As the long weekend ends, we ended up losing the equivalent of one day. The latter half of Saturday and the early half of Sunday were lost to the wind and the rain. But that didn’t stop some hardcore anglers from getting out and scoring with stripers and blues. Even some flounder were caught, then released. Yes, these were caught early on Saturday leading into the rainy period, but then some stripers were caught when fishing resumed on Monday. Let’s see what happened since our last report.
The Sailor’s Delight leads off after a nice Saturday of bluefish, short stripers, throwback flounder and sea bass. Throw in some sharks and skate and everyone was busy cranking in the line. With the cloudy, gloomy weather we’ve had recently, and the weather and water cooling, the action should hopefully remain hot. I’ve personally found that the cloudy, cooler weather is the best for stripers, so this weekend stretch should be right to their liking.
The Stalker continues doing as its name implies, by stalking stripers – and catching them. Early and late, it doesn’t matter; early as in leaving the dock at 3 a.m. Saturday. But it was worth it as they brought in fish to 29 inches. The other trips during the week were at more conventional hours, but just as rewarding. It doesn’t matter what the clock says, they have been getting it done.
The Starlight out of Wildwood Crest checks in next, continuing its fall fishing excursions with catches of porgies, bluefish, triggerfish and croakers, while keeping an eye on October 22 for the opening of the sea bass season.
Weekly highlights went to Marian Whitaker who caught porgies and bluefish, and Jason Matthews who got porgies, triggerfish and a few croakers.
The Starlight updated its schedule recently. Trips are still six hours, from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m., but are on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Weekend trips are four hours each at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Captain Fred from Utsch’s lets us know that Captain Bob on the Full Ahead charter boat had a “great catch” of bluefish at the Cape May Rips. I happened to see Bob at a local fishing store on Saturday and he also mentioned the trip to me. They were basically in the 2-3 pound range, good eating and smoking size. Smoked bluefish is a personal favorite. Both Bob and Fred said that the charter boats at the marina would be in for a few days due to the weather. The captains will be using their down time wisely by getting ready for the sea bass season.
Fred spoke of stripers being caught in the back, plus some starting to be taken from the surf. He’s hoping that the big run will be starting a bit sooner this year compared to last year. Let’s hope that when it starts, it really takes off and lasts well into December.
The Ship’s Store and Tackle Shop still have some goods left over from the recent yard sale. Fred is keeping “the yard sale prices” on items till Christmas Eve day at noon. Items available are Mann’s Stretch 25 and 30 Lures in various colors. Also available are Parachute Jigs and Mojo’s from Blue Water Candy. A new item that is available is Tandem Parachute Rigs, so stop in and see Fred while supplies of these items last.
The Miss Avalon started its fall run with a good trip on Friday, returning to the dock with triggerfish, porgies, blowfish and bluefish. They also had many throwback sea bass. Their next scheduled trip is Saturday, October 15, and they will look to continue catching the mixed bag that got their fall started.
Off The Hook Bait and Tackle released information about the 3rd Annual Cape May Striper Tournament. The dates are Friday and Saturday, November 18 and 19. There are Boat and Surf Divisions, various Calcuttas and an awards banquet at a location to be determined. Cash prizes are for the top three places in the Boat Division, with a first place only in the Surf Division. The tournament is a Captain’s Choice Format with one of the two days being chosen to fish. Call 884-0444 for additional details.
A release from the Department of Environmental Protection’s Division of Fish and Wildlife reports that they will begin stocking rivers, lakes and streams across New Jersey with thousands of large two-year trout. This will start on October 11, and provide great fall fishing for many anglers.
In rivers, streams, lakes and ponds throughout the state, approximately 21,000 two-year old rainbow trout, plus some brood stock measuring 14 to 22 inches in length, will be released. The majority of waters stocked in the fall also experienced stockings before, so this should provide anglers with an opportunity to catch a larger fish.
Any fall-stocked waters can be fished as soon as they are stocked. Also, there are no “closed waters” during the fall stocking. There is a 9 inch minimum size limit on trout in New Jersey, so any fish under the minimum must be released immediately.
Additionally, 12,000 channel catfish will be released in 80 different bodies of water during the month of October. These fish will average roughly 16 inches in length, and 1.5 pounds each.
For a complete list of waters to be stocked this fall, go to www.njfishandwildlife.com/flstk16.htm or call the Trout Stocking Hotline at (609)-633-6765.
For other information about trout fishing in New Jersey, including regulations, fishing access points and trout fishing facts, check out www.njfishandwildlife.com/trtinfo.htm.
For those over 16, make sure you have your freshwater license, and a trout stamp if you go trout fishing. Anglers under 16 or over 70 may fish without a license.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
