Whiting fishing in Delaware Bay and Ocean City
In Delaware Bay and Ocean City, whiting peak June–September and are around May–October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. July: Kingfish in the Delaware and Assateague surf on bloodworms.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Whiting in Delaware Bay and Ocean City, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayArriving
- JunePeak
- JulyPeakKingfish in the Delaware and Assateague surf on bloodworms.
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberLeaving
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish whiting 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 whiting
- Sand fleas (mole crabs)On a small circle hook or a pompano rig, digger-end first — the pompano and whiting bait.
- 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.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#4–#1
- Braid10–15 lb
Feeds in 56–82°F water, best at 62–76°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch whiting in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Peak season is June–September. Whiting are in Delaware Bay and Ocean City May–October. July: Kingfish in the Delaware and Assateague surf on bloodworms.
Where do whiting hold in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Look on beach / surf, pass / inlet — around Lewes, Indian River Inlet, Ocean City, Chincoteague, Wachapreague, Cape May.
What is the best bait for whiting in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Live bait: sand fleas (mole crabs), live shrimp. Sand fleas (mole crabs): On a small circle hook or a pompano rig, digger-end first — the pompano and whiting bait. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #4–#1, braid 10–15 lb.
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All about whiting · Delmarva & Delaware Bay, the whole year