Well, after last week where fishing opportunities and reports were numerous, the wind and cold returned and fishing was somewhat challenged. The weekend wind and forecast cancelled some trips and made it difficult for those who got out. But thankfully it wasn’t impossible, as fish did come over the rail. Otherwise, it would be a really short column. Let’s see what we have.
Leading off this week is news of a nice double-digit tog. A 19.2-pound tog was caught by “Sammy,” which was his personal best. The report and picture were reported by Captain Al of the Bayhound. That trip also produced some ling and multiple throwback sea bass, but this one fish will make this trip memorable.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle checked in to report a 19.6-pound puppy drum caught by “Rich” from an undisclosed beach in Sea Isle. The fish hit a fresh shucked, then salted clam. More small stripers came from the back during the week, so grab some bait and your pole and head out to get yours.
In Boulevard’s “weekend recap,” Dean and John Mel caught “two beautiful trout and released plenty more on Saturday.” These weakfish fell for soft plastic baits. They “showed up in good numbers” and were “plenty aggressive since the blues aren’t here yet.” Stop in, grab some plastic and head to your favorite spot. No bluefish yet, but you’ll know when they have arrived because you’ll be retrieving only a half-piece of rubber bait. Get out and have some fun.
On Wednesday, Cameron from Boulevard had a photo of a 6.32-pound weakfish that was caught by Clay. He also tagged and released two others.
First Fish Adventures got out Saturday, and Dan Fennimore was able to land the first weakfish of the season. He also was able to catch a very nice throw-back flounder. Based on the picture, it will definitely be a keeper if it gets caught again in a few weeks.
Avalon Hodge Podge reports that the “big bluefish have finally showed up.” If you want to check them out, then head to the Eighth Street Jetty. Also, being caught from around the rocks are some small stripers as Jake found out. He “landed several” while he was on the jetty. They’ve got the fresh bunker at the store, so stop in and grab some. They are open every day from 7 a.m. till 5 p.m.
Captain Ray at Tide Runner Charters was only able to get out once during the week. He fished the ocean and found that the ocean was “still in the upper 40s.” He also found small stripers that were “close to the bottom.” These fish were hitting flies that were fished on sinking line. The largest went 22 inches and the fish were described as “small but fun on light tackle.” Ray said he didn’t see any sign of baitfish the day he was out. Another observation he made was that even “the ospreys were having difficulty finding fish as we usually see them grabbing sea herring.” That’s some tough conditions. He concluded by saying he’s looking forward to the arrival of “some bluefish running up the beach in the next few weeks.”
The Sea Star III with Captain Chuck is sailing daily at 9 a.m. As of May 1, they will be targeting drumfish and maybe stripers in the bay. Chuck mentioned several drumfish that were taken from boats, and a few from the beach. The early arrivals are here. With that in mind, Chuck is taking reservations for his special 4 till 10 p.m. drumfish trips. The dates for their evening trips can be checked on at their website seastarfleet.com.
Recent pool winners (all blackfish) were Don Rickards at 3.1 pounds, Kathy Mulvehill at 3.5 pounds and Linda Fiordimondo with a 3 pounder.
The Cape May Lady finished up the blackfish season on Sunday, April 29. The season actually ended Monday, but they, like other boats, didn’t run due to the wind. The Sunday trip, which stayed inshore due to the windy day, found plenty of life at the areas they dropped on. Nine keepers made the tough conditions a lot more tolerable.
The Cape May Lady is running an opening day trip for sea bass. The trip is on May 15 and runs 5 a.m. till 3 p.m. They will have a limited number of spots, so if you want to reserve a seat you need to call the boat at (609) 780-7900. They will have all the details for you. Right now, they are running tilefish trips so if that piques your interest, then by all means get in touch with them.
Another boat that went after blackfish in spite of the weekend weather was the Fishin’ Fever. Captain Tom had the boat out and a nice 10.5-pound fish was caught by a name mentioned here before, Ron McClelland. Yes, the same angler who was pictured in the column with a 23.9-pound blackfish a couple of weeks ago. Obviously, he is really good at this blackfish game.
A public notice of Suspension of Harvest was sent out by the D.E.A. for the area of Middle Thorofare. There is to be no harvest of shellfish from this area. Shellfish in this area “may have been subject to pollution or other conditions that may render the shellfish dangerous to health.” The suspension will remain in place till “the area of water subject to the suspension meets the standards for its current classification.”
Take advantage of any nice weather you get by going fishing. Good luck and let me know how you do.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
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