A welcome to September is due but hard to accept, as the three summer months flew by. Late summer and fall fishing lie in front of us. I’ve noticed recently that the back waters seemed to be filled with plenty of bait fish. If it is any indicator, then the approaching fall could be a great time for fishing here at the Cape. In the meantime, let’s see what went on as August came to a close and September dawned.
The Avalon Lady is still catching fluke, sea bass, spot, croakers and sea robins as they fish the inlet and back waters of Avalon. Check their Facebook page for the current schedule, as it adjusts with the fishing seasons and the weather.
The Miss Avalon is still sailing for flounder and other fish, such as weakfish, spot and croakers, that are hanging at the local reefs.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle reported that the good fishing in the back bays and beaches continues.
Bluefish are being caught from the beach, while nice flounder are being caught from the sod banks and the back bay channels.
Two recent flounder catches to note: One was made by Ed, who was targeting sheepshead when a nice flounder decided it wanted the crab bait more. The other was a 7.68-pounder caught on a swim-bait in the back bay, by an angler named Mike.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle reported that Captain Joe Hughes and his crew recently landed a 45-pound cobia. Other highlights went to Art S., who caught a 24-inch flounder from the back bay, and to Owen and Ryan, who each landed a sheepshead. That particular bite has been very active lately if you were considering trying to catch your own.
Also, during the week Brian stopped in with another nice sheepshead, Bill sent word, and picture, of a nice flounder that he caught while using a live spot as bait, and Blake caught a 32-inch striped bass while night fishing and tossing out a paddle shad.
The report from Moran’s mentions a nice catch for Landon Victor, who caught a 22-inch, 3-pound flounder. He also caught other flounder, croakers and sea robins. He was fishing with Captain Jim and Nev-R-Enuf Sportfishing.
Patrons of the Sailor’s Delight continue to enjoy the bounty and action of the back bays.
They have continued to catch some nice keeper fluke, in addition to weakfish, croakers, spot and kingfish. Sea robins, skate and sharks are ever-present and will also bend the poles of those aboard.
The Cape May Lady continues daily fishing for fluke. They are running six-hour trips that sail from the dock at 8 a.m. They also have tilefish trips scheduled for Sept. 15, 22 and 29. Call ahead for more information and to grab a seat. They are setting up 36-hour offshore combo trips that will be targeting mahi and swordfish and doing a daytime deep-drop. Again, call if you have interest in that trip, 609-780-7900.
Grassy Sound Marina reported that slip-holder Mike Ciarlante and his nephew Kevin returned from their recent trip with three keeper flounder. Another slip-holder, Joey Tomlin, picked up a triggerfish while he was fishing near the marina.
Captain Chuck, on the Sea Star III, reports that fluke fishing “was fair to good.” That’s not bad, as there were keepers on each trip, with one really large one among them. The Sea Star III will sail daily at 9 a.m. whenever the weather cooperates.
Pool-winners (all with fluke) were Matt Gawlinski (2.8-pounds), John Panvini (3.25), Vance Hicks (3.65), Vinnie Sallustio (4.0) and, with the biggest of the week, Al Petrosh with a 6.45-pounder.
The Miss Chris, with Captain Mike checking in, fished the area around the Point and, despite some late windy conditions, had “another good week.”
There were plenty of croakers, and kingfish, plus a “nice surprise” of some 2-pound bluefish.
Highlighted catches were made by Billy Monroe, who caught 12 croakers, 13-year-old Mikey Huff, who finished his day with 28 croakers and a 17-inch kingfish, and Donna Jacobs, who totaled “three nice bluefish.” The action kept everyone happy and sharp.
Mike also mentioned that one of the mates from the Miss Chris, Joe Ruffin, was fishing on a Cape May Point jetty when he caught a nice sheepshead.
Special thanks to Dottie Keenan for her submission, with report and picture, of 5-year-old Jack Keenan with his first-ever sheepshead. Jack was fishing with his father, Steve, under a local bridge when the catch occurred.
Dottie also sent in a picture and report about Mark Dorr and the 23.5-inch flounder he caught while fishing with his dad. They were fishing on the MaBarkers Legasea.
Thanks also to Jim Hopp, who sent in a picture and a report on the 55-pound bluefin tuna that Sarah caught while fishing on the Reel Trouble.
Nice fish are still being caught all around the Cape, so you need to get out and share in the bounty. The remaining time in the flounder season is growing short, so it’s time to get out there and get your share. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
