The weather finally cooperated at the end of the week, allowing for a little fishing. The fish had returned to their regular haunts and a decent amount was caught, but there was also mention of the bottom being stirred up, which made for a good challenge to catch those fish. Anglers don’t mind a challenge, so the fish in the coolers and fish boxes were truly earned. Let’s check out who earned their stripes and made some of those catches.
The Sailor’s Delight had a good return to fishing as the weather finally provided a window for Captain Stan to get to the rocks, and Mate Judi was busy with the net.
The trip had the maximum number of anglers, who each had a keeper and allowed the boat limit to be reached. For the trip each angler averaged more than 10 fish caught, with plenty of keeper fish being thrown back. An additional highlight was the largest conger eel ever caught by anyone fishing from the boat.
The Starlight will be running trips for sea bass as the fall moves along. You can book trips online at starlightfleetnj.com or call 609-729-7776. Also, walk-ups are always welcome.
Captains Andrew and Stan will keep an eye on the weather. When the wind is predicted to be low, trips will be planned. Check in on the Sailor’s Delight Facebook page to see when those trips will be run.
Captain Adam, from the Atlantic Adventure, got back on the water as soon as the conditions warranted. His patrons fished hard through a stirred-up bottom, and by trip’s end they had pretty good results to show for it. The sea bass they caught were joined by some big triggerfish.
Captain Adam will keep an eye on the conditions and open up trips as weather windows allow. He books 12 anglers per trip and can be reached for a reservation at 609-435-3119.
Captain Chuck, from the Sea Star III, reported that most of the week was lost to the weather. As a result, they were only able to get away from the dock once, and that was as the week was ending.
Moran’s Dockside Bait and Tackle reported that blackfish were still being caught before the storm rolled in. As proof they mentioned that Ryan Douk caught a nice keeper before the wind and waves cleared off the rock piles around Townsends Inlet.
After the storm moved on, and after multiple days of the water settling, the report is that the tog were hungry and biting. A look at the busy fish cleaning station at the marina offered evidence of that claim.
The Miss Avalon, down the dock from Moran’s, was out on the water on Saturday, as many boats targeted that day to resume their fishing season. For their efforts, the anglers aboard were rewarded with keeper sea bass, bluefish and some nice porgies.
Captains Irv and Brandon have their schedule posted at www.missavalon.com, where you can book a trip online. You can also call 609-967-7455 to grab a seat.
The Starfish beat most other boats back to the local reefs as they ventured out on Friday. Overall, the day wasn’t bad, as the weather allowed for fishable conditions. The anglers aboard caught a nice mixed bag of sea bass, triggerfish and bluefish.
The following trip was more like what was hoped for. More anglers on the trip caught their limit than not, as quality fish were caught around the boat. The pool winner on this trip was Kevin O. with a blackfish. A lady angler named Michelle caught a nice tog that was just a little lighter than the pool winner and also added a whopper of a sea bass.
Hook, Line, and Warriors had a nice trip on the Starfish when 20 anglers recently went fishing. Everyone caught plenty of sea bass, with some approaching their limit. Porgies and flounder (thrown back) plus other species were caught during the trip. After the boat returned to the dock those aboard went to the Sea Isle City VFW for dinner and desserts that were prepared by Kathy, Shannon and Peggy. Tim H. also helped with the dinner.
The organization would like to thank everyone who worked to make this day possible so the veterans could enjoy a day fishing and relaxing on the water.
Cameron, at Boulevard Bait and Tackle, received his first report of a striped bass for the fall season. The honor went to Carmen, who landed, then released, a 47-incher from the local surf. Also making the report was the 19-inch, 3.5-pound tog caught by Gus. He released many more as he worked on his tog skills.
Mike, at Sea Isle Bait and Tackle, had some nice catches to report on. First was the 4.5-pound tog that was weighed in by Wes, joined later in the week by Matt, who caught a nice tog of his own down at the inlet. Also, striped bass were reported as Art landed a 30-inch fish that hit a live spot, while a young angler named Conner checked in with a 31-inch fish that also found a live spot irresistible.
It was nice to see that fish were being caught after the storm’s effects on our area lessened. Hopefully, this means that as the ocean continues to settle, fishing will return to levels enjoyed before the storm. We’ve seen some nice catches made so far, and we’ll hope that trend continues. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
