The Fishing Line April 20

After last week’s early season action of stripers and blackfish, I really was looking forward to another weekend of fishing activity. A number of boats were ready to sail for the first time this season, while others were making their third or fourth excursion.
But something happened that altered everyone’s plans to some degree. Winter returned with a cold, snowy vengeance. Some boats never left the dock, and some ended their trips earlier than intended.
Regardless of Mother Nature’s attempt to curtail fishing, some catches were made so we aren’t being shut out. Let’s get started.
News from Utsch’s Marina reports the Full Ahead with Capt. Bob Cope was able to get out. A Sunday report finds the same angler who got a double-header of keeper tog last week, struck again this weekend.
Amongst the fish caught in another charter was a nice 7-pounder, plus some other quality fish. Good fishing is occurring whenever the wind abates and allows them leave the dock.
Also in Cape May is the Sea Star III with Capt. Chuck aboard. The weekend of the eighth was their scheduled first of the season. Unfortunately, the “high winds and cold temps” left them tied at the dock.
They are all spruced up and ready to go, so they are now looking to the upcoming weekend. Capt. Chuck, I know you’ll keep us informed, so good fishing and I look forward to word of a successful trip.
Further up the coast in Avalon, the Miss Avalon got out for a slightly shorter than planned trip. They were starting on the recent stormy Saturday and their six-hour trip lost one hour. Considering the conditions, giving up one hour of fishing to get five is a pretty good exchange.
“High hook” that day got 12 tog, with two keepers. The fishing was described as “good,” and the seas were “fair.”
On a side note, congratulations to Brandon Hurd, or make that Capt. Brandon Hurd. Hurd recently passed his test, and became the fourth generation of the Hurd family to obtain his Master’s License. Job well done, and good fishing, captain.
As a reminder from a number of captains, and none in particular, if you are looking for a particular day for a trip, now is the time to get on it.
Striper, blackfish, and drum trips are booking quickly, so give your favorite captain a call and get the dates you want. Also, it’s not too early to set up your summer flounder and tuna trips.
As a reminder, the limit of four blackfish reduces at the end of the month, so if that’s your choice right now, get on the phone.
From the freshwater side, I heard of three or four nice trout caught on opening weekend. These fish went between 3 and 5.25 pounds.
Locally, these were caught from the Ponderlodge area in Villas. I didn’t hear of any bass, but that doesn’t mean there weren’t any. The trout were the sought-after species this weekend, and as such took most of the ink.
An additional report of a nice trout arrived. Chris Hackett, son of Capt. Chuck from the Sea Star III, was doing a little trout fishing to stay in fishing shape. He must be in mid-season form as he came home with a trout that was “around” 30 inches long, and an estimated weight of 7 to 8 pounds.
When laid on the ground next to some other trout, it dwarfs them. The only larger trout I’ve seen this year is Mike.
Cameron from Boulevard Bait and Tackle checked in with news that angler Doug B. checked in with his first keeper striper of the year. He got it in “the river” fishing bunker. From other catches I’ve heard about, a lot are coming out of the Mullica River so that’s a good area to give a try if you’re able.
Cameron also mentions the blues. Bluefish that is, as in more reports of local catches are being made. Some of those are up to 10 pounds. He mentions things being similar to last spring’s bluefish run, but also hopes that he doesn’t “jinx it” by doing so.
With the blues, word on some early season flounder also arrived.
Obviously those get tossed back, but it’s nice to know they are arriving. Conditions are rounding into shape for a productive spring season of fishing.
I finally got to whip up a couple of teasers. Thanks again, Gary, for the fly-tying vise, as it makes it so much easier. I enjoy making a lot of my own gear, and this will allow me to practice making these.
I want to get a neater, cleaner, finished product that looks something bought at a store. Practice is the best way to do that. Overall, I’m pretty happy with how these came out.
A neat siting: The other day, while at a local high school baseball game a big osprey was flying around with a large branch in its beak. It circled the field, and then went to the top of a light standard in right center field.
Upon closer inspection you could see that a large nest was under construction. The bird landed and positioned the stick according to its liking.
I’ve seen many ospreys, and some eagles while on the water, but it’s still nice to watch them live their lives, and co-exist with us, as we go on living ours.
It’s supposed to be nice this weekend, so get out, wet your line, and give me an update as to how you’ve done. Contact me at mrobbins@cmcherald.com or on Facebook at Mark’s Fishing Line.