Hurricane Halloween. Hurricane Sandy storms up the east coast disrupting seaside towns and activities. While we wait her out, we’ll go ahead with the reports that came in before Sandy started her run.
Our friends at Sterling Harbor Marina say that surf fishing along the Wildwood and Cape May beaches has been excellent with bluefish everywhere and red drum caught on a regular basis. An occasional striped bass is out there, cut mullet as the bait of choice
In the back bays there are plenty of undersize stripers along with bluefish and weakfish. Kayak anglers are reporting excellent kayak fishing for schoolie stripers along the dock lights and bridges at night. Togging is excellent around the jetties and bridges. The limit until Nov. 15 is still one tautog per person.
On the offshore scene, Capt. Tim McGregor and anglers aboard “Reel Maniacs” out of Wildwood had a great trip boating a cooler full of gaffer dolphins, a 57-pound wahoo and went 2 for 3 on swordfish in the Baltimore Canyon. Crabby Jack gives the crabbing 4 out of 5 Claws this week.
Grassy Sound Pier and Marina reports lots of striper action in the back bay on live bait. Early mornings have been very productive but also at the top of the tide. Reports of large crabs being caught in the back and stripers, bluefish, weakies, and sea bass are caught off the Grassy Sound Fishing Pier. Steve Kingsdorf, Warminster, Pa., caught a 29 inch striper at the top of the tide off the Fishing Pier fishing live mullet. Jim Rossi, Wildwood, caught a 29-inch striper during outgoing tide on eels in Turtle Creek. The Waistin’ Bait crew loaded up on crabs in the back. They reported throwing back 5-5 ½ inch crabs as there were plenty larger.
Captain Ray is still waiting for the water temperatures to drop. (Perhaps Sandy will take care of that). Water temperatures are still about 10 degrees higher than they should be for this time of the year. Ray has been catching bluefish and small stripers on flies and plugs, with all the bass being on the small side. All of the action has been in the back-bay late afternoon into the evening on the out-going tide. Ray reported an unusual catch. Steve Ligato caught a small red fish in the back bay while casting a plug for stripers.
Calendar: Nov. 3, Sixth Annual High Tides Striper Tournament, Brendan Borek High Tides Memorial Fund, South-Off the Hook Bait & Tackle, Hinch Marina, 989 Ocean Drive, Cape May, or North-Hoffman’s Marina, 602 Green Ave, Brielle. For more info, contact Andy, 289-2962. Registration Information: http://hightidesstripertournament.com/
Nov. 17, Eighth Annual Fight Leukemia Fishing Tournament. Fishing is open to back bays, surf, and boats to 3 miles out, 7am-4pm and in the waters off Absecon Inlet to Hereford Inlet, North Wildwood. Contacts: Sean Meyers: 609-602-8957 Kurt Williams: 609-432-8603 or www.artshed.com/fight.
News: NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife is partnering with Responsive Management to survey anglers about their recent trout fishing experiences. The results will help biologists and hatchery personnel manage the trout stocking program. The survey will be available online for anyone who wishes to participate.
Send your reports and pictures to cmiller@cmcherald.com. All pictures submitted are posted online at www.capemaycountyherald.com.
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