Well, all of the sudden there has been some activity on the water. It’s amazing what a couple of sunny days can do. Blackfish saw the most action, while small stripers and even some pre-season flounder were caught. A local fly-fishing charter captain splashed his boat for the first time this year, but he actually did his fishing spring training in Florida before returning north to get his boat ready. Other regular contributors escaped the clutches of their dock and left the harbor for the first time this season. Let’s get our trip going.
The Sea Star III received their Coast Guard approval and quickly hit the water. On Saturday and Sunday, they went out to do some tog fishing. Captain Chuck reported that the action was “slow but there were a few keepers and some shorts on each trip this weekend.” The water temperature was “still cold in the low 40s,” and that surely contributed to the slow days. Chuck also noted that “it was great getting on the water again… nice weather, calm seas and great company with many familiar faces made for a good start to 2018.”
The Fishin’ Fever with Captain Tom got out and had some fun tog fishing with their recent charters. The Saturday trip was described as a “great day on the tog grounds.”
A neighboring boat, the Full Ahead led by Captain Bob, was thankful they “finally got a decent day” and got out to do some fishing. Tog was the target of choice and the result “was all good.” They caught fish to 10 pounds, while being only three fish short of a charter limit. For these guys, “three’s a charm” as the third drop “was very good.”
Captain Ray from Tide Runner Charters returned from his Florida visit. While there, he did some fly-fishing and caught some “nice size jacks, snook and speckled trout.” A “good tarpon” broke off after making one of its jumps. He also landed some largemouth bass while hitting “some freshwater spots.”
On Saturday he got his boat in the water and contacted a friend, and they proceeded to catch five stripers. They were all shorts with the largest going 23.5 inches. The fish were caught on chartreuse and white clouser flies on sinking lines that were fished close to the bottom. They were fishing the surf line and just a little outside of it. Captain Ray reported a water temperature ranging between 48 and 50 degrees.
Tide Runner Charters specializes in fly and light-tackle fishing. As the water and weather warm, Captain Ray looks forward to get his charters on the water. Reach him at www.flyfishingcapemay.com.
The Cape May Lady was out with a charter on Sunday and had not only the great Sunday weather, but also “good” fishing. Amongst the keepers was a pool-winning 10-pounder caught by Joey (no last name). They also had a tilefish trip on Monday that resulted in some nice catches of golden tilefish. The Cape May Lady will be running a special black sea bass opener trip on May 15. Only 25 anglers will go, so contact them to check on availability. Another special trip to plan ahead for is a Mother’s Day trip on May 13. The trip runs from 8 a.m. till 2 p.m. and mom’s fare is only $20. The trip ends early enough for you to get home and cook your family’s catch so mom can have a nice seafood dinner.
The Sailor’s Delight Back Bay Fishing Boat got out on Saturday behind Wildwood, did some fishing and checked out the waters for future trips. They “marked” a lot of fish, plus had some “lazy bites.” They caught a monkey skate and are looking forward to the water warming up, the blues arriving and the opening of the flounder season.
Captain Fred has No Bones Bait and Tackle up and running so stop in, check out the store and say hello.
The Royal Flush is finishing up their preparations for the upcoming season and will start on May 4, then again on May 5. They will sail morning trips only and go from 8 a.m. till noon.
The Miss Avalon got out over the weekend, plus Monday, and returned each day with some nice keepers. I was able to hit the water with them on Sunday and contributed to the total with a keeper of my own. Another one or two would have been nice, but I’ll be happy with what I got. I’m just glad I didn’t get skunked. The weather, the company and the action made for a good start to my fishing season.
Get ready as Captains Irv and Brandon will be running a trip on May 15 for the opening of the sea bass season. Get your gear ready and get set to catch some very tasty fish.
The Avalon Lady, the younger sister of the Miss Avalon that patrols the back waters, is set to start her season on May 5. They will be looking for the big blues that visit our area in the early season. They also plan to do their crab trips, camps and sunset trips throughout the summer.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle continues to get news of big white perch that are hitting bloodworms. The shop has them, so stop in and grab some. They also reported a weekend with small stripers everywhere from the inlets to the back bays. Fish went from 10 to 25 inches and were taken on light tackle rods and rubber baits. Reports of half-eaten baits indicate that some blues may be around.
Captain Zig of First Fish Adventures in Sea Isle City did some exploratory pre-season flounder trips recently. They resulted in catches of nice flounder that were released, a small striper that also went back and the sighting, and pictures, of two bald eagles.
Bayhound Charters reported the catch of a nice tog on Sunday that was over 10 pounds. It was one of some nice double-digit fish that were caught recently.
Mike Jung sent in a nice report with pictures of a 38-pound pool-winning tilefish caught by Mr. Oh Kang Un from East Hampton, N.Y.
Another report and picture were sent in by Vince Povio of Court House of his recent catch of an 11-pound, 28-inch tog caught while fishing aboard the Adam Bomb Charters.
Thank you to both of those gentlemen for sending in their reports.
The Cape May County Coast Guard Community Festival will be held this Saturday, May 5 at the Training Center Cape May and Sunday, May 6 at the Cape May-Lewes Ferry Terminal in North Cape May. Seatings for breakfast on Sunday will be at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. Come out and show your appreciation for those who protect our waterways and keep them safe.
Things are happening, so get out and experience them. See you around.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
