The Fishing Line Dec. 5

Hopefully, everyone had a nice Thanksgiving and then was able to be amongst those who were able to go fishing on Black Friday. Some anglers also got out on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving.
We will discuss how everyone did, and we will take a look at the results of a local striper tournament. Let’s get started.
The Miss Avalon had a nice stretch during the Thanksgiving Day weekend. The Black Friday trip resulted in some nice keepers plus a lot of throwbacks.
The pool was won with a 6.51-pound fish, while a 6.4-pound fish was only good enough for second. A 4.5-pound fish was also caught amongst other solid catches.
Saturday was a tougher day as the wind and tide made fishing challenging. Regardless, fish were still caught.
Sunday looked like another tough day, but the current lessened, the wind and seas calmed, and the day on the water was very enjoyable. Again, some nice fish were caught and a 4.25-pounder took the pool.
The Sea Star III and Capt. Chuck have made the change over to fishing for stripers. The first two stripers of the season went to George Harley with a 28-pounder and George Schoell with a 22-pounder.
The Sea Star III will be sailing daily at 9 a.m., so get down to the dock if stripers are your desire.
The Royal Flush had their Black Friday Tog Super Pool Trip. The fishing was described as “tough” but “the guys fished incredibly hard through the cold and slow bite.”
The big pool was won by an angler who caught a “respectable 9-pounder,” while the high hook took home three keepers.
The second annual Slack Tide Striper Smack Down took place Nov. 24. First place went to Scott Weil and Joe Sears at Playmaker Fishing and their 46-inch, 36.3-pound fish.
Second place was claimed by Chuck Umba at Flyin’ Hawaiian Fishing with a 41.25-inch, 29.3-pound fish, while third place went to Bernie Bradley with a 42.5-inch, 29.1-pound specimen.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle reported that trolling for stripers has been a “hit or miss” proposition. With that in mind, Todd and his crew had a hit as they were able to land two quality fish. The largest was 50 inches and 45.7 pounds.
Capt. Al had the Bayhound out for a trip with Martin, a.k.a. Capt. Reef Donkey. He is a very dedicated blackfish angler.
The conditions, as those who were out know, were “sporty” due to the swells and the current. The crew ended the trip with 27 keepers, with Martin leading the way with a 10.5-pounder. 
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle reported a 44.5-pound, 45-inch striper that was caught by John B. He was trolling mojos off of Sea Isle.
Also, on the day before Thanksgiving Bob, Stan, and Mike “made a quick trip out” and were able to give thanks for the “fish up to 44 inches.”
Ed Hirsch and John Michaels took a trip on the “Rum Line” on Black Friday and went looking for stripers. They each landed one with John’s being 48 inches and 44 pounds.
Ed’s looked good in the picture, but no length or weight was listed. They were fishing off of Townsend’s Inlet. Thanks to J.P. Brescia for sending in the report and pictures.
The public is invited to the Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Council’s meeting to be held Dec. 10-13 in Annapolis, Md. It will be held at the Weston Annapolis, located at 100 Westgate Circle.
A main concern at the meeting will be the council meeting with the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission’s (ASMFC) Summer Flounder, Scup, and Black Sea Bass Boards. There will be a discussion of potential 2019 mid-year revisions for the previously mentioned species.
Public comments received before 5 p.m. Dec. 6 will be posted as “supplemental materials” on the council meeting webpage. Any comments after then must be submitted using an online comment form available at http:/mafmc.adobeconnect.com/december2018
Well, the wind and rain put a serious damper on fishing after the Thanksgiving weekend. Most of the action reported here, happened by the end of Sunday.
With that in mind, I’m sure a lot of us want to get back to the water and chase our favorite species. If the weather cooperates and you get out, let me know how you did, and thanks to those who have sent things in recently. 
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com