The Fishing Line Oct. 4

If last week was slow, this week of fishing almost seems like it didn’t start. Fall arrived, it felt like summer, and four to five days were lost to the effects of Hurricane Jose. Boats stayed in port, captains rested or got other things done, and we all waited for the weekend and more fishable conditions to arrive. The opportunity did arrive as the weekend dawned and anglers fished and crabbed, and all was well again on the water. Let’s check out what developed.  
The Avalon Lady got out Saturday and hit the back on a crabbing trip. She returned with plenty of nice crabs that had patrons eating good later in the day. Anglers also caught a horseshoe crab and a 20-inch flounder. Both were returned to the waterway, but it was a little harder to say goodbye to the flounder. Well, take care, flounder, and we hope to see you next year when you’ll be bigger and fatter. The Avalon Lady also had a charter with the Ocean City Intermediate School Fishing Club on Sunday. That resulted in 75 crabs being caught, plus pufferfish, kingfish, bluefish, sharks and a skate. The phrase “fish on” was heard a lot that day, as the students were kept busy. The Avalon Lady will be fishing and crabbing on the weekends at 8:30 a.m., but call ahead at (609) 967-7455 just to confirm.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle has mullet in stock; and that mullet went to good use over the weekend as some anglers took it to the Sea Isle beaches. Some nice blues were caught and “more are showing up.” The size of these fish is starting to get a lot bigger, also. Robert Price hooked up with some and reported “they were delicious.” His fish appeared to be in the two- to three-pound range, so definitely the good eating size. Another angler, Joe, used his mullet to hook up with some nice short stripers. They went back into the surf, but with the hope that their larger family members show up soon and are hungry.
The Royal Flush got out over the weekend and took advantage of the summer-like weather. Anglers fished the ocean and crossed paths with snapper bluefish, triggerfish and weakfish.
Notable catches of triggerfish were made by Bette Dructor and Tom Bradigan, snapper bluefish were caught by Pat McGrath and Sam Lange, and Victor Popovkim tallied a nice weakfish.
The Royal Flush is now sailing on Saturday and Sunday mornings from 8 a.m. till noon. Please call (609) 522-1395 for more information, or check out their Facebook page at Royal Flush Fishing.
Sailor’s Delight Back Bay Fishing was able to get out over the weekend. From the report, anglers did well by getting into some bluefish and kingfish. Seeing the fish coming in the boat made all parties happy. As they put it, “things are picking up in the back.” That’s always good to hear.   
The Sea Star III was out recently and Captain Chuck reports “another weekend with action.” Bluefish, weakfish and triggerfish resided in the coolers of the anglers on board. Fluke, seabass and porgies were also caught, then released.
The pool-winners were Iran Buckler with a 1.7 pound bluefish and Sarah Shivers with a 3.5 pound triggerfish.      
For those who enjoy kayak fishing, here’s a weekend with an event for you to remember. From Friday, Oct. 20 through Sunday, Oct. 22, the JCKF Cape May Kayak Fishing Jamboree will take place. The location is at Lake Laurie Campground at 669 Rt. 9, Cape May. If you want to camp, fish and enjoy a good time, this is for you.
Due to Jamboree format changes, the event no longer requires registration, fees or a Captain’s Meeting. It is a time to fish, camp and hang out with friends. No prizes or food at an after-party will be happening, but side events may occur. Talk of a “Barbie Rod Showdown,” where you use your best “kid’s” fishing pole, have been bouncing around.
Word is spreading about the “Hero’s on the Water” organization, trying to raise funds and awareness to benefit “this great group of people.”
Call the Kayak Fishing Store at (609) 522-5969 for more information. If your schedule allows, try and get out and do some fishing and help a worthy organization.
Ryan Morse took to the freshwater at the Ponder Lodge Complex on a recent evening and hooked up with a 16.5-inch, 1.8-pound channel catfish. Good catch, Ryan. Continued good fishing to you.
Just a suggestion for this slower period in the fishing schedule: A lot of our local contributors are preparing for the upcoming seasons of stripers, sea bass and tog. This is your opportunity to prepare, too. Sales of lures for jigging and trolling, metal and rubber baits, rigs, live bait pens, terminal tackle, buckets and other related items are waiting for you. Stop in, say hi and help support the businesses who provide the information we all like to read. Also, most of the boats are lining up their charters for the fall. Give them a call and get the day and time that works for you or your group.
If you get out, let me know how you did by sending your pictures and information in. Also, don’t forget to check out Mark’s Fishing Line on Facebook.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.