The annual spring run of Nanticoke River white perch is in full swing. Fish to 13-inches have been caught on my boat by anglers dunking bloodworms on #4 bait-holder hooks. When the tide’s right this is fast and furious fishing. Great for the young angler in your life. Bring the kids and have a blast!
I guess you could plug in any three species on any body of water and invent your own grand slam. Here on the Pocomoke River, it’s a rare day when we don’t boat a slam of some sort. Of late, it’s been pickerel, crappie and yellow perch. The occasional bluegill and largemouth bass can be added to the mix as well. Later on, white perch and hickory shad might join the crowd. Fishing the Pocomoke is a lot like Forrest Gump’s proverbial box of chocolates, “You never know what you’re gonna get.”
Some great perch and crappie fishing is happening right now on both the Pocomoke and Nanticoke rivers. We’re catching good numbers of yellow perch and crappie on the Pocomoke near Snow Hill casting 1/16 ounce crappie jig ‘n minnow combinations. The occasional bass and pickerel will surprise you as well. Plump white perch are available dunking bottom-fished bloodworms on the Nanticoke. I have dates open during the next two weeks for the boat, or walk on’s. Email or call for additional info at kjosenhans@aol.com and 443-783-3271. I need a minimum of three anglers for a walk on. Maximum of four.
Some kind of winter huh! I’m sitting here looking out my window at the latest five-inch snowfall. They say it will reach 68 degrees day-after-tomorrow. We’ll see.. But this is a fishing not a weather report, so back to the good stuff. I have found the time and conditions to do a little perch and crappie fishing on the Nanticoke and Pocomoke rivers. Catching is good all things considered. My latest trip was with the Matt Parks family. Fishing this day with Matt was his lovely wife Rainey, and their two enthusiastic boys Wyatt and August. The weather started out a little cool but the white perch soon warmed us up. This was my first day hitting the bigger roe perch and the boys had a blast pulling in the fat perch, with a few over eleven inches. Needless to say, I think the young fishermen are hooked on fishing.
August and Wyatt show off a fat Nanticoke white perch after a joint effort
The past three weeks have been all white perch and crappie. Throw in the occasional pickerel – along with a wayward rockfish, or three – and we’ve had some pretty good spring fishing. Flounder are making a showing on Virginia’s eastern shore and I will be making a trip or two down that way before I head to the flats. Speaking of the Susquehanna, the latest intel has clear water, with temps in the 50’s on much if the flats; prime conditions for stripers. Reports have it the big pre-spawn fish are moving up the bay, so everyone’s thinking the flats should bust wide open at anytime. I’ll be there when it does, so get your trip booked now. Here are some shots from past couple of weeks, with the most recent trips posted first..
Eroica Wallman with her first Pocomoke River crappie
Not to be outdone, Scott Wallman adds one to the catch
This pickerel gave Eroica a good battle!
This longnose gar was an unexpected visitor
Peter Gray having fun with Pocomoke River crappie
Justin Matoska adds a pickerel to the tally
Phil Bangert has his hands full with a Nanticoke River white perch..
..and the prize..
Some of the perch were upwards of 13"
The Pocomoke is a great fly fishing venue
Jim Lowell with a nice pickerel on fly
I have a walk-on trip available for white perch on the Nanticoke River. The trip date is Saturday, March 10 and we will be meeting at the Sharptown, MD boat ramp next to the Rt. 313 bridge. This is a six-hour trip with a start-time around 8 AM. This is a great way to get in on some hot perch action and take home some good-eating fillets. I need two additional fishermen at the cost of $95 each. If I only get two total, the cost will be $140 each. This includes license, tackle, bait, ice, drinks and light snacks. Email me at kjosenhans@aol.com or call 443-783-3271 if you are interested in this low-cost perch trip.
The annual white perch run on the Nanticoke River is starting to show signs of life and if you want to get a good date, book your trip today. This is a great time to take home some delicious perch fillets for the fryer. The all-expense-paid trip is only $275 for the boat; this includes license, tackle, bait, ice for your catch, drinks and snacks! Just don’t forget to bring a cooler for your fish. This is a six-hour trip and a fun way to start the spring season. I’ll be starting these trips on Monday, March 5, and I expect the fishing to last at least two weeks. Don’t miss out. If you wait for the reports, I will probably be booked. Hope to see you on the water!!
Josenhans Fly Fishing = Fly Fishing & Light Tackle Charters
While the name may say “fly fishing,” most of you are aware that I am certainly no stranger to the spinning rod. I carry quality G.Loomis rods and Shimano Stradic spinning reels for your use. In addition, you are more than welcome to bring along your own tackle on your guided trip. I always love to compare tackle and techniques with my fellow anglers.
In gearing-up for the 2012 fishing season one of my first steps is this slightly overdue newsletter. During the past few weeks, I have made the occasional trip to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) with some nice rockfish being caught on both fly and spin tackle. Take a look at the fishing reports section of my blog for the latest in CBBT action. The next couple of months will also yield some very good light tackle and fly fishing action on the Pocomoke River. See below for trip info. Now for a brief rundown on what to expect in the coming weeks and months.
Pocomoke River Yellow Perch
Fishing Opportunities in 2012
Pocomoke River – I am currently booking trips on the scenic and wild Pocomoke River. We’ll put-in at the Byrd Park ramp in Snow Hill, Maryland where we will chase yellow perch, crappie, pickerel and largemouth bass. This is a great way to spend a midwinter’s day casting ultra-light spinning or fly tackle. The winding nature of the Pocomoke creates many protected and productive shorelines that can be fished comfortably, even as cool winter breezes keep bay boaters in port. The all-inclusive cost for a six-hour trip is only $275 and I’ll supply the coffee and donuts. Take a look here for some of last season’s Pocomoke action Pocomoke River Fishing 2011.
Pocomoke River Pickerel
March White Perch – Beginning around the first of March I will be guiding clients to some terrific white perch action on the Nanticoke River out of Sharptown, Maryland. This is a fun trip for adults and kids, as there is always plenty of action. When the run is on, the perch generally average 10 to 12 inches, with fish of 13 inches or greater caught every season. This was one of my most popular trips last spring, and with the peak of the run lasting maybe three weeks, it’s best to get your name on the books today! Check out some of last season’s action at Nanticoke White Perch
Nanticoke River White Perch
Susquehanna Flats – Even though last season’s flats fishing was a bust, I believe that with this winter’s low snowfall (so far) amounts, this coming spring’s catch & release flats fishery could prove to be outstanding. There have been good numbers of big fish in the lower bay and offshore of the Virginia Capes; so I’m looking forward to a big migration towards the Susky this spring. I have some good dates available during the peak period of the last two weeks in April, so book early to get the day you want.
Red Drum at Fisherman’s Island, VA – I have had quite a few requests to make the trek to the barrier islands of Virginia near the CBBT to try for trophy red drum during the spring run. There has been a super fishery for the past few years with big reds averaging 30 to 50 pounds. While much of this is fishing live bait, on good weather days these fish can be caught casting bucktail jigs, spoons and flies. If you would be interested in this type of trip, please let me know well in advance. The timetable for this will be the first week or two of May.
Tangier Sound Flounder and Croaker
Tangier Sound Spring/Summer Fishing – What with the mild winter weather we have experienced, I really expect to see some great speckled trout fishing beginning around the first of May. We caught some BIG specks last fall, and a spring run of big pre-spawn trout is long overdue. Don’t miss out on the return of this great shallow water gamefish. Flounder fishing was off-the-charts last summer and I am hopeful for more of the same in 2012. Bluefish provided fantastic light-tackle action throughout the late spring and summer months in 2011, especially for fly-fishers looking for a good fight on the long wand. The early morning rockfish bite was very good at times, as big stripers smacked out Storm and Stillwater poppers all over the sound. There is plenty to do while fishing out of Crisfield.
Big Tangier Sound Speckled Trout
Winter Speaking Engagements – I will be speaking at several fishing club meetings and events in the coming months, so if you’re in the neighborhood stop in and say hi.
February 8 – I will be speaking at the monthly meeting of the Saltwater Fly Anglers of Delaware in Lewes, DE. Come out and enjoy a PowerPoint presentation on Tangier Sound Fly Fishing. I will also touch on the Susquehanna Flats C&R fishery and my outlook for this spring. The meeting begins at 7 p.m. and you will find directions on their Web site.
February 21 – I will be speaking at the monthly meeting of the MSSA’s Essex/Middle River Chapter at the Commodore Hall in Essex, MD. Located at 1909 Old Eastern Ave., the meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. I will give a PowerPoint presentation on Fly and Light Tackle opportunities on Tangier Sound, with a special emphasis on the great speckled trout and flounder fishing that we enjoyed this past season. I’ll briefly touch on the Susky Flats as well. Come on out and enjoy an evening of fishing talk!
February 25 – I’ll have a table at CCA’s 10th annual TieFest, the region’s premier fly-fishing show, located at the Kent Narrows Yacht Club in Chester, MD. Show time is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and admission is free. This is a must-attend event for any fly angler who’s wet a line in saltwater. I always book a lot of trips at this show, so arrive early and stay late. The food and friendly atmosphere make this my favorite event of the entire year. See you there!
A final note: I am in the process of updating my Web site Josenhans Fly Fishing with new photos and graphics. In addition, for the most current reports and happenings, please check-out my blog at Josenhans Fly Fishing Blog as daily reports may be posted here before they are distributed via the e-newsletter. Thanks for reading, and here’s to a fantastic 2012 season!
Capt. Kevin Josenhans
Jacob breaks the ice with a big perch!
Matt Schneble, who with his wife and two children Jacob and Susannah were spending their July 4 weekend in Cambridge, decided a half-day fishing trip would be just the thing to cap off a fun-filled weekend. I met Matt and the kids at the free Cambridge city ramp on Franklin Street a little after 8:00 a.m. The waves were kicking up quite a chop, and not wanting to beat the kids to pieces on their last day of vacation we opted to fish for white perch around Howell Point. Jacob was the first to break the skunk and promptly brought to boat a nice perch. We were casting small Beetle-Spins and the kids were doing a good job casting and retrieving the small lures. It wasn’t long before Susannah got in on the action. After a few more perch, Jacob decided it was time to try to catch a rockfish. Since the winds had calmed a bit, we stowed the ultra-lights and made our way to the mouth of the river.
Susannah with her big white perch
I looked around for some marks in a spot where I had done well about a week before and sure enough the fish were there. It wasn’t long before Jacob had caught his very first rock jigging a Bass Assassin. He was quite proud of that feat, as well he should be. Up in the bow of the boat Susannah was doing all she could to hang onto her G.Loomis and Shimano rod & reel combo, as a hard-fighting 20-inch rock was trying his best to take it from her. Susannah won the battle and boated the first and only keeper of the day. A couple of more drifts netted six or eight smaller stripers, with Matt also getting in on the act, before Dad decided it was time to call it a day. The kids did a great job and never gave up in some difficult wind conditions. Great job guys!
Jacob with his very first rock!
Susannah and proud Dad showing off Susannah's catch
Tom with Pocomoke River bass
Nassawango Creek spadderdock
Boy, is it great to be back fishing on the lower shore! Even though the winds have kept me off Tangier Sound on several occasions, I have been fishing a lot, and for a variety of species. Last Thursday and Friday I enjoyed the company of college buddy Tom Decker and friend Brian Eyler. The plan was to fish out of Crisfield at least one of the two days but 25 – 30 mph winds nixed that idea. On Thursday we decided the Pocomoke might be a more relaxing venue. We put in at Byrd Park in Snow Hill and motored slowly downriver to some likely crappie holes. We caught a couple at the first spot but it wasn’t fast and furious by any stretch of the imagination. Down to Nassawango Creek we went. After some moving around and experimenting we started to get the crappie coming aboard. Every once in a while a bass or pickerel would surprise us and even white perch and bluegill liked our crappie jig offerings. Quite the variety. The 30 mph winds were present, but it was extremely fishable, and just a pleasant day on the water. All told, I guess we caught maybe thirty fish and six different species.
Brian and Tom having fun with perch
On Friday, we decided to try something different as the winds were still upwards of 20-25 mph. We put in at Webster’s Cove in Mt. Vernon and headed to a nearby creek looking for white perch. The guys wanted to take a few home to eat. As the tide ebbed strong we began to catch white perch with the occasional rockfish (all rock were released unharmed). Since peeler crab seemed to be out-producing bloodworm we baited up with crab all-around, and as the tide slackened the perch got bigger. In three hours of fishing the guys landed maybe forty perch, with the biggest stretching the tape to 12 1/2 inches, and they had several more right at twelve.
Shelley Davis with schoolie rockfish
Tom Hylden with a nice 22 inch rock
Saturday dawned bright and beautiful in Crisfield, with just enough of a westerly breeze to make the ride across Tangier Sound a tad bumpy. Fishing with Tom Hylden and Shelley Davis we decided to make the trek to the lee side of a string of barrier islands below Smith Island. Pulling up quietly to a long stretch of beach the water was flat calm. The first cast produced a feisty 17 inch striper for Shelley, along with a carbon copy on the second cast. Before long both Tom and Shelly had several rockfish from 17 to 20 inches to their credit. As the tide and action slowed, we moved around to several locations and caught fish at just about every spot. Tom had the largest of the day, a fat 22 incher that hit right near the boat and gave him a heck of a battle. Tangier Island was sitting pretty nearby and the breeze even let up for the ride home. Just a fabulously beautiful day on the sound with two great fishing companions.
Eric's 32 inch striper on a popper
After enjoying a day off with the family on Sunday, I met Matt Roach and friends Jason and Eric at the Madison ramp on the Little Choptank river bright and early Monday morning. We started off working some shallow structure along the bay front with Stillwater Smack-it! poppers, hoping for a trophy rockfish that would be heading out of the bay after the spawn. It wasn’t long before Eric let out a yell as he was hooked up to something pulling drag big-time. After several determined runs we finally caught a glimpse of the first fish of the day, a beautiful 32 inch striper. This turned out to be the biggest fish of the day, as once again the wind played a factor, and this day chased us up into the Little Choptank for some catch and release fishing. School stripers to 21 inches kept the guys happy while casting under the protected banks of the river.
Jason's rock with Matt hooked up!
Matt's 21 inch rock
Tuesday was a travel day with Doug Andrews and Bernie Kemp. We were on a mission to catch some of the trophy red drum that have been prowling the flats off Fisherman’s Island down near the CBBT in Virginia. We met in Pocomoke and drove down together in my Ford truck, and I enjoyed the company as we planned out strategy. After stopping at Chris’ Bait and Tackle for a few last minutes odds & ends, we put in at Wise Point and readied the rods for some sight-fishing. Not a sure thing by any means, but it’s best to be prepared. After cruising the flats between Fisherman’s and Smith Island for perhaps an hour, we decided to anchor-up along a likely looking sand bar and fish peeler and hard crab baits for the drum. After Bernie caught a couple very large rays, Doug and I had two run-offs that we determined were probably drum due to the speed with which the line was leaving the reel. On both occasions, before we could get a hook-set the fish was gone. To make a long story short, the remainder of the day was spent catching skate, monster rays and one feisty dogfish at several locations on the flats. If you can call it a bright spot, we felt right at home with the locals as we didn’t see a drum boated during the entire day. This spring run of drum can be frustrating as you can experience many hours of sheer boredom interrupted by an hour or so of sheer pandemonium. So far this season, I’ve yet to get to the pandemonium part. Oh well, it was a beautiful day in a beautiful place with two great friends. Thanks guys! We’ll get ’em next time..
Inside the breakers at Fisherman's Island
The shallow water, striper topwater action is just heating up and will peak during June and July. Last year we had terrific action and explosive strikes from rockfish during the low-light periods of dawn and dusk. If you want to experience one of the greatest thrills in all of striper fishing try shallow water topwater. A half-day morning or evening trip is perfect for some fast-paced excitement with this great gamefish. Both Crisfield and the Little Choptank produced rock to 34 inches last year.
Josenhans Fly Fishing Blog 