The Fishing Line Jan. 3

Happy New Year, everyone! The calendar has changed and the weather changes every few days, but we fish on. Sea bass are now off the list of targets, and stripers can only be caught in the ocean. Remember, the back bay waters are closed from Jan. 1 to March 1. Stripers can be caught out to three miles, and as long as they stay in the area. Tog will be swimming, sorry, into the spotlight now. Let’s check out the results of the final week of 2107.     
Matt at Jim’s Bait and Tackle reports a very good striper bite, particularly while on the troll. The best action recently was an afternoon bite off of Corson’s and Townsends Inlets. The fish were hanging outside the three-mile line, but would come “inside” at the “tide change.” “Excellent” was how he described the bite on Mojo Rigs, Bunker Spoons and Umbrella Rigs.
With the temperature forecast to drop next week, Matt felt that “could send the fish packing.” Nothing personal, but let’s hope he’s off a little on his prediction. The more fish hang around will only mean a nice extension to our season.
Your “last best shot at sea bass” is now as the season ends Dec. 31. By the time you read this, it will be over. Hopefully, you’re able to get a trip or two in before it’s over. Matt mentioned that there are still plenty of fish on the 20 to 30 Fathom Line wrecks.
Matt reported blackfish in the 70- to 90-foot depths. Although some charter boats reported a “slowdown” last week, “it seems to have picked back up this week.” Selfishly, I’m hoping that the blackfish action kicks into full gear quickly, as I’m aiming to get out on the water and wet the line.
Jim’s is now closed for the winter, but is planning on re-opening in late March. Matt wanted to thank everyone “for all the support you give us throughout the year.” He wishes all a “Merry Christmas, a good winter” and hopes to “see you in the spring.”
Matt, thanks for all your help with reports and pictures for the column and the Facebook page. It’s good to be able to count on your contribution each week.
Captain Chuck on the Sea Star III was out during the week and ended up with a “few more stripers.” It was his final week of the season, as he is wrapping up the 2017 season. He will be taking some time off I’m sure, but then he and the crew will “get going on all that maintenance that needs to be done.”
Chuck wishes everyone a “Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.” He also wanted to thank everyone for their “loyal support.”
He concluded by wishing us a “happy, healthy and safe winter.” Staying optimistic, he said to “remember spring is only a couple of months away.”
Thanks Chuck, Chris and Captain Mike for the reports and pictures you faithfully submit each week. Thanks, also, for the memories that were made when my son and daughter got out with me this past summer. We enjoyed our time on your boat, and the time we had fishing with you, your crew and the “regulars.” Oh, and Lindsay will get that first keeper flounder someday.
Cape Queen Sportfishing Charters was out on an open-boat trip the Friday before Christmas. The fish waited to bite “until the last minute,” prompting one angler to declare it was “zero to 10 in 90.” After translation, it meant “zero to hero in 90 minutes.” The captain stayed out later than planned, but 10 fish were caught. That was one for everyone aboard. I’m sure all appreciated the extra time fishing. Good call, Cap’.
The Fishin’ Fever was out on Friday and caught 40 keeper blackfish. The top fish went nine pounds, and anglers were just short of the boat limit. After the tide change things got tough, but Captain Tom reports a “good day nonetheless.”
The Cape May Lady got out on the cold Wednesday after Christmas. My son and I got out on this trip, and even with the cold it wasn’t that bad. Understand that I like cold weather so it didn’t bother me – we were bundled up, but comfortable. The “fishing was slow” but “a few big fish” came over the rail. An 11.4 fish took the pool for Paul Tomaski who also caught a 6.5-pound fish. Adam Sneathen caught a 10-pound tog, and the other keepers were in the five- to seven-pound range. Quality fish ruled the day.
Tight Lines NJ in Somers Point reported that some anglers checked in the day after Christmas and reported “great fishing today.” Anglers were targeting striped bass and had “lots of top water and jigging action.” The best area was off of Ocean City.
Pictures showed two anglers, Andy and Phil, who got out on Friday and had nice striped bass to show for their efforts. Two other fishermen, Nick Honachefsky and local captain Al Crudele, were also out the same day and they jigged up some nice stripers.
The Osprey got out on Friday and went hunting for tog. Anglers described it as “still not a good bite, but a slight improvement.” The improved action led to “a lot more life on the drops.” In turn, that led to more keepers. The top angler got four and a couple had three, and they were followed by a few with two, one or the dreaded horse-collar, zero.
A nice 22-pound tog was caught on Christmas Eve by Robert Cameron aboard Fish Monger Charters out of Point Pleasant Beach. After being weighed and photographed, the fish was released. That’s the best situation for any tog fisherman. The fish can go back to breed again and keep those good genes going.
At the recent meetings in Annapolis, Md., there were no major decisions concerning sea bass and flounder regulations. Questions about size regulations remain and will be discussed at the Marine Council Meeting on Jan. 4. The public comment meeting by ASMFC will follow.
I know its cold out right now, but if you go fishing, keep us informed as to how you did. It doesn’t have to be local, so even if you’re fishing somewhere warm and out of the area, let us know what you caught.  
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.