The heat continues, but so does the good fishing. Some chunky flounder were recorded, while sea bass and triggerfish padded the catch totals. Both the reefs and the back bays produced fish for those who ventured out. Let’s get right to the weekly results.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle started their weekend by reporting a limit for Joey G. and Mikey B., who put in their time at a local reef. They had to work for them, but it was worth it. The weekend continued with a good trip for anglers Billy, who landed a 6.5-pound fluke, and Tony, who weighed in a 5.6-pounder. That’s a trip any angler would like.
Midweek action saw Martin and Ken catch three keepers, with the largest to 23 inches and 4.1 pounds, and Mark and Shannon each catching a keeper, with Mark’s measuring 25.75 inches and 6.72 pounds.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle weighed in a 2.25-pound flounder for young angler Hoyt W. that he caught in the back bay. Joining him was Ryan, who landed a 4.12-pound, 23-inch flounder while on a morning trip. Elsewhere, triggerfish provided the action for Rick, who was using sand fleas as bait, and the Mangold boys landed a boat limit of flounder while fishing with Captain Joe Cunningham.
Midweek highlights went to Kathy D. with a 21.5-inch, 3.55-pound flounder, Brian Propp (the former Philadelphia Flyer), with a nice keeper from the back bay, and to Sasha (5-pounder) and Ryan (6 pounds), who were fishing with Captain Joe Hughes.
The crew at Moran’s Dockside Bait, Tackle, and Hoagie Shop hustled through the weekend as flounder ruled the scales, except for one unexpected catch.
Marty and Nick caught two 21-inch summer flounder, plus 12 throwbacks, in the back bays, while Anthony caught a 6-pounder, plus another nice keeper during a trip on the Miss Avalon. R.J., fishing with a friend in the back bay, was thrown a surprise when he landed a 10-pound drum fish. They were fishing for sheepshead, got a reading from a deep channel on the depth finder and dropped a hooked sand flea down to see what was in the area. Now they know.
A post-weekend catch went to Tommy who was fishing with Nev-R-Enuf Sportfishing. The 77-degree water they were fishing in provided Tommy with a 50-pound, 35-inch cobia. Also, Jim Roszkowski landed two keeper flounder, with the largest weighing 4 pounds, and the crew of the Chuckwagon, Chuck and C.J. Walsh, hit the T.I. Reef and were rewarded with six keepers, led by Chuck’s 6.2-pound fish.
The Miss Avalon had a nice run as the anglers aboard caught three flounder over 5 pounds in a two-day period. Anthony, listed in the Moran’s report, caught one, while Russ landed a 7-pounder. Austin also landed a 5-plus pounder. The weekend fishing also provided plenty of triggerfish as well as some keeper sea bass.
Shep Eaton got the week going as he won the pool on the Monday morning trip and caught a double-header. That’s a good way to start the week.
Captain Brandon, on the Avalon Lady, continues to put his fares on the flounder despite the warming back bay water. He’s hitting some deeper spots that are holding the fish, and all, including his afternoon summer campers, are benefitting.
The Starfish, out of Sea Isle, is sailing twice daily at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. Keeper flounder, sea bass, croakers, bluefish and triggerfish have been creating a steady mixed bag for the anglers aboard. Wednesday features a 5-hour evening trip that leaves the dock at 6 p.m. and offers a different perspective to those who are used to fishing in the daylight.
The report from Captain Chuck, on the Sea Star III, shows a nice mix of sea bass and fluke action throughout the week. When the keeper fluke were slow to bite, the sea bass picked up the slack, and that combination kept the anglers busy.
The daily pool-winners were almost split evenly, as winners with sea bass were Kevin Nelson (1.65 pounds), Evan Brinkman (1.5) and Ken Freeman with a 1.75-pound fish, while winners with fluke were Jim Hornbach (3.0), Pat Wagner (3.1), Ray Rubeo (4.0) and Chris Gardner with a 4.95-pound flattie.
The Sea Star III sails daily trips from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m. Stop by, hop on and go fishing.
Captain Mike, from the Miss Chris, reports that his patrons had a very nice week as anglers took home sea bass, croakers and kingfish. Flounder were around, but the bite wasn’t consistent. Depending on the tides, Captain Mike is either pointing the bow to the Cape May Point area, or to the local reefs. He sails daily at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Captain Adam, aboard the Atlantic Adventure, is putting his charters, and open-boaters, on the fish. That means keeper flounder caught from “the sticky bottom grounds,” plus triggerfish, sea bass, bonito and some bluefish. When Captain Adam isn’t running fishing trips he takes the Atlantic Adventure out on dive trips for Atlantic Divers. Hook up with him for trips on or under the ocean.
Full Ahead Sport Fishing, Cape May, led by Captain Bob, reported continued good fishing, particularly for flounder. Sea bass and even some ling are also being caught. A recent highlight went to Chuck, who landed two flounder over 5 pounds while his charter caught their boat limit.
Captain Tom, from Fishin’ Fever Sportfishing Charters, reports that the fluke fishing inshore, as well as the offshore tuna fishing, has been good for his recent charters. Captain Tom has dates available for open boat or six-pack charters.
The recent charter for John Robinson and Len Fenimore, plus others throughout the week, was a good example since it produced a boat limit of fluke and sea bass. Len is also an avid tog fisherman and contributes to our articles during that species’ seasons.
The Sailor’s Delight, with captains John, Jenn, Stan and Andrew, has their fares catching keeper flounder, with the recent largest fish being 22 inches, plus some croakers. Sea robins and sharks have added some fun for those angling. Their crabbing trips are also putting some tasty crustaceans into the wooden baskets.
The Starlight Fleet reports that their fishing trips have been “on fire” lately. Flounder, sea bass, weakfish and drum fish have been caught, and other fish such as kingfish and croakers may also be caught. A recent highlight went to a regular customer, Joe Gallagher, who landed a quality keeper flounder.
It was another good week, with plenty of quality flounder landed, being joined by triggerfish, sea bass, croakers, bluefish, kingfish and another summer fish, a cobia. Hopefully, we’ll start to see more of those. And don’t forget R.J.’s drum fish. It seems there’s something for just about everyone. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
