Obviously it’s not August yet, but this past week had the “dog days of summer” feel to it that goes more with that month. People were fishing and catching, but things just seemed quieter than normal. Maybe it’s just the heat and humidity wearing on people. If so, it didn’t stop a local tournament from having another successful year. We’ll have the results for you from that, news of other fishing action, and also some quick information about the Modern Fish Act and House Bill HR200. Let’s get started.
The Royal Flush headed to the ocean in pursuit of flounder, kingfish, weakfish, triggerfish and snapper bluefish. They came across all of them, but the list was highlighted by Bette Dructor with a nice sea bass, Russ Anderson with some kingfish, Lisa Atwood with a triggerfish and Andy Weiss with a bluefish.
The Sailor’s Delight had a nice week of activity, as they had multiple keeper flounder for their patrons. They are showing that there are still nice flounder in the back waters. Their best trips recently have been the morning and evening ones. The tide was an important figure in that equation, but the heat of the day and boat traffic probably played a role also. Since the bite “isn’t showing signs of slowing down,” they will “keep pushing hard.” Get out while the flounder are still there.
The results of the 25th Annual Duke of Fluke Tournament, held at Sterling Harbor Bait and Tackle, are now in. The tournament was held July 14.
The category winners were: Rob Guarini for single heaviest fluke at 6.66 pounds; Jason Bailey in second with a 6.5-pound fish; and Brent Alderfer in third with a 5.65 pounder. The ‘Five Heaviest Fluke’ total weight, at 24.26 pounds, went to “3 Pete II” and Captain Pete DiLullo; second place, with 22.24 pounds, went to “MoJo” with Captain Joe DiDomenico; and third place, with 19.38 pounds, was garnered by the “Adam Bomb III” with Captain Adam Crouthamel. The Kayak Division went to Matt Helverson with a 6.34 pounder; second place went to Charles Breon with 4.04 pounds; and third, with 2.89 pounds, was claimed by Nick Pontario. The Junior Angler award was won by Brody Selfridge with a 5.39 pounder, while the Duchess Award went to Donna Scott with a 5.15-pound fish. The heaviest bluefish, at 2.13 pounds, went to Brian Fischer, while Joe Nardelli won the sea bass category with a fish of 3.45 pounds.
Grassy Sound Marina reports good fishing from the pier as well as from the boats. Cousins Olivia and Caitlin, of Lancaster County, caught a 22-inch fluke from the pier on the outgoing tide. A minnow did the trick. 6-year-old Molly caught her first fish ever – a fluke. Crabbing was good for Steve Kinder from his rental boat, while Ken Lockwood caught enough from the pier to almost fill up a five-gallon bucket.
Captain Chuck took the Sea Star III to the ocean this week, as the wind that had them in the bay last week lessened. They hit the reefs and wrecks while targeting fluke, sea bass and triggerfish. Action was steady, as they were “getting keepers every trip.” Fluke, with weights following, made pool-winners of these anglers: Christina Robinson (2.25), Don Fagan (2.5), Matt Inemer (2.55), Alex Bojko (2.75), Chris Hildebrandt (3.5) and Frank Servocky (two at 2.85 and 3.60).
The Cape May Lady has been running their twice-daily trips and picking up fluke, sea bass, kingfish, triggerfish and some “exotics.” They have been getting plenty of action and keeping their patrons happy.
Captain Mike from the Atlantis checks in to report a “junior angler” who caught two nice fluke, one of which was the pool-winner. It was also mentioned that he out-fished his dad during that outing.
The Miss Avalon was out putting together good trips recently. They kept their fares busy catching flounder, sea bass, triggerfish and kingfish. Some nice mixed catches helped to fill up the coolers.
The Avalon Lady is still pulling keeper flounder from the backwaters near Avalon and Sea Isle. Sea bass are also being caught. Some tough fights and hard pulls felt like nice fluke, but were only the fight of some local rays that have shown up in the back.
The first week of summer camp recently concluded, and the campers had a “blast.” Flounder, sharks and crabs kept all attendees busy. Some openings exist for the next three camps, so call (609) 967-7455 or email avalonladyfishing@gmail.com to reserve a spot.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle is still up to it. To what? To weighing in nice flounder. A 5.05-pound, 25-inch fish was caught by Jim Elberson, while a 5.55-pound, 24-inch fluke was caught by Tony G. Tony now is the leader on the yearly tournament leader board.
Beau, Steve and Ryan caught a three-man limit by 7:45 a.m. with fish to 25 inches. That counts as a quick, productive day. Another notable catch went to Evan who caught a 23.5-inch fluke on a six-inch gulp grub while fishing in the back. One other notable catch, but one not on the leader board, was made by a young angler named Brock. He brought a six-pound, five-ounce fluke to the scales. Nice fish, Brock.
First Fish Adventures of Sea Isle City has been getting out with some young anglers and their families. The Delrossi and Bair families, plus a few others, all caught plenty of throwbacks, plus some nice keepers. Even the keepers went back over the rail so they could swim another day. As reported, that’s “good karma” for another day of fishing.
Special thanks to Michael Higgins Sr. for sending in word and pictures of son Michael who limited out with flounder of 18, 18.5 and 19 inches. He was fishing on the T.I. Reef and using green gulp.
Just a reminder of the approaching 2018 MidAtlantic Tournament to be held from both Cape May and Ocean City, Md. For information, please contact Tournament Director Aaron Hoffman at (609) 884-0177 or visit www.themidatlantic.com.
I received notice that House Bill HR200, which has an impact on recreational fishing, was passed by the House of Representatives. It does provide some benefits to the saltwater recreational anglers.
The Senate bill is S-1520, which must be acted on and passed by year’s end or the process has to start all over again.
Contact your U.S. Senator with a short note, or call to encourage them to vote for S-1520 so it can get passed this year.
Stay cool, try to get some fishing or crabbing in, and I’ll see you around.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
