The summer season has kicked off in grand fashion. Plenty of nice-sized fluke, with a number topping 5 pounds, have been caught, with both the back bays and reefs producing. Sea bass are also available to keep. You may possess one fish at 12.5 inches. A wayward back-bay drumfish was recently caught behind Avalon, and triggerfish and croakers are also scattered throughout the area. Let’s see who did what.
The Sea Star III, with Capt. Chuck, had really good fishing recently that included plenty of quality fish, allowing some anglers to catch their limit. The reefs were the place to be, and the flounder were hungry.
The weekend started with a good catch on Friday, then Saturday saw keeper fluke being caught all around the boat. There were five over 5 pounds, and two of those cleared the 6-pound mark, with one reaching 6.75-pounds. “Giants” is the word that Capt. Chuck used to describe the catch. The following day started with a slow bite, the result of almost no drift, but better conditions as the day progressed led to another day of good results.
The pool-winners this week had the common thread of all winning with a fluke. They were Frank Servocky (3.25 pounds), Andy Kane (4.55), Ray Rubeo (3.9), Debbie Hackett (3.65), Tony Kosko (5.1), Pat McCarthy (6.45) and Jim Benz with the largest of the week at 6.75 pounds.
The Miss Chris, with Capt. Mike at the wheel, reported a busy week of flounder, with some keepers mixed in, more croakers showing up, and even some throwback sea bass. He also took Plumbers Local 609 on a flounder trip to the Old Grounds. They had 17 keepers, with the largest being 6 pounds, and at least twice as many throwbacks.
Capt. Adam, on the Atlantic Adventure, reports that his recent trips have been doing well with flounder, boat limits of weakfish and plenty of triggerfish. Trips for all these fish, in addition to dive trips, are available by calling the captain. Fishing trips are for private charters or open boat trips for up to 12 anglers.
The Sailor’s Delight duo of boats is keeping their fares busy by catching flounder, with keepers to 20 inches, croakers and sea bass. Most of the sea bass in the back bays at this time of year are too small to keep, but provide good action and practice for anglers honing their skills. Another back-bay dweller that is being sought, and that the Sailor’s Delight targets on various trips, is blue claw crabs. Enjoy a day of crabbing and leave with a tasty dinner.
The Starlight Fleet reported that fishing in general is really hot. That includes a mix of croakers, some kingfish and multiple keeper flounder on consecutive days. That’s a nice mix to keep all the anglers aboard happy.
Grassy Sound Marina announced the winners, and their divisions, from the 19th Annual Flounder Tournament.
The Boat Division was won by Capt. Mike Bowen (5.83 pounds) while the Kayak Division went to Wes Panei with a 5.79-pound fish. The Two-Heaviest category was won by Capt. Bill Whiledon (7.75 pounds) and the three calcuttas went to Chris Degget (4.03-pound weakfish), Joe Muravski (8.56-pound bluefish) and Nate Horvath (10.29-pound striped bass).
The Avalon Lady also offers crab trips for their patrons. Their main focus remains on summer flounder, where a mix of shorts and keepers have provided plenty of action. Sea bass, sharks and sand sharks are always willing to try and take your bait.
The Miss Avalon is doing well on their trips to the local reefs. Flounder, with croakers, triggerfish and weakfish mixed in, have provided a pull on the line. The Miss Avalon sails daily, so go online to set up your reservations.
Moran’s Dockside Bait and Tackle and Hoagie Shop was a den of activity this past week as flounder ruled the report.
Catches of note went to Braydon, who caught a keeper from his family’s dock, to Capt. Jim who battled through the misty weather to land a keeper, to Bobby who landed a very nice keeper, and to Mason who caught a keeper from the rock wall at Townsends Inlet. The seawall is also home to some tasty triggerfish, as Kevin Rogers found out when he caught some on his kingfish rigs.
Another catch to mention went to Marlena Schoppert, who was drifting with her flounder rig when a 17-pound black drum decided that he wanted it. They were fishing in the back bay when the surprise catch was made.
The Starfish is running two four-hour trips daily. They have been catching flounder, croakers, weakfish and sea bass. A recent trip featured a special guest who is known both locally and nationally. Isiah Pacheco, a professional football player from Vineland who plays for the Kansas City Chiefs, was aboard for a day of fishing recently. He and his friends had an enjoyable day on the water and were able to leave with some fresh fish for dinner.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle weighed in some nice fluke since our last report, with Rick starting us off with a 25-inch, 5.36-pounder, then Dave stopped in with a 26-inch, 7.04-pound fish, and then Craig came in with his 5.94-pound “beauty.” Also, Kevin checked in from the beach that he was catching some bluefish from the surf on cut bait.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle reported that Mitch checked in with a haul of triggerfish that he recently caught. He was getting more bait, then headed back out to try his luck with the afternoon bite. Another angler, Rob M., stopped by the shop to weigh and measure his big flounder. The final tally read 28 inches and 8.74 pounds. Mike, at the shop, reported that the water is “warming” and that now is a good time to get out after these fish. Use that advice and get out on the water.
The patrons of Whale Creek Marina are catching plenty of nice flounder, plus weakfish and sheepshead. The Ludlum Bay area seems to be a good spot to try.
The Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club recently conducted its Ladies Tournament. First place went to Chris Stafford with 3.6 pounds, second went to Nancy Cunningham with 2.97 pounds and third place went to LuAnn Burin with 2.62 pounds.
We had a shorter report due to time constraints with the holiday, but there were plenty of good catches to mention. If you get the opportunity to wet your line, do it. Good luck, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
