Tautog & Chopper Bluefish (05/11/17 - CHSP, DE)

[ComeOnFish]

Air 52 F, Water: 56-57 F on May 11th, 2017

We’ve been having kayak-fishing-unfriendly days (windy and rainy days) for a while. On May 11th, the last of the spring tautog season in DE, I headed for CHSP (Cape Henlopen State Park) in DE.

I fished for tautog first at the ocean side of the inner wall. The water was stained and I had a hard time to stay on some holes due to the wind. When I replaced one of the Mirage Drive chains broke off that time, I was cold and I gave up the ocean side for tautog fishing.

On the way back to the launch for more cloths (windy and expecting rain), I hooked a chopper bluefish.
After that I fished for tautog on the bayside of the inner wall. There I caught 4 tautog. Only one was a legal size @15.25”.
When I saw 3-4 large seagulls picked up large baitfish (spot or herring), I headed back to the shore and trolled for chopper bluefish in 3-4’ of water. There I caught 2 more chopper bluefish. There I broke the rudder pin on Outback (Hobie kayak) by hitting something underwater while a chopper bluefish was on. I thought the rudder pin had been damaged before and somehow it broke that time. Also that time one of the snap latch that hold mirage drive broke off. So I had hard time to pedal the Mirage drive. I made a big mess with two fishing lines by circling when I brought in the third chopper bluefish.

Because of the broken snap latch, I gave up fishing.

I went to Backyard Boats in Woodbridge this morning (May 12th). I picked up one of my Mirage drives that has been reconditioned. I had the snap latch replaced on my Outback (Hobie kayak) also in few minutes. I paid $500 for reconditioning one of the drive (bunch of parts were replaced), 4 extra rudder pins, 3 extra drive chains, 1 idler cable for the drive. Even though I paid for the repairs/replacement parts for two Hobie kayaks, I am happy that I can go fishing in an unknown place tomorrow with all necessary replacement parts.

Fishing Log:

Thanks
Joe

[Plastic Boat]

Well done Joe I was on my way into Lewes when it started raining and turned around and went to Delaware Paddlesports to pick some stuff I needed. I also carry spare parts for my drive, Chains cable and masts and the tools needed to install them. Sorry Joe but I bought the last rudder pins they had. We just need to carry spare part when you fish at lots in places in the middle of nowhere. It will save a fishing trip

[ComeOnFish]

Jeff,
Only a few fished in the morning during the high tide. When I got back during the low tide in the afternoon, there was none fishing (none at the pier, none on the beach). I gave the first bluefish away in the morning. But I couldn't in the afternoon. So I brought 2 bluefish home. And I don't know what to do with them. They are packed with ice in a large cooler. I think I will bring them when I go fishing tomorrow. Hopefully someone take them tomorrow.

BTW, I had 5-6 hits to the Chartreuse only, not to the white. I am wondering if it had something to do with the stained water. Next time I will put two chartreuse.

Joe

[Plastic Boat]

I see you changed out the treble hooks to singles. I do that also
What depth plugs are you trolling?
I was using 3" pet spoons and a short black steel leaders from Wal-Mart on my last trip with good success. The Blues kept cutting off the silver colored steel leaders at the upper swivel

[Slobber Bob]

That's quite a tangled mess of line for sure, haha!

So if you don't eat the blues yourself why do you keep them?

[mike o]

Good to see there some blues still around. I went Sunday before last and trolled for 6 hours and got nothing. Did not see a fish caught.

[ComeOnFish]

I see you changed out the treble hooks to singles. I do that also
What depth plugs are you trolling?
I was using 3" pet spoons and a short black steel leaders from Wal-Mart on my last trip with good success. The Blues kept cutting off the silver colored steel leaders at the upper swivel

I had a 5.5" chrome spoon (krocodile spoon #7) + a large treble hook, which was too heavy for the depth I was trolling. The depth of my crank-bait (6.5" + a large treble hook with rattle). Yes I removed hooks except the tail hook) is about 1-2'. I used #50 test mono leader. I don't think any bluefish can swallow this lure when they bite from behind.

Joe