It seems the theme in most reports this week is that the quiet lull we’ve been in has been broken. Terms like “the weather broke” or “fishing is getting back on track” were tossed into some of the reports. Catches were also in the reports to back up the ideas of a breakout. Speaking of catches, we have another fish to welcome back. As of Aug. 1, you may now keep one tautog at a minimum of 15 inches. Hey, one is better than none. We also have word of a children’s fishing tournament on Saturday. Let’s get a look at what went on.
Matt at Jim’s Bait and Tackle mentioned that as the “weather finally broke” anglers “are starting to get out.” Action around the shop picked up, which is always a good thing.
The Old Grounds was the best area during “the last couple of days.” Limits are common, “but the bigger fish are tight to the bottom structure.” Flounder are also plentiful at the Cape May Reef, but consist of “a ton of shorts with only a few keepers mixed in.” Closer to home, the backwater along the Intracoastal Waterway still has “plenty of action.” Jim’s is also starting to get some reports about “some decent fluke catches” coming in from the Browns Shoal area in the Delaware Bay.
Tuna are still being caught at Massey’s Canyon as shown by a recent outing by the “Hooked Up.” They caught four bluefin while trolling. It was an early bite, as it ended by 8 a.m. There was also a bite between the Wilmington and the Spencer as tuna and a few marlin were caught.
The beach bite “is slow,” but helped as more kingfish are showing up. The best “beach bite” comes from catch-and-release shark fishing. Over a couple day period, “some guys had double-digit releases” on browns and sand tigers, plus “a few blacktip hookups” were recorded.
Captain Mike from the Miss Chris Marina reports a tough beginning to the week, but a “much better” ending as kingfish, weakfish and bluefish were caught from the Cape May Channel during their four-hour trips. Robert Lewis won a pool on Saturday with a “nice kingfish.” He also mentioned that the Miss Chris is currently getting “refurbished,” so we will eagerly await the return of another local fishing boat.
The Cape May Lady had a good time after the weather let up as they were catching kingfish, triggerfish, bluefish, weakfish and of course, flounder. They even ran into “a bunch” of sharks during an afternoon outing. The highlight, though, went to Linda Fiordomundo who landed two “big fluke” plus a sea bass. They are running two trips daily, but check ahead as some trips get chartered to private groups. Call (609) 780-7900 for availability.
The Sea Star III, with Captain Chuck aboard, had the beginning of the week off, not by choice, but due to the elements. As the weather turned for the better, they were back at it. They finished the week strong by catching fluke, sea bass and triggerfish. Four fluke took pools (with weights) for Biff Pein and Jordan Miller (both at 4.0), Dennis DiLodovico (3.7) and Aldonte Ashlock (3.5). Bernard Drenkhahn won a pool with a 2.35-pound sea bass.
Off The Hook Bait and Tackle weighed in some nice fish starting with a 100.75 pound bluefin tuna caught by Al Colombo while chunking at Massey’s. Dave Feast left the scales after weighing in an 86.5-pound wahoo caught while trolling at the 19 Fathom Lump. Two nice mahi were also caught, one by an unnamed angler weighing 19 pounds, and another by Rachel Gavigan weighing 11.75 pounds. Finally, Roy Trainor collected two fluke that went 6.15 and 6.12 pounds.
The Full Ahead with Captain Bob had a good trip recently, as they were just short of limiting out for a six-man charter. As reported, it was their turn, as they “found a good pile of fish” and being “all by ourselves” they were able to take advantage of it and benefit.
The Fishin’ Fever recorded two nice trips lately. One trip was successful with bluefin and yellowfin tuna, plus mahi being caught. The other trip was a flourishing flounder trip that saw the six-man charter limit out on fish to 24 inches.
Stalker Fishing with Captain Skip had a productive outing early in the week. They fished “the 20 line” and found life consisting of birds, sand eels and bluefin. They had “three unders of 44, 45 and 46 inches” and “our one over 60 inches.” The fish were taken on butterfish, which was good because they “couldn’t buy a bite on jigs.” It doesn’t matter how you caught them, just that you did. “A couple times we had five on at once” and that made for a “fun time for sure.”
Boulevard Bait and Tackle has a new leader in their season-long tournament. Jerry Rau weighed in a 26.5-inch, 8.23-pound fluke recently. Another angler by the name of Ralph caught two keepers, with the biggest topping out at 4.93 pounds, 24 inches.
The Avalon Lady is plying the backwater and still bringing in keeper flounder. Don’t forget they also do group outings, as they did recently for the Ocean City Night in Venice. Call them for your social event.
The Miss Avalon is catching sea bass limits in addition to bluefish, kingfish, “monster” triggerfish and the ever-popular flounder. They’re fishing every day, so get down to the dock and go fishing.
The Royal Flush is sailing their summer schedule with 8 a.m., 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. departures. They are fishing the oceanfront for flounder, sea bass, kingfish, weakfish and bluefish. Their recent highlights included triggerfish caught by Sammy Khalil and Barbara Lamb, Mona Rayborn with a snapper blue, a bucket full of kingfish for Marian McCann, and twin weakfish for Jorge Castro.
Cathy from Sterling Harbor reports that “fishing is getting back on track” as the wind and rain subsided. She says flounder are still in the back, but moving out and toward the inlets. After reaching the ocean, they are heading to the Cape May and Wildwood reefs. Those spots plus Reef Site 11 have been “producing nice fluke” as well as an “occasional nice sea bass.” Scott Wheeler and crew went to the Old Grounds and landed 11 keepers.
If you’re in the back, keep an eye out for schoolie stripers that are hitting clam offerings, top water lures and soft plastics.
Most offshore fishing has been spotty recently due to the weather and sea conditions, but some anglers were reporting “a good chunking bite out in the Massey Canyon area.”
“Big and beautiful” crabs earned four claws from Crabby Jack in this week’s word on crabbing.
The Sailor’s Delight says that “action has been gradually picking up again.” They’ve had “good action” even with a “finicky” bite “on the outgoing.” Keepers and shorts have kept them busy on all three of their daily trips. Their trips run from 8 a.m. to noon, 1 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 9 p.m.
The pier at Grassy Sound Marina is giving up crabs, so if you’re interested, head on over there. You can also toss out a line and try for flounder. Many have been caught from there this year, so it could be your turn.
Congratulations go out to little Jimmy Sacchetta (guessing about 3 years old from the picture) of Sea Isle who caught his first flounder with help from Uncle Sean and Captain Brian.
Dom, the nephew of Captain Al from the Bayhound, was out fishing for tog on opening day. He was pleasantly surprised when his crab bait was accepted by a 35-inch striper. Not what he was expecting, but no disparaging words were heard. Good job, Dom.
Also, good job to Ryan Morse who collected with another catfish, this one going 19.5 inches, 2.6 pounds.
On July 28, 63 members of the Boyle family had a day on the water crabbing. They caught over 200 crabs, then went to Art and Minnie’s for a crab feast. Sounds like a fun time was had by all.
Notice: The Ocean City Fishing Club is holding its 43rd Annual Boys and Girls Surf Fishing Tournament on Saturday, Aug. 11. The free event starts with a registration and waiver signing at 9 a.m. Those must be taken care of before participation. Each child must bring their own fishing gear and bait. There are three age groups for both boys and girls. Three anglers who catch the most fish in each age category will win a rod and reel. The boy and girl who land the biggest fish overall will receive bicycles and trophies. Fishing starts at 10 a.m. and ends at noon. An awards presentation follows. The rain date is Aug. 18.
Well, it seems that fishing has rebounded nicely and crabbing is rolling right along. If your schedule allows, get out and get involved. I’ll see you around.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
