Tick-tock says the clock as the days in the year and the chances to go fishing count down. Oh, boats are still running, but the weather and sometimes a lack of anglers have teamed together to keep some boats at the dock. It’s not always economically feasible to run with a small crowd.
If there is a small number of anglers, enough to make it worthwhile to run, then it’s great from an angler’s perspective. Being able to move around the boat to try out different areas of a wreck or reef that you’re anchored over is great. But you still need enough to leave the dock. Let’s see what happened when the local boats were able to venture out.
Captain Chuck, from the Sea Star III, had a slower week than desired. The weather, which “has been letting everyone down,” continued working its bad spell. When fishing was possible, the action was “still good,” as shorts and keepers kept everyone aboard busy. Several anglers, including a regular, Gary Agness, caught their limits. One of Gary’s limit was a 4.15-pounder that won the pool that day. Walt Prawdzik also won a daily pool with a 4.6-pound blackfish.
As of this writing, Captain Chuck is planning on fishing another week or two. Make sure you get a trip or two in before the season ends.
With the holidays quickly approaching, it’s time to think of gifts for you or the angler in your family. With that in mind, don’t forget that Sea Star III Gift Cards are available and make great gifts. To get your gift card call 609-884-3421; you can also buy them online at www.seastarfleet.com.
Captain Bob, from Full Ahead Sport Fishing, Cape May, was out for a few trips before the big Thursday blow made the locals stay home for the day. His patrons were happy as he was able to put them on some nice fish, with the bulk of those weighing between 4 and 6-pounds. There were also a couple of blackfish that were over 10 pounds, plus some anglers had their limits while most others were within a fish or two of theirs.
If you’re in the Cape May area and need bait, don’t forget to check out Hands Too Bait and Tackle, located at the base of the Cape May Bridge before you enter Cape May. If you’re on the Cape May side of the bridge, you can stop into Jim’s Bait and Tackle. Either shop would be happy to take care of any fishing needs you might have.
The Miss Avalon sailed its Black Friday blackfish trip with a large crowd of eager anglers. Plenty of fish were caught, with many shorts providing action, and practice, for catching blackfish. Fifteen keepers were totaled at the end of the day.
A young angler named Joe was the pool winner of the day. His fish was in the 4-pound range and provided him with a nice fight.
The Starfish also sailed over the weekend with its Black Friday trip, finding plenty of action as many shorts were caught. Plenty of keepers were also caught, as multiple limits were realized and a few others came close.
The Saturday trip was on a windy and “sporty” day. Several limits were caught that day, in addition to their first double-digit blackfish of the season. An angler I’ve fished with a number of times, Rhett, landed a 12-pound pool-winner. I’m willing to bet he caught that big one on a jig. Nice catch, Rhett.
The Starfish, like most boats in the area, is offering gift certificates that make excellent gifts for the anglers on your holiday list.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle reported that over the Thanksgiving weekend the striped bass bite was very active, in both the back bay as well as the ocean.
The Dannunzio boys, who got out early one morning, were rewarded with a nice striper. The trio of Liam, Makayla and Jonas were able to land some nice bass in the back waters. Those bass were not able to refuse the live spot that was offered as bait. The biggest of the weekend was the 50-inch bass that Cooper caught, photographed, then quickly released.
Mike R. checked into the store on the Sunday of the holiday weekend to weigh in his blackfish. That’s always a good thing, but this one was special. That was because it weighed in at 15 pounds and was 28 inches long. That’s the second 15-pounder that I’ve heard of this fall. They’re out there, but you have to put in your time. As the saying goes, “You can’t catch them from the couch.”
The Sailor’s Delight Back Bay fishing fleet, with Captains Andrew and Stan, has concluded its 2024 season. I want to thank them for their reports and pictures that are always up to date with relevant information. Take care, gentlemen, and enjoy your time off.
For the holiday, Captain Andrew is offering gift trip cards, gift charters and season packages. Call him at 609-827-8309 or email him at sailor08251@gmail.com.
The Starlight Fleet is offering a Christmas gift card special that can be used for any of their offerings. Those include trips for fishing on the Starlight Fleet, cruises on the Dark Star Pirate Ship, and trips on the Atlantic Star for dolphin watching.
The fishing was good as blackfish, and some stripers, plus some ever-present sea bass, provided the action over the past week. We need to hope that the week stays decent – perfect isn’t necessary – so we can take advantage of any late-year fishing opportunities that may present themselves. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
