UTERRedfish fishing in Delaware Bay and Ocean City
In Delaware Bay and Ocean City, redfish peak May and September–October and are around April–November, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: Bull reds on Virginia's Eastern Shore barrier islands — cut bunker in the surf.
Fall drum in the Assateague and Virginia seaside surf.
Redfish in Delaware Bay and Ocean City, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilArriving
- MayPeakBull reds on Virginia's Eastern Shore barrier islands — cut bunker in the surf.
- JuneAround
- JulyAround
- AugustAround
- SeptemberPeakMahi and marlin offshore; albies and trout inshore. Some of the best mahi of the year in the canyons; false albacore on the inshore lumps; specks in the inland bays and the inlets.
- OctoberPeakFall drum in the Assateague and Virginia seaside surf.
- NovemberLeaving
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish redfish near Lewes, Indian River Inlet, Ocean City
Delaware Bay's big, shoaly estuary with the lumps and sloughs off Slaughter Beach and the Coral Beds; the Delaware, Maryland and Assateague surf; the inland bays and back bays behind them (Rehoboth, Indian River, Assawoman, Sinepuxent, Chincoteague); Virginia's wild seaside barrier islands; and the offshore lumps (Jackspot, Hambone) out to Baltimore, Poor Man's and Washington canyons.
What to use for redfish
- Live shrimpUnder a popping cork or free-lined, hooked under the horn on a #1 to 2/0 circle hook; on a jig head for the bottom. The universal inshore bait.
- PinfishHooked through the back ahead of the dorsal on a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook; the small ones free-lined, the big ones on a fish-finder rig.
- Finger mulletLip-hooked on a 2/0 to 4/0 circle hook and free-lined, or on a fish-finder rig in the surf. Cut mullet on the bottom for redfish and drum.
- Blue crabsWhole and small for permit and tarpon; halved or quartered on the bottom for black drum, redfish and cobia.
- CroakersHooked through the back on a 2/0 to 3/0 circle hook, free-lined or on a Carolina rig — big trout and redfish can't leave them alone.
- Leader20–30 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook1/0–3/0
- Jig head1/8–3/8 oz
- Braid10–20 lb
Feeds in 58–90°F water, best at 65–82°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch redfish in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Peak season is May and September–October. Redfish are in Delaware Bay and Ocean City April–November. May: Bull reds on Virginia's Eastern Shore barrier islands — cut bunker in the surf.
Where do redfish hold in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Look on grass flat, pass / inlet, channel edge, bridge — around Lewes, Indian River Inlet, Ocean City, Chincoteague, Wachapreague, Cape May.
What is the best bait for redfish in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Live bait: live shrimp, pinfish, finger mullet, blue crabs. Live shrimp: Under a popping cork or free-lined, hooked under the horn on a #1 to 2/0 circle hook; on a jig head for the bottom. The universal inshore bait. Tackle: leader 20–30 lb fluorocarbon, hook 1/0–3/0, jig head 1/8–3/8 oz, braid 10–20 lb.
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