Fishing Line: July 3

Well, it was a busy week so we are going to jump right into the action but let’s just hope this activity continues through the long July 4th holiday weekend.
The Sea Star III with Captain Chuck reports that fluke action is slow, but some are being caught on every trip. He also reports that nicer fish are starting to show up at the reefs, which is good to hear. They also had their first triggerfish of the season as well as weakfish, bluefish, and kingfish.
Fluke pools, with weights, went to Joe Sargent (3.40), Frank Servocky (3.25), Jerry Rau (3.5) and Bob Athey (4.3). Winning sea bass went to Tom Demas (2.65) and Ed Shaw (2.0) and the final pool, with a weakfish, went to Scott Shaw (1.25).
The Miss Chris has two 4-hour trips daily, leaving at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., that have been producing flounder, sea bass, and kingfish. They sail out of the Miss Chris Marina. The Sea Star III, listed above, sails a 6-hour trip leaving at 9 a.m. from the same marina.
The Porgy IV has been catching some nice fluke, with some limits included, recently. Pools were claimed by Keith Stragin, John S. of Wildwood Crest, Connor Bazaire, twice, and Joann Pettit of Court House. Limits went to Young Jung of Court House, Sam Citron, Ken Minett, Jim Vrabel, Mike Jung, and Matt Lamelza.
The scales at Off The Hook Bait and Tackle were busy as the brother and sister team of Cheyenne and Landon got things started by weighing in a 46.5-pound Bluefin tuna. Other Bluefin tuna went to Evan Jones with a 79.5-pounder and Hunter Moyer whose fish weighed in at 49.2-pounds. Team Overkill was represented after their “good day in the canyons” which consisted of “a nice mix of Yellowfin tuna and tile fish.” One golden tilefish tipped the scales at 38.95-pounds. A healthy 7.7-pound flounder was caught and weighed in by Roy Trainor. 
The Cape Queen took the Aryakia party from Staten Island out for a day of sea bass fishing. They came back to the dock with 38 keepers, plus 9 ling. They had numerous throwbacks which keep them busy. 
They also had the Jeremy Branske party out for a family outing which included some fishing. They totaled 22 keeper sea bass and 7 ling. The action continued as they caught over 150 throwbacks.
Finally, they had the Maruszewski party out for a charter of shark fishing. They caught and released “13 toothy critters.”
The Hooked Up II had a nice series of trips as they ran offshore. They were able to land multiple yellowfin tuna on each outing, as well as a few Mahi-Mahi. They also had word of the arrival of Bluefin tuna and said “it is what so many of us dream about experiencing in the summer and fall.” It’s the beginning of that special time for our offshore season.
Captain Tom had the Fishin’ Fever out and recorded two nice, productive trips. Each trip put together nice catches of Yellowfin tuna. They also caught some albies, but were unable to find any Bluefin tuna. 
The Avalon Lady is finding better afternoon flounder action. They are getting them in the morning, but the P.M. trips have had more action. Weakfish and flounder have made up the catch, with five keeper flounder being caught on the Monday afternoon outing.
They released their summer schedule and will have a Wednesday evening fishing trip, crabbing trips on Tuesday and Thursday, and a special 4th of July Fireworks Cruise. Call 609-967-7455 as reservations will be necessary due to limited seating.
The Miss Avalon will also run their summer schedule which includes two daily 4-hour trips sailing at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. They have a 5-hour Sunday trip that leaves at 8 a.m. and is the same coat as a 4-hour trip so that equals an extra hour of free fishing. They are offering Ladies Half-Price trips on the 1 p.m. trips on Monday and Wednesday. Tuesday and Thursday from 6:30-8 p.m. are set aside for their Nature Cruises. Private fishing and party cruises can also be scheduled, so call the number listed above to check on all the options offered and to check the schedule as it is subject to change.
Avalon Hodge Podge, with Tammie checking in, reports of “several boats” making the run to the canyons looking for tuna. One of them, the Hog Wild, landed 11 Yellowfin and one Mahi, while another, the Relentless, totaled 10 and one respectively.
The reef system “has been hit or miss” on flounder with better action at the southern end, mainly Wildwood and Cape May. Staying with flounder, it has been “tough” in the back bays. John Marks did land a 25-inch, 6.08-pound fluke. Bluefish, in the 2 to 5-pound range, are still around also.
Weakfish and sheepshead are “also a good fishery” in the back bays at this time. She recommends plastic and clam or crab as good baits.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle reports that the surf from Sea Isle to Strathmere was “on fire” with kingfish. These are tough little fighters who make for a tasty meal, so grab some bait and head for the surf. Also being mentioned was a nice trip for a group that caught some nice flounder plus a “bonus” weakfish.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle weighed in a 6.1-pound flounder for Josh, who was fishing in the Corson’s Inlet area.
First Fish Adventures in Sea Isle received a surprise in the mail recently. They won an award from the Cape May County Tourism department for one of their catches from 2018. Their winning entry was a Cobia caught by a family who chartered the boat for a trip. It just goes to show that you have to get the line in the water because you never know what might hit it.
Grassy Sound Marina was prepping for their recent flounder tournament so we are waiting to hear those results. The trophies have been readied and some kayaks have been delivered by Heroes on the Water-South Jersey for “some awesome vets who are in the kayak division. They also had boat and pier division.          
Cathy, at Sterling Harbor Bait and Tackle, said that when “the weather straightened out” the catches were “showing it”.
She spoke of improved flounder fishing in the back bays, plus some ice weakfish and bluefish. Still focusing on flounder revealed good fishing at the Cape May Reef, where Mike Read reported nice flounder along with plenty of throwbacks. Captain Frank Hennigan and crew had 14 keepers and a few nice sea bass from Reef Site 11.
“Tuna fishing was excellent” as many reported double-digit catches of Yellowfin tuna. Some Mahi-Mahi and a “few white marlin“ were also in the mix.
Crabby Jack says were having “good crabbing” as we are now past “this month’s full moon.”
    Registration forms are in the store and online for the 26th Annual duke of Fluke Tournament scheduled for July 13th. If you stop in for your registration form, don’t forget to check out the “Kick Off to Summer Sale” that offers 10 percent off all in-stock Wilderness kayaks, plus other specials.
The Sailor’s Delight was very busy as they sailed two, and sometimes three, trips per day. They had good action but noted that the afternoon was having the best bite. Those bites led to a number of keepers. Whether it’s A.M. or P.M., it’s keepers that are the name of the game.
Peace Token Fishing Tackle had some nice flounder trips to report for Young and Mike Jung as they both limited out on, but on different trips, on the Porgy IV. No doubt, Mike was using some of the different rigs he produces. Stop in and check them out.
The Cape May Lady described their recent trips by saying “fishing was great.” They sail daily at 8 a.m., 1 p.m., and 6 p.m. Remember, they are now docked in Wildwood at the base of the George Redding Bridge as it enters Wildwood.
Don’t forget to stop by the Kayak Fishing Store for all your kayak and fishing needs. While you’re there check out their display of shirts and hats from the David Dunleavy line-up. In October David will also be doing a kayak fishing mural at the store which is located at 380 Route 47 South in Green Creek. Stop in and say hi to Chris and his crew.       
Just a reminder: the first portion of Sea Bass season has ended. The next portion opened on July 1 with a 2-fish bag limit at 12.5-inches.
Let’s put the wraps on another busy week. Try to get out, and if you do, let me know how you did.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com