The Fishing Line: May 8

The wind blows in and the wind blows out. The spring blackfish season went out at the end of April after a windy early start to the final weekend, while the quest for drum fish came in during the same windy period. Striped bass are being caught, with most being small, but drum fish are appearing at a promising rate. Some boats will be changing their focus from blackfish to drum fish while others will prepare for the May 15opening of sea bass season. Bluefish are also being caught which only adds to the fun. Let’s check things out.
With the fact that “we are past the full moon” Captain Bob of Full Ahead Sport Fishing set May 3as his date to open up. He’s been running a few trips to see what’s out there, and they have been successful. His schedule is filling up, so if you are interested give him a call at 609-847-2304 to grab a date.
One boat that set Wednesday, May 1, as their first day to fish for drum fish, and stripers, is the Sea Star III. They had been fishing for blackfish through the end of April, but when that season officially ended they were set to change. They will fish daily from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. so get set to go. They will also run “Prime Time Drum Fish” trips on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturdays from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. You’ll definitely need reservations so call Captain Chuck at 609-884-3421 to get your spot at the rail. When sea bass season opens, that will be another daily option. You can go for sea bass during the day, then drum on the evenings previously mentioned.
During the final blackfish trips of that season the action was reported as “good”. Shorts and keepers provided a good mix that kept everyone busy. Blackfish pool winners, with the weights in pounds, went to Nathan Olmeda (3), Gary Agness (3.5), and Anthony Viglianese (3.1). Chris, the son of Captain Chuck, contributed a limit of blackfish to the total during one trip.
The Cape May Lady finished up their blackfish trips and will now focus on drum fish. The plans call for running some evening trips. They will also run some trips for tilefish as the weather allows. They are also planning a “Special Trip” for the opening of sea bass season. They will be leaving the dock at 5 a.m. and returning at 3 p.m. and limiting the number of anglers to 20. Call 609-425-4303 to get a spot and be one of the 20 anglers on the trip.
 Before the end of April the Cape May Lady was able to get in a few more trips for blackfish, spaced around the stormy, windy weather. On Thursday the faced “challenging conditions” but “everyone fished hard” and they were able to end the day “with a decent catch.” There was plenty of “short life” which should bode well for the strength of the fishery. Dave won the pool with a new personal-best blackfish of 11.4-pound fish.
Tuesday’s results were a “great way to end the season.” There was “lots of action” which meant “everyone went home with dinner.” “About half the anglers” caught their limit of fish, plus Adam, a lot of us know who that is, also had an opportunity to catch his dinner. Captain Jason and Adam wanted to thank “everyone for a great spring togging.”
Captain Paul had the Porgy IV out on Sunday and they did well on blackfish. They had a lot of short fish and about 25 keepers. The pool winner was Tony from Sewell who caught two fish including the 10.15-pound winner.
On Tuesday Sollie Walker won the pool with a 10.75-pound blackfish. His “fishing partner” Avery Knight Sr. finished with a limit of keepers.
The Porgy IV will begin drum fishing on Friday, May 3, running trips from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. so by the time you read this they will be well into their routine. These trips will run through May 14^. It sounds like they have plans for sea bass season so stay tuned for more details.  
The Starfish is now back in Sea Isle after completing their time in dry-dock. They will be focusing on the opening of sea bass season and preparing for other activities in 2019. Call John now, at 609-263-3800, to book a party cruise or a fishing trip for the upcoming season.                   
Things have been picking up at Boulevard Bait and Tackle. Bluefish, ranging from 2 to 12-pounds were weighed in, a 37-inch striper caught from the Sea Isle beach was brought in, and drum fish also caught along the beachfront highlighted a busy weekend that rolled over into Monday. Cameron mentioned that we should “remember the next month is the best surf fishing we have to offer in Cape May County.” Be prepared to get out and hit the surf for your share of what is swimming by.
Avalon Hodge Podge had their “first official weigh-in of the season” when Ted (no last name provided) weighed in a 43.5-inch, 27.69-pound striped bass. It was caught from the beach in Avalon on a “Deadly Dick” lure.
Grassy Sound Marina checked in with a report of a nice weakfish caught by Johnny Kustner. He caught it on soft plastics on the outgoing tide.
There’s lot of choices for you to target, so if you get out, good luck and let me know how you did. I’ll see you around.  
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbinds@cmcherald.com.