The weather reared its ugly head in a manner that was even more disturbing to the local captains and anglers than we’ve experienced in the past couple of months. Windy days, waves and swells have all visited us recently. This recent nor’easter caused the most problems in our area, not only for anglers but for all the homeowners in the Shore towns. Hopefully, everyone’s properties made it through safely. Let’s check out what occurred in the fishing community.
Moran’s Dockside Bait and Tackle reported that an angler, Tony, was able to get out before the storm arrived and was rewarded for his efforts by catching a keeper tog. I’m sure he was down near the bridge and rock piles, an area, from videos I saw, that you would want to be far from, as the storm had waves breaking over the rocks and the road. As soon as the inlet calms, that will be a place that you’ll want to check out for more tog.
Mike, at Sea Isle Bait and Tackle, said that B.J. reported some good fishing before the storm arrived. He reported that many fish were caught while showing off his catch of a nice tog accompanied by a nice sheepshead.
Captains Andrew and Stan, from the Sailor’s Delight, will be watching the weather, and when it’s good, will be running blackfish trips. The jetties aren’t far from their home port, so you’ll get plenty of fishing time. Keep an eye on their Facebook page to see the schedule. It’s fluid, and when a weather window opens they’ll be setting up a trip and heading out.
The Starlight Fleet is setting up 10-hour trips for sea bass. Check out their schedule at www.starlightfleetnj.com.
Captain Chuck, from the Sea Star III, reported a slower than desired week. The weather, even before the nor’easter, played havoc with his fishing plans. Seven potential outings were reduced to one, but that one had decent results. It provided a mixed bag full of sea bass, croakers, triggerfish and bluefish.
Obviously, the week’s lone pool winner came from this trip. That honor went to Walt Prawdzik of Media, Pennsylvania, who claimed his winnings with a 3.4-pound triggerfish.
The Sea Star III sails daily at 9 a.m., weather permitting, and returns to the dock at 3 p.m.
Captain Skip, from Stalker Fishing Charters, Cape May, is fishing the back bays for striped bass. There has been plenty of bait in the back, and fishing has produced fish to 33 inches. Those fish are released since they are over the 31-inch limit.
Cape May Bait and Tackle reported that before the arrival of the storm surf anglers were catching kingfish, small bluefish and croakers. If you want to focus on the rock piles and jetties you can catch sheepshead by using green crabs or sand fleas.
Anglers hitting the reefs can catch sea bass on clams or squid, while the wrecks that are 20 to 30 miles out are harboring larger sea bass.
Those who are farther offshore have been catching yellowfin while chunking at the Hudson.
Jim’s Bait and Tackle reported that an angler named Mike stopped by to show off the first keeper striped bass of the fall season. Here’s hoping that more are caught so this striper doesn’t feel lonely.
The best chance to catch fish while the ocean settles will be on the bayside beaches. Kingfish and croakers can be caught there, while another option would be to try for striped bass in the back bays.
Thanks to Thomas McCrosson for sending in a picture and a report about a good day for a local angler. That angler is Anthony Bove, who is “90 years young.” He was out sea bass fishing and was able to limit out. Congratulations, Anthony! Keep on fishing and staying young.
The storm made us a little light on fishing news, but we still managed to get some. Fortunately, some captains and anglers were able to fish almost right up to the time of the storm’s arrival, and they were able to catch dinner. Now we need to get out on the water and see what we have. Hopefully, the fish will return and we can enjoy bountiful fall fishing. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
Captions: (4) **#1 is reader submitted.**
- Walt Prawdzik and his 3.4-pound triggerfish. Credit: Sea Star III. Guy, blue T over blue L/S hooded top, gray pants. Date stamp: 10/06/2025.
- B.J. with a sheepshead and blackfish. Credit: Sea Isle Bait and Tackle. Guy, camo hoodie, red top underneath, black wool hat, amber lens sunglasses, “OP” of “OPEN” sign behind his head.
- Mike with a nice keeper striped bass. Credit: Jim’s Bait and Tackle. Guy, black jacket, blue jeans, standing in front of a “Jim’s Bait and Tackle” sign.
