If you want to get another one or two flounder trips in, now is the time to act. Unfortunately, the 2025 summer flounder season officially ends tomorrow, Sept. 25. If you get this column early enough in the day then you might be able to fish today if you desire. If you’re reading at a later hour, then tomorrow is your final chance. Either way, if you catch something nice, you might be able to get in our next report. Let’s see what other anglers have done recently.
Captain Chuck, on the Sea Star III, reported that the improved weather led to a good fluke bite. In addition to the nice fluke, weakfish, croakers and triggerfish helped to fill the coolers of those on the boat. It’s nice to see that a variety of fish have returned to the local reefs.
Pool winners for the week included Brian Posner with a 1.45-pound croaker, Jake Brandt with a 3.75-pound fluke, Frank Servocky, with two wins for the week with his 1.5-pound weakfish and a 4-pound fluke, and Sam Cacia with a giant 6.7-pound fluke.
Captain Chuck will continue to have the Sea Star III ready to sail at 9 a.m. daily, then return to the dock at 3 p.m.
The Miss Chris is still sailing to the reefs for flounder and triggerfish. Since the seas calmed, they have been back at it. They are offering four-hour trips that leave the dock at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Check out their schedule at CapeMayFisherman.com.
Captain Adam, with the Atlantic Adventure, was working hard for his patrons recently. He fished some areas with depths ranging from 40 to 100 feet, but it was worth it as everyone was able to take home dinner. Fluke and triggerfish filled the coolers.
Captain Adam will continue to fish for fluke even as the season’s end draws near. He will then focus on fall fishing with the next sea bass season being less than a week away. Also, don’t forget that Atlantic Divers use the Atlantic Adventure for their dives. This is another chance to enjoy some time on the water.
Captain Brandon has been taking the Miss Avalon to the local reefs. The nicer conditions have led to better catches. Fluke, triggerfish and bluefish have been coming over the rail recently. After flounder season concludes, the crew of the Miss Avalon will be getting ready for the return of sea bass season. Make your reservations now.
The Starfish, from Sea Isle, has seen their fares catching fluke and triggerfish on recent trips. A highlighted trip went to the First Bank of Sea Isle, which saw their employees catch fluke and triggerfish.
Moran’s Dockside Bait, Tackle and Hoagie Shop was busy over a recent nice weekend as anglers were getting bait, catching fish and checking back in with the crew at the store.
John German, a regular around the Avalon Fishing Center where Moran’s is located, stopped in with a 6.5-pound summer flounder that he caught in the back bay during that day’s high tide. He also had a second keeper that day that was a 20-incher. A 4-pound fluke was caught by Austin Timpson, who was on a crew outing aboard the Miss Avalon.
On that same trip, a nice weakfish was caught by Vincenzo, who unfortunately lost a nice fluke. The trip also produced some small bluefish. Another keeper fluke, this a 3.75-pounder, was caught by Ryan Ferdinand, who was fishing in the back bay. Nice fish are still here to be caught if you can spare a couple of hours.
Anglers Victor, Wayne III and Wayne Jr. were fishing at Townsend Inlet, where they caught many blackfish. The two Waynes walked away with keepers, while unfortunately Victor took it on the chin. Still, a good day, and some good filets, were enjoyed by all. Finally, Matthew Jacobs checked in from the Avalon beach with pictures of some small pompano that he caught from the surf. They hit Fishbites on small hooks that were most likely meant for kingfish or spot.
Mike, at Sea Isle Bait and Tackle, reported that an angler, Brian, recently did a little early morning fishing and checked in to report on the 25.5-inch flounder he caught. Brian C. also checked in with word of his 4.88-pound triggerfish that he caught recently.
Two nice catches were reported from Whale Creek Marina that showed that the local reefs still have quality fish on them.
First up is Gary, who caught two nice keepers, with the larger being 29 inches. Outdoing him was Brian, who checked in with a 10.5-pound doormat.
During a recent stretch of nice weather, the Sailor’s Delight had both boats in the fleet out on the water. They tasted success as keeper fluke, with some to 23.5 inches, were caught by the anglers aboard. Other species caught included spot, sharks, kingfish and sea bass.
The 4H fishing club, Tightlines, was able to get out on the beach in Strathmere and enjoy a day of surf fishing on a sunny Sunday, Sept. 14.
Frank Breakell, from the Hook, Line, and Warriors organization, provided a clinic on casting a surf rod, what bait to use from the beach, and how to set up your rigs for the members and their leader, Ruth Thraen. The lesson went well as the members caught kingfish, bluefish and pompano. Member Liam Haughey was the high-hook for the day after catching six fish. Good lessons were learned and memories were made. Nice job, everyone.
There are fluke, plus triggerfish, kingfish, blackfish, sheepshead and other fish still here to be caught. Try to get on a boat, hit a local beach, or find a rock pile or a bridge. Good luck, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
