Another good week of action was highlighted with some nice catches from the local bridges and rock piles. Flounder, sea bass, and weakfish were also caught at the local reefs, but an influx of cool water slowed that action. The southerly winds that have plagued our area continue to hinder an establishment of steady, warm, summerlike water temperatures. Those factors have led to inconsistent reef fishing. Still, though, anglers succeeded, so let’s share what they have accomplished.
Capt. Chuck, from the Sea Star III, reported their best action this past week was with fluke and sea bass, but even weakfish made an appearance. There were keepers, and plenty of shorts during the daily trips. The southerly winds led to colder water and the fish seemed to pick up a case of mild lockjaw. Consistent warm water will hopefully cure that.
The first pool winner this week was Jose Vargas with a 1.2-pound weakfish, while all the others won with fluke. The roll call of those anglers is Frank Weymiller (2.2 pounds), Biff Pein (2.75), Tyler Evans (4.45), Bob Monroe (4.3), and Bob Kopycienski with a 5.15-pounder.
The Sea Star III sails six-hour trips daily and leaves the dock at 9 a.m.
The Miss Chris is sailing two, four-hour trips daily and Capt. Mike reports they have caught plenty of croakers, weakfish, and bluefish. Kingfish are also being caught. One angler, Kevin Foster, was surprised recently when the hard tug on his line ended up being a 30-pound, pool-winning black drum. Other pool winners were Jaime McMann with a 17-inch weakfish and Josh Clinger with a 19-inch kingfish. The Miss Chris also offers a 6 p.m. evening fishing trip.
Hands Too Bait and Tackle reported that Art and Larry, who started out flounder fishing with no favorable results, changed their tactics and started trolling. A couple of missed bites later led to another bite that ended with them weighing in a 125-pound bluefin. It always pays to have a back-up plan.
The Miss Avalon has been catching fluke, sea bass, and weakfish. Each trip is a little different as the water temperatures seem to be changing daily. Trips are offered Monday through Friday at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The Avalon Lady has had some good morning trips with both throwback flounder and keepers mixed in. Also, sea bass, croakers, sea robins, and sharks have combined to make the morning trips rewarding for the patrons aboard.
The Starfish, which sails twice daily, has their patrons catching fluke and sea bass for the cooler, while also catching some sharks and skates for extra practice. Call ahead to confirm scheduling since it is subject to change.
Moran’s Dockside Bait, Tackle and Hoagie Shop is ready to hook you up with a great tasting hoagie, take care of any fishing needs you have, and then weigh in your catch at the end of your trip. Stop in the next time you’re in the area of the Avalon Fishing Center.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle was busy recently as anglers called in, or stopped by, to show off, and weigh, their catches.
Joe G. came by with a limit of fluke he caught at the reef. The largest was 24.5-inches long and weighed 5.04 pounds. Also, William and Bill checked in to report on the two keeper blackfish that they caught.
The busiest couple of the weekend were Joe and Nina who enjoyed a “banner day” during their trip. Together they caught their limit of weakfish and blackfish, then caught two sheepshead for good measure.
The rain and fog of Wednesday morning didn’t stop these anglers from getting out. One, named Gary, caught two keeper flounder in the back bay with the largest weighing in at 4.84 pounds. Also, Abby was out flounder fishing and came by the shop to weigh in her 6.92-pound, 24-inch flounder. Finally, Rocs stopped in with a 16-inch tog caught from a nearby jetty.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle was another busy spot as they recorded some nice catches throughout the week.
An angler named “Z” stopped in with a 25-inch, 10.11-pound Sheepshead. He was one of the anglers out fishing for Blackfish, Sheepshead, and Triggerfish that are hanging around the local bridges and rock piles.
B.J., Ron, and Adam got some bait and were able to get in a quick morning of fishing. Each angler returned with a keeper Blackfish. Other anglers who had good luck were Dave L., who landed a 28.5-inch, 9.79-pound striped bass, the duo of Christian and Phillip, who have been putting in their time on the backwaters and were each able to land a nice keeper flounder, Kevin, who also landed a nice flounder, Stephan, who was doing a good job removing kingfish from the surf, and Laura, who caught a big triggerfish from a local inlet.
The Sailor’s Delight has had some busy patrons lately. Their days were spent catching a vast array of species. Most sought after, and caught, were flounder with a nice mix of keepers and throwbacks. Also being caught were sea bass, croakers, Spot, Pufferfish, Pigfish, and sharks. One catch that went to the unusual category was the Butterfly Ray that fell for a piece of Fishbites.
The Cape May Lady sails daily at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Sea bass, kingfish, croakers and weakfish have been clearing the rails recently. Call ahead to confirm the schedule, then get ready to fish.
Thanks go out to Ione Laffey who submitted a picture of Ricky Thall and his 32-pound striped bass. No other information was available.
The 33rd MidAtlantic will run from Aug. 18 through the 23. The Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May will be the primary host venue, while the Sunset Marina in Ocean City, Maryland, will act as the event’s designated marina for participants who choose to sail from that port. Anglers will have a choice of which three days, out of the five, to fish. Fishing will be from 8 a.m. till 3:30 p.m. each day followed by a weigh-in from 5 till 9 p.m.
It was another week where the fishing was good, but not like summers past. As soon as things start to get going, more cold water comes in. We just need to push forward and enjoy some time on the water. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
