Well, the bad weather that was forecast for Saturday and into Sunday never really materialized. That was some good news. As such, anglers were able to get some fishing in over the weekend. Stripers and blackfish again ruled the roost, but some sea bass are still hanging in there. Two nice double-digit blackfish were caught since the last report, and more stripers were also landed. Let’s see what went on.
The Cape May Lady kept up its blackfish beat down. On Friday they went out and proceeded to have a great day. The fish bit “significantly better” than at any point so far in the season. The result was that 50 keepers were caught, with Joey Landi limiting out. He also tied for the pool-fish, as his largest (and another angler’s) was just shy of seven pounds. None of the fish were “jumbos,” but there was “lots of life.” That’s tog angler speak for “the fish were chewing.”
The following day was the trip that resulted in a sought after “jumbo.” Angler Brandon Overstreet caught his first-ever keeper blackfish. It was a fish that will forever be etched in his memory, and a fish that many blackfish anglers only strive for without ever achieving. The fish measured 29 inches in length, and weighed in at 17.02 pounds. There were other keepers kept, but none was as big as the “beast.” There were less fish than the day before, but “everyone had a nice time” and enjoyed “a gorgeous day on the water.”
The Miss Avalon had a couple of back-to-back blackfish trips, but reversed the order by having a slow, then a busy day. Friday had stubborn fish that wouldn’t chew. They had a limited amount of keepers, and as a result the crew was ready for a busy Saturday. Fortunately, the fish cooperated for the anglers on that trip. My son and I happened to be among them. Of the keepers caught that day, I was high-hook with three while my son had three less than me. That’s a nice way to say he got skunked. Overall though, it was an enjoyable family day as a set of brothers and a mother and daughter duo was also on board. Other individual anglers rounded out the crew. A lot of action included a couple of sea bass that showed up just for fun. They were too short and were returned to the ocean instead of heading for the cooler. The nice weather and fishing action, coupled with the good company and crew, made for an enjoyable day.
Off The Hook Bait and Tackle weighed in an 8.82-pound blackfish for angler Tom Mecouch. They also recorded a nice striper of 31 inches for Paul Tripodi.
The Sea Star III reported a slow week “on the striper front.” They were only able to get out a couple of days due to the high winds. They got some stripers started but then lost them, and they only managed to “feed the dogfish.” Hopefully the weather cooperates and the fishing will pick up.
Don’t forget that the Sea Star III has gift cards available for the angler on your holiday gift list. They are available in any denomination, and free shipping is available. Give Captain Chuck a call at (609) 884-3421 to order now, as the holiday is rapidly approaching.
Cape Queen Sportfishing Charters was out over the weekend with charters for the Matassino and McDermott groups. They were out looking for, and finding, stripers. Both days’ fish were caught, but Saturday had more action. They are now booking striper trips, so give Captains Andy and Mike a call at (609) 884-0001 to schedule one.
Captain Tom from the Fishin’ Fever had a nice catch recently to report. While fishing he brought up a nice-sized lobster. Tom has been staying busy running trips for stripers. Recently he had the Steve Krumm party out and they totaled nine stripers for the day. Tom will also start running blackfish trips, but those are basically booked solid through “almost all of February.” Stay tuned in case any dates open up.
Jim’s Bait and Tackle reported that Jeff Story stopped in to weigh a blackfish that he recently caught. The scale stopped at 19.7 pounds. He was fishing out of Cape May. Congratulations, Jeff, on a great catch.
Libation Charters is now back home and fishing out of Cape May. They had the Bill Engle party out on Wednesday in the snow and were rewarded with 16 stripers. They kept their six “unders,” plus two bonus tag fish, while releasing the rest. They had a “very nice day,” were back at the dock by noon and had a short commute as the fish were found “close to home.”
Mike Jung from Peace Token reported on a recent trip he took on the Starlight recently. They were catching sea bass and porgies. Thirty-three anglers limited out on sea bass, with one of them also catching “a nice Pollock.” Mike also caught and released “a nice flounder.”
Captain Zig at First Fish Adventures – Sea Isle City had parties out over the weekend. The Friday outing had a four-man limit of stripers, while the Saturday outing produced four fish. The biggest of those had three bunkers in its belly that were found upon cleaning it. The fish are hungry and ready to eat. It may be time to do a little snag-and-drop fishing.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle reported a “great day” for Relentless Fishing NJ on our recent snowy Wednesday. The three-angler group had six stripers to show for the trip in the snow. They also mentioned good reports for those fishing tog trips aboard the Starfish.
Tight Lines NJ continues to weigh in some quality striped bass. Among recent catches was a 29.5 pounder for Joe, a 36 incher for Tim Kerr, a 20 pounder for an unidentified angler, and 46- and 35-inch fish for anglers who didn’t list their names but posed for pictures.
Let’s send congratulations out to Cameron at Boulevard Bait and Tackle. He was just recently married to Kelcy, his long-time girlfriend. Congratulations to both of you.
Take care, and if you go fishing, let me know how you did.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
