Slowly, fishing is occurring here in the county. That is, when the captains can dodge the wind and the rain. Since there hasn’t been too many days without wind and rain, there have been many days of fishing lost to the elements. For any anglers who fish on the charter boats, you know a good strategy, especially early and late in the year, is to schedule as many trips as possible. Many will probably be canceled, but if they aren’t, well then you’ll get a lot of fishing in. Let’s see what’s been going on when the boats did get out.
Capt. Tom, on the charter boat Fishin’ Fever, has had some good results when he can get away from the dock. One of his regulars, and also a regular contributor to the column, Len Fenimore, joined a club that many of us who fish for blackfish would love to join.
During one of the trips that was made, Len landed, then photographed and released, a 20.5-pound female blackfish. He is now in the 20-pound club. Congratulations, Len, for a great catch and for the sportsmanship of releasing that fish. Big breeders like that are what will keep the fishery going.
Two other anglers, Anthony and Sully, also landed double-digit blackfish that day. Sully, by the way, is Chris Sullivan who just happens to be the angler who holds the record for the largest blackfish caught in New Jersey. That fish weighed 25.8 pounds and was caught on Dec. 20, 2020, while on a trip aboard the Fishin’ Fever with Capt. Tom. All the elements were in place for a possible new record, but it wasn’t meant to be on this particular day.
The Sea Star III finally had a decent weather window and, as a result, was able to christen its season. They had blackfish all around the boat as it was loaded with experienced anglers. Keepers and shorts, and some nice conditions, lasted throughout the day. The first pool winner of 2024 was Gary Agness who claimed it by weighing in a 4.1-pound blackfish.
Capt. Chuck reports that the Sea Star III sails six-hour trips daily, leaving the dock at 9 a.m. and returning at 3 p.m. Also, their Prime-Time Drum Fish Trips start on May 8. These trips leave the dock at 4 p.m., return at 10 p.m., and are limited to 25 anglers. Because of that, reservations, and a deposit, are required. Call 609-884-3421 to reserve a seat so you don’t get left standing at the dock looking at the eastern end of a westbound boat.
Capt. Skip, from Stalker Fishing Charters, Cape May, reports that striper fishing in the back is ranging from “good to insanity.” While the weather has reduced the ocean fishing, the back has been producing some larger fish lately. Call or text Capt. Skip at 609-972-5218 to see what days, and times, he has available.
The Miss Avalon and The Starfish are ready to go, but just waiting for a window of favorable weather. As soon as the three W’s – weather, window, and weekend – merge, then watch out. There will be two more boats ready to offer a fun day on the water. And it won’t be long before they add more days to their schedules.
As a PSA, remember that the approaching summer flounder season is only 10 days away now. Make your plans, book your reservations on the local boats, and make sure you have all your gear cleaned and ready to go. Buy your rigs, or better yet, tie your own, load up on some bucktails and teasers, and get ready. Put new line, and shock-leader if you like it, on your braid so it’s ready, and don’t forget to check the eyes on your poles. There’s nothing worse than finding a loose rim in an eye, or an all-together broken eye, when you’re running your line through them while sitting on the boat on the way to the fishing grounds. Work on your line at home, get everything prepared ahead, and be ready to go when the engines on the boat turn off and the captain says “drop ‘em.”
Hopefully, the weather becomes more favorable because there are some nice fish at the wrecks and reefs. All that we need is the opportunity to get on the water and that requires what we haven’t experienced in a little while, that being a stretch of good weather. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
