Rockfish on Top and Bottom

Since the latest fishing reports indicated the bite was more akin to early summer rather than late, Captain DiPaola looked forward to an opportunity to fish for the first time this season with brother Mike, Mom (Nancy), and daughter Sarah.  Turning the corner from Mill Creek into Whitehall Bay, things looked promising.  Winds were out of the west at less than 5 knots, there was less than a 1 foot chop, and best of all, birds appeared in the main stem of the Chesapeake just south of the Bay Bridge. 

A large group of terns and gulls were diving on breaking fish that were quickly heading north. Captain DiPaola put the hammer down to get ahead of the school and approach with as little notice as possible.  Clearly all the weekend warriors going to and fro didn't read the previous Mikey D Fishing post regarding fishing etiquette around breaking stripers.   Several boats were cutting each other off to get into position.  Others were driving right up to the school at full speed, while some preferred to mindlessly cruise through the middle of the giant pod of fish.  Despite those frustrations Sarah was able to cast to the edge of the school, while Captain DiPaola worked a plug across the surface. 

Mom and Mike were witnesses to that special type of fishing where the stripers slap the plug out of the water.  By the second cast, Mike was on the reel hauling in a respectable 17" rockfish, caught on top.  A couple more followed.  Competition with other boats and cooler full of fresh alewife and soft crab led to a decision to head north between Sandy Point and Baltimore Light at the mouth of the Magothy to see if the anchored chumming fleet was enjoying any success.  While the crew did have a few good hits, the lowrance was only picking up scattered fish. 

After violating the old adage, "Never leave fish to find fish", Captain DiPaola headed back south.  Mikey D Fishing dropped anchor in 32' of water north and east of the green can near Hackett's Point.  The screen was covered from top to bottom with fish.  If they weren't coming up to the surface, why not see if we can entice a few by chunking?

Within minutes, rod tips were tapping and Mike hooked into his largest fish and first keeper measuring 22".  Who said that chumming and chunking is just for early season?  Sometimes the rules need to be challenged.  Active schoolies above, held keeper-sized stripers below and contributed to a brief but great day on the water catching them on top and on the bottom!

Tight Lines,

Mikey D Fishing