Fishing Line: May 31

The holiday weekend is now in the rearview mirror. The unofficial start to the summer season means longer days filled with more fishing and good times on the water.
The fish, which are arriving daily, the local captains, and the local bait and tackle shop proprietors want to help you experience both. With that in mind, let’s check out what has been going on around the local fishing scene.
The Miss Avalon, and Capt. Irv, have been heading out for sea bass. Check out their schedule and find a day that is good for you, jump on, and head out for some good fishing.
The Avalon Lady sails daily, except Tuesday or when chartered privately, and is targeting flounder. Of course, weakfish, bluefish, and striped bass are also swimming in the backwaters, so they could possibly end up on your hook.
The rain on Saturday gave the fish a reprieve, but on Sunday, the crew of the Miss Avalon was right back at it.
The windy morning on Sunday made for a good challenge. The anglers that morning caught 45 shorts and eight keepers. The biggest fish, and winner of the daily pool, was a 4.7-pound flounder.
A late week trip for Mrs. Robbins and Mr. Handley’s Middle Township Middle School’s classes proved to be a good day for the students. Yes, it was breezy and cool, but the group caught plenty of shorts, as well as a couple keepers. Not only were they out of school and on the water, but some were introduced to fishing for the first time while others were able to refine their skills.  
The Starfish is sailing daily for sea bass. They leave daily at 8 a.m. but check ahead to make sure they are going on the day you wish.
Their recent trips have produced plenty of sea bass, plus one lucky angler was able to land a 30-inch codfish.          
Capt. Chuck, aboard the Sea Star III, reports that interest among his patrons is increasing. They have a choice, or a chance, to fish for sea bass by day and drum fish by night.
Sea bass fishing is good, as many keepers and throwbacks are keeping the anglers busy. Daily pool winners, all with sea bass, went to Chris Gardner (2.4 pounds), Andy Mount (2.1), Rob Ferrante (1.65), and Jason Murray, with a 1.8-pounder.
The drum fish activity is increasing as a recent Saturday night was the best of the current season. It marked the first double-digit catch total of the season. The pool winners amongst the drum fish trips were Ed Woodrow (57.08), Jerry Santesse (57.44), and Kirsten Jihansen, with a Saturday night winner of 62.47 pounds.
The weekday drum fish trips all have some seats available, so give Capt. Chuck a call at 609-884-3421 to reserve a seat. The daily sea bass trips leave the dock at 9 a.m. and return at 3 p.m.
The Miss Chris is busy running sea bass and drum fish trips. Both have been keeping their patrons busy. Now could be a good time for you to book a trip by going to their Facebook page, then following the links. While there, you can also book a trip on the Sea Star III.   
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle concluded their flounder tournament this past weekend. Over 80 anglers competed, with plenty of fish being weighed in.
The big winner was Rob. D. and his 4.98-pound flounder. Second place, with a 4.61-pound fish, went to John C., and third place was claimed by Anthony S., who won with a 4.5-pounder.
In other news from the shop, Bob stopped in to weigh in an 8-pound striped bass that couldn’t resist a nice chunk of bunker.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle continues to weigh-in plenty of nice fish.
Highlighted catches went to “5 Rod Ted” who caught, then released, an impressive 42-inch striper. Mike joined in the striper parade with a 31-incher, along with Luis (32-inch) and Brendan and crew, who caught 37, 32, 29, and 25 (bonus tag fish) all from the beach.
Jake had a good morning, as he caught a 36-inch striper and combined it with a 33-inch black drum. Connor and Bud each caught a nice drum fish. John Mel stopped by with a 25-inch, 5.4-pound flounder that he caught from a spot in the back bay.
Grassy Sound Marina weighed in some nice flounder recently, as two friends in kayaks had a friendly tussle. Mark won the day, as he landed a 27-inch, 5.4-pounder, while Greg’s entry came in at 25 inches and 4.7 pounds.
The crew from Lazy Bass Bayside Bar and Grill got out to do a little fishing. The big flounder of the day went to Joey, who caught a 27-inch, 6.75-pound flattie.
It seems that fishing is slowly getting better and if the wind would lay down and the water temperature would increase a couple of degrees, then things would be golden. If you can, get out and enjoy some time on the water. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around. 
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.