Well, the storm was predicted, captains prepared, boats were pulled, extra lines were used to tighten those boats left in, but the full force never hit us. That’s good as none of us needed any property damage. Unfortunately, the damage was still felt, but in an economic way. No boats got out till at least the Tuesday after Labor Day, and the early reports show that fish are around. These reports came from the boats in the back and those who fish out front. I’m still waiting, as this report is ready to be sent in, to hear from some of those boats that venture farther out. I’m interested to hear what’s going on at the reefs and if the fluke are there. Anyway, let us proceed.
Captain Chuck from the Sea Star III gets us underway. The beginning of his week was “OK” due to the fluke and sea bass his fares caught, but the arrival of Hermine “messed us up,” causing him to “sit all Labor Day Weekend.” Fishing in the pools were all won by anglers catching fluke, with weight in pounds: Paul Bodkin (4.45); Mike Ostroski (3.0); Tom Collins (3.25); Tom Formisano (3.80); and Frank Servocky (2.80). Captain Chuck plans on sailing “DAILY” as of Wednesday. He finished by saying that “hopefully the storm left some fish where we had them last.”
Terri reports the news of the week from the Starlight Fleet. The fishing before the storm saw many mixed bags being taken which consisted of weakfish, bluefish, sea bass and an occasional porgy. High hooks of the week went to the brother tandem of Chris and Joe Gallagher who loaded up on bluefish and their limit of weakfish.
An important schedule change starts on Monday, September 12 as the six-hour, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. trips begin. On Saturdays and Sundays, the Starlight will continue to run its four-hour trips at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. It’s that time of the season where schedules start to be adjusted. Where did the summer go?
Matt from Jim’s Bait and Tackle starts by saying he hopes “everyone fares well with the storm.” He continues by mentioning that fluke fishing “dropped off quite a bit this week on the reefs.” He attributes the drop to the building swell from the storm activity moving into our area. In spite of this, a couple of nice fluke were still caught. Mary Coglin caught a 7.66 pound fluke at the Wildwood Reef, while Max Triffon caught a 4.39 pounder on a bucktail while fishing the inlet jetty.
Despite the coming storm, “the inshore troll bite held up well.” This was particularly true around the sea bass pots in the 20 mile range. On Friday, Lyle Rutty and son, Lyle, caught six dolphin after fishing around the pots. Also, Pete Dillulo, Frank Hennigan and the crew of the “Three Petes” caught a 60 pound wahoo while trolling in Massey’s Canyon.
Offshore, the marlin bite “is still very good.” Matt is hoping the storm won’t turn off things in the canyon, “and it may actually be good for the tuna fishing.”
The Rips are producing bluefish for those trolling or following the birds. Small weakfish are also in the area, and there are some “nicer ones” starting to show up.
Finally, the surf has some nice 2 to 3 pound weakfish, while small fluke, croakers and kingfish “are still at the Point.”
Captain Andrew from Sailor’s Delight Back Bay Fishing was putting his customers on sea bass, flounder, weakfish, sharks, blue claw crabs and other back bay inhabitants. Like all the other boats in the area, they were shut down with a few unexpected days off, but are set to get back underway on Wednesday. They, as well as the others in the industry, are eager to see what effect, if any, the storm will have on the remainder of flounder season. Their situation will show us how the back area fared during the heavy weather since they are a pontoon boat and fish the back bays between the inlets from Cape May to North Wildwood. I being a small boater owner, as well as a kayak angler, am waiting to her how that area is responding now that Hermine has moved on.
Another boat that I know of that will get right back to it, on Tuesday in this case, is the Royal Flush. They were steadily fishing out front along the beaches and down toward the Point, so their results will allow us to gauge that area. They were catching sea bass, kingfish, weakfish, croakers, bluefish and trigger fish. It will be interesting to see how that stretch of water was affected.
An important schedule change to note for the Royal Flush is that night fishing is done for another season. They will continue to fish their regular 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. and 1 to 5 p.m. time slots.
On Wednesday, I received word that on the first couple trips out after the storm, the Royal Flush was in to the bluefish. That’s not bad, as these small bluefish are good smoked on the grill. After smoking, break them up and put the same ingredients in that you use in tuna salad. The result is a product good to put on bread for a sandwich, or to spread on crackers as a snack. Enjoy.
The Miss Avalon was doing well before the storm, as they were catching flounder, sea bass and trigger fish. From the pictures I saw, it looked like everyone was enjoying their time on the water.
Another issue of importance: Many of you have heard of Bucktail Willie, and some of you, including myself, have met and talked to him. I received an email from Willie recently that affects us now, and will affect future generations of anglers.
The issue concerns a new “Ocean Action Plan” that was released for the mid-Atlantic Ocean that doesn’t cover everything needed to keep the ocean healthy. The information examines the recent pressures put on the ocean. Rising sea levels, higher water temperatures, bigger storms that cause beach sand to be replaced which comes from areas of fish habitat (lumps), internet phone cables, wind turbines and more, and something much larger – shipping.
“Decision makers are trying to protect the Atlantic before it’s too late.” Just recently, “the first ever draft Mid-Atlantic Ocean Action Plan” was released. “It’s a good first step” but needs an angler’s perspective to reflect our values. You can read more and add your name by visiting the link at http://bit.ly/29bDmSg.
A little information to any buyers/sellers of a boat: Per BoatUS, there a two important pieces of paper.
First, a Purchase Agreement that spells out anything that must occur prior to the sale. It looks at various areas, such as a marine survey, repairs to be done and the ability to finance or insure the boat. It looks at either party’s obligations that must be satisfied before the sale is completed
The second is a Bill of Sale. It is used as a proof of purchase once the buyer accepts the boat. Both parties may want to seek legal advice if there are any concerns if the forms are appropriate for their situation. Both forms can be downloaded and printed 24 hours a day, at no cost, online.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
