The Fishing Line Oct. 26

As the fall rolls on, we ran into our first slow period in a while. We had an increase in the amount of Stripers caught, including a 42 pounder, plus some Bluefish, Porgies, throw-back Flounder, and a Speckled Trout. Also included is a rare catch, not a fish, but something really different. With the Sea Bass being legal now, the reports should pick back up quickly. Some Tog may also be picked up, but remember you can only keep one right now.
Cameron, from Boulevard Bait and Tackle starts off this week for us. He sent word of Bluefish and Stripers that were coming from the inlet area. This area was good in the spring, and the fall season is starting off well.
A couple guys, Matt and Todd, gave their best effort to help reduce the local Bluefish population. Todd had additional help from a couple of friends. A good aspect of recent catches is that the fish are getting larger. From the one’s I’ve seen, they are that nice size that is good for eating. Not too big and tough, but large enough to give you two nice fillets.
Also coming across the scales was a keeper Striper that represented the first weigh-in of the fall. It went to Tracy, who caught a fair share of fish this past spring, and starts off the fall with a 9.3 pound bass. Cameron also sent in word and picture of a late, morning striper he caught from a back bay flat. It wasn’t keeper size, but as Cameron put it, “I love this time of year”.
If you are fishing in the Sea Isle area stop in and get some fresh Bunker, Clams, Mullet, or Eels. Cameron has it stocked and ready to go.
The Sailor’s Delight Back Bay Fishing boat had a good Thursday through Sunday stretch. The assortment they caught included a Roughtail Stingray, Bluefish, Sharks, Flounder, Blue Claw Crabs, and Sea Bass that were approaching keeper size. By the time you are reading this, any keeper-size Sea Bass will be legal.
Captain Andrew will be running different trips, including Bluefish/Schoolie Striper Chunking trips, and will also be targeting Sea Bass so give him a call for details at 609-827-8309, or check out his website or Facebook page.
Hand’s Too Bait and Tackle sent in news of a nice catch made recently. On Saturday, Don Miller from Warminster, Pennsylvania was fishing in the local surf. He had some bunker chunks out and it paid off. He came back to the shop with a 50.5 inch, 42 pound Striper. That’s a nice fish to start off the fall fishing campaign, and hopefully a sign of a productive season to follow.
A regular reader, Rich Reinert, sent in word of his recent outing. Rich was fishing in the Cape May area over this past weekend and caught four Stripers. The largest of these was 22 inches. No keepers there, but catching them is a good sign that the migration is kicking in. Rich concluded his report by saying he is “looking forward to an active fall”. Aren’t we all, Rich. Thanks for the update of your recent fishing outing and keep us informed of your future trips.
The Starlight from Wildwood Crest checks in next. They reported “outstanding fishing” on their recent 6 hour trips. All the anglers had fish to take home. This included Porgies, Bluefish, and Triggerfish. High hook honors over the week went to Jean and Ray Sussman from Pearl River, New York. Linda Conner from Norristown had a “good mix” of 20 Bluefish and 14 Porgies.
Remember, they are running Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10am till 4pm. The weekends consist of 2 4-hour trips running from 8am till 12, then 1pm till 5pm.
Captain Skip from Stalker Fishing Charters is still working the back. They had recent trips with 25 Bass being boated, plus plenty of other bites. In those trips they also had fish up to 32 inches. Check out the web site, Facebook Page, or call 609-972-5218 for information and trip availability.
I received word and picture of a rare catch, and the first reported here since I took over the column. Joe Wagner caught a rare, 2 million to 1, Blue Lobster off of Cape May.
Captain Ray from Tide Runner Charters was scouting around and came up with some, short “resident Stripers”. He got a couple that went over 24 inches that were feeding on Mullet, while the others were shorter. He also caught a Speckled Trout on a chartreuse and white clouser fly. It was taken while fishing behind the surf line.
Additional news from Captain Ray is that he is now the current President of the Cape May County Party and Charter Boat Association (CMCPCBA). He returns to this position having been President for two terms in the 1990’s.
The CMCPCBA’s goal is to promote saltwater fishing in the county, while representing recreational fishing interests that affect fishing in New Jersey. They do this for party and fishing boats in the county from Ocean City south to Cape May. It is important because of the ever-changing federal and state regulations, and making sure New Jersey “does not get short changed”.
Any party or charter boat operators interested in more information can check out the group’s web-site at www.FishingNJ.com or call Ray Szulczewski at 609-984-6440. You may also email him at Tiderun1@aol.com.
The 2017 advertising brochure is currently being set up. It will offer members a link to your website, as well as member discounts from local related businesses. Members will be represented throughout the year, and kept up-to-date on the latest issues affecting them. “It is a good means of communication between fellow captains in Cape May County”.