That fall feeling in the air arrived just as some local boats started sailing their longer trips. These trips are taking anglers to some different reefs and wrecks that they don’t usually get to fish during the summer. They also serve as a harbinger to fishing later in the fall and winter when longer trips offshore are a normal occurrence. At that time of the year, it is where the fish we seek call home. Let’s check out what happened there, as well as closer to home.
The Starfish, out of Sea Isle City, is busy putting their patrons on sea bass, bluefish, croakers, triggerfish and tog. If you want to get involved just call 609-263-3800 or book a trip online at Starfish Boats.
Capts. Irv and Brandon, from the Miss Avalon, reported a “spectacular” day after their first deep-water reef trip of the fall. They caught keeper sea bass, as well as porgies, triggerfish and Bonito. They will have another one of these special trips this Saturday, Oct. 21. Don’t forget to call ahead, at 609-967-7455, to make your reservation. The deep-water reef outings are 10-hour trips that leave at 7 a.m.
A Wednesday trip saw two anglers catch their limit while a few other anglers finished the day one fish shy. You had to fish through small fish to get the keepers, but when you get limits, or close to them, you don’t mind.
The captains will also be running other trips throughout the month for sea bass. Most will be eight-hour trips, but there are some six-hour trips mixed in. The six and eight-hour trips leave the dock at 8 a.m.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle reported that Brian B. took a trip out to the T.I. Reef. He reported keeper sea bass, as well as action provided by sea bass, porgies, triggerfish, bluefish and finally blackfish. That’s a good mix any angler would welcome.
The Miss Chris, with Capt. Mike, had a good week with the Friday trip being the highlight. That day belonged to the Beach family as their group caught 27 sea bass, four triggerfish and a couple of bluefish.
Capt. Chuck, from the Sea Star III, checked in to report that his fares had “a good week.” They had “plenty of action, fun and keepers.” Some anglers also caught their limit of sea bass in addition to triggerfish, croakers and bluefish.
Triggerfish, with a couple of big ones, claimed each of the daily pools. They were won by Dan Heckler (2.8 pounds), Gil Mills (3.0), Tony Capello (3.25), Don Letts (4.75) and Gary Agness with a 4.8-pounder.
Capt. Tom, from the Fishin’ Fever, reports good trips for his most recent outings.
The first charter had such a good drop at their first spot that they could have limited out on sea bass and gone home early. Capt. Tom wanted to get them some bigger fish, went to another spot, and put them on those larger, desired fish. They still came in early as they were able to get their limit with a mix of nice-sized fish.
The other good trip was enjoyed by an angler named Ryan and his family. They too, as the other party, were able to catch their limit of sea bass. They enjoyed a nice bonus of a few triggerfish that helped fill the cooler faster.
The Sailor’s Delight is now taking reservations for their combination Tog, Sea Bass and Sheepshead trips. Call 609-827-8309 for reservations.
The Ocean City Fishing Club will hold its 54th Annual Surf Fishing Tournament Saturday, Oct. 21. This will be a two-session tournament where entrants will fish the first session at one “station” from 7 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. They will then have 30 minutes to relocate to the next “station” to fish the second session from 10 a.m. until the tournament’s conclusion at 12:30 p.m.
This year’s tournament will focus on attracting young anglers. Ed Parkinson, an Ocean City Fishing Club member who runs the tournament, wants to encourage teenage anglers to come out and fish. They can enter the Youth or Youth with Adult Assistance categories. He also expects to see 16 to 20 fishing clubs have teams for this Association of Surf Angling Club’s event.
Adult, six-member teams will have an entry fee of $70 while adult individuals can enter for $15. Ocean City will provide one-day free beach access for four-wheel-drive vehicles that are used by tournament participants. The tournament will be staged between 23rd and 34th streets.
You can enter online at oceancityfishingclub.com with your fees made payable to the Ocean City Fishing Club. Payment can be mailed to the OCFC Tournament Chair at P.O. Box 1215 Ocean City, N.J. 08226.
You may also register on the morning of the tournament from 5:30 a.m. until 7 a.m. at the Ocean City Intermediate School at 1801 Bay Ave.
It seems that things are slowing down during the week, but the weekends still offer fishing opportunities. That is, as long as the weather allows. Let’s hope things stay decent and we get to do some fishing. Good luck if you get out, take care and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
