The Fishing Line Aug. 10

The heat rolled on and the fishing stayed slow for the most part, but we did hear and see some good stuff to tell you about. In addition to the fishing news, we will also bring you news of an opportunity starting in September for those who are hands on, and enjoy making something that they will use in the pursuit of their hobby. Let’s check out the news.
Matt from Jim’s starts with word of a “shut down” on the bite at Massey’s. The early part of the week was good, but by Saturday the fish were gone. Fish were reported on the troll from the Elephant Trunk down toward the Tea Cup. Some Yellowfin also showed up at the 19 Fathom Lump, but not in the numbers that had been at Massey’s.
Inshore, dolphin are reported from the Inshore Lumps and around the Sea Bass Pots. Many False Albacore and Bullet Mackerel are around, and some Spanish Mackerel have been caught while trolling south of the Old Grounds for Dolphin.
Offshore, the Marlin fishing is picking up. In the Wilmington, Yellowfin are being taken on the troll, while dolphin are around the pots. Reports of a Bigeye bite in the Wilmington, and in Tom’s, have also been heard.
Fluke fishing is “holding up pretty well” in the back, while the reefs and the old grounds remain slow. The reefs have “a lot of fish,” but most are shorts. Due to the slow fluke bite, many party boats are in the Delaware Bay or the Rips targeting Kingfish. Some have picked up croakers as they begin to arrive, plus the canals are also a productive area for them.
 The surf finds kingfish in “good numbers,” plus short fluke and spike weakfish. The areas around the Point are your best bet.
Tide Runner Charters with Captain Ray is working the tides and times for the best possible production. Lately, the late afternoon was best when coupled with the rising tide. The approaching new moon has also helped bring in more cool water which is to the stripers liking. Even when all the factors come together in a promising manner, certainty isn’t to be assumed. Ray has been working hard in the back and ocean, but he reports sometimes just catching a fish here or there. No fish are holding in any one place in great numbers. The bait of choice for the back water was popping flies and plugs, while clouser flies and swimming plugs worked well in the ocean. Proof was in the pictures of blues and stripers that were caught. All stripers were released.
 Captain Chuck from the Sea Star III reports that Kingfish is indeed the king this week (of the catches), along with weakfish and small blues. The action was bumped up with short sea bass and fluke, although not many fluke were taken. As he put it, “I am just taking what the sea offers.” He’s hoping that the fluke catches will start to increase soon.
Cathy at Sterling Harbor Bait and Tackle points out that the last two reports haven’t really changed much. Because of the recent hot and humid weather which has spawned thunderstorms almost daily, the back bay waters have warmed up. This has resulted in the flounder moving toward the inlets and the ocean. Regardless, some shorts and the occasional keeper remain in the deeper holes in the back. The Cape May Reef was a hotspot recently when a favorable drift was available, while the area off of Cape May Point is providing small weakfish, kingfish and snapper blues.
The beachfront is giving up kingfish, flounder on bucktails and sharks in the evening surf.
Looking offshore finds Yellowfin and Bluefin tuna on the butterfish chunk at Massey’s Canyon. Also working is sardines being jigged on Butterfly jigs. “Out in the deep” nice Mahi-Mahi are being caught around the lobster pots, while some White Marlin are chasing trolled baits.
This week Crabby Jacks scores the crabbing at 4.5 claws. Opinion is that this was “some of the best July crabbing he’s seen in years.”
The Royal Flush is running three trips daily, and bringing in kingfish and weakfish. Also being caught are throwback flounder, sea bass and snapper blues. Notable catches went to Kevin Baker, Heidi Mills and Joe Chickey (weakfish), Bob Mackay and Mark Browne (snapper blues) and Mike Harvey and Dylan Barca (kingfish).
Off The Hook Bait and Tackle in Cape May had a good weekend. The fluke and tuna pictures showed nice hauls of both. The crew of the “Raising Kain” brought in two Yellowfin Tuna that went 46.05 and 50.05 pounds. A job well done to Mitchell and Kim Austin, two guys from Derby, Vt. Also racking up two Yellow Fin were Luke and Gary Miller who caught 42 and 45.9 pounders.
The Miss Chris is heading out for fluke, weakfish and kingfish. They ran a Saturday evening trip recently, so call ahead to check for their next scheduled Saturday trip, or book online at capemayfisherman.com. A recent pool winner was Mike Baney of Deptford, N.J. who bagged a 4 pound, 3 ounce fluke.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle reports that sharks have been caught off the beaches throughout the week. Andrew McShea caught doubleheader brown sharks recently, while anglers Paulie and Mike caught some feisty ones of their own. Another nice catch was made by Tracy who boated a 24.5 inch fluke over the weekend.
Grassy Sound Marina checked in, and the young anglers are now in charge. 11-year-old Carmine Pizza was on the pier with his family when he caught his first keeper flounder, then he pitched in on the crab catching detail. I can almost taste the flounder stuffed with crab meat. 12-year-old Sean, who was in last week’s pictures, struck again with two more keepers to 20 inches. Good effort gentlemen.
The Miss Avalon trips are bringing in Trigger fish, sea bass, striper and fluke. The mixed bag has all people happy including Captains Irv and Brandon. They have also been running party and sunset cruises.
Captain Fred mentions that some of his Utsch’s Marina slip holders went out early last weekend and were looking for tuna, but had little luck. Some boats were planning on heading out later in the weekend. Flounder fishing was slow while king fish and small weakfish were present along the beaches.    
Related fishing news: Rod building class to be offered. I recently spoke to Captain Dick Herb about the upcoming class to be offered starting on September 7at Cape May Tech High School. The class will run from 6 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday evenings. It will be an eight-week course, but WILL NOT run on consecutive weeks. This is due to certain processes needing longer periods to cure. The cost is $80, plus $7 for supplies (cups, glue, gloves, brushes, color preserver). You may bring a rod blank that you already have, or purchase one at the class. Blanks run from $60 and up. Orders for thread will be taken. Fuji guides, reel seats and grips will be available also, or may be ordered if you want something special. Captain Dick will have a supply on hand. With this class, you’ll be able to build a nice back water flounder pole for around $75 (plus your registration fee). As someone who has taken this course, I would highly recommend it. The experience of building a pole from start to finish then catching a fish with it is special. I built one for my son as a 6th birthday gift, and we (yes I snag it sometimes) still enjoy using it. You will also learn how to repair your own poles which will ultimately save you money. One last request: PRE-REGISTER so they know how many people intend to participate.