The hot flounder bite at the local reefs continues. Our first locally reported double-digit doormat was reported. It caused the third change in many weeks on the leaderboard at a local bait and tackle shop. A nine pounder made the list, and many others over five pounds were mentioned. Flounder aren’t alone at the reefs, as some triggerfish and sea bass have also been caught. Let’s cast off.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle leads off with word of the third leader change in the flounder division of its yearly tournament. We went from a 7.73 to 8.31, skipped any nine pounders and went to double-digit territory. The new leader is Denise Powell with a 10.49 behemoth. Congratulations on “a fish of a lifetime.” Others checking in were Drew and Conner who limited out on a recent reef excursion. Another limit went to Cameron, the shop owner, who was able to slip out recently and accomplish the feat. A job well done to all.
Avalon Hodge Podge reports that “the local reef system got red hot” over the last week. Fluke and sea bass were at both the Ocean City and Townsends Inlet reefs. Minnows, squid and gulp fished on a bucktail rig proved to be deadly. The Nev R Enuf charter boat has been “cleaning up on these tasty fish.” 13-year-old Porter from Oxford, Pa. weighed in a five-pound, 24-inch fluke caught at Townsends Inlet. The reefs are also giving up some “three-foot black-tip reef sharks.”
The back bays and surf still have “lots of snapper bluefish” which are hitting “just about anything.” Bloodworms prove to be the best option.
Checking offshore finds “spotty” reports on tuna, “however mahi are being caught in the Baltimore Canyon” where the boats are trolling them up.
The Miss Avalon has been doing well on her recent trips. Nice pool-winning flounder have been pulled over the rails as her anglers participate in the same hot reef action as everyone else. Croakers, sea bass and kingfish are also in the daily mix. Fishing is so good it’s recommended to work out because “you will need the fish muscles” to keep up with the action.
The Avalon Lady reports “another great week” as young anglers were keeping her busy. Some kids caught “their first fish ever,” while some were handling double-headers. Some sharks were also caught, which helped to spice up the back bay action.
The Miss Chris with Captain Mike “reports that fishing has been steady when the weather cooperates.” Some very nice keeper fluke plus a “steady” supply of keepers have kept her patrons busy. Sea bass, bluefish, weakfish and kingfish are also making their presence known. Kristin Louie won a recent pool with a six-pound, five-ounce fluke, while Stephanie from Hesperia, Cal. and Nan Hogan from Fayetteville, Pa. also won pools on other trips.
Captain Chuck of the Sea Star III says that fluke fishing has been good all week. It remained so on Sunday, as the 4-H Fishing Club got another trip in. Another group was also on board and partook in the steady action as keepers were caught on each drift. Zachary Robbins caught two keepers that day. Highlights from the week went to Wayne Ryan with a 5.3 pounder and Jerry Levin with a five pounder. Both of those fish won pools, while Gary Agness (4.25), Ed Price (3.5) and Frank Servocky (3.0) also cashed in.
“Fluke fishing was very good again this week” is how Matt at Jim’s Bait and Tackle commences his report. The Old Grounds and Delaware Reef Site #11 were “the two hottest spots.” Lots of limits for those who fished those areas were a common theme. Terry Coggins caught a 9.87-pound fluke at Reef Site #11. Wildwood Reef had some keepers, but more shorts.
Tuna reports were light this week, but better reports arrived from the canyons. 60-pound yellowfin tuna were in the Spenser and Wilmington Canyons. 19 Fathom Lump was spotty with any catches coming in on the chunk.
5 Fathom Bank and South Shoal are still holding small bluefish and some Spanish mackerel that hit small spoons and feathers on the troll.
The surf saw nice fluke at Cape May Point. 20-inch fish were taken from the rock piles on gulp, cut bait or minnows. Some croakers and kingfish are in the surf. Small clam or bloodworm pieces work well for these fish.
Off The Hook Bait and Tackle had a limit to report for the crew of the Reel Trouble recently. Other anglers have been checking in with nice catches of fluke, also.
Fishin’ Fever Sportfishing Charters has been bringing in the flounder, with some up to 7.5 pounds. Anglers changed it up on Tuesday and went farther out. They got a 60-pound yellowfin tuna and some nice dolphin, and went one for three on white marlin.
Another Utsch’s Marina inhabitant, Full Ahead Sport Fishing, was out over the weekend and caught “plenty” of flounder in the four- to five-pound range. Tuesday was also productive as an angler name Jack brought in not only an eight pounder, but also a six pounder for good measure. The rest of the group had six fish that “were at or broke the five-pound mark.”
The Royal Flush had a good week with flounder “as August progresses.” Sea bass, triggerfish, weakfish and kingfish also made the roll call of those caught. Catches of note went to Bette Dructor with two, and one each for Sylvain Cote, George Toadvine and Ricky Sarau. Beth Hall had a keeper sea bass, while others brought sea bass and kingfish.
Sailors Delight Back Bay Fishing had another productive week as the back waters remained active. Keepers and throwbacks kept everyone on deck moving. Small sea bass and sharks added to the fun, so do your best to get there and join in.
The patrons of Grassy Sound Marina continue to bring in tasty blue claw crabs. 13-year-old Tadgrick Peart and 7-year-old Chad Johnson from Philadelphia were on the pier crabbing recently and proclaimed that “they found their new crabbing and fishing spot.” Rob Veverka caught a 23-inch, four-pound, four-ounce flounder. A recent non-beach day found Stephanie Studer fishing on the pier. Her effort was rewarded with catches of flounder, sea bass and snapper blues. That activity on a gloomy day will surely brighten things up.
Thanks to Michael Higgins for sending in pictures and a recap of his family’s fishing outing. Young Michael and his dad were out at the Townsends Inlet reef on Aug. 16 when Mike (son) caught a 20-inch keeper flounder while using a minnow as bait. They were fishing from their boat, “On The Rox.” They wanted to extend “special thanks” to Captain Brandon of the Avalon Lady who cleaned the flounder for them. Thanks for reading and sending your information in.
A freshwater catch was reported by Ryan Morse. He caught a 16-inch, 1.53-pound catfish while fishing on Sunday at Ponderlodge Pond in the Villas. Thanks for checking in, Ryan.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
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