Anglers looking to spend a few days targeting multiple species in both freshwater and saltwater can rely on the Delaware coast. “The state record tiger musky was caught in the Brandywine River,” said Chris Erby, of Delaware Paddlesports. That tiger musky weighed 16 pounds. The 1991 record was also caught in the same river, weighing 15 lbs.
“There’s really good fly fishing for smallmouth,” said Erby. “You can also catch bluegill, largemouth, and crappie.”
Moving down the coast, many creeks flow into the Delaware River, where anglers can target 20-30lbs striped bass. “There’s a great striper run every year,” said Erby, “you can catch big fish at the mouth of the creeks flowing into the river.”
Throughout the state, kayak anglers can take advantage of small lakes and ponds. Trap pond, in the southern part of the state, is the southernmost point where bald cypress trees can survive. “They grow right in the middle of the pond,” said Erby. “There is great largemouth, pickerel, bluegill and crappie fishing there.”
Saltwater anglers hitting the Delaware beaches can catch blues, croakers, flounder, striper and speckled trout. The bays and inlets of Delaware Bay offer many ambush points for the kayak angler. The flounder fishing and crabbing in the bays are also very productive.
“There is lots of lots of wildlife and history throughout the state,” said Erby. There are numerous museums, like the Winterthur Museum, as well as many antiquing hot spots.
Don’t Miss: Brandywine Battlefield, for educational programs, exhibits, tours and events that show the significance of the Battle of Brandywine.
When to Go: Fall- killer topwater bite during late September-October. Spring- mid-April-May. Though fishing in the summer is also good, the summer traffic from DC is not.
Where to Stay: For anglers hitting the Brandywine River, check out The Inn at Montchanin. The Inn at Canal Square in Lewes, Delaware, right on the canal, is a good spot to stay near the beach. Camping along the beach is also available at Cape Henlopen State Park.
Who to Call: Delware Paddlesports has a fleet of fishing kayaks from Native Watercraft and Jackson Kayaks. They offer free demos and full day rentals. Chris Erby, Alan Rosenberger and Rodney Hammond run the kayak fishing tours and bring all tackle, bait and kayak gear. Paddleboard rentals are also available.
