The Fishing Line June 29

A nice Father’s Day weekend gave many people the opportunity to get on or near the water. This occurred either by boat, kayak, visiting a pier or probably the simplest way, getting out on a sod bank. I saw all these examples being practiced, and saw and heard of much success, also. Let’s start our review of the week, and meet a new contributor.
Welcome to Captain John Sowerby of Hooked Up II/Caveman Sport Fishing. John mainly fishes the “offshore scene” except for the fall when he stays close to shore to pursue stripers. Recently, they started their season and “slammed” 13 yellowfins and a single mahi-mahi. The charter had enough tuna and actually decided to stop fishing. John mentioned other boats they know who caught 25 yellowfin on their trip to the Washington Canyon, but others caught fish “locally “in the Baltimore during a day troll that “should only get better over the next few weeks.”
On another trip, John’s charter caught some yellowfin, plus some nice mahi-mahi. Bigeye tuna were starting to show up, and pilot whales are said to be in the Baltimore which is “a positive sign” that bigeye are around.
Finally, word of a 200 pound bluefin inshore and “lots” of skipjacks along the 20-30 fathom lumps were reported.  
Captain Fred from Utsch’s steps up next. A recent charter for Captain Mark on the Gone Fishin’ IV concluded with five drum fish. This fishery will really be at its finale, even as I write this particular segment.
Elsewhere, the boats Fishin’ Fever and Full Ahead had some recent sea bass trips, plus some where they couldn’t leave the dock due to weather factors.
The Fishin’ Fever has tuna trips set up, but Fred is keeping an eye on the wind that may curtail those plans. Fred said he is hoping for warmer weather so some slip holders can get and try for flounder, and have some good news for him upon his return.
The Royal Flush is plying the ocean daily going on two four-hour trips. Night fishing starts Saturday with trips going from 7 to 11 p.m. They are now finished up with sea bass. They are fishing for flounder, king fish, snapper blues and porgies.
Captain Ray from Tide Runner Charters reports another “good week” for the fly fishers and the spin anglers. This included schoolie-sized stripers in the ocean and the back bay, weak fish on every trip and blue fish in the 2 to 5 pound range. Some big blues to 30 inches also provided some action. These fish ate up the flies and the rubber baits, but some added wire leaders were their downfall. The weather caused a few cancellations, but when they could get out, the fishing was good.
Cathy from Sterling Harbor Bait and Tackle starts with word of “marked improvement” where fluke fishing is concerned. Good areas are Reef Site 11, the Cape May Reef and the back bays. A limit, with fluke to 23 inches was caught by Frank Hennigan at Reef Site 11. Cape May Reef produced for Randy and Bob Harbaugh with five fluke to 4 pounds. Charles Breon caught good flounder behind Avalon, Stone Harbor and Wildwood while fishing from his kayak.
Shark fishing “improved” this week as tigers, hammerheads, makos and blue sharks were caught. Also, further offshore the canyons are giving up yellowfin tuna, but the winds caused havoc for those who wanted to make the trip.
Striped bass are still being caught in the North Wildwood surf, and clam and bunker have been the baits the anglers are leaning on.
Crabby Jack bumps crabbing up to four claws this week as some “nice heavy” crabs are around the area.
Matt down at Jim’s Bait and Tackle is next. He brings word of a slowing striper fishery, as they weighed none and heard of only a few being caught.
Drum fish remain in the deeper water at the Pintop and near the edge of the channel around #16 buoy. Bait may get tougher to get, so make sure of its availability if you plan on going.
Fluke fishing is getting better at the Cape May Reef. Party boat patrons have been getting their limits. The Old Grounds and Delaware Reef Site #10 are also contributing good catches. Up farther in the bay around Miah Maul Light, a few keepers are being caught along with a lot of shorts.
Weakfish and croaker action is good from the Higbee Beach area. The rocks and any “sunken structure “are good areas to hit. Bloodworms are the best bait, but floating clams and lures have also worked.
Offshore, the tuna bite is still best at the Norfolk Canyon. Smaller yellow fin are in our local canyons. A few fish were caught Saturday as some “decent water” was “showing.”
Thresher sharks are on the schools of bunker and have been seen by the spotter planes. Snag some bunker and you could have a good shot at getting one. Makos are around the 20 to 30 fathom lines, and are being joined by blue sharks.
Grassy Sound Marina reports good fluke fishing with the biggest, a 24 inch, 5.25 pounder caught by Scott McNett coming right from the pier. A 19 incher also came from the pier.
A number of 4+ pound fluke plus some nice weakfish were caught. Grant Roberts recorded a 23.5 inch, 4.7 pound flounder, while Christine Robinson got three fluke to 20 inches and a nice weakfish at Paddy’s Hole. Mike Ciarlante boated a 22 inch, 3.25 pound flounder in Grassy Sound. Joe Quirk “was catching nice” weakfish on a bucktail and pink zoom.
The rental boat fleet also scored nice flounder with a 23 inch, 3.75 pounder for one group, and two keepers and a blue fish for another group.
Captain Chuck from the Sea Star III said fluke fishing “is picking up.” All but one of the pool winners were fluke, with the three biggest being a 4.9 pounder for Steve Lines, a 4.85 pounder for Larry McLoughlin and a 4 pounder for Paul Bodkin. Frank Servocky ended the sea bass season by winning with a 1.5 pounder. Concluding, Chuck mentioned that “some nice ones are being taken daily.”
Boulevard Bait and Tackle continues with the run on nice fluke. Seth got a 25 inch, 5.6 pounder, Luke caught a nice 3.4 pounder, Frank brought a 24 inch, 4.9 pounder in and finally, Jim had a 23.75 inch, 4.63 pounder.
Congratulations to CJ Conti, 12 and Joey Melini, 15. Both boys, who work at Two Chums Bait and Tackle, were surf fishing recently and caught a 47.5 inch, 26.2 pound cobia. Good job guys.
The 4H club, Tightlines, held their Father’s Day fishing trip. Leroy Sneathen had a nice, fat 21 inch keeper fluke. Other shorts and a few sharks provided excitement for those aboard. Thanks to the captain and crew of the Family Fisherman.
Get out, get fishing and let me know how you do.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.