Officially summer is here, the weather feels like it, and the fishing seems to be trending that way also. The reefs and the back waters are still giving up quality flounder, triggerfish are showing up with some regularity, and other summer fish, such as croakers and kingfish, are also in the area. Farther out, tuna are being caught, tilefish trips have produced good fish, and life seems good. Let’s check out what has been happening.
The Miss Avalon is sailing to the local reefs for flounder, triggerfish and croakers. They were getting shorts, with keepers mixed in, but the warm weather has increased the fish coming over the rail.
Recent trips saw the first triggerfish of the year, while the next trip saw seven keeper flounder. The warming back water is driving flounder to the inlets, then out to the reefs. This pattern should continue for the foreseeable future, and the good fishing hopefully follows suit.
The Avalon Lady, with Captain Brandon, reports good flounder fishing in the back waters. A recent storm dirtied the water, but as it cleared, the bite returned. No huge flounder were recorded, but a steady catch of quality fish has been the recent pattern.
The Starfish, as all other boats, completed the sea bass season on a positive note as plenty of fish cleared the rail as the first portion of the year ended. Now they have switched their focus to fishing for flounder, which have been joined by croakers and triggerfish, so the summer run is starting to fall into place.
The Starfish also sails a five-hour Wednesday night fishing trip that leaves the dock in Sea Isle at 6 p.m.
Moran’s Dockside Bait and Tackle continues to report quality flounder catches. Recent highlighted action went to their own C.J., who fished with Chuck, with each angler catching and releasing a dozen fluke to 24 inches. They kept two others for the dinner table. Baits of choice were 5-inch white gulp, swimming mullets or three-quarter-ounce jigheads tipped with spearing.
Others with nice catches were Alan Silverman with a 4-pound flounder caught at the Avalon Shoal and the three keeper flounder caught by Glenn and his fellow angler. They were using chartreuse rigs tipped with strips of squid and mackerel and fishing in the murky waters that resulted after Thursday’s storms passed through.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle was busy with reports of nice flounder being caught. They also reported that Billy and Derek stopped in to weigh in a 32-pound yellowfin tuna.
Flounder highlights through the weekend went to Bill, Kevin and Cameron (store owner) as they landed seven keepers during a back bay outing, to Walt who caught a 4.8-pounder while he was fishing with his grandson Luke, and to the five-member Lashley crew who finished their trip with 14 keepers.
An early-in-the-week report from Captain Mike of the Nevrenuf saw a limit for an angler named Kyle, in addition to other flounder caught during that charter. Conversely, as my deadline approached two impressive catches were made. First, a young angler named Colten rolled into the store with a 26.5-inch, 8.16-pound doormat that was one of his three-fish limit. Kudos to Jim Elberson, who was responsible for putting Colten on this big fish. Then, later in the day, Eric came in with his flounder. It measured 26.25 inches and weighed 7.08 pounds.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle was busy as they reported that young angler Leo caught a 3.25-pound flounder with the assistance of his equally young sister Tessa and brother Luca. A limit of flounder was caught by Evan, who was fishing the Wildwood Reef while Kitty stopped in with a 5.5-pounder she caught on a Thursday morning trip. Larry and Michael stopped by with two impressive flounder. Michael’s was 5.38 pounds while Larry’s, which is the biggest I’ve heard of so far in the area, weighed in at 9.11 pounds.
Mike also sent out congratulations to Captain Joe Cunningham and the crew at Relentless Fishing NJ. They won the recently held School’s Out Tuna Tournament.
The anglers of Whale Creek Marina have been catching some nice flounder recently. The areas convenient to the marina are giving up some quality fish. If you’re looking for a spot to try, keep that area in mind.
The Sea Star III had a good week as they scoured the local reefs for flounder. They were able to find some nice keepers, as well as plenty of throwbacks that provided some good practice. In addition, some triggerfish were also caught. Those are good-eating fish that provide a nice fight, and also help to fill the coolers of those aboard.
Pool winners for the week were Frank Servocky with a .75-pound croaker, three anglers with sea bass, Dave Maiden (2.25), Larry Brunton (1.25) and Charlie Malone (1.25), and Steve Cosella with a 2.5-pound triggerfish. Fluke won pools for Bob Rubeo (3.75) and Jason Thomas (4.8), who also caught his limit.
The Miss Chris wrapped up their sea bass season and is now fishing for flounder and triggerfish. The flounder fishing has improved and more keepers are being caught. You’ll enjoy action with the “shorts,” and the extra effort has been paying off for their patrons. The Miss Chris features two four-hour trips, sailing at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Captain Adam, from the Atlantic Adventure, has been putting his charters on a nice mixed bag. They have successfully been trolling for bonito, and drifting for very respectable-sized fluke.
Recent highlights went to Mike Jung, who landed his limit on a hot day recently. Mike also caught a big sea bass and keeper flounder double-header. The sea bass was returned to the water while the flounder found its way to the cooler. This trip also produced a limit of fluke for Tina.
Call or text 609-435-3119 to set up your own charter or to grab a seat on an open-boat trip. For convenience, all trips are limited to 12 anglers.
Captain Skip, from Stalker Fishing Charters, Cape May, is fishing for deepwater fluke. Charter anglers have been catching fluke to 7 pounds. Private charters are available for six anglers, or individual anglers can join up with others to make a sixpack outing. Skip is also taking reservations for his Tuna Chunk and Jig trips. Call or text Skip at 609-972-5218.
Captain Bob from Full Ahead Sport Fishing is running trips for flounder. The recent action has been very good, with trips finishing close to their limits. One recent trip was a fish short of their limit, with most fish between 20 and 24.5 inches. Schedule trips with Bob at 609-847-2304.
Captain Tom at Fishin’ Fever Sportfishing is running trips for either fluke or tuna. Flounder trips have produced boat limits with fish to 5 pounds, while the tuna trips have also been good. One trip was even able to stop on the way back to try for some tilefish, and that too was a success. Call Tom at 609-868-6014.
Jim’s Bait and Tackle and Cape May Sport Fishing are teaming up to present the King of the Cape 2025 to be held on July 26. There should be more information to follow.
The Sailor’s Delight I and II, respectively with Captains Stan and Jen, fished on different sides of Wildwood, and each found different results. Stan’s crew was heavy on flounder, with some croakers mixed in, while Jen’s anglers flipped the script and were heavy with croakers, coupled with a scattering of flounder. Both added some sharks to keep things interesting.
The Cape May Lady sails daily at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. They are targeting fluke, triggerfish and weakfish with good results on both trips. Call 609-780-7900 for reservations or other information. Also, deep-drop trips are being scheduled on certain days. Call or check their Facebook page to see when those trips are being put together. You’ll need to text or call for a spot on the rail.
The Starlight Fleet reported good fishing with Captain Ernie. Flounder, croakers and weakfish have been providing the recent action for those aboard.
The recent hot weather provided good results in the back bays, and at the reefs as they really came alive with flounder, triggerfish and croakers arriving. It’s a good mix, allowing newer anglers to enjoy plenty of action and practice on the croakers and triggerfish, while more seasoned fishermen can search out the large flounder. It’s a win either way. Good luck, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
