The Fishing Line April 19

Slowly, ever so slowly, and in spite of the incessant wind, some good fishing results started to drift in over the weekend. With word and pictures arriving, tackle shops opening and more boats being splashed, the 2017 fishing season is upon us. Now we just need to find a way to take advantage of the opportunities that lie in front of us. Let’s check out what’s been going on.
The Miss Avalon got its season started on the blustery Saturday of April 8. She bounced around, but those aboard were able to find the blackfish and end the day with five keepers. On Sunday I was able to get out for a trip. The bite was slow, but still about 30 fish were caught, yet there was only one keeper amongst them. No, it wasn’t caught by me, but I did get five throwbacks. It definitely felt good to feel the tug of a hard-fighting tog at the end of the line. I’ll look at it as spring training, so now it’s time to bump it up and start getting some keepers. The pool fish, a four-pounder, was caught by Jim Norman. Congratulations to him, and thanks to Captains Irv and Brandon.
Another boat, one that I introduced over the winter that chases blackfish, is the Osprey. It sails out of Atlantic City for the month of April before returning to its summer berth in Port Jefferson, N.Y. The Osprey was out over the April 8-9 weekend, and despite the conditions, fishermen were able to bring some catches over the rail. A friend got out on the Osprey on Sunday and reported a good day for those that made it out. The Osprey’s hot streak continued on Monday as the pool-winning fish, one that went 10 and a half pounds, went to Mike Noe. The report went on to say that “everyone went home with dinner today,” and finished by saying that “April tog fishing is off to a good start.” Yes, that would seem to be an accurate statement. The Osprey sails daily by reservation only, and reservations can be made online at www.ospreyfishingnewjersey.com.
Down in Cape May, Captain Bob Cope from Full Ahead Sport Fishing sends word of very good fishing. He’s been zeroing in on the blackfish and has limited out on “all trips this week.” You can’t ask for much more than that. I saw a picture of a family that made one of its four to five trips per year on Monday, and the kids were all smiles as they did their job to get the boat to its legal limit. It’s good to see some young blood getting into the hobby.
While down that way, we’ll check on Captain Bob Cope’s dock neighbor, Captain Tom from Fishin’ Fever Sportfishing Charters. He’s been getting out, targeting blackfish, catching limits and keeping patrons happy. During this stretch, Fishin’ Fever Sportfishing Charters had seven-, nine- and 11-pounders as its big fish. Changing up fish for a moment finds that Captain Tom still has some openings for stripers, so call him at (609) 868-6014 and book a trip now.
The Stalker, with Captain Skip at the helm, brought in a “couple of decent ones” on a Monday morning charter. The “decent” refers to the stripers Captain Skip’s charter caught. He has been hitting the bay, and despite the windy conditions, has been able to catch fish. With the striper bite just getting going, plus the wind, that’s not a bad return for the time spent on the water.
The news from Boulevard Bait and Tackle includes news of more stripers, one with an interesting side note, and some nice tog being taken.
In a picture I saw from the shop, two unidentified anglers had two blackfish each, caught from a local jetty.
From the striper side of the report, we have Emma who caught a 20-incher while fishing with her father Bryan. He wanted to take her fishing before he leaves on deployment. Thanks for your service, Bryan. Next, Tom A. was catching short bass in the surf while waiting for the bigger fish to follow. Finally, Clay caught a 30-inch keeper among the nine fish he caught while fishing off a local sod bank. The interesting part of this catch came when he checked the stomach after filleting the fish. It had three small blue claw crabs and a baby spiny dogfish in its stomach. The still-hungry fish fell for a bucktail that Clay offered.
Up in the Atlantic City area, the various jetties are producing lots of keeper size tog, and when including the shorts, the anglers are keeping busy. Most of the guys have been getting at least a couple of keepers per outing. Green crabs and clam have been the baits that are producing.
Libation Charters is now back home in Cape May getting ready for the upcoming season. While on its way back, fishermen dropped some lines over and “ran into” a baby sailfish. The trip was made with the benefit of “beautiful flat seas” which made for an enjoyable passage. Give Libation Charters a call at (610) 960-0894 to see what days are available.
On Thursday, April 13, the New Jersey Marine Council held a meeting concerning summer flounder. The results of the meeting came in when the column was already set, so next week I’ll report on what occurred.
Recently I reported on an upcoming youth fishing event to be held at Belleplain State Forest. The date and time will be June 10 from 10 a.m. till noon. If you need further information, please call Lorraine McCoy at (609) 861-2404. This is a good opportunity to introduce young kids to the sport of fishing, plus spend a nice day out at the state forest.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.