A windy, wet weekend made for two fewer days of fishing, but it provided an option to get other things done. Fishing was rolling right along prior to the washout, so let’s hope it bounces back quickly. Hopefully the storms brewing in the Atlantic won’t ruin the remaining days of the flounder season, but as of this writing, that remains to be seen. Let’s get going.
The Royal Flush sent word that they sailed their final afternoon trip of the season on Saturday. From now on it’s only the morning trip, sailing from 8 a.m. till noon. Flounder, kingfish, weakfish, croakers, bluefish and triggerfish are still being caught. Fish early, then get other things done. Not a bad plan. Speaking of fishing, notable catches went to Yolanda West who caught a bluefish, Steve Moss who defeated a weakfish, and Marty Inguss and Robert Dufin Sr. and Jr. who all caught triggerfish.
Here’s a reminder that Grassy Sound Marina is hosting the Heroes on the Water event on Saturday, Sept. 22 from 6 a.m. till noon. Heroes on the Water serve all veterans or first responders who have been wounded, injured or disabled. Their families are also welcome to attend. Kayaks, fishing rods, bait and tackle will be provided, as will breakfast and lunch. Please register ahead of time.
The Sailor’s Delight was still catching flounder right up until the time the foul weather arrived. During the following stretch, they “managed to sneak out in the hole in the weather.” They brought 37 fish over the rail and showed that “the flounder are still biting.”
They also announced that they will again participate in the 2019 Wildwood Fishing and Boating Expo April 6-7at the Wildwood Convention Center. Stop in and say hello to Captain Andrew.
Peace Token Bait and Tackle has all the gear for your fall fishing needs. Stop in and say hi and get set up for sea bass, stripers and blackfish. With time flying along like it is, those fish will hopefully be here in force pretty soon.
The Sea Star III checked in with Captain Chuck mentioning that they “had some pretty good fluke action” until the weekend wind shut them down. Lots of keeper flounder coupled with plenty of throwbacks, plus “some” sea bass that also went back, made up their week.
Pools went to a lone bluefish winner caught by Chris Vogel, while fluke, with weights in parenthesis, won the rest. They belonged to Gary Agness (3.0), Chris Iannucci (3.35), Harry Theurer (3.85), Paul Bodkin (5.15) and Megan Shelly with the big one of the week (5.75).
Recently, the Cape May Lady started running trips that have them looking for “inshore pelagic”fish. They had an “exploratory” trip which resulted in catches of bonito, false albacore, “lots” of bluefish and some different jacks. They also saw “some mahi and bigger stuff around,” but those fish were a lot “pickier.” The anglers on board had a good time catching something a little different.
Their more traditional wreck trips have been bringing in triggerfish and even keeper blackfish. Just remember that after you get your one, you are done. The blackfish bag-limit is one, but it’s worth it. And who knows, you still could catch a flounder who is hanging out in the wreck area.
Off The Hook Bait and Tackle reported a “great day” of flounder fishing for the crew of the MOJO. Joey DiDomenico brought the heaviest fish to the scales as his catch weighed in at 10.36 pounds.
Captain Tom took the Fishin’ Fever offshore before the tempest, and his charter was rewarded with a nice day of action. They went three for seven on white marlin, they broke off a 300-pound blue marlin, and they had a “hand full of tiles” with the three largest weighing 23, 27 and 43 pounds.
The Gone Fishin’ IV wanted to thank everyone that fished with them this summer. They also wanted to remind everyone that since sea bass season reopens on Oct. 8, now is the best time to book your trip. Call Captain Mark at (609) 425-8302 to get everything set up.
The Miss Avalon was chugging right along before the weekend break. Flounder and triggerfish, with an occasional kingfish thrown into the mix, kept the anglers going home with meat for a fish dinner. They will continue fishing as soon as the weather allows, and they, likeothers, are looking to salvage the remaining days of flounder season.
Captain Al from the Bayhound Charters was putting his patrons on flounder as well as catching some for himself. September for him means inshore trips for fluke, triggerfish, sheepshead, tog, cobia, spadefish and Spanish mackerel. He also plans on going offshore for white and blue marlin, swordfish, wahoo and tuna. Give him a call at (609) 602-2662 to grab a date and set up your trip.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle will now be operating under their fall hours. It’s amazing how this year is just flying by. Sunday and Monday’s hours are 6 a.m. till 1 p.m., Tuesday they are closed, and from Wednesday through Saturday they will open from 6 a.m. till 5 p.m. “Hours are subject on lousy weather days.”
There is a three-day flounder tournament to benefit the Greater Philadelphia Chapter of the ALS Association. It is a tournament for the single heaviest flounder and is scheduled for Sept. 20-22. A dinner, auction, raffles and awards follow the Saturday conclusion from 6 till 10 p.m. at the Townsends Inlet Yacht Club. Junior anglers ages 14 and under are encouraged to register and are eligible for additional awards. For more information, please call Sean Meyers at (609) 602-8957 or email him at meyers.sean@gmail.com.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that registration is now open for the Outdoor Women of New Jersey Waterfowl Hunt for Beginners. It is scheduled for Nov. 29 through Dec. 1 at the Sedge Island Wildlife Management Area.
The event is for women 18 years of age and older who have completed the shotgun portion of the New Jersey Hunter Education Safety Course. Participants will learn the basics of waterfowl hunting and have an opportunity to participate in a guided waterfowl hunt.
A $50 registration fee includes transportation to and from Sedge Island ammunition, lodging and meals.
For additional information, contact Karen Byrne at karen.byrne@dep.nj.gov or call (609)-748-4347.
Reminders: Don’t forget to request your Striped Bass Bonus Tag. Go to the N.J. Fish and Wildlife webpage, clink on the link, then print, complete and mail the application. Remember to include a self-addressed return envelope.
Saturday, Oct. 20 will be a free fishing day for anyone wanting to do some freshwater fishing.
Go fishing if conditions allow, take care and I’ll see you around.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
