Well, it’s pretty much boiled down to two. Two, as in the stripers and blackfish, which are the main targets of fishermen now.
Some sea bass are still hanging in, along with a few triggerfish, but both are getting harder to find. That is also two as in 200.
Yes, this is the 200th column since I took over. It’s a number that I didn’t even fathom when I was starting out.
Now, let’s focus on the real reason we’re here. Yes, more large stripers found their way to the scales at local tackle shops, while some hefty tog were lifted over the railing of some local boats. Let’s open the cooler and see what we find.
As the bag limit for blackfish increased the Cape May Lady made them their main focus. Friday, the first day of the increased limit, was blown out, while Saturday proved slow due to the unsettled ocean. As the water cleared, the fishing on Sunday benefitted.
The big tog of Sunday was a 9.6-pounder, while the high hook of the day landed four keeper fish. Other anglers had two to three fish.
Overall, the increased action made for a nice day on the water. Monday was better, concerning fishing, and lighter, as in the crowds. No really big fish were caught but there were “some nice roasters.”
Call (609) 425-4303 to see when they are running. Trips are limited to 20 anglers, “so reservations are very strongly recommended.” Another thing to remember is the Cape May Lady is now docking in Wildwood at 504 Rio Grande Avenue.
Capt. Chuck had the Sea Star III out during the week and catching fish. Early in the week, they were catching sea bass.
As the week went on, then concluded, blackfish and triggerfish were added to that list. While it “looks like the sea bass have moved offshore” and with blackfish season just starting out, Chuck will turn his attention to stripers and will be “finishing out my 2018 season doing that.”
For the just completed week though, the pool-winners were Tom Fry with a 2.25-pound sea bass, and Frank Servocky who won twice with a 3.5-pound triggerfish and a 3.25-pound blackfish.
Off The Hook Bait and Tackle was busy. They weighed in a 21.5-pound striper for Ed Delaney, plus a 15.55 pounder for Josh Furman.
Tog, with weights, were caught by Brian McDevitt (5.6) and two were landed by Brad Becker (5.95 and 6.25). They also weighed in a daytime swordfish of 55-pounds that was caught by Theo Mecurio and the crew of the Harvester.
Jim’s Bait and Tackle weighed in a 49.3-pound striper that was caught by Tim Sweeny and crew.
The Miss Avalon was out hitting the wrecks and reefs for blackfish. The top fish on Saturday, and the early leader in the “Togzilla” contest weighed in at 6.32-pounds. It was caught by Sollie Walker.
The water quality made for challenging fishing, but fish were obviously still caught. Other nice keepers were also caught.
Sunday, the pool-winner was a 5.2-pound fish among a number of keepers, including one for yours truly. Some nice sea bass were also caught which will add some variety to those anglers’ dinner tables.
Monday was also a” great day” as fishing “picked up.” Many anglers had multiple keepers and there were also a lot of throwbacks that were just short.
Call (609) 967-7455 to check on availability for trips as some days may have private charters.
Capt. Al had the Bay Hound out on a tog hunt. Rob Lukens, who was fishing with him, landed two nice fish. That’s nice as in 9.5 and 10.5-pound fish. The crew was busy as they kept their limit “and threw back a bunch.”
Al also had a good day on Wednesday as his charter had their limit of stripers, plus a number of throwbacks.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle got in on the action. A report and pictures from Relentless Fishing showed anglers Christian, Drew, and Connor all had nice striped bass.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle weighed in a 20-pound bass and a 32-pound, 42.5-incher for Mark G. and Matt M. of Ocean View. These fish were caught on umbrella rigs.
They also weighed in three stripers for “Team Walters”. Those fish weighed 20, 21, and 28 pounds and were caught Wednesday morning.
Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club reported that at Whale Creek Marina Joe Callahan weighed in a “goodie.” It was a 39.4-pound, 45-inch striper.
FIN-ATICS in Ocean City reported that Phil Fitzpatrick caught a 29.5-inch, 8.8-pound striped bass that he caught along the beachfront. The fish fell for some fresh bunker.
Tight Lines NJ had a nice run at the scales. George caught a 44.8-pound striper, Kenny had one weighing 34.5 pounds, and two others with no names listed weighed 33.4 and 36.9 pounds.
As the caption with one picture said “and just like that the bite starts to reappear.” That was true as those stripers were all caught on the same day. They also weighed in a 172-pound swordfish for Royal Flush Fishing.
The Ocean City Fishing Club’s 50th Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament was held Nov. 17. About 200 anglers tossed their lines in the water and took their chances of catching a winning fish.
Steve Kingsdorf of the Delaware Valley Surf Anglers club caught and released a 38-inch striper. That fish won him, and his club, top honors in the entire tournament.
Sam Catalano landed the only other officially measurable fish with an 11-inch ling. Owen Ostrander took two trophies for a shark.
One was for the Youth Self-casting division and the other was for the Individual Most Fish Points, both of which were in the Youth Under-13 categories.
Valarie Vishoric caught a shark which won a trophy in the Most Fish Points in the Youth Over-13 category. Dylan O’Connell, 11, won a trophy for the dogfish that he caught.
Founded in 1913, the Ocean City Fishing Club is the oldest, continuously operating fishing club in the United States.
Smugglers Cove in Stone Harbor has announced that the 10th Annual Scott Bevan Striped Bass Bonanza will take place Dec. 1. Fishing, in Cape May County waters only, starts at sunrise and includes boat and surf categories.
Sign up at either Smugglers Cove, the Captain’s Meeting Nov. 30 at Fred’s Tavern or by calling Marnie at (609) 231-1016.
Good luck if you get out and let me know how you did.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com
Cape May – Governor Murphy says he doesn't know anything about the drones and doesn't know what they are doing but he does know that they are not dangerous. Does anyone feel better now?
