UTERSpanish mackerel fishing in Delaware Bay and Ocean City
In Delaware Bay and Ocean City, Spanish mackerel are around July–September but never at the peak of their run, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. August: Spanish turn up off Ocean City in the warmest summers.
Not in Delaware Bay and Ocean City this month.
Spanish mackerel in Delaware Bay and Ocean City, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayNot here
- JuneNot here
- JulyAround
- AugustAroundSpanish turn up off Ocean City in the warmest summers.
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberNot here
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish Spanish mackerel 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.
Fish Scouter charts 52 artificial reef spots in the Delmarva & Delaware Bay map area — the kinds Spanish mackerel hold on.
What to use for Spanish mackerel
- Glass minnows (bay anchovies)Thrown by the handful as chum for Spanish, trout and ladyfish, or several on a tiny hook.
- Pilchards (whitebait)Free-lined or under a cork, hooked through the nose on a #1 to 2/0 circle hook. The one bait that catches everything inshore.
- Threadfin herring (greenbacks)Nose-hooked on a circle hook and free-lined, or slow-trolled. Fragile — handle them wet and fast.
- Spanish sardinesNose-hooked and free-lined in a chum slick, or slow-trolled on a stinger rig.
- Leader30–40 lb fluorocarbon
- Braid10–20 lb
Feeds in 64–84°F water, best at 68–78°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch Spanish mackerel in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Spanish mackerel are in Delaware Bay and Ocean City July–September, but the calendar never marks a peak here. August: Spanish turn up off Ocean City in the warmest summers.
Where do Spanish mackerel hold in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Look on artificial reef, pass / inlet, beach / surf — around Lewes, Indian River Inlet, Ocean City, Chincoteague, Wachapreague, Cape May.
What is the best bait for Spanish mackerel in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Live bait: glass minnows (bay anchovies), pilchards (whitebait), threadfin herring (greenbacks), spanish sardines. Glass minnows (bay anchovies): Thrown by the handful as chum for Spanish, trout and ladyfish, or several on a tiny hook. Tackle: leader 30–40 lb fluorocarbon, braid 10–20 lb.
Fish it with the tide in your pocket
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All about Spanish mackerel · Delmarva & Delaware Bay, the whole year