The recent week, even though stormy, saw some really nice flounder caught. Drum fish, bluefish and striped bass are still being caught from the local surf while croakers have started to arrive and sea bass season has opened. Let’s see what’s going on around the Cape.
Before looking at the latest action, I wanted to send out condolences to the family of Captain Zig, from First Fish Adventures. I met Captain Zig, and his wife Donna, while reporting on their involvement with the Catch a Dream Foundation. The organization provides fishing opportunities to youth 18 years and younger who have a life-threatening illness. Zig and Donna were providing a fishing trip for a young girl. Zig passed away on May 8 at home.
The group Hook, Line, and Warriors and Hands Too Bait and Tackle are joining together to host a drum fishing tournament from May 19 till June 15. Captains are being asked to get veterans involved and out on the water with their teams. You can register at Hands Too and get the cost, rules and calcuttas.
Hook, Line and Warriors is an organization that seeks to enhance the lives of veterans in our community and in our region through the use of educational, social and charitable activities that the organization initiates or participates in. They also look to help those in need by offering mental, emotional, social and physical assistance. Their vision is to help veterans acclimate, reconnect and heal through the social and healthful benefits of fishing. Check out their Facebook page and help out the organization if you’re able to.
The Miss Avalon had a good opening day for sea bass, with plenty of keepers caught around the boat. Some anglers were also able to catch their limits.
The second trip of the season also produced some nice results, as the fish were plentiful again for those aboard. The ride back in was bouncy, as the afternoon wind kicked up, but the bags of filets made it all worthwhile.
A Tuesday trip produced “excellent” sea bass action.
The Starfish also experienced some great opening day results as the anglers and crew were kept busy all day.
Sunday’s trip saw anglers Dave and Eric record keeper double- and triple-headers. The pool winner that day wished to remain anonymous.
Captain Chuck, from the Sea Star III, reported a busy week. Included was the opening of sea bass season, which saw a lot of action but a low keeper ratio. Still, anglers went home with plenty of filets because of the overall amount of fish they culled through. Kirsten Johansen won one pool with a 2.25-pound sea bass while Lee Moyer won another with a 2.6-pounder.
Also, the first croakers of the season showed up. A couple dozen, plus a short flounder, were caught during that trip. Frank Servocky won the pool that day with the largest croaker caught.
Finally, the drum fishing for the week was described as “good.” Plenty of fish were caught, and there were plenty of keepers among them. Pools went to Wayne Kuehler (41 pounds), Dave Sedlack (56 pounds) and Kirsten Johansen with a 27-pounder.
Captain Mike, from the Miss Chris, reported that the sea bass are actively biting. Nice totals of fish were recorded by those aboard during the past weekend.
The Miss Chris also had some really good drum fish trips recently. They are sailing on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Trips sail at 6 p.m.; to make reservations you can go to capemayfisherman.com/tour/drum-fish-trips.
Cameron, from Boulevard Bait and Tackle, was happy to announce that the reef balls that he helped to sponsor were recently dropped on a section of the T.I. Reef. You’ll be able to fish that section soon, but the fishing should only get better as marine life colonizes the reef balls.
Special thanks are sent by Cameron to Captain Barry, Captain Jerry Lynch, Chuck Reed, Dan Konczyk Sr., Gary Beres, the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club and to everyone who contributed to the deployment of the reef balls.
Brandon Lashley stopped in after a recent outing to weigh in the big flounder he caught. It was 28.5 inches long and weighed in at 8.34 pounds. Other nice catches went to Luis, 20- and 22-inch flounder caught in 20 minutes from a land-based position, the three for Nate and Quinn that weighed 7.08, 5.42 and 4 pounds, and to Captain Pam and her crew, who caught seven flounder, with the biggest weighing 5.34 pounds.
Stripers and bluefish continue to be caught from the Sea Isle beaches, with the 30-inch keeper-size striper caught by Brett being one of the examples.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle reported good beach action for Chris, who landed a 40-inch striped bass, and for Dom, who caught a pair of nice puppy drum during an afternoon outing.
Others who made nice catches during the week were Ren with a 36-inch striped bass, Hannah with two keeper flounder she caught on her birthday, and Elliot and Dutch, who caught some bluefish, with the largest weighing 8.39 pounds.
The Atlantic Adventure has been running drum fish trips, like a number of boats in the area. Recently, they had the local Tightlines 4-H Fishing Club out for an trip on what became a stormy evening. The anglers enjoyed hanging out in the cabin as the storm went through. To make it even better, they landed a few nice drum fish, which allowed the group to end the evening with plenty of fish for everyone to try.
The Sailor’s Delight, with Captain Stan, is picking flounder at a steady rate despite the breezy conditions. A young angler, Alex, was among those who enjoyed a day catching flounder, as well as the opportunity to just be out on the water. As the conditions improve, so should the results.
No Bones Bait and Tackle reports that the crabs are starting to come out of the mud and swim around. They are ready with plenty of supplies for those that want to get out and try their luck at catching some tasty crustaceans. They are also set up to help you with any of your fishing needs.
The Starlight Fleet, with Captain Paul leading some of the trips, is sailing for sea bass. Recent trips saw Rob Mantegna catch his limit and win the pool. Others either caught their limit or finished just shy.
The Southern Star, another boat in the Starlight Fleet fleet, is offering eight-hour drum fish trips for up to six people. Sea bass trips are also being offered, if that is more to your liking. To check on availability or for other details, call 609-729-7776.
Well, the fishing was starting to get good, then the nor’easter came in before the holiday weekend and cooled things off, both literally and physically. Hopefully, a return to good weather will lead to a return of productive fishing. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
