The passing storm kicked up the waves, and created some big swells, but according to local captains, the days were still fishable. And not only fishable, but productive. Plenty of sea bass, ling, and some nice keeper flounder were caught. Maybe not to the numbers of past August weeks, but catching some fish is always a good result for a day on the water. Let’s check things out.
The anglers aboard the Sailor’s Delight continue to stay busy during their backwater excursions. Both boats in the fleet have been active in their search for fish and crabs.
Plenty of flounder, with some keepers mixed in, were caught on recent trips. Croakers, sea bass, sharks, sea robins, and weakfish were also caught and all have contributed to “two milestones” hit recently. Those would be the 5,000 fish and keeper crabs caught in 2024, and to the 45,000 fish and keeper crabs caught since the first day of business in 2014. Numbers like that are aided by a recent day where 142 fish were caught and seven different species were represented.
The Cape May Lady is sailing daily, at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., through the month of August. They have been catching flounder, sea bass, croakers and kingfish.
The Starlight Fleet will be fishing and running a Dolphin Watching trip over Labor Day weekend. Four-hour fishing trips are scheduled for 8 a.m., 1 p.m., and 7 p.m. Two-hour trips to view dolphin sail on another boat in their fleet at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 5:30 p.m.
Trips can be booked online at starlightfleetnj.com.
The word from Capt. Chuck, of the Sea Star III, is that results from the local reefs remain consistent. Lots of sea bass, good action on fluke with some keepers mixed in, and some larger fluke amongst those keepers. The wait for the big summer bite continues while steady action persists.
Pool winners were Jeff Kouba with a 2-pound sea bass, while all others took home their winnings with fluke. Those winners were Doug Miller with a 2.4-pounder, Kevin Duczkowski (2.75), Nicole Stanley (3.85), and George Schmidt with a 5.5-pounder.
Capt. Mike, from the Miss Chris, reported that the action off of Cape May Point remained “steady” with croakers, kingfish, and weakfish still being “solid.” He also mentioned “an improvement” in the amount of flounder being caught and that there were some nice keepers amongst them.
A highlight of note went to Bill Peters who caught 80 croakers and six kingfish, while recent pool winners were Dan Davis with an 18-inch weakfish, Anthony Mesopotanese with a 21-inch fluke, and Benny Stram who caught a 19-inch fluke.
Hands Too Bait and Tackle weighed in a 6.38-pound flounder for an angler named Pat who was fishing out front.
The Miss Avalon had a couple of nice days over the weekend as they were able to fish the reef structure during open boat fishing and for a private charter. One trip had a boat limit of over 30, plus some keeper fluke and a few ling.
The Monday trip had more sea bass and fluke caught, but was highlighted by the 41-pound black drum that was caught. They went one for three on them during the trip.
Mahi trips aboard the Miss Avalon will take place on Sept. 6, 16, and 20. They are 12-hour trips that will leave at 3 a.m. and return later that afternoon at 3 p.m. Trips require reservations that can be made by calling 609-967-7455. The cost is $300 and will require a $100 deposit, with the balance due the morning of the trip. The price includes a spinner rod, tackle, and bait, and will also include breakfast. The plan is to “pot hop” about 30 miles out, and then to troll.
The Avalon Lady sails each morning, heading to the back bays, Intracoastal Waterway, and the inlet area searching for flounder and other fish. They have been catching flounder, croakers, and kingfish. They also have a Wednesday evening trip that is a good way to unwind after a day of work.
The Starfish, out of Sea Isle, sails daily for flounder, sea bass, weakfish, and other fish visiting the local reefs. Trips leave at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., and they also sail an evening trip at 6 p.m. on Wednesday. Check the schedule on their Facebook page to confirm when they are sailing as dates and times are subject to change.
Moran’s Dockside Bait, Tackle and Hoagie Shop was an active place recently as some good action was mentioned.
Recent catches of note went to Trevor Seits with a 5.87-pound flounder that he caught while drifting with a live spot in the Intracoastal Waterway, a nice striped bass caught by Mark, Matthew, and Hailey on a live-lined spot that they had also caught, a nice keeper flounder caught by Wave Runner Mike in the North Channel, the mess of kingfish caught by Jeff Rose, a nice sheepshead caught by Chet Johnson from his “secret spot,” and a big Bigeye Tuna caught by Capts. Scott Weil and FX Masse as they trolled the Playmaker in the Wilmington Canyon.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle reported that an angler, named Ariel, recently caught her first blackfish. That fish fell for a salted clam. Congratulations, Ariel, on your nice catch. Another young angler also recorded a nice catch as 10-year-old Max landed a 19-inch flounder off of the 79th Street bulkhead.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle reports that the land-based action, particularly from the jetties, is producing some nice catches.
Highlights go to Nick M. who was at the Eighth Street Jetty and throwing sand flies. His effort resulted in a 15.5-inch, 2-pound porgy. Another jetty produced a nice-sized triggerfish for a young angler named Shane. He used green crab to entice that fish to bite.
The Mid-Atlantic Fishing Tournament completed day four before presstime. There were some changes at the top of several categories today.
Through four days, Paul Crampton leads the dolphin category with a 32-pounder. JC Cleare was in second with a 28-pound entry while third place was occupied by William Garmany with a 22-pounder. The Wahoo division is led by Mary Naylor’s 76-pounder. Second place is a tie between Jennifer Pastorius and Hank Draper as both have 54-pound fish.
The white marlin leader is Dan Caliente with an 81-pounder, while Anthony Alves is in second place with a 77-pounder, and third place is held by CP Townsend with his 75-pound entry.
The top three tuna were caught by Steven Pilipauskis (a 180-pound Big Eye), Val Fichera (174-pound Big Eye), and Jamie Diller (a 61-pound Yellowfin).
John Conrad’s boat (the Grett’s 3 J’s) leads the Blue Marlin division with the first entry in the category. It was recorded today (Thursday) and weighed in at 638 pounds and was 128-inches long.
It’s hard to believe that August is almost over, but time marches on. Use it wisely, and try to get in as many trips as possible. The current sea bass season ends on Aug. 31, then returns on Oct. 1, but the end of flounder season will be here before we know it. The bottom line is to catch them while you can. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
