This visit starts with a continuation of what we’ve been seeing for a while now: Windy weather that doesn’t allow for much fishing but provides plenty of time to get ready for the time that we can fish. You may be able to fish off a sod back, or a secluded spot out of the wind, if you can find one. Preferably a spot that allows you to cast with the wind at your back. The best areas still seem to be the rivers in the Atlantic County area.
Also of note is that this is the 500th article since I started writing the column. I have to say that when I said “Yes, I’ll give it a try,” I didn’t see a time when I would get to that many columns. Then, as the articles rolled out and I looked ahead, I figured 500 would occur in the middle of a busy summer season. We’re only in March, but putting out that many articles still feels pretty good. But with a thank-you to those who check us out each week, we’ve arrived. Now it’s time to get into this column.
Absecon Bay Sportsman Center, which runs a contest for the first three legal keeper striped bass of the new season, reported its first legal catch. Number one, worth a $300 gift certificate, went to Elijah Camper. He claimed his prize with a 28.5-inch catch in the Mullica River. The second and third keepers of the season were brought in by George Bucci and C.J. Angerman.
White perch are another popular fish that are also providing anglers with some good action, and numbers in the cooler. Bloodworms are a productive bait to use if you want to try for these fish. They populate the same waters as the previously mentioned striped bass, so you’ll be able to target both fish in the same area.
Looking to the ocean, blackfish season now serves as the next mile-marker in the early fishing season. April 1 is the day you should circle on your calendar. If you’ve never fished for blackfish, you should. If you want a real challenge, these fish provide it. They’ll steal your bait, and you may not even know it. Sometimes it seems that they barely touch the bait, but you’ll be picked clean, while other times your bait will be blasted as soon as you drop it and it hits the rocks or wreck that you’re fishing.
And they can really fight, once you hook one. Oh, and they’re really great table fare.
The Miss Avalon, Sea Star III, the Starfish, the Starlight Fleet and the Cape May Lady offer daily trips for these fish. The Sailor’s Delight also fishes for them but stays around the local jetties that lead out to the ocean. These boats operate on a walk-up and get on basis. Check ahead because businesses occasionally rent the whole boat for their employees for a daily trip. Some start on April 1, no fooling, while others start later in the month.
Local charter boats and companies like the Atlantic Adventure, Fishin’ Fever Sportfishing Charters and Full Ahead Sport Fishing, Cape May, N.J., also fish for them. These boats carry six to 15 anglers, and you’ll need to make reservations ahead of time.
Looking down the line, particularly toward May, summer flounder season opens on Sunday, the 4th. That’s probably the most anticipated season each year. Less than two weeks later the first portion of the 2025 sea bass season opens. Now is the time, while things are slow, to call your favorite boat, either a charter or head boat, and make your reservations for those opening days.
Most open (head) boats accept reservations for the big days during the year, and these two openers are no exception. Plan ahead so you’re not turned away and left looking at the stern of an outbound boat while standing at the dock.
It seems we’re now at the point of hurry up and wait. I talked to a local angler who has six trips set up for the April blackfish season. I’m sure there are more that I haven’t got to speak to yet who have a nice schedule set up and ready to go.
Now everyone waits on the weather and the calendar. Don’t sit around, though, as stripers and perch are only a county away. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
