Well, after being out of town a few days, it would seem that I really didn’t miss too much. Nothing seems to have changed. The wind is kicking, the cool weather is still present and fishing opportunities were kept to a minimum. I did see that some of the tog fishermen I know were able to get the line wet. They changed gears and did some freshwater fishing before Easter dinner. Other than that, things were slow locally as not too many people ventured out. Maybe this will be the week that the weather calms, clears and warms, and the fishing begins. Thankfully, we have two more fishing flea markets to check out – one Saturday and another on Sunday – so if nothing else, we anglers should be well stocked with gear when we finally get to fish.
This past week, the family went south to Myrtle Beach with the Cape May Tech baseball and softball teams. Yes, it was sunny, warm and comfortable. There was also a little wind here and one foggy morning there, but the weather was totally cooperative. You may have missed the nice conditions, but not to worry, as you didn’t miss anything on the fishing scene.
As in years past, we stopped by the Second Street Pier. We changed up our modus operandi and started Easter Sunday with breakfast at the Pier House Restaurant that occupies a portion of the same floor as the tackle shop at the pier. This was our fourth visit to the pier to cover some early season fishing, and I would like to thank Bob, Pauly and the rest of the staff for always being so accommodating during our visits. They let me go out and talk to the anglers, take pictures and just enjoy the setting. This year was no different, as the time spent there was great. It also aided in recharging everyone’s batteries.
I stopped and talked to a few anglers, and as usual found people more than willing to talk of their experiences from previous years at the pier, and also about their recent efforts.
Duane, who was fishing with a young boy, hails from North Carolina. He has been visiting the pier for 20 years. He enjoys fishing here for red drum, black drum, flounder, whiting, mackerel and even sharks. He doesn’t target the sharks, but if they take his offering he goes with it. If they’re small enough, he brings them in then releases them, or he cuts the line on the big ones. Over the years, his most caught fish is mackerel. Today, however, was slow. Part of the problem was the outgoing tide. A common theme I’ve heard over my visits is that the incoming tide is the most productive, and the last couple hours before the top of the tide is best.
Another angler enjoying his weekend at the pier was Jason. He calls New York home, and was in the area on work. He’s a commercial roofer and with all the construction going on in the area, he should be in town and busy for a while. Saturday and Sunday were off days, and he likes to search out areas to fish when those days arrive. While on the pier Saturday, he hooked up and landed a small black drum. He estimated it to be between 12 and 15 inches. He released the fish to go back and grow. He was using shrimp as bait on a small hook and had some taps while I was present. He wasn’t able to hook up with whatever was stealing the bait. He figured it was something rather small. He mentioned a good place to fish is Jekyll Island, Ga. I’ll have to put that in the memory bank.
The pier was crowded that day due to the sunny, calm, 67-degree weather. Unfortunately, the fish didn’t get the word that a nice crowd was awaiting their visit. Some pelicans did, however, and were flying around near the end of the pier. Catches were slow while I visited, but hopefully increased later in the day as the tide returned. Thanks again to the staff for letting me roam around and enjoy the visit to their pier.
If you head down to the Myrtle Beach area and want to do some fishing, check out the pier. It is located at Second Avenue and North Ocean Boulevard. For additional information, go to the contact tab on their website at secondavenuepier.com and fill out the accompanying form. You can also visit them on Facebook.
A couple of fellow blackfish fanatics changed up recently and went freshwater fishing. Adam and Robin got out and checked out a different scene. For their efforts, they caught some nice largemouth bass. They finished their message by saying they hoped “this nice weather stays for good.” Well, we know you can’t get everything you wish for. Good luck when you guys get out fishing again. I’ll look for you at the Wildwood Fishing Expo, as I know you won’t be fishing then.
If you like to fish the freshwater and you desire your trout stamp, don’t forget to get your license, as April 7 marked the opening of trout season. In the first wave of releases, 184,000 rainbow trout were released into various waters around the state prior to the opening of the season. Other releases will follow on pre-determined days. Tuckahoe Lake and Ponderlodge Pond and the two stocked areas in Cape May County.
The final reminder: The Ocean City Intermediate School Fishing Flea Market is Saturday, April 14 from 9 a.m. till 1 p.m. The school is located at 1801 Bay Ave., Ocean City. The following day, Sunday, April 15, is the day of the Cape May Fishing Flea Market. The show runs from 9 a.m. till 2 p.m. at the Cape May Elementary School which is located at 921 Lafayette St. The shows will feature new and used gear, multiple tables of rigs, antiques, apparel and lots of assorted fishing items.
Until favorable conditions show up, take care, check out the shows and maybe I’ll see you around.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
