Josenhans Fly Fishing Blog

Just want to give kudos to Skip Powers for his personal best 52″ red drum boated with me this spring near Fisherman’s Island, VA. Skip caught the bull red on a Rapala X Rap Jointed Shad.

If you haven’t noticed by my lack of fishing reports this is a very busy time of the year for me. I fished three weeks on the Susquehanna Flats, took a couple days off to reboot, and then it was off to the flats of Fisherman’s Island. From trophy stripers (or lack thereof) to a saltier environ in search of bull red drum in excess of 40 pounds. While the weather played havoc with the red drum quest, we did manage to bag a few. Enjoy a few final photos of the past months fishing trips.

Need a spin or fly angler to share a trip next Thursday and/or Friday (May 16 & 17). Cost will be 1/2 of full day rate of $475.

Due to a rare cancellation I have an open date next Monday, May 13 for a speckled trout and rockfish trip on the beautiful waters of Tangier Sound. One group can charter the entire boat or I will take walk-on’s. Call (443-783-3271) or email (kjosenhans@aol.com) for pricing. Don’t miss this opportunity because my next open date is July 18!!

I know you’ve heard the reports about the poor Susquehanna Flats fishing. It’s true. That said, we are still anticipating another wave of fish arriving in the near future. At least we’re hopeful. There have been sporadic catches of big stripers in isolated locations. I’m not giving up the ship just yet. I need two walk on’s for a Monday, April 22 evening trip. This will be a 4 1/2 hour trip starting at 3:00 pm. We will most likely do some popper fishing for big rock the last two hours of daylight. Some big fish have been caught each day, but some skunks have occurred as well. If you are interested, the fee will be $100 per angler. All license, tackle, ice and cold drinks included. If interested, call my cell at 443-783-3271 or email at kjosenhans@aol.com

My first two weeks at the flats have been a series of peaks and valleys. The first day I was greeted by an arctic blast that lasted two days, with few fish being caught. After the winds died the herring arrived, with thousands of hungry stripers right on their heels. Four days of unbelievably good fishing followed, with several rockfish topping the 40-inch mark. Well, the herring pushed right on through, making their way upstream, and dragging the rockfish with them. Many are reportedly above the legal catch & release line. The result has been sporadic action with a few bigger males who elected to stay behind. While catches have slowed, we’re all waiting for the next wave, and oftentimes that first push of a fresh school provides some of the largest fish and fastest action. Such is the way of the flats. After a day off today, tomorrow I’ll be looking for better action from some new arrivals, as there have been signs the past two days of good things to come. Meanwhile, here are a few photographs from some of the “peaks.” 

Jason with a fat Susky rock

Justin was on fire with the bigger fish

Another 30 plus

Rock were eating the gelcoat off the hull tonight

Jason adds an over 30

Justin at sunset

Jason with another hard-fighting rock

Scott’s fly caught striper on a very breezy morning

John with his first of the day

Jay bested this rock on a 9 wt.

John was tops on fly for the week at 31″

Lucia had the hot hand with Chesapeake Women Anglers

LaJan of CWA with a big striper

Dianne with another for CWA

Lucia with a fat rock

LaJan adds another where double hookups were the norm

Lucia shows off her 40 inch striper

Not exactly on fire, but catches are improving each day. Dave Shaver shows off his 35-inch catch.

Captain even caught one…

Due to a late cancellation I have an open date at the Susquehanna Flats this Friday, April 5. I can fish a 4, 6 or 8 hour trip. Will take walk-on’s. If interested, email me at kjosenhans@aol.com or call 443-783-3271. Looks like a chance of rain, but that’s perfect weather for big rockfish!!