Seabass and Tautog

Type: Ocean
Region: Ocean
Location: Ocean City Maryland-Morning Star Headboat

Seabass season is finally open in Ocean City Maryland and I decided to take advantage of this fishing. The trip started on the Morning Star headboat with a long 2 hour ride to the fishing grounds. Upon arrival there was a steady pick of Seabass with some fish approaching 3 lbs. Many fish had to be thrown back as they did not quite make the minimum 12&1/2". The captain had to make many moves to keep us in the action. Weather was perfect with calm seas. The highlight of the day was a trophy Seabass of 6.4 lbs caught by Ricky Herbert on a diamond jig. This huge fish is the heaviest Seabass of the year. After seeing this catch I promptly switched to a diamond jig and managed a Tautog of around 6 lbs. The jig continued to catch some fish but eventually the action slowed for me. Other anglers fishing with clam bait started catching double headers of keeper Seabass and I switched back to a top and bottom rig with clam bait catching a couple of double headers. Sometimes you have to know when to alternate between lures and bait. The lures will usually target the bigger fish. By days end I had 11 Seabass and one nice Tautog. Not too bad a day. Two photos-one of Ricky Herbert with his trophy Seabass taken by me and me with my catch taken by a fellow angler. Tight lines all,