Well, the weather, and more honestly, the forecast, messed up Saturday and Sunday for fishing. The snow on Saturday and the prediction of wind caused many trips to be cancelled. I personally felt the sting, as a blackfish trip I was going to take was a victim. No problem, though, as there was plenty to get done around the house, plus the down time was very relaxing, honestly. There will be days for other trips, as one is already scheduled. Fishing occurred before the snow, and hopefully it will pick back up as more boats make their way back out as the weekend wanes.
The Sea Star III was able to get away from the dock, and anglers were rewarded for their perseverance. They have been targeting striped bass, and as Captain Chuck said, the “fish are here and if we can get good enough weather” we can catch them. He has two weeks remaining in his schedule. After that it’s “a long winters rest.” Grab a pole, get to the boat, and help wear out Captain Chuck and the crew before their rest period begins.
Gary Neil of Williamstown, N.J. took a recent pool with his “39-pound giant striper.” Even Chuck got involved as he landed a self-described “measly 30 pounder.” Like he said, they’re there, so get out and get involved.
Matt, manning the helm at Jim’s Bait and Tackle, reports that on the pre-storm Monday and Tuesday, bass were only a mile and a half outside the inlet. A number of 40-inch plus fish “were reported by the local charter boats.” As the week progressed, the stripers regressed back towards Stone Harbor and Sea Isle. Mojo’s help to land a 39-pound bass for Meredith Balakas, a 41.8 pounder for John Di Donato, a 47.7 pounder for Richard Pavese and a 48 pounder for Rick Bucholz.
No reports came in about the Rips or the Bay, “as anglers are starting to thin out down here.”
Those going for blackfish are doing “good on wrecks in the 80- to 100-foot range (depth),” while sea bass are “still biting well along the 20 Fathom Line and out to the Rock Pile just inside the Wilmington Canyon.”
Per Matt, dogfish and short bass rule the beaches right now.
Stalker Fishing Charters was on the fish before the snow. During that time, “things have broken wide open.” They had stripers up to 51 pounds, plus “several over the 30-pound mark.” Give Captain Skip a call at (609) 972-5218 to check availability for a chance to hook into a big fish.
The Fishin’ Fever with Captain Tom has also been pursing bass. They were out before the weekend weather, and even braved the elements on Saturday. They have been returning with nice fish – numbers of them. So much so that on the snowy Saturday, they caught a boat limit of “unders” and one “over,” and had “about 50 more released.” Sunday and Monday also proved to be days of “good striper fishing” as pictures I saw indicated.
The Cape May Lady left the dock Monday after weekend cancellations and headed out looking for tog. She found them, and Gus Fellenbaum took the pool with a 12 pounder. Mike Jung took high hook with eight, but only kept a few. Conditions weren’t perfect as wind was against tide, but you can overlook that when fish are coming over the rail.
Monday allowed Full Ahead Sport Fishing Charters to escape the dock and go striper fishing. Anglers had “another good day” that concluded with eight keepers, and five being released.
First Fish Adventures of Sea Isle City had a nice family trip recently. Captain Zig, son Paul and grandson Paul got to spend a little time on the water. Their reward was a nice catch of four keeper striped bass. That was quality time well spent. Good job, guys.
Fin-Atics registered some nice catches for some local anglers. Richard Knisell weighed in a 16.8 pounder that he caught in the back, Flynn Kaplan came in with a 28.5-inch fish, and angler Frank had a double-header consisting of a 48-inch, 33.2-pound bass and a nice 20 pounder. That’s a pretty nice two-fer.
A recent trip for the guys aboard the Fire Escape resulted in catches of bass between 30 and 35 pounds. Others of various sizes were released for another day. On that morning they were fishing off of Atlantic City.
Tight Lines NJ had some good weigh-ins before the weekend. Highlighted catches went to Dan Dougherty with a 38 pounder, Ed and “crew” with two nice-sized fish (no weights were listed), and Chris and Frank with a 34-pound fish hitting the scales. And then the snow arrived.
The Osprey boat is back in Atlantic City as its season in Port Jefferson, N.Y. has ended. As happened last year, they are docking at Kammerman’s Marina. They will be targeting blackfish on a daily basis. Weather may stop them, but not much else. They got down here from Long Island at the end of November and set up shop. They have a reservation set up, so you must call ahead and book your seat. Thirty to a trip, so make sure to call ahead. Call them at (516) 449-3255 or book through www.ospreyfishingnewjersey.com. Also, check them out on Facebook at Osprey New Jersey.
Recently, trips have been described as “diplomatic” as “keepers were spread all over the boat,” and as “scratchy” as the bite was tougher, but not impossible. For anyone who has fished for blackfish knows, those descriptions are very accurate. The bite can change from morning to afternoon, tide to tide or from day to day. But when it’s on, it’s something you don’t want to miss.
Since this is the last issue before the holiday, I would like to wish everyone a Merry Christmas. May you have a happy and health holiday, and get the fishing gear that you have asked for.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
