What a damper the recent windy, rainy, foggy weather had on the local fishing scene. It remains to be seen how the post-storm fishing will be, but the final trips of the flounder season will have been made by the time this column comes out. We now await the date of Oct. 8, the opening of the next sea bass season. Some small striped bass and bluefish have also been scattered throughout the area, so they are poised to add excitement to our fishing experience. The mullet run, reported to be starting, will add fuel to the fishing also. So hold on, as fall fishing seems ready to break out. Let’s get started.
I wanted to report that the Royal Flush is now done for the season. It’s hard to believe it’s that time already where some boats are wrapping it up for the year. Thanks to Susie, Captain John and the crew for contributing a report and pictures each week. Enjoy your well-deserved time off, and I look forward to working with you next year. They wanted to “wish everyone a healthy, safe and prosperous winter season, and a FINtastic 2019.”
Cathy from Sterling Harbor Bait and Tackle reported that the “strong northeast winds” caused a slow week as “many boaters remained at the dock.” It seems that the only ones who liked the wind were the striped bass. “Plenty” of schoolie-sized fish were in the back bays and around the inlets. They were hitting top-water lures, swimbaits and bait. Ray Pashuk of Wildwood Crest reported that he had several striped bass up to 30 inches. He was using top-water plugs and swimbaits as he fished along the North Wildwood beach.
Cathy also mentioned that “mullet are starting to make their run” which is resulting in some bluefish being around also. The mullet will add another option to your arsenal of baits that you can toss out. Pick up a mullet rig, bait it, toss it out and hold on.
According to Crabby Jack, the local crabbing scene “remains good.” Some crabs steamed up sounds like a good September treat.
Captain Chunk said that the Sea Star III had a slower week due to being kept at the dock by the uncooperative weather. But slower doesn’t mean they didn’t get out and catch fish. The pool winners this past week were George Daily with a 3-pound fluke, Kristin McHenry with a 1.5-pound bluefish and Neil Boyle who won with a 2.75-pound triggerfish. The word variety played a big part in determining who won the pools.
The Sea Star III will continue to sail after the fluke season closes. They’ll target bluefish and other species till sea bass becomes legal again on Oct. 8.
Captain Skip had the Stalker Fishing Charters skiff out in the back waters chasing and catching stripers. On a recent Saturday morning, they “had fish from start to finish, pretty much.” That included a 29-incher, several slot-sized fish and another keeper-sized fish that “broke off.” This is a good fishery for the times when the ocean is not cooperating. Call him at (609) 972-5218 to set up a trip.
The Miss Chris Marina recently welcomed the Miss Chris back to the fleet. The 70-foot vessel was repowered/rebuilt and is out hitting the local waters. No word yet on any fall fishing plans for sea bass, striped bass or blackfish.
The Full Ahead with Captain Bob was finally able to get “away from the dock” after our stretch of foul weather. He put his charter on 13 flounder that had most going “over 20 inches.” The largest was caught by Tuna John and it weighed 7.6 pounds. I’m sure everyone was happy to finally get out and get fishing.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle is proud to announce that regular customer Clay has brought in the first back bay striper of the fall. The fish measured 30 inches. Cameron also mentioned that “there is a ton of bait around.” The resident bass are active during the morning, evening and night timeframes. Grab “some poppers and plastics” and get to the local sod banks.
Like others in the column, Fin-Atics in Ocean City is seeing a “resurgence” of striped bass in our county waters. They have been hitting peanut bunker and mullet near the local bridges. As flounder season was concluding, there were reports that there were still some fish in the back waters while kingfish are in the surf. Crabbing in the back “is still fantastic,” so go catch some before it’s too late.
Congratulation goes out to Luca Mattia who was flounder fishing with his dad in the Delaware Bay on Sunday. Luca caught a 17.25 inch keeper while using his Zebco Dock Demon fishing rod. That model is not just for docks anymore as Luca proved to us all.
The Sailor’s Delight is running a Children’s Art Competition. Their yearly Gift Trip Giveaway Competition will be for young anglers (17 or younger as of Dec. 1, 2018) so the focus can be on “the future of our industry.” The subject matter will be the orange colored Sailor’s Delight fishing vessel. The artist decides the direction of the entry beyond that. A trip during the 2019 season and a Sailor’s Delight T-shirt is up for grabs. Have the kids get out the art supplies, develop an idea and then submit it through Facebook Messenger or an email to sailor08251@gmail.com. Entries will be posted on Facebook and the picture with the most likes, wins. Have fun and get your Picasso on.
The Division of Fish and Wildlife announced that the fall stocking of trout begins on Tuesday, Oct. 9 and will conclude on Wednesday, Oct. 17. More than 21,000 trout will be stocked in 16 streams and 21 ponds across the state. There will be no closed dates during the fall season, but remember you need to have a trout stamp in addition to your fishing license. No Cape May County waters were listed in the fall stocking schedule.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
