The local fishing scene is still active as stripers and blackfish have kept anglers busy. Each is being caught, but you have to work to get them. A lot of the striper action is scattered around, so a little travel to the northern end of the county may be necessary, but it’s definitely not a deal breaker. Unfortunately, the beaches have been relatively quiet for those who are surf-fishing. Blackfish are scattered all over at the usual rock piles, wrecks and reefs. Put some time in for your chosen quarry and you’re bound to get something. We’ll also read of a couple of unusual catches, mainly because of the location of where these fish were caught. Let’s see what happened recently.
First, since this will be the last issue before Christmas, let me wish everyone a Merry Christmas and remind you to support your local boats and bait shops. They have gifts for the anglers in the family, or certificates to use for items or fishing trips at a later date. Support the local businesses whenever possible. Now let’s get back to the report.
Mike Jung from Peace Token Bait and Tackle had nice trips this week centered on blackfish and sea bass. First, Mike and some friends went out on the Porgy IV that is based in Cape May. They were fishing for blackfish and had a very productive day. Mike had two nice keepers to 4.5 pounds, Joe Landis had keepers also to 4.5 pounds, and another angler, David, had a 9.8-pound fish. On most days that fish takes the pool, but not today as Alex landed a 10.25-pound winner. Overall, the day was described as a “great day of fishing.” That sounds like a very accurate description.
On Sunday, Mike and others went sea bass fishing on the Atlantic Star. Mike limited out, plus more that were thrown back. His haul included a “nice one” that pulled the scale down to a little more than six pounds.
Libation Charters, back-fishing out of Cape May, had their “best day of the year” on Friday. They took the Kevin Dougherty party out and “struck gold.” They fished three spots and were able to catch fish in each one. The crew took their boat limit plus two bonus tag fish. They also released 10 more fish “for next year.”
They also took out the Panico party on a day featuring “snotty conditions.” They caught three “unders” while trolling “on a carpet of sand eels.” After the “gannets took over,” they trolled under the birds and finished out their boat limit of “unders.” That was a good outcome as “the crew did a great job in less than perfect conditions.” Perseverance pays off, even in a tough weather situation.
Cape Queen Sportfishing Charters was out on a striped bass charter on Saturday with the Greg Panas and friends group. After the trip, they reported that “they’re definitely here,” but it’s “just a matter of getting them to bite.” For their day the group had a 33-inch striper. This continues the pattern of striper fishing this fall which has been tough days mixed with good days, and just enough success to bring you back for another day. But that’s OK because you can’t catch them sitting at home.
The Cape May Lady continues to have fruitful blackfish trips. Saturday saw most anglers finish with a couple keepers, while the high-hook had four. There were no real big fish, “but some very nice roasters to about six pounds.”
The Sunday trip was a more challenging outing due to Mother Nature. Upon arriving at a usually productive spot, the crew was greeted by “a friendly fat seal that had ‘em spooked.” The fish were not around, so they moved. Fish were caught at those other spots, but the big fish of the day was a nine-pound, one-ounce tog that was released about being weighed and photographed. It was caught by Ken Raines, and is now the “new seasonal pool-leader.”
Don’t forget to stop by the Sea Star III and get your holiday gift cards. You can also call Captain Chuck at (609) 884-3421 to order your certificates and get them in time for the holiday. They will be finishing their season soon, so hopefully the stripers will cooperate and they can “end 2018 with a bang.” Go get them and finish strong.
Captain Skip from Stalker Fishing Charters is now booking 2019 trips for both of his boats. They start in late April and run through December and cover a variety of fish consisting of bluefish, striped bass, drum fish, flounder and tuna. Text him or give him a call at (609) 972-5218 and grab the date you want for the species you desire.
The Hooked Up II made a “bizarre catch” during a recent striper trip. They hooked into and landed a monkfish that weighed in at over 30 pounds. It was caught 2.5 miles from the beach and hit “a standard umbrella rig with green tubes” that mimics sand eels.
They will be running striper charters, and then may put together “a few offshore deep water sea bass trips.” These will go about “55 miles offshore to the rock pile.” Call (609) 425-1970 and ask for either Captain Tom or Captain Tim to find out further details if you are interested in “targeting jumbo sea bass.”
Another strange hook-up of late went to Playmaker Fishing of Sea isle City. They were also chasing stripers 2.5 miles off the beach when they hooked up with a “big bluefin tuna.” They chased “the fish for over an hour through the fleet.” The fish then went “straight up and down under the boat.” It then “straightened the hook on the Mojo” and went away “to live to fight another day.” Give them a call at (610) 247-4332 to check on trip availability. Thanks to Off The Hook Bait and Tackle for sharing that story.
Captain Zig, leading First Fish Adventures of Sea Isle City, took John, Tim and Mike out on Saturday for some striped bass fun. Each had their two-fish limit, but none could score the coveted hat-trick. All three gentlemen are veterans and Captain Zig added “thanks for serving gentlemen.” Echo that. Call Zig at (609) 602-9004 to schedule a trip and get some striper fishing in.
FIN-ATICS in Ocean City is offering holiday gift cards. Buy one card for $100 and receive an additional one for $20. This deal is available through the store or their website.
Tight Lines NJ continues to move fish across the scale as they weighed in more “mid-size fish.” Sunday saw one angler bring his in, while on Saturday a three-man limit was recorded for the charter of Tuna Taker Fishing Charters that included “no overs.” They also weighed in a 38 pounder on the recent snowy Wednesday for some hardy anglers who ventured out.
Congratulations go out to 14-year-old Patrick Conlin of Newtown Square, Pa. who was fishing with his dad and uncle. They were off of Sea Isle City on Dec. 8 and trying for stripers. Well, they caught four, but the big highlight was that Patrick caught his first ever striper. It was a 37-inch striper that took 15 minutes to land. Way to go, Patrick, and keep on fishing. Also, thanks to your Uncle Joe for sending in the picture and report.
The Miss Avalon recently wrapped up their 2018 season. Thanks to Captains Irv and Brandon for their generous contributions of pictures and reports throughout the season. They also run the Avalon Lady that wrapped up their season earlier this fall. They wanted to say “thank you gang for a great and fishy season.” They have gift certificates available for the holiday season if you’re looking for gift for an angler recipient. Their “next trip will be in April.” Enjoy the off-season, guys.
Take care, stay warm if you get out and let me know how you did.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
