Well, we finally had a break in the weather. The initial effects of the windy weather slowed down the fishing roll that we were on. As the weather clears, the sun returns, and the wind lessens, we hope that the good fishing will return. We’ll mention a few rapidly approaching tournaments, one for kids and two for all anglers so check those out. Let’s see how things went.
Captains Brandon and Irv, from the Miss Avalon, reported a good week of fishing that consisted of action centered around flounder, sea bass, triggerfish, plus an occasional bluefish. Shorts and keepers provided plenty of action. Trips for the Miss Avalon and the Avalon Lady can be scheduled online.
The Avalon Lady is fishing for flounder, sea bass, weakfish, and bluefish in the back bays behind Avalon. They may also hit Townsends Inlet for flounder, or whatever is swimming by, if the opportunity arises.
The Starfish sails twice-daily trips at 8am and 1pm. Over the past few days, their patrons have had a good deal of action with flounders, sea bass, and triggerfish. Keepers are mixed in with the smaller fish so you’ll have to work to get them.
Moran’s Dockside Bait and Tackle was full of highlights recently. Sammy and Joey, two young anglers, caught flounder and sharks as they enjoyed some fishing time. Nan weighed in a 5.2-pound flounder, caught in the back bay, that couldn’t resist a 5-inch Pink Shine Gulp. Cheryl K landed two keeper flounder while fishing at the T.I. Reef with Captain Gene on the Rainy, David and Trish DePetris caught a keeper flounder while fishing near the T.I. Bridge, and Ed Geaoge bested a 6.55-pound fluke while using a Pink Shine Gulp. Well, I can spot a trend here.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle weighed in a 4.8-pound flounder for an angler named Jimmy. He was fishing from a land-based area and made his catch as the sun was setting.
Whale Creek Marina recorded a nice catch for John Hutchinson who was fishing at a local reef. He returned with a 6.4-pound flounder. Another angler, this one unnamed, returned from his outing with a keeper flounder and a nice sheepshead. Others were pictured with their nice flounder which continue to provide good action.
Captain Mike, on the Miss Chris, reports that his patrons had another good week filled with plenty of action. He has been fishing both the reefs, or “the Point” area, depending on tides and weather. The “Point” was good this past week for croakers, kingfish, and some keeper weakfish that have recently arrived. Throwback, and keeper flounder, were also caught during the week, and one, an 18.5-inch fish won a pool for Ron Shaw of Lindenwold.
A “solid week” of fishing was the way Captain Chuck described the week for the anglers from the Sea Star III. The week was a mix of ocean and bay fishing with the wind and sea conditions being the deciding factor. Either location was good as those aboard saw “plenty of action”.
Pool-winners for the week were Tom McCarthy with a 1.5-pound weakfish and Frank Servocky with a 1.45-pound kingfish. All other winners won with fluke and they were Jim Hornbach (3.4-pounds), Andy Kane (4.0), Pat McCarthy (3.5), John Hanstein (4.0), and Ron Carroll with a 4.7-pounder.
Captain Adam, on the Atlantic Adventure, is putting together good trips for his charters. Those trips, like recent ones, are a nice mix of flounder, sea bass, and triggerfish. He didn’t mention blackfish, but I know Captain Adam has them in the back of his mind. If the situation arises, I could see him have his fares attempting to catch their one legal keeper.
Captain Adam ran a trip for a charter that wanted to roll the dice and try something different. The inshore tuna chance didn’t pan out but they were able to hit some pots and succeeded in catching some good-eating Mahi. By trips end, there were enough filets for everyone to enjoy some tacos for dinner.

Cape May Bait and Tackle reported that the beaches have been providing croakers, kingfish, weakfish, bluefish, and some flounder. Bloodworms and Fishbites are good for the first three species while cut baits and metals work for the final two.
Anglers at the reefs are catching flounder and sea bass on strip baits or Gulp while the the Five Fathom Bank saw catches of Spanish mackerel, bonito, and small bluefish being caught.
“Excellent” crabbing can be enjoyed in the back bays where number ones and even some jumbo-sized crabs are being caught.
The Sailor’s Delight was busy while fishing in the back bay behind Wildwood from the northern end of the island, then south to the Cape May Inlet. These areas were providing flounder, croakers, and bluefish. Amongst the catches were some nice keeper flounder.
A notable catch on the Sailor’s Delight was the first sheepshead caught by an angler during one of their trips. Captain Stan put the angler in a position to catch this fish which is a challenge to catch. Nice job, Captain Stan.

The Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club will conduct the SFEC’s Kid’s Tournament this Saturday, August 16th. Admission is free and the tournament will gather at the Prescott Street Beach. Registration opens at 8am and fishing will run from 9am till 11am. It is open to children 17 and under. Bring your own rod, reel, and equipment. For a complete, and short and easy, set of rules, go to the SFEC’s Facebook page.
The 2nd Annual Flounder Tournament for the Jimmy Mullins Memorial Scholarship Fund will be held Saturday, August 23rd. You’ll be able to start fishing at 5am, weigh your fish by 3pm, then there’ll be an Awards Party at 4pm at Tight Lines Bait and Tackle in Somers Point. The Captain’s Meeting will be at 6pm, Friday, August 22nd, also at Tight Lines. First, second, and third place prizes will be awarded for the heaviest flounder. There will also be a Youth Prize category for the heaviest flounder. Call Bernadette at 609-827-2791 for entry fee cost and any other information you may need.
The 34th Annual MidAtlantic is scheduled for August 18th through the 22nd. The tournament is based at the Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May, New Jersey and Sunset Marina in Ocean City, Maryland. Each facility can handle up to 125 boats for the tournament.
Dan’s Dock held their 32nd Annual Flounder Derby recently. Dan DeFlavia won with a 4-pounder while Joe Grant Jr. took 2nd and 3rd place with two 3.3-pound fish. All winning fish were caught near West Wildwood. The fishing continues to be good, and now that we’re allowed to add one tog to our cooler each day things are only getting better. Good luck if you get out, enjoy your time on water, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.