Prior to the weekend storm, fishing was pretty good, but since then it has been all but impossible to fish. Striped bass were caught out of Indian River Inlet and from the surf. Sea bass were taken in good number and size from inshore wrecks and a few big flounder were caught out of Indian River and Delaware Bay. The first of the black drum run was under way with fish to 80 pounds caught from the Coral Beds.

When the water finally settles down we should expect more of the same with the possible exception of rockfish in the surf. I fear we have seen the best of that bite, but it was good for those who were there when the fish passed by.

On Friday last, Darren Purcell, his dad Lloyd and Floyd “Morty” Morton were fishing at Cape Henlopen State Park south of the ramp by the radar tower. Using fresh bunker they caught several big rockfish including a 42-incher for Lloyd Purcell, his largest rock from the surf. Returning to the same area with the same bait on Sunday failed to produce a single hit.

On Saturday Old Inlet Bait and Tackle sponsored its first Spring Surf Fishing Tournament and it was a great success in spite of the rain, wind, gas prices and fishing license. A total of 420 anglers, 100 more than last year when the Bethany-Fenwick Chamber of Commerce ran the event, signed up for the contest and they were spread along the North Beach and 3Rs Road fishing in some of the worst conditions you will ever see in May. It was raining hard, the ocean was rough and full of weed, the temperature was in the low 50s and the fish were not biting. Still, 420 anglers were fishing the surf and I hope having a good time.

There has been considerable discussion among the business leaders in the recreational fishing community about the prospects for the 2008 season. There is concern about the state of the economy, the price of fuel, the new fishing license and the high size limit on summer flounder. While this fishing tournament is only one event it did prove that people will fish if there is a good reason. In this case it was prize money and we all hope they will continue to fish when the only reward is a good time and some filets on the table.

In the end the tournament produced 14 scoring fish, not a good number, but the prize money made up for the poor fishing and miserable conditions. The winners were Bob Hayes, 35 points and $750; Chad Mitchell, 34 points and $500; Vernon Hudson, 30 points and $175; Steve Bishop, 30 points and $175; and Shel Chandler, 24 points and $150. Largest fish in the tournament was caught by Bob Hayes with a 35-inch rockfish that paid $1,000. The Bluefish Calcutta was won by Bob Hemmen with a 21-inch blue worth $2,760.

ECONOMY FISHING - Most of the folks who read this column live a reasonable distance from the water, so getting to the dock, beach or boat ramp will not be a major expense. Fueling the boat after a fishing trip, however, will be. There are a few things you can do to cut expenses and still enjoy as much fishing time as you have in the past.

Fish closer to the dock. The lure of the canyons is great, but fishing the inshore lumps can provide good action at half the fuel cost. Last year the inshore bite was good for tuna, dolphin and especially wahoo, and there are always a few marlin caught every year inside 30 fathoms.

Try chumming instead of trolling. A flat of butterfish should be cheaper than the fuel it will take to troll all day.

No free rides. If you usually take friends and family along for nothing, stop. Ask for some help with the fuel costs and if they refuse get some new friends and family. Plan each trip carefully. Don’t wander aimlessly around the ocean. Study fishing reports, tides, currents, water temperature, charts and make a good plan based on this information.

Finally, keep the motor in the best condition possible. A well tuned and maintained motor will use less fuel than one that has been neglected.

IR BOATING ASSOCIATION BLUEFISH TOURNAMENT - The Indian River Boating Association will hold its Bluefish Tournament over the Memorial Day Weekend. This is a trolling-only contest with a $50,000 prize for anyone who breaks the Delaware state record for bluefish. That record now stands at 21 pounds, 15 ounces set by Bill Throughgood in 1980.
In addition, there will be a picnic and a raffle of fishing and boating equipment. To find out more contact tournament director Mike Rendenna at 302-632-2872.