Today, unfortunately, is the final day of the summer flounder season. If you haven’t gotten out, you still have the rest of today, and hopefully you’re checking this article out early so you can maximize your time. If not, hopefully you got out earlier in the season and enjoyed some degree of success. Either way, it’s time to look ahead to fall fishing. Now though, let’s see what some local anglers were able to accomplish recently.
Captain Chuck, from the Sea Star III, reported that his patrons had another week of catching “some really nice fluke.” The action wasn’t breakneck, but nice fish make up for that. He’s hoping for a continuation of quality fish, while keeping an eye on the weather.
Pool winners this week claimed their daily wins with fluke. They were Bill Dunn with a 3.2-pounder, Dave Gould (3.5), Frank Servocky and Steve Althouse, who won on different days with 4.2-pound fish, Frank with his second win of the week with a 5.05-pound fish, and Tony Koska with a 6.15-pounder.
Captain Mike, from the Miss Chris, reported that when the conditions are right, the recent inshore fishing has been good, with some nice keeper flounder coming aboard.
A lady angler named Sheree landed a 20-inch keeper while another angler, who was not named, caught two keepers. A quick trip to the fishing grounds has proven to be well worth it.
The Miss Avalon will be getting ready for sea bass fishing. The Opening Day trip is approaching, and it’s best to call ahead and make your reservation. I’m sure other eight and 10-hour deepwater trips and offshore trips will fill the October calendar, so be sure to call ahead and get the information and dates you want.
After checking in with Captain Brandon, he plans on sailing some fall fishing trips on the Avalon Lady. Striped bass and blackfish trips were discussed as some possibilities. Now we’ll need some cooperation from the weather, and if that happens, we’ll have another nice fall fishing option.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle had a good report about a recent trip involving Drew, Dan, Tom and Dan. They were out early, fished, and were home in time for lunch. In between they had a day they won’t soon forget, as they were able to catch a 140-pound tuna and a 56.5-pound wahoo. Nice job, gentlemen.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle had word of nice flounder catches being made over the past week. The reef and the backwater both gave up these fish.
The first of these was a 25-inch, 6.18-pounder, which represented a personal best, caught at the reef by an angler named Billy. Another nice catch was made by Tim, who was fishing the backwaters, who landed a 23.5-inch, 4.18-pounder.
From the beachfront came word that Kevin and George were catching bluefish. Cut mullet and spot were a favored bait of those pursuing these fish.
Whale Creek Marina reported that the Zimmerman boys caught a couple of nice keepers during a recent outing.
The staff at Whale Creek Marina is offering a Fall Field Trip Special. Local schools are able to participate in crabbing adventures this September and October. It’s an opportunity for students to learn about the marine environment in a fun, yet educational, setting. They’ll receive a four-hour boat rental that includes gear and bait. Groups will include four students and one adult, per boat. The cost is $30 per person.
The two Sailor’s Delight boats, with Captains Stan and Andrew, are still putting their patrons on good keeper flounders. It’s obviously late in the season, but they’ll be fishing till the very end, and whenever the weather allows.
The Starlight Fleet, like other boats in the area, is preparing for sea bass season. You can call, or book online, for any of their 10-, 12-, and 18-hour trips.
Fishing was lighter this week than hoped for, but there is only so much that can be done when facing the weather’s wrath. Hopefully, we’ll be able to rebound quickly. It’s time to plan for sea bass fishing, and think of striped bass and blackfish trips that aren’t that far away. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
