Fishing remains steady throughout the area with nice catches of fish from all overall. The back water, reefs, and beaches are providing action, but some species are starting to get harder to find. The beach action for bluefish and stripers is still going on, but waning when compared to recent weeks. Some ling are being caught, along with sea bass, and an occasional flounder at the reefs and wrecks. Let’s check out what happened recently.
The Sailor’s Delight was busy catching some nice keeper flounder in the back waters behind the Wildwoods. Fish to 21 inches have come over the rail, along with plenty of throwbacks. Sharks, and some decent-sized bluefish, have also spiced up the action for those aboard.
The Sailor’s Delight offers back bay fishing on open boat trips, and is also available for charter outings. Crabbing trips and historical cruises will be offered as the season progresses. For those crabbing trips, you’ll need to call 215-582-6539 to check on availability and cost.
The Starfish has been having some good trips recently, but they have also put in the time to achieve them.
The recent weekend saw Delaney earn high hook honors during the trip for her nice catch of sea bass. That same trip saw the pool go to an angler who won with a big ling.
The following day resulted in Dave winning the pool with a large sea bass, while most aboard were close to their limits. There was plenty of action as many short sea bass were also caught.
The Miss Avalon is heading out to the local reefs in search of sea bass. They’ve been picking them up, as well as some ling and a few flounder. The flounder should be picking up, while the first portion of sea bass season heads to an end.
The delivery of the new Avalon Lady fishing boat is approaching. The final details are being taken care of, and a “dead weight” inspection was scheduled for this past Monday, June 10. Coast Guard inspections will follow and then the first trip date should be coming into focus. Updates will be announced as more information follows.
Capt. Chuck, from the Sea Star III, reported a “steady” week that consisted of busy days of catching sea bass and some fluke that have started to show up at the local reefs. Some evening trips produced some nice drumfish action which was just what those aboard wanted.
Daily trips (with weights) had pool winners consisting of fluke for Kevin Nelson (2.35) and Rob Ferrante (2.3), and sea bass for Frank Servocky (2.25), Kirsten Johansen (2.25), Joe Hackett (2.0), and E.J. Ruhl with a 2.5-pounder.
Drumfish pool winners were John Kohl (37.0) and Mike Moore (32.50).
Drumfish trips are now down to a precious few, so get in touch with Capt. Chuck and make a reservation to get out before their season ends. You can call the Sea Star III at 609-884-3421.
Capt. Mike, from the Miss Chris, reports a good week picking up keeper, and throwback, sea bass. They, like the other boats that fish the local reef structure, also picked up some fluke with keepers mixed in. A keeper fluke caught by Drew Mancini was the pool winner on one of the trips. They sail two four-hour trips daily.
Capt. Scott and Capt. Rob ran drumfish trips recently and were able to get some nice fish in the boat. The fish are still here, and the Miss Chris is running trips targeting them. Check their schedule online to see when they’re running next.
Capt. Skip, from Stalker Fishing Charters, Cape May, reported that the deep-water fishing, on his fluke charters, has been good. Sea bass are also mixed in which helps to fill the coolers.
Call Skip at 609-972-5218 to book a charter and get in on the action.
The Cape May Lady plans on running some tilefish trips. Give them a call or a text to get on a list for the next deep-drop outing.
Peace Token Fishing Tackle reported a nice catch for one of their own. Mike was out fishing with Capt. Chuck on an early week trip and was able to land a 7-pound fluke, one of the larger ones I’ve heard of so far this season. Mike caught it on one of his company’s Peace Token Swing Ball Jigs tipped with a piece of Gulp. Congrats on a nice catch, Mike.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle reported that some bluefish are still around the area beaches, and offered the bluefish caught by Pat as evidence. The blues were hitting mullet.
Cameron, from Boulevard Bait and Tackle, continues to receive, and report, on catches of bluefish and drum fish from the local beaches. Over the weekend, Matt checked in with word and picture of a drum fish he caught, while Todd did the same concerning his blue fish. Todd added that the blues were thick and his tackle was taking a beating.
Grassy Sound Marina reported that some good flounder were brought in recently with the highlight being the 25-inch, 5.25-pounder caught by Bobby Gill. He was fishing at low tide behind Stone Harbor, and using white Gulp.
Sterling Harbor reported there is a lot of variety for local anglers. It’s just a matter of what you’re after.
Drum fish are still biting in the bay, big bluefish are off the beaches, weakfish are at the inlets and jetties, and fluke are in the back bays. The ocean is providing sea bass, as well as some fluke that are a little offshore.
Brooke Bulifant, and her nephew Matthew, checked in after returning from a trip aboard the “Jersey Girl.” Matthew caught the first keeper sea bass and Brooke landed a 20-inch, 4-pound specimen.
Sterling Harbor is open every day except Tuesday. The hours are 7 a.m. until noon on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 7 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Sunday, and 7 a.m. until 5 p.m. on Friday and Saturday.
The Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club will hold it SFEC Women’s Fishing Tournament on Saturday, June 22. Registration will be conducted at Whale Creek Marina. Check out their Facebook page for more details.
Fishing is fine, and should only get better, so get out and make some memories. Good luck, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
