First, let me wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy Holiday. Hopefully, you received some new fishing toys. If so, you may be able to use them soon, but you’ll have to enjoy fishing in the winter weather.
Yes, it got a little cooler on the water recently, but those of us who fish in the late fall and winter expect that. As long as some nice blackfish and sea bass are biting, no one cares about the temperature. That was the case over the last week, particularly on the weekend, with cooler air coming in but good fish being caught. Let’s check out what happened.
Captain Chuck, and everyone associated with the Sea Star III, concluded their 2024 season recently. The final day provided “solid action,” as there were plenty of fish for those aboard. In fact, Captain Chuck said it was a shame to end the season “with that kind of bite” occurring, but at some point “all good things must come to an end.”
The final count, on this last day, saw five limits caught around the boat. The final pool winner of the season was Kirk Williams, who won with an impressive double-digit, 10.3-pound blackfish.
I’d like to send a thank you to Captain Chuck and the crew of the Sea Star III for the reports and pictures that they provide me throughout the season. Starting in early April, then running through mid-December, they let me know how their week went and send pictures of their patrons and what they caught. Gentlemen, enjoy the holidays, and make the most of your break. I look forward to working with you all again in 2025.
The Miss Avalon was out on a chilly Saturday that was breezier than predicted. The trip was a little bouncy, but still very fishable. The day saw plenty of shorts caught, with about 15 keepers making it to the fish box and coolers aboard. The pool-winning fish was a nice 5-pounder.
Sunday’s outing had a “decent” morning bite that saw R.J. and Seth catching their first two keepers while fishing from a boat. The top highlight was that made by a young angler named Matty, who walked off the boat with a 5.7-pound pool-winning blackfish. That fish also put Matty in the lead for the heaviest blackfish caught during the fall season.
Sunday’s trip was also the last of the season, as the decision was made to finish on a high note with fish coming over the rail. The original thought, after talking to Captain Brandon, was to end the following Saturday. Then, with the opportunity to finish with anglers catching fish, and with the holiday right around the corner, the opportunity to end then was too good to pass up.
With the season’s end now here, I want to say thanks to Captains Irv, Brandon and Sam for providing reports and pictures from their trips aboard the Miss Avalon and the Avalon Lady. Take care, enjoy your rest and relax time, and I’ll see you somewhere along the winter fishing and boating show circuit.
The Starfish had a Sunday trip that saw plenty of throwback blackfish along with some nice keepers. There were no limits on this trip, but most of the anglers had two to three fish. An angler named Calvin was the pool winner that day with a fish that looked to easily be in the 6- to 7-pound range.
The Starlight Fleet reported that Captain Ernie had a good trip on a recent Saturday. It was a 12-hour sea bass trip that produced multiple limits of jumbo-sized fish. Porgies, bluefish and ling were also caught. The early part of the trip was a little slow, but then things turned around nicely. Check out the Starlight Fleet’s Facebook page to see when these trips are being offered.
The anglers on the Cape May Lady had a nice weekend stretch. Those three days, starting on Friday, provided plenty of nice blackfish for those who were able to get out. The Cape May Lady continues to fish. Call or text 609-780-7900 to grab a spot at the rail.
No Bones Bait and Tackle has closed for the season. They want to send out a thank you to all the customers who stopped by this year. They plan on opening again in April. I wanted to say thanks to Mike and the crew for the use of their reports and pictures. It’s always good to get them into our report. See you guys at the shows this winter.
Well, the anglers who are getting out are producing nice catches of blackfish and sea bass. The season is rapidly winding down, but don’t count it out yet. There are still boats sailing, so you can still get out and catch some nice fish. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
