Ouch! That really hurt! What caused the pain? Well, it was the lost opportunity to fish on Black Friday and then the double whammy of having Saturday also blown away. Yes, Sunday was much better for fishing, but by then people were on the road heading home, off to see the relatives once more before leaving, or returning family members to college.
Some anglers did get the opportunity to get out, and one local headboat even ventured out Saturday despite the windy conditions. Their effort was rewarded when their patrons were able to put some nice blackfish in the boat. Hopefully, the early part of the week will be favorable for fishing. Let’s check out what occurred and be thankful for those chances that we do get to go fishing.
Capt. Al, with crew and patrons fishing from Bayhound Charters Light Tackle Sportfishing, had a good Thanksgiving morning trip. They caught several nice keeper blackfish and had the added fun of catching, and releasing, a large striped bass. They were in well before dinner on a trip that they could be truly thankful for.
The Starfish, regardless of the strong westerly winds, was able to get out fishing and, better yet, was able to catch some nice blackfish. They will be sailing for blackfish, so call ahead to find out when, plus so you can reserve a seat. You can also book online if you prefer.
Capt. Chuck, from the Sea Star III, reports that the blackfish action is good, as the recent week of trips featured plenty of keepers and a lot of shorts, which kept the anglers busy. Several five-fish limits around the boat also contributed to the good week. Keeper sea bass were a welcome addition, as well.
Pool winners for the week all won with blackfish. Pete Perri won with a 4.4-pounder; Frank Servocky won on the Thanksgiving Day trip with a 4.25-pound fish after the wind calmed; Jason Rudity won on Sunday with a 5.85-pound entrant.
Capt. Chuck is down to his last few weeks of the season, so make sure you jump on before his season ends. His schedule calls for trips each day from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. Call ahead at 609-884-3421 to confirm the trip for that day and remember that the weather plays havoc with the schedule.
The Miss Avalon has been busy sailing for blackfish. They had a pre-holiday trip scheduled, as well as Black Friday and weekend trips. The Wednesday weather was good for fishing, but the post-holiday wind wiped out the trips on Friday and Saturday. Sunday dawned good for fishing, they sailed, and some nice fish were caught. It was a little slower than desired, but that can be attributed to the ocean still settling after being tossed for a couple of days.
The Starlight Fleet is running blackfish trips with Capt. Paul at the wheel. They’ve had some productive trips as some really nice fish were caught.
Some of the highlighted catches belong to Jim Peterson, who landed 14 and 15-pound blackfish on Capt. Paul’s version of opening day.
Jason Mallet-Prevost claimed a pool with an 8-pound fish, then on the Sunday trip right after the Thanksgiving holiday, Jay Goble won his pool with a 10-pounder that he released after having it weighed and photographed. That trip also saw limits go to Kevin Olbrich, Kevin Kovack, and Mike Jung.
The fleet also ran an 18-hour sea bass trip recently that saw sea bass up to 6 pounds being caught. Big bluefish were also around and being caught that day.
Many limits were realized that day. For the day, Ralph Thomas went home with the pool money by virtue of his 6-pound sea bass. He was also one of the anglers who claimed a limit.
Call 609-729-7776 for their schedule and any information.
The report from Cape May Bait and Tackle mentions that there is plenty of blackfish around the local reefs where some sea bass also remain.
Reports indicated they had some stripers being caught in the bay, as well as out front, along the beachfront. Areas to our north are seeing more bass action along the beaches and from boats in those areas.
The store is now closed for the winter but will be ready to go in March for the 2022 season. They would like to thank all who stopped in the store over the year and wish everyone a healthy and happy holiday season. I would like to thank them for allowing me to pass on their reports from around our area.
Cameron, at Boulevard Bait and Tackle, also wrapped up the 2021 season recently. He wishes everyone a “great holiday season” and is looking forward to seeing everyone in the 2022 season. Thanks, Cameron, for your weekly contributions of pictures and reports to the column.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle and Avalon Hodge Podge are still open with bait and gear for all your fishing needs. Call ahead to either shop if you plan to fish those areas. You don’t want to get there and then find out they’re closed. That could ruin a carefully planned day of fishing.
The Osprey, a fall and winter visitor from Long Island, is sailing from Kammermans Marina in Atlantic City. Trips leave at 7 a.m. almost every day (weather permitting). They have been catching some heavyweight fish with several double-digit specimens. Reservations are needed and can be made by calling 516-449-3255 or by visiting www.ospreyfishingnewjersey.com.
Last week’s photo of Jerry Rau and his 8 and 6-pound double-header blackfish was courtesy of the Cape May Lady.
We had fewer trips to report on, unfortunately, but those trips are producing fish.
Sometimes quality is better than quantity. If the weather allows, good trips, and hopefully plenty of nice fish, lie ahead. Let’s hope all the factors line up for a great December of fishing. Good luck if you get out and I hope to see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
