First, since we last met the calendar has rolled over to a new month, and a new year. With that being said, Happy New Year’s greetings are in order. I hope you did well at Christmas and got everything that you desired, particularly the items related to fishing, crabbing or just being around the water. You may have even been able to get out over the last week to test out your gifts. Let’s see how those that did get out did.
The Starfish continues to sail as the conditions allow, and lately things haven’t been too bad. They were able to squeeze in a few trips before and after the holiday and were able to bring some nice fish, and multiple limits, over the rail.
Recent pool winners were Ko Han, Big John, Doug Compari and, with a nice double-digit blackfish, one weighing 10.5 pounds, Dave Savage. Another highlight was the good father-son trip had by Desmond and Ron S. from Pitman. Those types of trips always create good memories.
A trip right before the New Year’s holiday saw Fast Eddy win the pool with a 10-pound blackfish. There were also some limits caught, plus some quality 3- to 5-pound fish scattered among the anglers.
Another trip to mention, held by the Starfish, was the outing held by Hook, Line and Warriors. This is an organization that takes veterans fishing and promotes better social, emotional and mental health for its members.
Their day started off cold, at 17 degrees, which was the coldest so far this year. Choppy conditions, with a mix of 3-footers and an occasional 5-footer, keep everyone awake and on their toes. Various stops during the day resulted in a few limits and a few other good catches that provided some tasty filets. The action wasn’t as steady as desired, but fish were caught, and a good time was had by all.
You can contact the Starfish crew at 609-263-3800 or book a trip online at www.starfishboats.com. You can also catch up with them at the Wildwood Fishing and Boating Expo Jan. 10-12, where they will have a display.
The Cape May Lady has been sailing recently, and they are targeting blackfish. They caught some nice fish on their most recent trip, and will be looking to head out again soon. Give them a call at 609-780-7900 to get the details on their next trip.
The Starlight Fleet has been doing good lately with some nice results. They have been focusing on big sea bass during their recent 12- and 18-hour trips. Captains Ernie, Andrew and Chris have been steaming to the deeper water, and the results have been worth it. Plenty of limits have been caught, along with some tasty 6-pound sea bass.
Charlie Chung, of Maryland, made the most of the outing he was on by catching the pool winner, a 5.5-pounder. Adding to each trip’s action were some big bluefish. Give them a call at 609-729-7776 to see when the next trip is scheduled, and to find out how you can reserve a seat and get in on some good fishing.
As mentioned, the Wildwood Fishing and Boating Expo will be held this weekend. The show starts this Friday at 1 p.m. and will run till 7 p.m. The Saturday and Sunday hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 9 a.m. till 2 p.m., respectively. There is a $10 fee for adults, $3 for kids 6 to 13 years old.
The show features 80,000 square feet of boats, vendors, seminars and fishing- and boating-related items for you to check out and purchase.
Well, the action is slower, but the opportunities are still there. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
