July is now in full swing, the expected hot weather has followed, and thankfully the fishing seems to be following the pattern. Flounder, triggerfish and sea bass (one per angler) have dominated most reports, and the ocean is now the place to be. That’s not to say that fish, particularly flounder, can’t be caught in the back bays, but the warming waters have caused the seasonal exodus out to local reefs and wrecks. Let’s check our reports.
The Sailor’s Delight had a good week as their patrons were busy catching flounder, croakers, sea bass, small sharks and two dories. Those two weren’t expected, so the surprise factor was well worth it when they cleared the rail. Keeper flounder, up to 22 inches, were some of the “excellent” catches made during an early week outing. Also being caught, though not surprisingly, were blue-claw crabs. Trips for the species listed above, or other fish swimming by, are made daily. Trips targeting crabs are also available.
The Starlight Fleet’s patrons are busy during day trips catching fluke and sea bass. The night trips have seen weakfish, 12 on a recent trip, and large croakers being caught. Either way, day or night, you’re covered.
No Bones checked in to report that Brian stopped by to weigh in a nice flounder that he caught. Nice to the tune of 24 inches and 6 pounds.
The Miss Avalon, with Captains Irv and Brandon, reported that flounder, nice-sized triggerfish and keeper-sized sea bass are being caught on their trips to the local reefs. Regulars Mark and his son Matthew had an enjoyable holiday weekend outing, catching three keeper flounder for their efforts. Trips vary, with two 4-hour trips Monday through Friday. Saturday has one 4-hour trip, and Sunday has a 5-hour trip. Call ahead to confirm the times of the trip you want, and to make a reservation.
The patrons, and summer fish camp participants, of the Avalon Lady continue to catch both short and keeper flounder in the back bay. The campers are also practicing their fishing skills by catching sea bass, sharks and sea robins. A crabbing trip will be on the campers agenda.
Whale Creek Marina had plenty of photo opportunities as anglers posed with their nice catches of flounder. Also, Mr. Omrod showed off the nice striped bass that he caught.

Boulevard Bait and Tackle was busy over and after the holiday weekend as they reported plenty of action from the ocean, back bays, sod banks and beaches.
Flounder highlights went to Paul, who landed a 23-inch, 3.38-pounder (back bay), Evan, with a 3.8-pound, land-based catch, Sullivan, who caught one from the surf, Tony and Billy, with their two-man limit from a reef, and Joey and Danny G., with three nice reef fish.
A four-man charter with Captain Mike, from the Nev R Enuf, produced eight keepers caught during a back bay high tide. Elsewhere, Kingfish Nick reported that the beach was “full of life” as he kept some of the larger kingfish he caught during a morning outing. He also caught a 13.25-inch weakfish.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle reported on the first cobia of the summer. Sean sent in a picture of a short, under 43 inches, that was released. A 7-pound triggerfish was caught by Christian K. Dom along with his limit of flounder, plus two triggerfish and a sea bass. Other flounder catches went to Brandy (two keepers), Brynn and Keira, who caught fish to 6.75 pounds with their dad, Captain Joe Cunningham, Frank J. with a 5.96-pound back-bay specimen, Chris W., who fished the reef for his 5.5-pounder, and 6-year-old Amelia D., who landed a back-bay 25-inch fish. James caught a good-sized drum fish from the surf on Tuesday morning.
Moran’s Dockside Bait and Tackle reported that Richard Zinck and Kevin Mauger, on the Pat Z, returned from an offshore trip with a 68-pound yellowfin. Other catches to note went to Connor Mulligan with a 3-pound triggerfish, Steve, who caught a 3.7-pound flounder from under the Avalon Causeway Bridge, Jaime Fox, who caught two keeper flounder from the back bay, the charter of Captain Mike Smith that landed six keeper flounder, and to their own C.J., who caught a nice weakfish from the Eighth Street jetty.
Captain Mike, from the Miss Chris, reports that his patrons had very good fishing over the past week. That means that anglers such as Sue Chwieroth-Daniel, who sailed on multiple trips during the week, were catching their keeper sea bass in addition to keeper flounder. One angler, Evan, caught a bonito as a school swam past the boat. Captain Mike sails two trips daily, at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
The Sea Star III, with Captain Chuck, recorded another solid week because the fluke and the sea bass were biting. That action meant quality fluke, with some limits included, caught during that time.
Pool-winners include one sea bass, a 1.25-pounder, for Kevin Nelson. Others winners, all with fluke, were Linda “Loo” Martin (3.5 pounds), Phil Sam (3.55), Steve Brunner (3.4), Gary Agness (5.55) and Jaime Stephenson (5.6).
The Sea Star leaves dock at 9 a.m. daily, and returns at 3 p.m.
Captain Bob, at Full Ahead Sport Fishing, Cape May, reports that the fishing has been very good. His patrons have been catching plenty of nice-sized flounder, along with their one sea bass. A recent trip had 10-year-old Tyler showing his dad and uncle how to take care of business. Their group limited out, then was able to get home in time for the barbecue.

Fishin’ Fever Sportfishing Charters, with Captain Tom, reported good fishing for both flounder and tuna. Recent tuna trips have done very well, with one big yellowfin hitting the 90-pound mark. Tom has limited opportunities on his remaining July schedule, but check with him for any late openings, and for his August availability. His schedule is posted on his Facebook page.
Jim’s Bait and Tackle announced that Team Emma Lee won the Winner Take All Brown Bag outing they ran on July 5. The winning fish weighed in at 9.78 pounds
Hands Too Bait and Tackle reported that a lucky angler stopped in with a 27.5-inch, 7-pound flounder that was caught in the North Wildwood area. The big fish couldn’t resist a pink shine gulp.
Cape May Bait and Tackle reported good beach action consisting of kingfish, croakers and fluke. Most of the fluke being caught are short. Light bucktails (no more than a half-ounce) tipped with gulp, minnows, spearing, bloodworms or Fishbites are the best baits. The rocks and bridges are producing sheepshead that are hitting crabs on tog jigs.
Moving away from the beach, some bluefin tuna were found at the inshore lumps just a few miles offshore. Keeper fluke and sea bass are out at the reefs.
Finally, those fishing the canyons are doing well, with yellowfin tuna that are being caught on the troll.
Those crabbing in the back bays have been catching plenty of number one- and two-size blue-claws.
Thanks go to John Tyrell for reporting that his daughter Sadie recently caught her first fish, a spot, while fishing from the 81st Street public fishing area in Stone Harbor. Congratulations, Sadie. Also, a thank you to Tom Ricci for submitting the re-created pictures of his son, Dr. Bill Ricci, and the pose with a flounder from 20-plus years ago and the current picture with flounder that was taken at the same exact spot.
The fishing remains hot, while the weather seems intent on being just as hot. Hopefully, the fishing stays that way, while the weather cools some. Flounder and triggerfish are helping to fill coolers, most anglers catch their one sea bass, and sheepshead and cobia are starting to show up. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.