The Fishing Line: May 15

With the dogwoods blooming and the gnats biting, that could mean only one thing. And it does. Drum fish have started with a bang. Now we just need to see if the momentum will continue. Throw in some stripers and some bluefish, plus some pre-season throwback flounder and you have a plethora of fishing activity going on around the Cape. Let’s check things out.
The Sea Star III gets us started this week. Some uncooperative weather slowed their early week progress but they rebounded on Saturday. Bad weather held off, fishing commenced, and they had both of their scheduled trips. This included their first evening trip of the year, which after a slow day trip, “was another story.” They “boated several drum fish” up to 54-pounds while losing several others. Captain Chuck said “this is just the beginning” as he looks to more trips. Remember, he is sailing weekday nights plus his regular Saturday evening trips. Some seats remain available for these outings, so make sure you call ahead for availability. Better yet, call ahead and schedule a seat on the evening you want to fish. Reach him at 609-884-3421.
The pool-winner this week was Joe Brletich who won with a 48-pound drum fish. Dan Moran put the heat on him with his 38-pounder. Other nice fish were also caught.
The Porgy IV was out on Saturday on their 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. trip. Marty Overline, from Philadelphia, caught two drum fish with his biggest taking the pool for that trip. Another angler, Cole R. visiting from Virginia Beach caught his “first new Jersey drum”. The Porgy IV will continue to sail from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. by reservation. Daily all-day trips will resume on May 15 at 8 a.m.
Fred Nelson owned Wednesday evening fish on the Porgy IV. It was his first time drum fishing, he caught two fish and his second of the night was the pool winner. Good job Fred.
The Cape Queen was out with the Andrew Wong party on the first Saturday evening of May. The group had a “good trip” and was photographed with two nice drum fish. Give them a call at 609-884-0001 to set up your own charter.
The Cape May Lady was out on Saturday also and had the same success that others experienced. They also plan to mix in some Tilefish trips as the weather allows. These trips will carry less anglers then their other offering so you will definitely need to call ahead for reservations. Another important difference is that they will leave the dock at 1 a.m. due to the longer steam to the fishing grounds. Give them a call or text at 609-425-4303 to see when they plan on going and to answer any other questions you may have. These trips develop quickly as favorable weather windows allow so stay up to date on their schedule.
On the Wednesday evening trip, some big fish showed up. One angler, Mike, caught the first limit of the season, and some first-timers caught some “big ones.” As they said, “the drum dandies were extra dandy tonight.”
The Fishin’ Fever and Captain Tom had a good weekend that included drum to 80-pounds by early afternoon on Sunday. The updated report had 10 drum fish for the charter on Sunday. The “bite has been good” and you may have a chance to get a drum of your own. Seats occasionally open up, so if you’re interested check with Tom at 609-868-6014 and see what’s available.
Captain Bob from Full Ahead Sport Fishing reported that “the bigger fish have made their arrival the last couple of nights.” He reported this Monday evening after a patron landed a 52-inch, 80-pound drum fish. He said they “haven’t seen one this big in a few years.” He also went on to say that “the drum are here and chewing”. The bottom line is that if you were waiting to do some drum fishing then the time is here, so don’t wait.
The Miss Avalon will be fishing for sea bass on opening day, May 15, and the days to follow. Call them at 609-967-7455 for any information, and when the following trips will be run. I’ll also let you know as information becomes available.
The Avalon Lady will be running back bay trips for blue fish and stripers. They are looking ahead to flounder season and will be focusing on them when the season opens. Get ready.
The Sailor’s Delight Back Bay Fishing crew will be ready soon to hit the water. The boat is ready and they will be targeting drum fish, stripers and bluefish. They will also do exploratory back bay trips before flounder season officially starts. Stand by for more information.    
Jim’s Bait and Tackle reported that Missy Alcorn caught a 42-inch striped bass while she was throwing bunkers chunks on the bay side. Also getting involved in the striped bass scene was Mike Hudson who caught a “nice striper” on the bayside and then released it. They also mentioned that “the drum are biting” so get out on the bay if you want to catch some.
Off The Hook Bait and Tackle passed on word from Robert Metzger that his father had caught, then released, a 46-inch striped bass.  It was caught on bunker bought at the store. Two other friends of the store, Frank Cipriano and John Kohler, “had a couple of good days.” On one day they caught drum fish and stripers in the bay, while the other day consisted of fishing in the back bays behind Ocean City where they caught and released some nice pre-season flounder.
Avalon Hodge Podge reports that it’s “bluefish galore on the beach and back bay today.” “Today” is Monday but it seems that any day is good to throw some metal, a bucktail, or a plug. If you choose to soak some bunker you might pick up a striped bass.
The scale at Boulevard Bait and Tackle was very busy recently. Drum fish (with weights in pounds) went to Jason (11), Rich (16), and John Odenath (10).They were all caught from the Sea Isle or Strathmere beaches. Striped bass were caught by Dave (37) who caught his in the Delaware Bay, Deano (30 inches and 10 pounds) from the Sea Isle surf, and by Rich (32.6) who scored his from the Sea Isle surf. Rich was busy with a drum and a striper. Jeremy stopped in with two big blue fish, with one topping the 10-pound mark. One other catch of note was made by the shop owner, Cameron, as he landed a drum fish from the surf. It was a bucket-list item that he can now check off.
A reminder for veterans: Wednesdays are free for veterans at Grassy Sound Marina. Grab your tackle box and poles or your crab traps and get out and enjoy a day at the pier. While at the pier recently, Joe Scott caught seven blue fish plus four catch-and-release flounder. Two of the flounder would have been regular season keepers at 20-inches. Also, don’t forget the annual flounder Opening Day Contest to be held Friday, May 24 starting at 7 a.m. Call 609-846-1400 for additional information.    
Ryan Morse got out and did some freshwater fishing. He hit Atlantic County with some bloodworms and landed some white perch for his efforts. Good job Ryan.
Well, the fish are here so if you get out let me know how you did. Take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.