With the heat and humidity climbing, it seems we have started the dreaded dog days of summer. But good fishing and a surprise catch during an “awesome day” for a local shop owner helped to make things more bearable. Flounder are at the reefs as expected but some nice keepers are still inhabiting the back waters. Let’s check things out.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle reported some nice flounder catches, from both land and sea, as both areas are producing.
The land-based keeper fluke was caught by Jennifer who was fishing at the inlet. She caught her fish while using minnows as bait.
An angler named O.G. caught his two keepers, including a 4-pounder, while he was fishing in the back bay, and then Billy W. checked in with a 26-inch fluke he caught during a trip on the ocean.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle was also involved in the fluke game, as they recorded some nice catches.
Jim reported good action from the back bays, as he was busy catching 14 fluke. He kept one for the table that was 21 inches and 3.1 pounds, while Cameron and friends had a “great day” at the reef, as they completed their trip with a five-man limit of fluke and sea bass. Also noted was the number of short fish that should be the proper size in another season or two, which is a good sign for the fishery.
Overall, many reports came in about reef trips. Some were good, while others mentioned slower action. The common denominator was that you needed to fish structure, not off it. The fish are there, and you need to be willing to lose some rigs. Some proof of that strategy was the 23.5-inch, 4.8-pound fluke caught by Faith. She worked a ball-jig, tipped with a white-glow Gulp and a strip of Boulevard Bait and Tackle’s homemade salmon belly strips to make her catch.
Cameron, the shop proprietor, had an “awesome” mid-week trip to a local reef. He and his friends totaled 10 keeper fluke, with the largest approaching 5 pounds. What made the day special was the other fish that Cameron landed. He hooked, then landed, a 40-pound “bull” red drum that hit a ball-jig that was tipped with a 6-inch Gulp grub and a strip of Cameron’s homemade salmon belly bait. I see a pattern with these ball-jigs and salmon belly strips.
After weighing, and pictures, the fish was released. Classy move, Cameron.
The Miss Avalon has been busy on their twice-daily trips to the different reefs in the area. They sail daily at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. and have a five-hour trip (8 a.m.-1 p.m.) on Sunday that costs the same as a daily four-hour trip. Hence, you’ll get an extra hour of free fishing.
Flounder, sea bass, and triggerfish are the main fish that are being caught, while an occasional bluefish, croaker, or weakfish also finds the net.
Another interesting catch recently was that of a Cobia. It was estimated to be around 40 pounds. Because it had many lines tangled, the line with the fish was cut and it was released for another day. It was caught while the angler was flounder fishing, and due to its actions, was thought to be a shark until it was brought to the surface.
The Avalon Lady is still picking up keeper flounder each trip and supplementing those with some croakers. Four keepers highlighted a recent mid-week outing, and when you throw in the croakers, it made for a good outing where everyone went home with some filets for their dinner.
The young anglers enjoying the summer fishing camp have also been doing well, catching croakers, flounder, and crabs. They have also been brushing up on their boating knowledge, tying knots, and general boat operations.
The Starfish sails twice a day and is targeting fluke, sea bass, and triggerfish. Bluefish and weakfish are also welcome. Trips sail at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Capt. Chuck, from the Sea Star III, reported “another solid week,” which means plenty of quality fluke action, as well as plenty of anglers. There were keepers and, as expected, plenty of shorts caught during the week. Some anglers were also able to get their limits with several fish weighing over 5 pounds.
The pool winners, where fluke were king, were Dave Sheldon (4.05 pounds), Pat McIntyre (4.7), Mike Orcutt (3.65), Rich Wheaton (5.1), James Trajano (5.95), Scott Barndt (5.7), and Vinnie Sallustio, with a 6.25-pounder.
Capt. Mike and the crew of the Miss Chris enjoyed a very busy week. The tides dictated where they ventured, so they either ended up at the local reef or at the Point.
At the reef, they were catching fluke or sea bass, while kingfish and weakfish were being caught at the Point.
Notable catches went to Sara Tonkin, who caught a 20-inch fluke and a sea bass, and to Alyssa Smith, who finished her trip with a 19-inch fluke and a sea bass. Both ladies claimed pools, on different trips, with their fluke.
Cape May Bait and Tackle reported that plenty of small kingfish and croakers, as well as some flounder, are being caught from the local beaches. Small hooks tipped with bloodworms or Fish Bites work well for the kingfish and croakers, while Gulp Swim Baits, Minnows, or Spearing on a bucktail or jighead will induce a reaction from the flounder.
Also, the Hackett family stopped into the shop to weigh in a large triggerfish they caught. When the scale settled, it read 4.75 pounds.
The Sailor’s Delight is staying active, as their patrons are catching flounder, croakers, spot, kingfish, and assorted juvenile weakfish, striper, and sea bass.
The crabbing trips are also providing some very nice-sized crabs to those who are targeting them. A patron named Joann and her family caught 29 keepers and an assortment of fish on their crab and fish (split) charter.
The Starlight Fleet is running daily trips at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. for flounder, sea bass, triggerfish, kingfish, and weakfish. They also sail a 7 p.m. trip. You can book a trip online at starlightfleetnj.com/fishing.
Thanks to the anglers from Dan’s Dock for submitting news of their 30th Annual Flounder Derby July 22. The field included 40 “alleged fishermen.”
The winner’s trophy went to Capt. Bill Stubbs and crew on the strength of a 3.8-pound flounder. They also claimed third place with a 3-pound-plus flounder caught by Scott Harbison. Capt. Veronica Barbiero and her crew claimed second place with a 3-pound-plus flounder. All the winning fish were caught in Grassy Sound.
All involved wanted to thank Dan’s Dock, Anita Scherfel, Debbie, and Capt. Warren T.P. Sigmund for hosting the derby and the festivities for three decades.
Well, the fluke fishing at the reefs is doing well. Throw in some of the other summertime fish you can catch there, plus a few surprises, and you should have an active day. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
