Well, let’s start with what has sadly become the new weekend norm. Friday, which wasn’t too bad, quickly deteriorated into a windy, rainy mess that carried over into Saturday. Thankfully, we only lost Saturday to the elements as Sunday was cool, but relatively calm. Cool weather is fine as it is expected now, but we don’t need the wind. After considering the conditions, it was nice to see that some anglers got out and fish were caught. We are a resilient group if nothing else. With that thought in mind, we have a new date for a rescheduled fishing tournament in addition to other happenings around the fishing community. And don’t forget that the fall blackfish season, with its expanded bag limit, opens in two days on Nov. 16. Let’s get started.
The best place to be with this wind has been the backwaters. If you search there, you can find Captain Skip and the Stalker Skiff. He has been finding stripers consistently in the back and was on them on Saturday. The cool wind didn’t stop him and his charter from finding fish, and topping out with a 32-inch keeper-size striper. Sunday saw another “solid morning,” as stripers to 28.5 inches were boated as they “jumped around” from spot to spot. The bass were chasing bait fish into little pockets in the back. Try to find one of those areas in the back where the bait can be jammed up and you’ll increase your chances of finding fish. Captain Skip will be running these trips in the back until the stripers show up in the ocean or the bay. Give him a call at (609) 972-5218 to book your chance to get on the fish.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle reported that another nice keeper striper came across their scales. Clay, who we’ve mentioned before, was out in the back bays and stopped in the store to weigh in a nice keeper. It tipped the scales at 11.4 pounds (and was caught on Nov. 4) and was 31 inches long. It was one of five legal-sized fish he caught that day. The fish he kept was a tagged fish. Hopefully we’ll find out a little information about the fish. It’s always interesting to hear where and when they were originally caught, and what their size and weight was at that time.
Robin from Peace Token Bait and Tackle also got in on the backwater fishing action. He was out with Hit the Surf Charters and fishing behind Wildwood. He caught “a couple bass and missed a couple more.” More confirmation of how the backwaters are a good place to fish right now.
The Sea Star III and Captain Chuck fell victim to the weather during the week. It was just enough to make conditions questionable to the potential anglers. As a result they only made it out once, and that resulted in John Wilcynski winning the lone pool with a 3.5-pound triggerfish.
Chuck plans on fishing the local reefs and wrecks till “about” Nov. 20, then will switch to fishing for striped bass. If you get on one of the trips after the 16th of this month, you will be able to keep up to five blackfish also. This gives you another option to bring home some more fish.
Don’t forget that Captain Chuck will be running his annual Thanksgiving Day trip from 6 a.m. till noon. That’s works well because you can fish, get home, catch a shower and be ready for a nice dinner. Sounds like a good option, so keep it in mind.
The Cape May Lady was able to get out on Sunday and the day was described as “a gorgeous fall day on the battle grounds.” They took a “long steam” and found sea bass and “lots of jumbo scup.” Most of the anglers finished with “quality sea bass with a few jumbos mixed in.” Many also departed with some nice porgies. “A few big bergalls, a ling or two and some bluefish rounded off the catch.” The report concluded by saying that “everyone went home with lots of filets and a smile on their face.” Congratulations also go out to Bob Sharp who was the pool-winner on the trip. They plan on running more of these offshore trips, so stay tuned for the results. Better yet, give Adam a call (609) 425-4303 so you can get your own seat and fill up your cooler.
The Cape May Lady will be sailing blackfish trips every day the weather permits from Nov. 16 through Dec. 31. Spots are limited to 20 anglers which provides a lot of fishing room. Give them a call at the number listed above to reserve your spot.
Libation Charters has taken up a fall residence in Barnegat Light. They will be targeting stripers. News and sight of some 45- to 48-inch fish happened recently, so the fish are there. They have some open boat trips coming up in December with some opportunities for you to jump on. Call Franz at (610) 960-0894 to find out the exact dates.
The Kayak Fishing Store is running a raffle for a Native Slayer Propel 10 Kayak. Only 250 tickets at $10 each are being offered. All proceeds benefit the Savannah St. Jude Project. Check out their Facebook page for details and to get involved.
Tournament news: The Ocean City Fishing Club has rescheduled their 50th Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament for Nov. 17. Registration takes place from 6 to 8 a.m. on the day of the event at the Ocean City Intermediate School at 18th Street and Bay Avenue. Registration and payment may also be completed by mail. Send your information to: OCFC, Attn: Tournament Chairman, P.O. Box 1215 Ocean City, N.J. 08226. A six-member team costs $80 while individuals can participate for $15.
For more information, please contact Mike Collins at (215) 595-7261 or Bob Dever at (267) 251-2306.
Slack Tide Brewery will be holding the 2018 Slack Tide Striper Smack Down on Saturday, Nov. 24. The entry fee is $150 per boat with a limit of six anglers. Boundaries run from Cape May to Little Egg Inlet, plus the Delaware Bay. Details are limited at the moment, but Boulevard Bait and Tackle is a sponsor and should have more information for you.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
