridge on Maryland Route 611, near Assateague State Park.

Ocean City has a number of headboats and fishing guides that offer inshore fishing. Most of the inshore boats fish for flounder, croaker, and bluefish. For anglers that want to go deeper, there are offshore fishing trips.

Ocean City is the home port for hundreds of charter boats that offer deep sea fishing trips. Most deep sea fishing trips leave around sunrise and fish until late in the day. Some captains even offer overnight fishing trips that last for 24 hours or more.

Rehobeth Beach Delaware Fish Kill

On July 4, DNREC responded to reports of a fish kill in Rehoboth Beach’s Silver Lake that initially involved an estimated 1,500 gizzard shad 2 to 4 inches long along with 800 white perch the same size, plus a few bluegills and a largemouth bass.

By the following day, biologists observed approximately 5,000 to 6,000 dead gizzard shad, 600 adult white perch, adult bluegills, and largemouth bass.

Surface water testing on both days by fisheries biologists indicated that dissolved oxygen levels in the water were low enough in Silver Lake, freshwater impoundment, to be lethal for fish.

Anyone observing an unusual number of dead or dying fish in Delaware ponds, rivers or other waterways are encouraged to report their observations, including an estimate of how many fish are involved, and, if known, the species of fish.

To report a suspected fish kill, please call the Fisheries Section at 302-739-9914 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, and DNREC’s citizen complaint hotline at 1-800-662-8802 after hours and on weekends.

source: DNREC

Chesapeake Bay Diamond Jim Rockfish

The Diamond Jim component of the 2012 Maryland Fishing Challenge entered its second phase when Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) biologists caught, tagged and released more than 100 striped bass into the Chesapeake Bay.

One of the tagged fish is the official Diamond Jim. The other tagged rockfish will be known as imposters worth at least $500 each if caught and registered before September 3, 2012.

Over the summer, as many as 600 imposters worth at least $500 each and one genuine Diamond Jim will be pursued by anglers.  Each month Diamond Jim goes uncaught the bounty increases - from $10,000 in June, to $20,000 in July, and $25,000 in August.

The contest features a guaranteed $25,000 payout: If one of the three authentic Diamond Jims is not caught by Labor Day, the cash prize will be split equally among the anglers who catch imposters this summer.

Additionally, if an angler catches the August Diamond Jim they will receive a set of one-carat total weight, round, brilliant diamond stud earrings from Zachary’s Jewelers in Annapolis. Zachary’s is also providing five- to six-carat blue topaz charms for anglers who catch imposter fish.

Anglers who catch and register any of the more than 80 Maryland Angler Award eligible sport fish species categories will receive certificates of achievement and free passes to the Maryland Fishing Challenge Finale, which will be held in conjunction with the Maryland Seafood Festival at Sandy Point State Park on September 8, 2012.

The Celebration will include chances to win a boat, trailer and motor package from Tracker Marine, a tropical vacation package from the World Fishing Network, tackle packages from Bill’s Outdoor Center and Bass Pro Shops and collectable Maryland Fishing Challenge shirts from Under Armour.

This year’s challenge honors the life and times of world renowned fly-fishing legend Lefty Kreh. Over his remarkable 75-year career the Maryland native has shared his enthusiasm and skill for fishing through his columns, books and presentations.

The Maryland Fishing Challenge runs annually from Labor Day through the day before the following Labor Day. To be eligible for the contest, all fish must be caught recreationally by rod and reel. To see the Angler Award species list and the official Maryland Fishing Challenge and Diamond Jim contest rules, visit dnr.maryland.gov/fisheries/challenge.

source: MD DNR

2012 Virginia Fly Fishing Festival

The 2012 Virginia Fly Fishing Festival will be held April 21-22, 2012 on the banks of the South River in Waynesboro, Virginia. The event features lectures, fly fishing tips, live music, and more.

The South River, which flows through the center of Waynesboro, is used extensively for demonstrations during the festival. The convienent river access allows anglers to head straight to the river to practice newly learned techniques. The river can be accessed from the festival grounds or by visiting any of the bridge crossings in town.

In urban Waynesboro, the South River is populated by smallmouth bass, bluegill, rainbows, and brown trout. The South River has one of the only urban trout fisheries in Virginia. The river is stocked periodically by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries.

Delaware Spring 2012 Trout Season

Delaware's DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife recently announced that its spring 2012 downstate trout season will begin Saturday, March 3 with the opening of two ponds stocked with rainbow trout.

Tidbury Pond near Dover in Kent County and Newton Pond outside of Greenwood in Sussex County will open for trout fishing beginning at 7 a.m.

According to officials, the ponds will receive 2 stockings of trout, including a few trophy-sized trout weighing more than 2 pounds.

Newton Pond, a restored borrow pit, will be stocked for its third year. The 10-acre site was renovated using Federal Aid in Sportfish Restoration funds and features a boat ramp for car top boats and canoes with no gasoline motors allowed, a fishing pier, and shoreline access for fishing.

According to DNREC, anglers fishing in Newton Pond are allowed to keep up to six rainbow trout, as they are a cold water species and can only survive while water temperatures in the pond remain cool.

Tidbury Pond is owned and managed by Kent County Parks and Recreation, and anglers are asked to be respectful of the vegetation and fences erected to protect landscaped areas. Newton Pond is owned and managed as a state wildlife area by the Division of Fish and Wildlife.

Each pond will initially be stocked with about 300 pounds of rainbow trout, average size 11 to 13 inches. Some “trophy-sized” rainbows weighing 2 pounds and measuring well over 14 inches also will be included. Stocking will be repeated Thursday, March 15 with the same amount of fish in each pond.

source: DNREC Division of Fish and Wildlife

2012 Mid Atlantic Salt Water Fishing Expo

The Mid Atlantic Salt Water Fishing Expo will be held March 30-April 1, 2012 at The Show Place in Richmond Virginia.

The Expo showcases Mid Atlantic pier fishing, surf fishing, spear fishing, inshore, and offshore fishing.

According to organizers, The Mid Atlantic Salt Water Fishing Expo is the largest salt water fishing show in Virginia.

Admission is $10.00 for adults and free for children 15 and under when accompanied with a paying adult. Parking is Free.

Show Hours:

Friday, March 30 - 4:00pm-9:00pm

Saturday, March 31  - 9:00am-6:00pm

Sunday, April 1 - 10:00am-6:00pm

Mid Atlantic Fishing Website

Recreational anglers in the Mid Atlantic region will have access to a new online resource for 2012. Formerly known as "Maryland - Virginia Saltwater Fishing", the new fishing portal will be entitled "Mid Atlantic Fishing".

The site features a much expanded fishing articles section, with a wide range of regional information ranging from New Jersey southward into North Carolina.

Other new content will spotlight freshwater fishing and dozens of freshwater species overviews. An online store will supply Mid Atlantic anglers with apparel, books, calendars, collectibles, tackle, and other fishing-related gear.

Maryland River Herring Moratorium

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) recently announced a statewide moratorium on the harvest of river herring (blueback and alewife herring).

The moratorium follows a 93 percent drop in commercial river herring landings along the Atlantic Coast since 1985. The Maryland commercial harvest of river herring has been falling since the early 1970s when the yearly average was about 700,000 pounds. From 2005 to 2010 the average was just 35,200 pounds.

Maryland is one of several states that are taking action to restore river herring. River herring are managed cooperatively by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC).

For more information, visit dnr.state.md.us/fisheries.

source: MD DNR