We’re finally into April, and that means the spring season for blackfish has started. Warmer days are on the horizon, maybe with some arriving this month, but April can also be cold and windy on the ocean. Too much of the wind and, well, you’re never leaving the dock. Stripers are also out there, and those should start hitting your offering, if they’re not already. Let’s take a look around the Cape and see what’s happening.
The spring blackfish season opened yesterday. Rock piles, reefs and wrecks are where you’ll want to be to catch some of these tough-fighting, good-eating fish. Many local open boats and charter boats are available for your fishing pleasure. And if you’re fishing from the rocks or bridges you won’t even need a boat. No matter how you do it, make sure you make time to try and catch some of these fish.
Captain Chuck and the crew from the Sea Star III are working on the final details as they prepare to start their season. After the final coats of paint dry it will be time to get ready to fish. Chuck is aiming to get on the water around Good Friday, which could mean some trips for blackfish. After April, the focus will change to flounder during the day and drum fish by night.
With that in mind, Captain Chuck will start taking reservations for his popular drum fish trips. Available dates will be posted on their website. Pick a date and call 609-884-3421 to make a reservation.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle recently opened full time for the season. Cameron is loaded and ready to take care of your needs.
Cameron also announced that there will be a new addition to the local reef. It will be known as the Boulevard Bait and Tackle Cluster on the Townsends Inlet Reef. This is a joint effort between Boulevard Bait and Tackle and Slack Tide Brewing Co. Funds raised during last year’s flounder tournament will provide the financial backing.
Two deployments of three-foot-high, 1,200-pound cluster reef balls will be set up at coordinates determined by a state biologist. This should eventually provide great structure for all the inhabitants of the reef, from small fish and crabs to flounder and blackfish, as the clusters become colonized by the local sea life.
Mike, from Sea Isle Bait and Tackle, is now open seven days a week, weather permitting, for your fishing needs. Stop in and check them out.
Captain Skip, from Stalker Fishing Charters, is booking trips that are targeting striped bass. He reports that with the water temperature climbing past 50 degrees in the back water, the bite has been good. As the weather gets better, so too should the fishing. Give him a call at 609-972-5218 to book a reservation.
Higbee’s Bait and Tackle, in Fortescue, reports that the early returns on striper fishing from their local beaches has been slow. Short fish have been caught, but one angler recently caught that special first keeper to be recorded this season.
The honor goes to Doc Santaniello, whose fish was just under 31 inches. The slow start has been attributed to the winter’s cold weather, which has resulted in cooler water temperatures when compared to last year. That, and a relentless wind, has led to slower action than last spring. As water temperatures climb and nicer weather arrives, striper fishing should follow and allow for some favorable action and results.
Perch fishing has also been off from previous years, but Higbee’s has the bait, so all you’ll need is some time to invest. Head to the creeks, or where they dump into the day, and toss out a line.
Hands Too Bait and Tackle reported that angler Justin Shaw checked in with the first striper of the season. His catch measured 28.5 inches in length. Now it’s time to catch some more as they hopefully show up en masse.
Now that April has arrived, it’s time to really get focused. Striped bass and blackfish are out there, and flounder, drum fish and sea bass are on the horizon. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
