It is now official! The fall phase of sea bass season is upon us, and the local captains have definitely welcomed it and are happy with its arrival. With stripers and bluefish also in the area, and temperatures finally and thankfully dropping, it would appear that our local fall fishing scene is slowly emerging. Blackfish are around with a limited bag-limit of one, so they aren’t getting too much attention yet. I for one am thinking about them by starting to prep for their season which increases to five fish on Nov. 16. That includes adding new shock-leader and tying more rigs that will be used, as time allows, to fish for my one fish, while aiming for the date the bag-limit increases. Enough about what’s coming up; let’s see what else is going on currently.
Captain Skip has stayed busy with the Stalker Charters skiff by targeting stripers in the backwaters. They have been having fun by fishing top-water lures. After the first cool evening, the action kicked in as 30 to 40 bass were caught the next day. That number includes three fish to 30-inches and at least a half-dozen slot-sized fish. Your keeper is out, there so give Captain Skip a call at (609) 972-5218 as his available dates are rapidly being gobbled up.
Captain Chuck checked in to report that the Sea Star III has been fishing down at “The Point.” They have been sharing in the “red hot” action for small bluefish that has their patrons catching the 15 fish bag-limit. Chuck also reported that on Sunday, Sept. 30, “we limited out the whole boat and released even more.” It’s “great stuff if you’re into blues.” They will target bluefish till the opening of sea bass season, and maybe even after that. When you’re on your way to one fishing area, it’s always fun to throw lures at a working school of bluefish if you’re fortunate enough to stumble upon them.
A couple of pool-winners this week were, with bluefish, Frank Servocky and his 1.75 pounder, and Don Schultz with a 1.5 pounder.
The Cape May Lady took advantage of the nice weekend weather. Their trips on Friday and Saturday brought in bluefish, triggerfish, scup, blowfish, and some exotics such as jacks and hound fish. Sunday saw them heading offshore. They “saw lots of life and managed to catch some of it.” They managed to land some jacks, as well as some nice mahi-mahi. They also set up in “a lot of current” and did some tile fishing. Even with “tough” conditions they “managed a mess of tasty bottom dwellers.” They plan on running more of these “offshore adventures,” so if you’re interested give them a call at (609) 425-4403.
The Miss Chris was fishing along the beach and in the area of the Rips. For their efforts, they have recently been catching bluefish and triggerfish. Recently, Darlene and Matt celebrated as they won a daily pool with a nice bluefish. If you’re looking to take a group out, give them a call. They are available for private charters targeting “sea bass, stripers and tautog throughout fall and winter.” They can be reached at (609) 849-9453.
Cathy, checking in from Sterling Harbor Bait and Tackle, reports that bluefish are plentiful around the inlets and in the surf. They have been chasing the mullet that are making their run through our area.
Schoolie striped bass are chasing top-water lures and soft plastics in the backwater areas. Try to find a school working an area and get ready for some light-tackle fun.
“The few anglers” that ventured offshore reported “excellent” mahi-mahi fishing. White marlin was also reported to be “crashing the baits.”
Crabbing received “5 claws” this week from Crabby Jack, as it was described to be “as good as it gets.”
Stop in to check out the 2019 model kayaks that have arrived, as well as leftover and demo models that are “now up for sale.”
The Sailor’s Delight had a productive weekend cruising the back bays and channels. The water was loaded with bluefish, plus plenty of flounder with some being keeper-sized. Of course, those were returned to the water since their season is over. Sea bass were also being pulled in and tossed back. Give them a call at (609) 827-8309 because as they and others said, you “can’t catch them from the couch.”
The Miss Avalon was out and staying busy during the last weekend of September as their patrons were catching triggerfish, porgies, bluefish and drum fish. Yes, a drum fish. Obviously it was a nice, unexpected surprise for this time of the year. They are now staying busy with their sea bass trips. Give them a call at (609) 967-7455 to grab a spot at the rail.
The crew from the Miss Avalon took a trip to the Wilmington Canyon on a recent day off. Captain Brandon and the guys went “15 for 25 on mahi and caught tons of small blackfin tuna.” They obviously enjoyed their day off from fishing by going fishing. Not a bad plan.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle reports plenty of action lately. Alex “found” some stripers in the back while Tony T. hooked into a shark while on the beach. Bluefish were also cruising off the beachfront. Alex and Emily had a “great weekend catching tons of blues, flounder and sharks.” The flounder were returned to the water. Other anglers sent in word about catching the previously mentioned species, plus some pompano and kingfish. The river anglers were catching perch and stripers. It seems that all the areas are producing. Cameron also had a picture and report of two anglers, each with a nice tog, that mentions that “the jetty and bridge tautog bite is picking up.” Some triggerfish were also mixed in to the catch, so things are looking up.
Don’t forget that New Jersey is giving us a “Free Fishing Day” for freshwater fishing. The program, started in 2015, offers a free day of fishing on a spring and fall day. Saturday, Oct. 20 will be your next chance to fish for free. This year’s date is offered in conjunction with the fall trout stocking, so no trout stamp is required. Please remember that all other regulations such as size and daily catch limits remain in effect. Get out and take advantage of this opportunity.
I received a notice from the Division of Fish and Wildlife reminding everyone that Oct. 31 is the application deadline for the Striped Bass Bonus Program (SBBP). Go to the SBBP webpage to download your application and for additional information. They ask that you allow two weeks for processing due to the high volume of applications.
Take care, try to get out and do some fishing, and I’ll see you around.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
