Posted on July 18th, 2025
For the first time in four years we were blown out in Massachusetts as high winds and seas kept us tied to the dock. We’ll give it a shot tomorrow and let you know how we do. Thankfully, back in Ocean City winds were light, seas were calm and some fish were biting.
Captain Shawn Gibson of the wound tight was first to report in this afternoon with a nice day of fishing for his crew. Anglers fishing on board wound tight released a white marlin and boxed this nice 68 inch bluefin tuna.
Captain Chris Watkowski and the crew of the spring mix II had a great day in the canyons today with 11 fat yellowfin tuna.
Angler’s fishing on the MorningS tar with Captain Monty Hawkins enjoyed flat comb seas and good fishing for Seabass and flounder on today’s trip.
Ocean was a beautiful sight this am. CalmCalmCalm with dozens of bottlenose dolphin in the first mile.. Wasn’t hard to take.
A short round ground-swell with a fairly close period (distance between wave troughs) signaled a wind elsewhere, perhaps even the wind we had yesterday but pushing offshore and south.
Water temps dropped inshore. Saw 74 for a bit then rising back to 79 then 81 as we began our mahi hunt.
Though we had ‘clean green’ water on Wesnesday, and nicked just a few mahi before I called rhe day for wind, the southerlies that day and all of Thursday must have blown pea-soup green water offshore.
Dang it.
Spot after spot – further and further out – water stayed green.
I recently read that Chesapeake waters are suffering hypoxia (low oxygen) owing spring rains.
Well, that’s their story – I’d imagine they’ll stick with it. To me? Hypoxia/anoxia (low and no oxygen) are owed to the oyster’s decline. They say there’s more oysters now than in a very long time. I believe there are, am sure of it. Since adding rock to MD’s list of approved oyster substrates, successful oyster restorations have been the rule. Judging by this ocean vista of deep green sea, however, I’d venture to say we need a LOT more oysters!
Crazy way more.
Fishing for mahi was a bust. Even where I’d caught two mahi and seen almost 2 dozen more on Saturday?
Yeah, no.
Water so green we couldn’t see our baits 3 feet down – even with white or chartreuse bucktail skirts was our fate this day. Capt. Dave tells me this shot of water is green all the way to the Baltimore Canyon.
Mercy..
Made a few drops for sea bass in between mahi stops. Apparently they remain cold shocked. Caught a precious few though. I got lucky and caught a sashimi** dinner’s worth my dernself.
What a light bite though – tepid.
Saw a couple red hake/ling; a few fluke came over the rail as well.
Several days of east wind could fix it. Maybe.
Calling for easterlies Tues/Wed.. Hope it’s enough.
Will focus more on flounder tomorrow.
Cheers
Monty
**(Sashimi my way – Raw Sliced Cbass w/Gochujang Hot & Sweet, Sweet Thai Chili, Soy, Wasabi & Seaweed Salad!!)
