That sad, dull, empty, lost feeling you’re experiencing isn’t just your imagination. It’s just flounder season withdrawal. It’s that lull that occurs instantaneously when the season ends in late September, and before the next big date arrives. In this case, that’s October 22, the restart of sea bass season. Not to worry though, as there are other options available. Bluefish, kingfish, triggerfish, croakers and weakfish are still around. They were caught alongside the flounder before that season ended, and they are still available. Don’t forget the stripers in the back that are hitting top-water offerings, plus rubber baits. That’s not even considering what’s offshore. There’s plenty of action available, so don’t fret, get the bait wet. Let’s see what went on this past week.
Terri of the Starlight Fleet starts off our first post-flounder season report. The Starlight had a good week of fishing, and looks forward to carrying that into the first full week of fall. They are running six-hour trips from 10 a.m. till 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. They are catching bluefish, triggerfish and porgies, “all in good numbers.” Some anglers who benefitted are Joe Gallagher who caught nine triggerfish and 12 bluefish, and Ray and Jeanie Sussman who “teamed up” for 27 porgies and 12 triggers.
If fishing during the week isn’t possible, remember that the Starlight sails on Saturday and Sunday trips that are four hours and leave at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Captain Fred from Utsch’s reports that not much changed on the flounder scene as the season came to a close. Recently, the charter boats at the marina, as well as some private boaters, have been going 24 to 30 miles to catch fish. The best trip of the season was experienced by the charter boat Full Ahead when it caught 22 fluke. Fred felt that this year’s flounder season was the “worst we have seen in some time.” He felt that “last year flounder fishing was better than great.” It’s amazing how the ups and downs can occur so quickly without a gradual rise or fall.
He concludes by voicing that he hopes the sea bass season “comes on strong,” and that the run of striper won’t be “far behind.”
Matt over at Jim’s Bait and Tackle checks in with a quick word on flounder. He says that the boats that went to the 20 Fathom Line and hit the wrecks did the best. The drawback is that it makes for “tough fishing unless conditions are perfect.”
Offshore, if you could get out, the white marlin bite “is still very good.” There were “plenty of fish” in the Poorman’s and Baltimore Canyons. As far as tuna, the best option is to head “to our south.”
Closer to home, croakers are available just “outside of the inlet” and also in the Rips. Small bluefish and weakfish provide them company there.
Finally, the mullet run is on, just slow. Because of the cool weekend weather, the run should pick back up. Along the beachfront blues await them, while the Point is “loaded with bluefish, weakfish and a few small bass.”
Captain Chuck of the Sea Star III checks in after his final flounder foray of the season. Notable catches as the season ceased were made by Gary Agness, Jean Warner, Dave Sedlack and Paul Bodkin. “What a summer,” but now it’s time to pursue other species. After taking off a few weeks for some scheduled repairs, it’s on to sea bass season that starts on October 22.
The Miss Avalon had a pool winner on Sunday that wasn’t a fluke. It was a 21 pound cobia that surprised many, and allowed that angler to head home with the money. They, like other boats, will now be shifting gears and doing some post-flounder fishing, while also preparing for the later fall season.
The Miss Chris, sailing from Cape May, will be heading out for half-day trips at 8 a.m., and looking for bluefish, weakfish, croakers and kingfish. Saturday, September 24 provided a “good mix” of bluefish and weakfish, so the fish are there, and they’re just waiting for eager anglers.
The Royal Flush finished strong over the weekend with a nice showing of keeper flounder. Greg Costello, Charlie Bode and Tom Smith made the most of the last weekend of flounder season. It’s always good when the season ends on a high note.
Off The Hook Bait and Tackle made mention of a good outing on Monday for “Jimbo” as he caught a white marlin, and “many” mahi-mahi.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle now has fresh mullet in stock, as they report that the fall run has begun. They also mentioned that “George” had another rewarding day on the beach recently, catching a lot of bluefish and kingfish. Another angler, John Cure, was out striper fishing in the back and picked up a number of stripers including some up to 24 inches.
Captain Skip from Stalker Fishing Charters is up next. He has been doing the a.m./p.m. back bay charters on the “skiff.” He has been hooking up with top-water plugs and rubber baits. The a.m. has produced more consistently, but the p.m. hasn’t been too bad either. Give him a call to set up a charter in the back.
Reader John Tyrrell sent in some pictures of his catch as well as a couple of Ashley Kane’s. Ashley caught some stripers from the 96th Street Bridge in Stone Harbor while doing some very early morning fishing. John caught a 17 inch redfish while fishing in the Delaware Bay.
The Sailors Delight Back Bay Fishing crew had an active Wednesday on September 28 as they brought in plenty of bluefish. They also brought in some sea bass, and for fun, some skates, sharks and sea robins. The flounder they caught were fun, but had to go back for another year.
When you get out, let me know how you do. Don’t forget to check out Mark’s Fishing Line on Facebook for other pictures and extras that don’t make the paper.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
