Is the thrill of the catch calling your name? The waters of the Indian River Inlet and its surrounding areas are teeming with life, promising anglers of all levels an unforgettable experience.
The reports from the weekend of June 26th, 2023, painted a vibrant picture. The 8th annual kids catch fishing tournament saw enthusiastic young anglers hitting the docks, their lines bending with impressive catches. A diverse range of species graced the reels, including flounder, spot, trout, rockfish, sea bass, mackerel, triggerfish, croaker, bluefish, and tog. The inlet and its nearby waters were alive with activity, a testament to the area's rich marine ecosystem. It was a beautiful day, perfect for not only fishing but also enjoying a basket of crabs.
Daenna's group certainly had a ball, and Lucy and Morgan were on fire, scooping up the most catches. The rock jetties on either side of the inlet and the popular Bubblegum Beach, accessible through the Indian River Inlet Marina, also proved to be prime spots for flounder. Whether opting for live bait or the more practical approach of casting bucktails, the options for success were plentiful.
| Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Indian River Inlet, Delaware Seashore State Park, Delaware, USA |
| Primary Fishing Target | Tidal species (Flounder, Spot, Trout, Rockfish, Sea Bass, Mackerel, Triggerfish, Croaker, Bluefish, Tog, Striped Bass, Sheepshead) |
| Best Bait & Tackle | Live bait (for specific locations), Bucktails, Darts, Small Spoons, Mullet Chunks, Sand Fleas, Minnows, Spec Rigs with Gulp! |
| Key Fishing Spots | Rock Jetties, Bubblegum Beach, Outer and Inner Walls of the Inlet, Back Bays |
| Recommended Vessel | Small, light boat with a shallow draft for Indian River Bay |
| Amenities | Marina services, ramp, parking (Delaware Seashore State Park) |
| Local Tackle Shop | Old Inlet Bait & Tackle, Inc. |
| Safety Considerations | Be careful on the inlet rocks |
Fishing enthusiasts can stay updated on the latest fishing conditions at the Indian River Inlet, including water temperature, weather forecasts, tide information, popular fishing spots, targeted fish species, recommended bait and tackle, recent catches, and vital safety tips. The Indian River Inlet fishing page is a comprehensive resource for all things fishing, boating, and beach-related on the Delaware coast.
Located on the north side of the Indian River Inlet, the Delaware Seashore State Parks marina is a hub for boaters and fishermen, offering a range of convenient services. For over six decades, Old Inlet Bait & Tackle has been a cornerstone for anglers, offering a vast inventory of 8500 items, along with invaluable fishing information. Established in 1962, Old Inlet Bait & Tackle is located in Delaware Seashore State Park.
The week of July 15th, 2023, witnessed a remarkable surge in fishing activity, defying the challenges posed by the wind. Inshore, anglers reported excellent catches of flounder, sea bass, and croaker. Offshore, the docks welcomed reports of mahi-mahi, tilefish, yellowfin tuna, bigeye tuna, and even a few bluefin tuna, all of impressive size.
As the fishing and beach season gain momentum, it is crucial to share information on what is working and what isnt. The Indian River Inlet area is renowned for its short striped bass action, with sand fleas proving effective, along with keepers mixed in with the big bluefish. Shad action continues to be good with darts and small spoons. At the Indian River Inlet (IRI), and the outer and inner walls, sheepshead action has also been decent.
The Indian River Inlet in Delaware State Seashore Park (DSSP) is considered by many to be the premier location for fishing for tidal species in southern Delaware. The inlet provides direct access to the Atlantic Ocean from the Indian River Bay and Rehoboth Bay. No matter how much you know, every fishing trip is a learning experience; the more knowledge you have, the less painful the experience will be.
The waters surrounding the Indian River Inlet also extend to the Indian River Lagoon. Species like trout, snook, jacks, ladyfish, and the occasional redfish have been caught in the Indian River Lagoon. Both artificial lures and live bait work well, with lures performing best in the morning, and live bait becoming more effective later in the day.
The year 2025 has begun with an intense pace. In mosquito lagoon, redfish numbers are the best seen in the last 10 years. Theres also lots of black drum schooling on the flats in mosquito lagoon and the Indian River.
July 8th, 2024, marked a crazy long July 4th weekend. The inshore fishing was good, with anglers bringing in sea bass, triggerfish, croaker, and flounder. Offshore fishing posed a greater challenge. Exciting flounder fishing is also occurring in the inland bays, and the "old grounds" are thriving.
Bluefish activity around the Indian River Inlet and the nearby beaches has been good. At 3Rs Drive on the beach, people were "hammering" kingfish using mullet chunks and sand fleas. The middle of the outgoing tide and overcast skies also contributed to a productive day. Evening excursions in both shallow and deeper waters were the focus of the weeks fishing trips, with Saturdays trip standing out in particular.
As the waters warm up, tarpon activity has increased in the river. Targeted a variety of species.
Ron at Rattle & Reel Sporting Center on Long Neck Road reported an abundance of bluefish in the Indian River Inlet. In the back bays, flounder are also being caught in plenty using minnows or spec rigs tipped with Gulp!. Live spot have become a winning strategy for stripers in the Indian River Inlet.
The area offers a convenient ramp and parking. The surf report and surf forecast for the Indian River Inlet in the United States provide further insights for surf enthusiasts.
For those interested in contributing to ongoing research, the University of Delaware researchers need your input to learn more about the most commonly caught and consumed fish from the Delaware Bay, Rehoboth Bay, and Indian River Bay. Anyone who fishes these bays and eats the fish or shellfish they catch is encouraged to take the survey.
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