Honest Fishing in Delaware

[Johnsfolly]

The title is in tribute to @Mitch f to post a trip that I did not meet the target expectations of the trip. I have been researching places near Maryland that I could try to catch a couple of uncommon or rare species, the banded and black banded sunfish.  

I found an area in Delaware where both species have been collected in the past. I don't know when those collections took place, but since these areas had both at one time they were good targets for me to make a trip and see what I could catch. It also just so happens that Livie was staying a drama camp in the heart to this same area. I scouted out the outfall of Trussum Pond, which is supposed to be the northernmost stand of native cypress trees in the country. The water was low and clear in the creek and I could see a number of turtles as well as a variety of fish. I went back the next Saturday and found the water was rushing over the dam and the creek was running fast. I was there and would give it a try regardless. I rigged a #18 hook and a split shot about 9 inches above the hook. Put on small piece of worm. I fished the edges of the pond that I could reach from the bank. Nothing. I went down to the stream and got into an old growth cypress wetland.

Water was moving faster than I liked, but I dropped my bait in eddies, behind cypress trees, and around brush. I tried any spot that had some slower water. I caught my first fish at one spot where a laydown restricted the flow at a side stream off of the main creek. It was the right size, but was just a bluegill. I dropped my bait in front of the same laydown and had a heavy bite just to land a roughed up bluegill.

I caught two more and moved to another spot. Just more of the same, a few bluegill and nothing else. This nice male at least was a decent consolation prize.

I headed back upstream and saw some topminnows and tried for them with my #26 tanago hooks. They spooked whenever I put a bait near them. No luck.

I went to a different location and my first fish was a dark sunfish. Thinking that I may have caught a banded sunfish. Turned out to be a green sunfish. I caught a few other green and several bluegill. So I ultimately left with my tail between my legs and will have to try that area again. Maybe a kayak would help me fish the pond more effectively.

My last image from that trip was this white cardinal flower. I saw a few of the typical red versions but this was the first white that I have ever seen.

[Mitch f]

A wonderful story and pics!

[Johnsfolly]

1 minute ago, Mitch f said:

A wonderful story and read!!!

We have to enjoy the journey as much as the success. Still want to catch those guys and will just have to keep trying .

[JestersHK]

I know you'll get em at some point.  Persistent nature and all buddy!  Just bring Liv with ya next time, then you'll at least get a picture of one as she catches one before you do LOL 

[Flysmallie]

15 hours ago, Johnsfolly said:

We have to enjoy the journey as much as the success. 

Very true. 

Looks like a beautiful place.

[Johnsfolly]

1 hour ago, Flysmallie said:

Very true. 

Looks like a beautiful place.

Was definitely pretty unexpected for that area. A gem amongst the melon and corn fields of Delaware.

[Ham]

Cypress swamps need Gators. Just sayin. 

[Johnsfolly]

2 hours ago, Ham said:

Cypress swamps need Gators. Just sayin. 

I've been in quite a few that did have gators. Was nice to not have to speed reel in the fish to keep them away from a gator😀.

[Ham]

Run Danny!