Fishing Line: December 11

It’s like Meatloaf said, “two out of three ain’t bad.” That’s how the weekend seemed, as Friday and Saturday were great for fishing in November.
Sunday wasn’t as nice, with rain and the threat of a winter storm. Regardless, anglers were able to get out, have a great time on the water, and take home fish for the table. Let’s check out what went on.
The patrons of the Miss Avalon enjoyed a nice early weekend of fishing. Loads of fish cleared the rail Friday, both keepers and shorts, and of the anglers who caught keepers, the high hook and pool-winner, was a young angler, Jake.
He left the boat with four keepers. One angler, who landed a 5.5-pound blackfish, chose not to enter the pool because “he never wins anything.” By not entering, that streak continued.
Saturday was another nice day. The anglers caught more high-quality fish, but not as many fish as Friday.
That theme was echoed around the area, as the blackfish didn’t “chew” as much as Friday. Also, Saturday had more aggressive bites. It seems the fish were feeding heavily before the storm.
The pool-winner on Saturday was a 4.03-pound fish.
The Starfish had three excellent trips recently, with one before, and two after Thanksgiving. Nice fish were caught, so several anglers went home happy.
This continues a series of successful trips over the first two weeks of the fall tog season. Hopefully, this type of production will continue as the season continues.
The Porgy IV managed to put nice fish on the deck. The Friday trip was ruled by Mike Youcis, who landed his limit and won the pool with an 8-pounder. Graham Neville also landed a limit, while others had fish for their coolers.
Saturday was a day for quality, as Ken Minett had four keepers, including a 10-pound pool-winner. Other nice fish were caught, while limits went to Paul Tomaski, Kevin Olbrich, Joe Landis, and Robert Crank.
The mid-week trip saw loads of fish, with some getting limits, while others didn’t do quite well. The pool-winning fish was an 8-pounder, which was part of a limit for Sam Oh. Others who limited-out for the trip were Chris Voss, Dave London, and Kevin Moran.
Capt. Chuck, from the Sea Star III, reported consistent action during his trips for blackfish. Their days on the water were filled with a mix of keepers and shorts.
Pool-winning fish during the week were caught by Brandon Liberati, with a 4-pounder, and Greg Schoell, with a 4.5-pound specimen.
The Sea Star III ended their season Monday, and I thanked Capt. Chuck, and the entire crew, for faithfully submitting pictures and reports. Until spring, thanks to everyone, and enjoy your well-deserved break.
The Fishin’ Fever, led by Capt. Tom, registered a triumphant trip recently for the John Robinson party. They had “another fine day,” as they totaled 26 togs, with the largest being 9 pounds. The group thanked Capt. Tom for putting them “on the meat.”
That sounds like a great trip that resulted in some tasty fillets.
Capt. Bob, from Full Ahead Sportfishing, was out Friday and Saturday, like everyone else. The two trips provided fish to 11 pounds, plus other fish in the 5 to 7-pound class. Both trips had limits for their patrons.
Off The Hook Bait and Tackle weighed in a 29.45-pound striped bass for Anthony and Joe D’Andrea, as well as a 28.45-pound striper for Joe Mcellheny.
The Cape May Lady had a nice run over the weekend. Friday saw limits accomplished by several anglers, while all were able to go home with dinner. The big fish of the day was a 10.5-pound fish, while a “few others” were able to land blackfish that broke the magical double-digit mark.
Saturday was solid, but not like the previous day. It seems the fish were sensing a change in the weather. Regardless, anglers caught nice fish while experiencing “plenty” of action.
First Fish Adventures, of Sea Isle City, has been on a hot streak. They have been fishing for stripers over the same time that others were targeting blackfish. Anglers Ken, Scott, and Ed were out Friday, and each returned with two fish. They took advantage of the striper tags offered by the state.
Saturday was festive, as Santa, or an angler in a Santa suit, caught a 33-inch striper. Also, Tom Green, Andrew, and Tyler went fishing and returned with five stripers. Three were of legal-size, and the remainders were caught with the use of a striper tag.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle weighed in a 46-inch, 41.65-pound striped bass for an angler named Charlie. This nice fish was caught the day before Thanksgiving. No word on if it was featured at Thanksgiving dinner or served the day after instead of leftovers.
A Special thanks to Pat Brochon, who submitted the picture of two anglers, each holding a nice striper. They were caught during a trip with Hooker Sportfishing of Sea Isle City.
If you get free time from your holiday chores and can get out, let me know how you did. Good luck, and I’ll see you around.
Submit your fishing photos and news to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.