The spring season continues to be unsettled. One day is lost to the wind and rain, while the next is very fishable. When able, anglers were recording good action with sea bass and flounder. A consistent period of nice weather should aid in correcting everything in our fishing world. Also, I’ll remind you of some approaching fishing tournaments and give the date of the opening of the renovated fishing pier at Grassy Sound. Let’s check things out.
C.J., at Moran’s Dockside Bait, Tackle, and Hoagie Shop, reported that the fishing at the Eighth Jetty continues to be good. Striped bass, flounder, weakfish and bluefish are being caught at various times throughout the day. Striped bass, which are hitting lures, are good from dusk till dawn, while metal spoons and swimming plugs are attracting bluefish in the morning. The low tide, coupled with Electric Chicken Bass Assassins, are good for weakfish, while Gulp shrimp and minnows are good for flounder on the rising tides.
The back bay flounder fishing is improving as minnows, if you can get them, mackerel strips, salmon bellies or chartreuse gulp are good baits.
There are plenty of sea bass on the reefs and wrecks, with the throwbacks outnumbering the keepers, while farther out anglers are trying to entice bluefin tuna to bite, but aren’t having much luck yet.
The Avalon Lady is fishing for flounder, bluefish and weakfish in the back bays. They try to fish daily, except Tuesday, as long as the anglers and weather cooperate. Walk-ups are welcome and trips leave at 8 a.m. Call 609-967-7455 with any questions and to check on availability. You can also book trips online.
A recent catch to highlight was the 4.46-pound pool-winning flounder caught by Cole Copper of Cincinnati, Ohio. The trip that day had five keepers and 35 throwbacks.
The Miss Avalon is running for sea bass and early-arriving flounder. Soon, when the sea bass season ends, they will focus on flounder. Call the number above (same as the Avalon Lady) to make sure they are not hosting a private charter before you head to the boat.
The Tuesday trip provided a great day on the water and was reinforced by good fishing all day. A mix of shorts and keepers filled the day with action, which provided the high-hook of the day with nine keepers.
The Starfish is sailing for sea bass and early flounder. They leave the dock at 8 a.m. Call to book a trip and to check on availability.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle reported on the nice 24-inch, 5.14-pound flounder that Dave caught while fishing in the back waters. This shows that there are still some nice fish in the back bays. Also mentioned was angler John, who landed his limit of flounder, with fish to 3.8 pounds. Cut mullet was his hot bait.
Whale Creek Marina reports that nice flounder are being caught in the waters near the marina. The warmer back waters are still a good place to try if you’re up in that area above Sea Isle.
Captain Chuck, from the Sea Star III, reported “a pretty good week” regardless of the trips lost to the elements. Sea bass fishing was good, with keepers mixed among the shorts as well as the first keeper flounder of the season.
The drum fish trips are still producing, with the pool-winners being Joe Hutton with a 63-pounder and Larry Kosilla with his 44-pounder.
The daytime pools went to George Schmidt with a 2.75-pound fluke, while sea bass won for Randy Hannings (2.3 pounds) and Tony McCullough (2 pounds).
Captain Chuck is still sailing for drum fish, but that fishery will be ending soon. Call ahead to confirm that he is still targeting them. Meanwhile, the Sea Star III leaves the dock daily fishing for sea bass (through June 19) and flounder. Call 609-884-3421 for information about their trips.
The anglers fishing with Captain Mike, aboard the Miss Chris, have been catching sea bass through the recent stretch of sketchy weather. Fish were still caught, and that’s the ultimate goal.
The Miss Chris is also running trips for drum fish, so check their schedule for available trips, which can be booked online. And don’t forget that flounder will soon be the main target for anglers.
Stalker Fishing Charters, with Captain Skip, is taking reservations for the remainder of sea bass season, and for trips targeting big fluke as that season develops. You can call or text him at 609-972-5218.
The Sailor’s Delight, with Captain Stan at the wheel, has been putting his fares on the flounder in the back bays and channels. He would like less wind if possible, but putting fish in the boat is his main concern. Since that is occurring, he’ll put up with some wind.
The Starlight Fleet has been fishing for sea bass. The anglers are enjoying the action of a mix of throwbacks and keepers. A recent trip saw 28 keepers, with the high-hook of the day catching five. That outing finished strong, with some larger fish being caught at the last stop.
Grassy Sound Marina is preparing for its 19th annual Flounder Tournament on June 28. For more information, reach out to them at 609-846-1400.
Here’s a reminder that the Fred Pane Memorial Surf Fishing Tournament takes place on Thursday, June, 19, from 6 a.m. till 10 a.m. In Sea Isle. This tournament is run by Hook, Line and Warriors, an organization that helps military veterans. For information, call Frank at 609-425-9401, go to www.hooklineandwarriors.org, or visit their Facebook page.
Fred’s Tavern of Stone Harbor will hold Fred’s Flounder Tournament on Saturday, June 14. You can register at the Tavern and get the rules, then come back on Friday, June 13, at 6 p.m. for the captain’s meeting.
The second annual Slack Tide Flounder Tournament will also be held on Saturday, June 14. Sign up at the Slack Tide Brewing tasting room or at Boulevard Bait and Tackle.
The Grassy Sound Fishing Pier will open with a ribbon cutting ceremony this Friday, June 13, at 10 a.m. The pier is next to the Lazy Bass Bar and Grill and Grassy Sound Marina. All are welcome to attend.
Freshwater news: A quick thank you for the picture submission of Matty Wertz and a big largemouth bass he caught while fishing in the Cape May area.
Fishing, when possible, continues to be good. Flounder are in the back bays, inlets and at the local reefs. Drum fish are still hitting in Delaware Bay, so if you want to get in on that fishery you’ll need to get right on it. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com
