Welcome to September. It’s hard to think that we are already there, but it’s true. First, we need to start by making the most of the remaining flounder season and then we can start looking down the road. Since September can be a great month to enjoy what our area has to offer, whether it’s on the water or not, let’s just do that. Hopefully, though, your plans will include some fishing. Let’s see what went on as August was ending.
Capt. Chuck, from the Sea Star III, checked in to report another solid week of fishing for both fluke and sea bass. Included in the great results were two “progressive pool” winners. That is a special pool that is won when an angler, who has entered, catches a fluke over 6 pounds. The best scenario is when no one has won in awhile. The pool winnings increase each day as anglers enter but no one wins. Quicker wins don’t allow for big pools, but still winning is good. Congratulations to the winners.
There were also a number of fluke limits, as well as boat limits of sea bass. Those are nice because at least everyone leaves with something.
Two pool winners for the week were Greg Appleton, with a 1.7-pound sea bass, and Kevin Maguire, with a 2.5-pound triggerfish. The others won with fluke and they were Joe Kelley (3.25 pounds), Sue Heller (4.8), Craig Constantino (6.0), and Lisa Sharer, who caught her personal best, a 6.25-pound fluke. Congratulations on her “PB” catch.
The Miss Chris, with Capt. Mike, reported another good week of mixed bag fishing. His trips took him along the beachfront, where his fares caught croakers, bluefish, some kingfish, and some small sea bass. A pool winner of note was Jay Zeller, who claimed his win by catching a big triggerfish.
Off the Hook Bait and Tackle was the site of the recently held Doormat Derby. It was a one-day fluke tournament hosted by the Wildwood Fishing and Boating Expo and sponsored by Cape May Outboard.
First place in the Heaviest Fluke category went to Capt. Ross Dickenson, with a 6.04-pounder. Second place went to Capt. Nick Cioncia (4.67 pounds), and third went to Capt. Dean Dickey (4.21).
Capt. Ross also won the “3-Fish Stringer” with a 12.35-pound total, with second going to Capt. Nick Leonetti (11.91), and third to Capt. Tom Corbett (10.09).
The “3 Fish-Slot Stringer” was won by Capt. Tom Corbott (5.9 pounds), and the “Kids” division went to Capt. Nick Leonetti (3.53 pounds).
Full Ahead Sport Fishing, with Capt. Bob, reported a good trip for a recent charter. An angler named Ed got a 7.5-pound fluke during the second drift of the day. As the trip ended with a boat limit of fluke, Ed remained atop of the crew with the largest fish of the day.
Jim’s Bait and Tackle reported that young angler Jackson Gatto caught his first sheepshead that weighed in at 3.93 pounds. He was fishing with his dad and grandfather. Congratulations, Jackson. That’s one you can remove from your bucket list that is still on mine.
The Miss Avalon continues to clean up on fluke, sea bass, and triggerfish as their twice-daily trips take them to the local reefs. An occasional short blackfish is also being caught.
The Miss Avalon captains have added some “exotics trips.” These trips will sail on Tuesdays and Thursdays and are scheduled for Sept. 12, 14, 19, and 21. There will be a 10-person maximum and bait and tackle will be supplied. Call 609-967-7455 to reserve a spot and get more information.
The Starfish was busy at the reefs, catching fluke and sea bass during their morning and afternoon trips. They are also running evening trips.
The Starfish will be running tilefish trips. The trips will be 18 hours and leave the dock at midnight and return at 6 p.m. the following day. The first trip is Sept. 5 and will be run on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Some trips will also occur on select Saturdays. Space is limited, so call 609-263-3800, or book your trip online at www.starfishboats.com/18-hour-tile-fishing/.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle reported that bluefish have invaded the local beach in Sea Isle. A report from an angler named Kevin said that he had caught multiple snapper bluefish during a recent weekend morning trip to a particular area that he fishes.
The anglers at Whale Creek Marina were busy as the month ended with some nice catches of fluke. Some sea bass were also accompanying the fluke. No weights were provided but the anglers seemed to be happy with their catches.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle weighed in a 6.06-pound, 22.5-inch tog for an angler named Kyle. He had to work through some smaller fish but his time was well spent as proven by this catch.
The Sailor’s Delight is staying busy, while they as well as the rest of us, keep an eye on the approaching storms. Even with the possibility of some stormy weather, the advantage of fishing in the backwaters can be fully appreciated. Quick to the fishing areas and quick to get back if the weather turns.
They have been catching fluke (with keepers mixed in here and there), weakfish, sea bass, puffers, spot, blue fish, sharks, and crabs. The backwaters are very much alive.
The 2023 MidAtlantic recently concluded. Amongst the winning captains were two locals from Court House. Capt. Kyle Dougherty, aboard his Y-Knot, won the Wahoo division with the 56-pounder mentioned in the previous column, and the heaviest White Marlin, an 87-pound specimen, was caught aboard the Common Sense with Capt. Clint Clement leading the way.
Other local bragging rights went to Capt. Adam Youschak, of North Wildwood, aboard the Reelin’ Feelin’ for his 3rd Most Points in the Blue Marlin category.
The tournament was run out of the Canyon Club Resort Marina in Cape May and the Sunset Marina in Ocean City, Maryland.
It’s nice to see that fluke are still being caught in the backwaters, as well as at the reefs, and that other fish are also being caught in both locations. Hopefully, it’s a harbinger of a great fall of fishing. September can provide great action, so good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
