Jose is getting us. Thankfully not directly, but with an effect that is causing many boats to stay moored in their slips. It left us with a strange feeling as things really slowed. Of course this is only temporary, hopefully. How the fishing rebounds remains to be seen, but let’s hope the fish return hungry, and with a vengeance. Let’s check out what occurred before our brief break, including an unexpected catch for an angler on a Cape May boat.
The Miss Avalon has been having fun by offering her patrons variety. Bluefish, porgies, triggerfish and kingfish have been filling their coolers. The other thing being seen was smiling anglers. One reason for the success is that “the fish are getting ready for the storm, they are HUNGRY.” It makes sense, and those fishing benefitted. Call (609) 967-7455 to check on the schedule and the hours.
Tammie over at Avalon Hodge Podge sends word that they are seeing “larger schools of snapper bluefish just about everywhere.” These fish are not “picky” and will hit metal lures, plastics or bait. The only consideration is hook size, as these fish are the little snapper size fish. If you’re chasing the blues while in the surf, throw some bloodworms on the hook and try for some kingfish. Tammie expects the kingfish to hang around awhile due to the warm water.
“Resident” stripers in the back seem to be larger, as some keepers are being caught. “Clam or any other strip bait” seem to be the best choice.
A reminder from Tammie concerns the flounder and sea bass that are still being caught. They are a catch-and-release fishery only. Sea bass reopens on Oct. 22.
Avalon Hodge Podge will be open every day through Thanksgiving weekend. Hours are 7 a.m. till 5 p.m.
Sterling Harbor Bait and Tackle checks in with Cathy reporting the back bays have plenty of schoolie stripers and snapper blues. The stripers are around the docks, bridges and sod banks. They are hitting clam, soft plastics and various plugs. Evenings have been the most productive time for these fish.
One after-season report came in of 14-year-old Carson Latham who “took advantage” of a late season flounder outing. While fishing from his kayak, he landed an 18-inch flounder from a back bay behind Wildwood.
If you get out off of Cape May Point, you can expect to interact with snapper bluefish, croakers and spike weakfish. There may even be some kingfish in the mix.
Heading offshore brings word of “scattered” yellowfin tuna in the Spencer Canyon and wahoo from the 30 Fathom Line out to the canyons. Frank Hennigan and the crew of the “Avalanche” caught a 68-pound wahoo while fishing along the 30 Fathom Line.
Crabbing remains good as the crabs are reported to be “heavy.” Try to get out and get some while those tasty crustacean are still around.
The end of summer sale is going on for leftover, demo and used kayaks. Stop in and check it out.
The Royal Flush has been getting out and getting their patrons on the fish. Triggerfish seem to be ruling the roost recently. Kelly Duphorn, Adrian Herrera and Tracy O’Quinn caught nice specimens. A nice keeper weakfish was caught by Alex Crosby.
Captain Chuck checks in for the Sea Star III and reports that the action was good this weekend, with a variety of fish being caught. Triggerfish, porgies, bluefish, croakers, weakfish, blackfish and pools went to Skip Leach and Steve Carr. Each won with triggerfish that went 2.65 and 2.8 pounds, respectively.
For the next four or five weeks, the Sea Star III will sail on Friday, Saturday and Sunday only. Captain Chuck apologizes for any inconvenience.
The Miss Chris has been fishing off of Cape May Point recently. Her anglers were rewarded with snapper bluefish and some weakfish. They were surprised when, while fishing over the weekend, a customer hooked up with, and landed, a 40-pound drum fish. Like they said in the report, “Ya never know.”
Fishin’ Fever Sportfishing with Captain Tom, working with the previously reported “Plan B,” got out over the weekend and did some tile fishing. They described their trip as “flat out awesome.” They caught golden tilefish to 20 pounds and blue line tilefish to 19 pounds. Most were caught while deep dropping, while “a few” were caught jigging. They finished with a lot of tasty-looking fillets. Good job, everyone.
Full Ahead Sport Fishing, led by Captain Bob, reported “another great half-day trip.” Anglers totaled over 40 bluefish, while throwing back just as much. They also boated some Spanish mackerel plus a “handful” of bonita. With a number of kids in the party, the “steady pulling” of the fish kept them “on the rods,” active and happy. That’s what it’s all about.
A reminder that the Strathmere Fishing and Environmental Club will be meeting on Oct. 14 at 4 p.m. at the Strathmere Fire Hall. It will be the annual political meeting, with this year’s topic focusing on summer flounder. Other fishing-related topics will be discussed. It will be open to the public, so come out and participate.
A commitment to attend was received from Senator Van Drew and the assemblyman from District One. Congressman LoBiondo has committed to have his aide who covers the summer flounder issue attend. Also invited are Congressmen Pallone and McArthur or a representative from their office.
New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council Chairman Dick Herb and Recreational Fishing Alliance Mid-Atlantic representative Adam Nolwalsky will be in attendance. A short presentative will be provided by a New Jersey D.E.P. representative.
If your schedule allows, try to get there and show your support.
Once the storm ends and you get out and wet the line, let me know how you do. Hopefully the fish will be biting, you will experience success and will share it with all of us.
Submit your fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
