We’re now into November, but the final report from October features another abbreviated week. Yes, as with most of the weeks lately, it was the weather that took away some of those precious days of fishing. This pattern of windy and rainy weekends, or at least one weekend day, needs to end. The only ones not complaining, I figure, are the fish. With that being said, let’s check out what occurred when fishing was possible.
Capt. Chuck, aboard the Sea Star III, reported good action for the week in spite of not getting a full complement of trips. Windy conditions have a way of changing plans.
The week saw plenty of sea bass, both shorts and legal fish, caught. There were also some limits caught, which is always a good thing to hear and report. Triggerfish were also being caught during the week.
Triggerfish claimed the pools this week and made Dennis DiLodovico, with a 3.3-pounder, and Joe DeMatteo, with a 3.2-pounder, happy.
Capt. Chuck mentioned that the Sea Star III will sail for sea bass until Nov. 16. At that point they will switch over to Blackfish and finish out their 2023 season in mid-December.
The Sea Star III sails daily at 9 a.m. and returns to the dock at 3 p.m. If you have any questions, reach out to Capt. Chuck at 609-884-3421.
The Miss Chris, and Capt. Mike, have been doing well with sea bass. He reports good fishing even though he and the other captains, and anglers, in the area have been subject to the ever-changing weather lately. Hopefully, this late October warm spell will bring better fishing to everyone.
Capt. Skip, from Stalker Fishing Charters, is sailing the back waters while targeting stripers and bluefish. He offers both private and open boat charters and can be reached at 609-972-5218.
Cape May Bait and Tackle report quiet times on the local beaches but schoolie stripers are being caught in the harbor and back bay areas behind Cape May and Wildwood. These fish, in the 20- to 30-inch range have been hitting soft plastics and top-water plugs. If you can fish off a dock, or near a commercial boat, then you should toss chunks of bunker or clam. The shop said your best time for this strategy is during the night tides.
They also reported that the beaches of central and northern New Jersey have been giving up stripers that are hitting 40 inches and larger. For beach fishing, there or here, cut bait, clams or plugs fished with a teaser are good choices. And clams are never a bad option.
Tog are being caught from the local rocks and jetties on jigs tipped with green crabs or sand fleas. Cape May Bait also offered a reminder that the Tog bag limit remains at one fish at 15 inches. On Nov. 16, a date important to all of us, the bag limit will increase to five fish daily.
A report from Hands Too Bait and Tackle spoke of a recent trip out to the Wildwood Reef. Plenty of sea bass, triggerfish, grunts and tog were caught while the crew took advantage of the nice weather.
The sea bass were hitting everything offered while the triggerfish favored clams on smaller hooks. Some good information, for now and in a few weeks, was that the bigger tog were hitting whole crabs fished on a single-hook rig. Like I said, use that information now, but don’t hesitate to use it Nov. 16, and thereafter when the bag-limit increases to five tog daily.
The Sailors Delight, with Capts. Andrew and Stan, are taking a short trip to the local rock piles in search of tog. The short trip allows for more fishing, which is always a good thing. One angler who took advantage of the quick trip was Dale, who landed a nice keeper tog.
These tog trips materialize quickly as weather windows open. Check out the Sailor’s Delight Facebook page to get a two- or three-day notice for when upcoming trips are being planned.
Capt. Andrew is also offering season packages and gift cards for the holidays. He offers fishing, crabbing and historical tour packages. He also has a combo crabbing and fishing trip that allows you to enjoy both activities in the same trip.
Call Capt. Andrew at 215-582-6539 or email at sailor08251@gmail.com.
The Starfish, hailing from Sea Isle, had a good trip after the weekend weather cleared and the wind lessened. They started back with a good trip that saw them catching sea bass, porgies and bluefish.
Their Thursday trip saw lots of sea bass brought over the rail and that resulted in limits all around the boat. It also led to many happy anglers.
Today (Nov. 1) the Starfish started their 10-hour sea bass trips. These trips sail at 7 a.m. They are also preparing for Nov. 16 when the fall blackfish season commences and the bag limit increases from one to five fish.
You can book your trips online at starfishboats.com or call John at 609-263-3800.
The Miss Avalon continues to hit the reefs and deep-water structures in the search for sea bass, porgies and any triggerfish that are still in the area. Keep an eye out for their eight and 10-hour trips. Call 609-967-7455 for reservations.
The Ocean City Fishing Club’s 54th Annual Tournament contested on a section of beach between 23rd and 35th streets. Adult anglers competed for the top spots, but it was two young anglers who received a standing ovation for their efforts.
Anglers from 16 clubs, plus 10 individuals, made up the field of 90 competitors that fished two segments, each of 2.5 hours. Fishing started at 7 a.m. and the first portion ended at 9:30 a.m. After being given 30 minutes to relocate to the second fishing area, the tournament continued from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.
Six-year-old Colin Comuso, of Hammonton, fished in his first tournament and also had the distinction of being the youngest angler in the field. He was entered into the Youth Assisted category and received assistance from his dad, Ken.
The Youth Division was captured by Dylan O’Connell of Merchantville. He is a four-time repeat winner who has ruled since 2018. There was no tournament in 2020.
Gift cards and sports apparel were won by both boys.
The ladies group was won by Jane Jeffries, who accumulated the most fish points in that division.
Shawn Kelly won for the largest fish, a 13-inch kingfish, while Greg Phillipe garnered the most fish points among men with 28.5.
The top team trophy was claimed by the American Anglers red team that scored 69.75 fish points. Delaware Surf Anglers (30.5 points) were second and third place went to the Merchantville Fishing Club “A” team with 16 points. For clarification, fish points are based on the species and the number of fish caught.
A total of 119 sharks and six kingfish, with the largest being 13 inches, were caught. Reports also said some spot and a few blowfish were caught. Bluefish and striped bass are usually on the list of fish caught but none were caught this year.
Well, another week affected by the weather means we have a little less to report on then we would like. Regardless, some fishing was done, and thankfully there is more to do. Good luck if you get out, take care and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
