Reports are few this week but that must be because everyone is out striper fishing. There were plenty of boats out on the water, fishers on the oceanfront in North Wildwood, and word that ‘stripers are here’ is spreading.
Captain Dan Schafer, Insomniac Guide Service, Stone Harbor, reported a ton of fish around and an absolute blast on the water on Oct. 25. He was fishing with Tommy and his Dad and found the bass around nearly every corner of the marsh. Some of the fish were in singles while others were in large groups and hammering away at their top water plugs. He says, “Schools of fish would seemingly appear out of nowhere as one hooked fish put the rest into a frenzy. Tons of awesome visual strikes and some great fights on light tackle.” (This is Captain Dan’s first report for this column. Call him for year round Fly & Light Tackle Fishing, 780-5124)
Warm waters and wind hampered fishing for most days. But on a couple of the nicer days Captain Ray, Tide Runner, Cape May, was able to catch stripers on flies. Nothing real big but sinking lines and chartreuse clousers and deceiver flies continue to work the best with the inlet area being better than the back bay areas. He hasn’t seen much bluefish activity, but what he did see were mostly smaller ones. Ray’s best trip was 16 stripers for two anglers on a 4 hour trip. He says that was the hottest striper action that he has seen in months. Hopefully that’s a good sign the larger bass are following as they migrate south.
The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced the opening of the oyster beds located at the mouth of the Mullica River, known as Fitney Bit, Oysterbed Point and the Reef Bed, to a limited three day oyster harvest season. The season will begin tomorrow Nov. 3, and end on Saturday, Nov. 5 (harvest times are sunrise to sunset). The harvest is open to all commercial and recreational shellfish license holders.
Recreational shellfish license holders will be limited to 150 oysters or clams, in aggregate, per day. As per the Atlantic Coast Harvest Season regulations, shellfish harvest will be limited to hand tongs only. For information and charts of the oyster beds area, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2011/oysterharvest_fall11.htm on the division’s website.
Mike’s Seafood is a proud sponsor of the Second Annual Jersey Shore Striper Tournament, Nov. 11 through 13; captain’s meeting Thursday, Nov. 10, 7 p.m. at the Lobster Loft in Sea Isle. Deadline Nov. 10. Registration $250, Boat up to 6 people, $40 for individuals. Weigh in at Mike’s Seafood, 4222 Park Road, Sea Isle City (263-1500). Prizes awarded for the top 3 heavies stripers, top 3 heavies bluefish and youth under 15 Largest Striper.
RFA Press release: RE: Menhaden Quota “After careful deliberation following comprehensive analysis of the draft, the Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) has prepared their final comments for submission to the ASFMC, which are now posted at the RFA homepage at www.joinrfa.org. “ Today is the last day for public comment.
Send your fishing reports and pictures to cmiller@cmcherald.com. All pictures submitted, if they don’t make it in the print version, can be seen on the Herald’s Web site www.cmcherald.com, click on community, then fishing and boating.
Cape May – Last week I witnessed a woman helping a man who seemed to be having difficulty getting up in the water. the next thing I saw was she also was injured. My Uber ride was there to take me to the…
