UTERShortfin mako fishing in Delaware Bay and Ocean City
In Delaware Bay and Ocean City, shortfin mako peak June–July and are around May–October, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Makos on the chum slick at the 20- and 30-fathom lines; Atlantic shortfin mako retention is prohibited — release.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Shortfin mako in Delaware Bay and Ocean City, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayArriving
- JunePeakMakos on the chum slick at the 20- and 30-fathom lines; Atlantic shortfin mako retention is prohibited — release.
- JulyPeak
- AugustAround
- SeptemberAround
- OctoberAround
- NovemberNot here
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish shortfin mako 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 1 ledge / hard bottom spots in the Delmarva & Delaware Bay map area — the kinds shortfin mako hold on.
What to use for shortfin mako
- Blue runners (hardtails)Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia.
- Goggle-eyesBridled through the eye sockets for sailfish and kingfish, kite-fished or slow-trolled.
- Cut ladyfishA whole ladyfish or a head on a 9/0 circle hook and wire for sharks; chunks on the bottom for redfish and drum. The best shark bait in Florida.
- Bonito (cut)Whole on cable for tiger and bull sharks; fillets and chunks on the bottom for grouper and snapper; strips trolled for wahoo.
- Leader40–60 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook4/0–8/0
- Braid50–100 lb
Feeds in 60–78°F water, best at 64–72°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch shortfin mako in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Peak season is June–July. Shortfin mako are in Delaware Bay and Ocean City May–October. June: Makos on the chum slick at the 20- and 30-fathom lines; Atlantic shortfin mako retention is prohibited — release.
Where do shortfin mako hold in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Look on ledge / hard bottom — around Lewes, Indian River Inlet, Ocean City, Chincoteague, Wachapreague, Cape May.
What is the best bait for shortfin mako in Delaware Bay and Ocean City?
Live bait: blue runners (hardtails), goggle-eyes, cut ladyfish, bonito (cut). Blue runners (hardtails): Nose-hooked and slow-trolled on a wire stinger rig for kings; bridled for sailfish and cobia. Tackle: leader 40–60 lb fluorocarbon, hook 4/0–8/0, braid 50–100 lb.
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All about shortfin mako · Delmarva & Delaware Bay, the whole year