The good fluke fishing continues in the back waters while all the while building at the local reefs of our coast. Many keepers came from that area last week and were joined by triggerfish and sea bass. Closer in, weakfish and croakers were caught and kept those on the four-hour boats happy. No matter where you’re at, action, and putting fish in the cooler, is a good thing. Let’s check things out.
Captain Adam, on the Atlantic Adventure, continues to find nice flounder, as well as triggerfish and sea bass for his patrons. He will sail trips for these reef dwellers, plus be adding other specialty trips. Those trips may focus on wreck fishing for triggerfish, and your one sea bass and tog (this type of trip will start on Aug. 1) or inshore chunking and fishing around the “pots.” This trip will look for tuna, mahi and king and Spanish mackerel. One is already set to happen, and if it’s successful I’m sure more will be scheduled.
A midweek trip produced limits of quality flounder for Tina and for Mike (mentioned later in the Peace Token report). The largest of the keepers this day on the Atlantic Adventure weighed in at 6 pounds.
Captain Mike, from the Miss Chris, checked in to report another productive week. Both the reefs, for flounder and sea bass, and the area near Cape May Point, for kingfish and croakers, produced for his fares.
Recently, Captain Mike and the crew of the Miss Chris had a special trip for the Ed Snider youth hockey program that was hosted by former Philadelphia Flyers goaltender and National Hockey League Hall of Famer Bernie Parent. Most of the young anglers caught sea bass, and a few were able to land some short flounder.
The anglers aboard the Sea Star III had another full week of good fishing, per Captain Chuck. That means that plenty of fluke and sea bass keepers were caught and that the shorts, and extra sea bass, only added more to the action on each trip.
Pool winners for the week were Ryan Eells with the only sea bass winner, which weighed 1.5 pounds. All remaining winners won with fluke, and they were Ronnie Hegeman (3.2 pounds), Jim Hornbach, twice, with 2.15- and 3.45-pound fish, Tony Koska (4.2), Mason Bennet (5.1) and Judy Wall with a 5.2-pound winner.
The Sea Star III sails daily at 9 a.m. and returns at 3 p.m.
Captain Bob, from Full Ahead Sport Fishing in Cape May, reported a rather tough day, due to adverse weather conditions, but nonetheless his charter was able to land their boat limit of fluke with fish to 6 pounds. Also included in their haul were some sea bass. Despite the conditions, and after getting their share, the charter was off the water by 1 p.m.
Captain Tom, from Fishin’ Fever Sportfishing Charters, is running trips for inshore tuna as well as offshore trips for tuna. Check out the schedule on his Facebook page to see when he has available trips for full charters, or open seats to fill out a charter.
The anglers on the Sailor’s Delight I and II had a good weekend with plenty of flounder and croakers to keep them busy and happy. The action rolled over to the start of the week, as the Monday trip had flounder to 5 pounds, 13 ounces, plus 70 croakers of the eating size.
The Starlight Fleet is sailing daily at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. for flounder, sea bass, bluefish, croakers, kingfish and whatever else may be in the area. You can book your trip online.
No Bones Bait and Tackle reported that keeper flounder are still being caught in the back bays behind Wildwood. A lady angler stopped in to show off her catch. Also, a two-man crew stopped in with their limit of flounder, with fish to 24 inches. No word if that was from the reefs or the back bay.
Mike, from Peace Token Fishing Tackle, has been doing well while fishing for flounder. He’s been fishing on the Atlantic Adventure and has caught his limit at least three times this season, and if you know Mike, his flounder, or whatever species being targeted, tend to be among the larger fish caught on that trip. Nice job, Mike.
The Miss Avalon had a big day recently as their patrons landed more than 20 keeper fluke during an afternoon trip to a local reef. Also aboard that day for the return trip were triggerfish and sea bass. Many shorts also contributed to a day of great action.
The Miss Avalon sails daily with morning and some afternoon trips. Check out their schedule online to see what days are available.
The Avalon Lady is sailing on trips to the back bays, where they are fishing mainly for flounder. Their patrons are pulling a mix of keepers and shorts during these trips. The pick is a little harder, but still worth it when you pull in that keeper.
Moran’s Dockside Bait, Tackle and Hoagie Shop reported that Marshall Pickard caught a nice 21-inch flounder while fishing in the back bay recently. You have to work for them, but if you put in your time and find a deeper section of water, you can still find some nice-sized keeper flounder. And the short fish you catch will serve as good practice for when a larger one bites.
The anglers on the Starfish have been catching a nice mix of flounder and sea bass, with keepers and shorts of both. Also, American Legion Post 239 took their annual fishing trip on the Starfish. The veterans enjoyed their day and left with keeper flounder, sea bass and a triggerfish.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle reported that the duo of Billy and Billy caught three flounder, with two of them topping the 5-pound mark. Also, a trip to highlight went to Tim and Kristin, who landed sheepshead, stripers and drum fish. Good effort by them as they did their homework and focused on structure and areas in the back waters.
A trip to the beach saw James and Finn catching spot and kingfish, then being surprised when a keeper striped bass hit their lite setup. They were able to land the fish, and it gave them a good fish tale to talk about.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle reported that Tyler checked in with his limit of flounder, with the heaviest weighing 7 pounds. His day also included catching sheepshead that were up to 10 pounds. He kept one of that species.
An early week outing to a local reef resulted in a nice limit of flounder for Captain Jack. The reefs in the area have been very productive areas for fish lately.
Thanks go to Captain Jon Werley for submitting a picture and report of a recent trip for him and his sister and brother-in-law. They finished their trip with six nice flounder that ranged from 19.5 to 22 inches. Also submitted this week were a report and pictures for Charlene and Rich Derer, who each caught keeper flounder measuring 21.5 and 18 inches respectively.
Well, it was another good week of fishing in a too-quick-moving summer. The reefs are where you expect the fish, and they are there, but some good keepers are still being caught from the back waters. Those with an understanding of the back waters are still finding fish in the deeper recesses of the creeks and channels. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
