Another week into September finds nice fish still being caught, but with schools open
now, boat trip attendance is lighter. That’s beneficial to the anglers aboard, as they have more room to
move around and get in better positions to take advantage of the drift as the captains check out different
areas.
The weekends are still well-attended by anglers hopping on an open boat or by those who are part
of an organization that has rented a boat for a company function. The local six-pack boats are also
busy with anglers eager to fish.
Let’s see how all the anglers did.
The patrons of the Sailor’s Delight continue to catch nice flounder, weakfish, croakers and
kingfish in the back waters around Wildwood. Captain Stan has been on a winning streak lately by hitting
the areas that are producing. Not much time remains in the season, so make your plans to get out on the
water.
The Starlight Fleet is now taking reservations for 10-, 12-, and 18-hour sea bass trips that they will
be running soon. Other trips for different species are also being offered. You can book online or call their
office at 609-729-7776 to make your reservations.
Captain Chuck checked in from the Sea Star III. The past week’s conditions were challenging due
to the windy conditions, but “some nice fluke were caught.” It was proof of the saying that perseverance
pays off.
Pool-winners over the past week, who claimed their winnings with fluke, were Kevin Nelson with a
3.3-pounder, Bill Peter (2.75) and Frank Servocky, who won twice, with 3.25- and 3.1-pound fish. Randy
Hannings also won a daily pool with a three-quarter pound croaker.
Captain Mike, from the Miss Chris, reported that croakers and kingfish were his patrons’ most
caught fish recently. Most of the fluke were shorts, but there were a few keepers, with
one, a 21-incher caught by John Florey, winning a daily pool. Another catch to highlight was the 16-inch
kingfish caught by Jim McDevitt.
Diana and Joe, Cape May Bait and Tackle, reported that the local mullet population has started
its migration to the ocean. Many fish, fluke and stripers amongst them, are feeding on these and other
baitfish by pinning them against the local jetties and bridges. It’s a good time to use the “match the
hatch” philosophy and throw something that matches these baitfish.
The anglers on local party boats are reporting some nice fluke being caught at the local reefs, with
fish up to 7 pounds. Those fishing the bayside report fluke at the 19 Buoy in the Delaware Bay and
kingfish at Tusseys and around the 60-foot slough.
Those fishing the surf have been catching kingfish, croakers, on Fishbites, bloodworms and
nightcrawlers. Fluke are hitting bucktails tipped with Gulp.
Offshore, the yellowfin bite has been “excellent” on chunked baits or while trolling.
Crabbing behind Wildwood “remains excellent,” with plenty of ones and twos enjoying the bunker baits
that are being offered.
The Avalon Lady is fishing in the back bays of Avalon and still having success. Some nice
flounder are still being caught, including a recent one that topped the 5-pound mark. It’s good to see that fish like that are still hanging within an easy, short trip to the back waters.
The Miss Avalon will be taking reservations for its opening day sea bass trip. Call 609-967-7455
for information and reservations. They are still fishing for flounder and will do so till the end of the season.
The Starfish is sailing for flounder and then will transition to sea bass and other fall fish. They will
be sailing full day trips for sea bass at 8 a.m. daily. Check out their calendar for all their sea bass and
blackfish trips this fall. Call 609-263-3800 to make a reservation or for more information.
First Fish Adventures-Sea Isle City reported on a good outing, as Mary Scheets took over and
showed the rest of the anglers in her group how it’s done. The lesson taught was about catching
flounder, and she finished with three nice specimens while her nephew had a nice fish of his own.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle reported that Vince, who was fishing on the Miss Avalon, had a good
Monday morning by catching a nice flounder.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle reports that the inlets and back bays are “on fire” and providing anglers
with very nice flounder. It’s not only those drifting in these areas, but land-based anglers who are enjoying the action.
Catches of note went to Jen, who caught a 3.5-pounder that hit a minnow; to Sean, who brought
home a nice keeper for dinner after fishing one of the inlets, and to Mark and Jason, who did well in the
back bay, then stopped in to show off three keepers, with the biggest being a 21.5-inch fish.
The Ocean City Fishing Club will hold its 55th annual Surf Fishing Tournament on Sept. 21. The tournament is being held a month earlier with the hope that warmer weather will draw more
anglers, who can then enjoy better fishing during the local mullet run.
Entry fee for adult, six-member teams is $70, while individual adults will pay $15. Tournament participants with four-wheel drive vehicles will be provided with free beach access. The tournament will be held on the beach between 23rd and 34th Street.
The tournament is run in two segments, with the first running from 7 a.m. till 9:30 a.m., followed by a half-hour to allow you to “relocate to the next fishing station.” The second session runs from 10 a.m. till 12:30 p.m. At the conclusion of the tournament a free lunch will be offered at the Intermediate School.
Advance registration can be made online by using the OCFC website, oceancityfishingclub.com. Registration fees should be made payable to the Ocean City Fishing Club and
mailed to OCFC Tournament Chair, P.O. Box 1215, Ocean City, NJ 08226.
You may also register from 5:30 to 7 a.m. on the tournament morning at the Ocean City
Intermediate School at 1801 Bay Ave.
For more information, contact Ed Parkinson at eparkinson718.com or 215-680-6652.
Thanks to reader Jerry Rau for submitting a picture of him and another angler as they show off
the five nice fluke they caught during a recent outing.
There seems to be good fishing all around, so get out and make the most of it. Good luck, take
care and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
