Well, April is now into its second week, and we have been officially into Blackfish season since April 1. Of course the weather is playing around and cancelling trips as some on opening day were restricted to staying at the dock. Hopefully, the trips will become more common-place as the month progresses. Some boats did get out so we’ll have some fresh fishing reports that will lead off this issue. We also have word of a series of events for the lady anglers in the area and we’ll pass that on to you. Also, I wanted to send out a hello to the lady in North Carolina who reads every issue. Hello Sue, and thanks for being a faithful reader. Let’s get going now and see what was caught.
The Cape May Lady was the first to strike. They were able to leave the dock for the first trip of the 2019 spring blackfish season on Tuesday. Their report and pictures were very encouraging after a two month hiatus. Igor Grishel caught the first double-digit fish of the day with an 11-pounder. The pool fish of the day was just shy of 14 pounds and was caught by an angler named Mike. An unnamed angler, who took a day off from work, caught his limit with three fish between 10 and 13 pounds, and a fourth that was around 8 pounds. They will be running trips as often as the weather allows. You are asked to make a reservation by texting or calling Adam at 609-425-4303. And please remember that trips are subject to change due to the weather. The final call for the trip will be made the evening before.
Also getting out on Tuesday was the Bayhound Charters Light Tackle Sportfishing boat. Captain Al sent word and pictures of their success with the caption “They’re biting.” They will also be running charters for blackfish, as well as taking reservations for trips for other species later in the year. Call 609-602-2662 to line up a trip.
The Sea Star III passed her Coast Guard inspection and is ready to go. She is scheduled to start her season on Friday, April 5. By the time you read this she’ll be settling into her schedule. We should be getting word about the first weekend’s results so we’ll pass them on to you next time. The boat departs daily at 9 a.m. so get down to the dock, get fishing, and maybe get your name in the paper with their next report. They will be running for blackfish to start the season, but are taking reservations for their May drum fish trips. Check out the website to see when these trips are planned.
The Miss Avalon has targeted this Saturday, April 13 as the start of their 2019 Season. They will be fishing for blackfish. They leave the dock at 8 a.m. so don’t be late. Call 609-967-7455 for additional information. Don’t forget that the sister ship of the Miss Avalon, the Avalon Lady, is finishing preparations for the back bay fishing season as well as their summer fishing and crabbing camps for young anglers. Captain Brandon plans on starting their season in May. Both boats also do nature cruises and private party cruises.
The Sailor’s Delight Back Bay Fishing boat, clad in its signature bright orange, is almost ready to bring in their 2019 season. As Captain Andrew reported “the to-do list is getting shorter.” They will be running some “scout trips” soon to see what has arrived in the back waters, so stay tuned to see when and then how they did. We will post the date of their official opening day trip so you can plan accordingly as soon as it’s announced.
The South Jersey Coastal Fly Anglers Club of Ocean City will be holding fly-fishing events for lady fly-anglers in May. There will be four separate events spread throughout the month with the first one being held on May 4 starting at 9:30 a.m. For this event you will need to pre-register by April 27 and there is a $10 fee. The activity for this day will be casting and fishing instruction with Dianne Tidy. There will be instruction and hands-on practice for basic casting, tying flies on the line, a description of equipment to be used, and fishing at the lake. Lake and Shore RV Resort at 515 Corson-Tavern Road in Ocean View will be the site for this day of activity. The day includes door prizes and you are asked to bring sunglasses/eye protection and your fishing gear. Rods and flies will be available if needed. Waders are optional. Lunch, drinks and snacks will be provided by SJCFA members.
The next week, May 11 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be a Lake Fishing Trip with Christina Muller from the Ray Neirle TU Club. This will be at the Hammonton Lake Park, 100 Sports Drive in Hammonton. A New Jersey freshwater license and a trout stamp will be required. For this session you must pre-register by May 4 and there is no cost. Bring a lunch, drink, hat, sunglasses, bug and sun lotion and fishing gear. Waders are optional. Bathrooms and picnic tables are available and there are wading beaches at the public park. Rods and flies are available if needed.
Outing number three will be an evening of saltwater fishing with SJFCA members at Corson’s Inlet State Park. This is on Thursday, May 16 from 3 p.m. to dark. You will need to be registered for the Saltwater Recreational Registry. It’s free and can be done on-line at the Division of Fish and Wildlife website. Bring your fishing gear and any other beach and fishing items you like. You’ll need to pre-register by May 11. The cost is free and rods and flies will be available if needed.
The final event is set for Saturday, May 18 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. It will be a presentation and a demonstration by Mary Kuss and Betsy Miraglia. It will be held at the Zion United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall located at 652 Zion Road in Egg Harbor Township. The first two hours consist of the Set-up and Knots. Lunch is from noon to 1 p.m. and you are asked to sign up if you are staying for the fly-tying demonstration. After lunch the presentation “Sunnies and Such” is scheduled followed by a 15 minute break. From 2:15 p.m. to 4 p.m. there will be a Fly-tying demonstration. You must pre-register by May 11. The cost is $10 and door prizes will be included.
If you have any questions or would like to register you may call 609-525-4504 or go to sjcoastalflyanglers@gmail.com.
Fishing is breaking out of its winter hibernation, so why don’t you? Let me know how you did if you get out. Take care and I’ll see you around.
Submit your fishing news and more to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
