Well, the Memorial Day weekend saw plenty of anglers on the water, on the beach, and on the local rock piles. All the same suspects that we’ve been catching, plus one more that has shown up for the first time this season, are still providing plenty of action with flounder and sea bass leading the way. As May is about to change into June, the fishing should start to get better in the ocean, while the back waters should stay very active. Let’s check things out.
The Sea Star III had a steady week of sea bass action as both shorts and keepers were caught on their trips through the week. Some limits were also caught by the skillful anglers aboard.
Sea Bass pools, with weights, went to Lee Moyer (2.4), Gary Agness (2.2), Frank Servocky (1.9) and a second (2.0), Bob Rubeo (2.1) and John Mizin with the largest winner of the week, a 5.4-pounder.
The Sea Star III is also in the midst of their drum fish trips. The Wednesday evening trip saw 17 fish boated while many more were able to spit the hook. There were three pool winners during the week and they were Elliot Martin (32.50), Tom Collins (59.0), and Liam Van-Valkenburgh with a 63-pound fish.
The Miss Chris is sailing for drum fish and doing pretty good on their nighttime trips. These fish will be gone before you know it, so don’t hesitate to go to their Facebook page and follow the link to the schedule so you can make a reservation.
The Starfish got out during the week and had some nice keepers to show for their efforts. The trips also saw limits caught around the boat as the action was steady. One highlight from the week was the monkfish that was caught on Sunday.
The anglers on the Miss Avalon have been busy catching sea bass, ling, and some short fluke. It shouldn’t be too long before they start picking up some keeper-sized fluke. The Miss Avalon is sailing most days now, but you should call ahead to make sure they are available that day. Some days have local businesses renting the boat out for private trips.
The Sailor’s Delight hit a milestone recently as they caught the 40,000th fish and keeper crab landing. They’ve been at it for 10 seasons, and last year added their second boat. Congratulations, and here’s to their continued growth.
Over the past week they recorded a number of nice flounder catches, as well as some big bluefish. Throwback flounder, sharks, and skates also contributed to the action experienced by those aboard.
Capt. Skip, from Stalker Fishing Charters, is now fishing for deep water fluke. He reports that the first week of trips have been good. He is taking reservations for his upcoming available trips. He offers six spots at the rail for either private or open trips. Check out the availability for early June trips, or call him at 609-972-5218 if you know what date you want for a trip later in the year.
The Cape May Lady is sailing for drum fish and also on deep-drop trips. These trips are longer trips and are limited to a certain number of anglers. For more information call 609-780-7900.
Full Ahead Sport Fishing is fishing for sea bass and has been doing well. While on a recent trip, the charter caught their share plus three flounder. An angler named Eric caught those three which weren’t even the main targets. It’s good to see that another summer favorite is starting to move out to the reefs in the area.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle reported that some anglers had some good fishing around the area.
Jeff, Eric, and John reported nice keeper stripers, while Rocco (a short) and Rob L. (35 inches) had stripers that went back due to missing the slot size.
Farmer (5 pounds) had a nice flounder, and Capt. Joe Hughes reported that Anne and Matt caught keeper flounder while on a recent morning trip. One of those flounder was over 5 pounds.
Other catches to note went to Ryan who caught a big bluefish from the 59th Street Pier, to Adam who stopped in the shop with a 6.14-pound weakfish, and to Rick who weighed in a 6.5-pound bluefish. He caught that one, plus some others, while fishing topwater poppers.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle had the first report of sheepshead this year as an angler named Ed stopped in on Monday with two nice fish. Also being reported was a 25.5-inch, 5.3-pound flounder for Donavan that was caught in the back bay on Sunday. Later in the week Tony reported that he caught two keeper fluke that couldn’t resist some salmon belly strips.
The surf in Sea Isle is still a good place to go as bluefish are still around as Gary, Rick, and Jake proved, while Luis caught, then released, a 41.5-inch striper as did Rick, whose striper was 41 inches, and Capt. Jack who weighed in a 22-pound drum fish.
No Bones Bait and Tackle is now open. They have been getting their rental fleet prepared for the season. Stop in, rent a skiff, and go fishing, or crabbing, or both.
Grassy Sound Marina reported that Matt Damon caught two keepers during a recent outing, while Joe Valentino and Eric Dellelis both stopped by to report on the keeper that each of those anglers caught.
Don’t forget to set Saturday, July 13, 2024 aside. That day Off The Hook Bait and Tackle will host The Doormat Derby, 2024. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
Hands Too Bait and Tackle weighed in a 5-plus-pound weakfish for an unidentified angler. The nice weakfish hit a chunk of shedder crab. Putting shedder chucks, or bloodworms, on a float rig and tossing it near a rock pile is a popular way to target these fish. They also had a report come in from Erin of a 46-inch striper that she caught, then released. Bunker was the bait of choice.
Lots of the fish you’d expect right now, plus the addition of some sheepshead, made for a really good stretch on the water, since our last report. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
