Well, the weekend dawned bright and sunny. It looked warm and inviting from inside the house. Then, after stepping outside, you realized that looks can be deceiving. It was cooler than the appearance, but still warmer then recent mornings. And then, the wind started to kick in, and it made it just a little cooler, and a little less pleasant. It’s made it tough lately for fishing, but as you’ll read, some fishermen said, “Enough,” they got to the docks, and the boats went out regardless of the wind. Saturday for me was a couple of baseball activities, but I did get out Sunday, and regardless of taking a goose egg, it was definitely good to get on the water. Since this is a family friendly newspaper I will finish my opening by para-phrasing the famous Admiral David Farragut quote and go with, “Darn the wind, full speed ahead.”
Leading off today is Captain Ray from the Tide Runner Charters. He put his boat in the water for the season the other day. Usually after dunking it he will leave, but Ray and his fishing buddy decided to see what they could “scare up.” Good move on their part, as they came away with a catch of 24 stripers between them for 2.5 hours of fishing fun. The fish ranged from 17.5 to 21.5 inches in length. All fish were released for another day. These fish were taken on a sinking line with chartreuse and white clousers. Some fish were spotted on the surface, but the action was realized down in the water column. Topping of the day was the fact that a fresh fish dinner was on the way. That was courtesy of two large bluefish that went to 32.5 inches. Both were described as lean and mean, and good fighters. One went back into the water, and one of them became a meal as each angler took home a fresh filet for dinner.
Captain Ray took out a charter on Friday, and four small stripers and a sea herring were caught. The wind wiped out a trip on Saturday, as conditions weren’t favorable for fly fishing in the ocean.
Overall, Ray is happy that there is some action, and he expects it to get better as the weather and water warm up. Good effort, and that’s the way to start the season.
Another boat finally able to get out and produce a good early season trip is the Sea Star III, with Captain Chuck leading the way. Saturday and Sunday’s sunny, slightly warmer weather brought out some fishermen and produced plenty of blackfish action. Keepers and shorts kept all aboard busy. Saturday’s trip even produced some limit catches. Chuck is hoping this “is just the beginning of another great season.”
A list of the pool winners and other nice blackfish included Ron Bowman (Villas) 3.95 lbs., Harry Theurer (Richboro, Pa.) 4.25 lbs. and Andy Potocek (Cherry Hill) 2.80 lbs.
Word trickled in that a couple more boats have left the dock while christening their 2016 season, or have set the date of their opening trip. Getting out on Sunday the 17 was the Sailor’s Delight. Captain Paul had heard word of blues and weakies in the back, and decided to fire up the engines and venture out. What did he find? Water around 54 degrees made for a sluggish bite, but a few bites that did occur were missed. A weakfish was brought to the boat, but also got off. They “were surprised” to see some large blue claws come up with the bait. That’s always good to hear, as I love to steam some of them for a tasty dinner. The Sailor’s Delight is available for charter through May, then will start its open boat season. They will continue to prospect for the hot areas, and see what baits are working best.
Meanwhile, the Royal Flush has declared Saturday, April 30 as its opening day for the season. It will be sailing Saturdays and Sundays from 8 a.m. to 12 noon. They are getting the word out so you can “cancel your other plans” and prepare to join them “on the 30th.”
Another weekly contributor, Grassy Sound Marina, has set April 22 as its opening day. I heard this the other day, so they will be open and ready to see you by the time this report is published. Stop by, say hi and check out the pier.
Each day I have been seeing reports of small stripers, the throwback size, plus some decent blues being caught between Sea Isle and Cape May. Cameron from Boulevard Bait and Tackle sent in word and pictures of some small stripers, a flounder and a nice keeper-size weakfish that were caught up that way. While working on this section, additional word of another catch arrived. George (no last name) hit the door with the first black drum of the season. It was a “whopper,” tipping the scales at 8.9 pounds!
Speaking of Cape May, some nice blues have shown up recently along the beachfront. Also down that way, Captain Bob on the Full Ahead reported a very nice 15.4 pound blackfish that was taken on a recent charter. If you have spent any time on the water lately, you’ve probably seen Gannets diving on bait fish that are invariably being followed by larger fish. It’s seems that it will be just a matter of days till things break out. We’ll just need to stay patient and put our time in.
A late entry before my deadline finds Captain Skip from Stalker Fishing Charters with a party of five in the picture, and every angler with an armful of striper. All of the fish look to be of the nice-sized variety. Five for five. Not too shabby.
A Happy 16th Birthday shout out to my home-boy, baseball player and fishing partner, my son, Zachary.
Remember to check out my Facebook Page, Mark’s Fishing Line, and see reports and extra pictures that don’t make the paper. Get out if you get the opportunity because as you see, things are starting to happen. Make your mark on the fishing scene, and let me know how you do.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
Avalon – Eighty percent of working-age Americans have jobs, and the average after-tax income is up almost $4,000 since before the pandemic, significantly outpacing inflation.
