First, with Memorial Day approaching, I wanted to pass along a thank you to those who have served or are serving in our country’s military. To those ladies and gentlemen, including my son, I just wanted to say thank you for your service.
With the recent opening of sea bass season, everything seems well in the fishing community. Flounder are in the back, while the first in the bay was recently reported.
The Delaware Bay is also the most productive spot right now for drum fish, although the local beaches are still giving up their share of drum. Those same beaches are also providing plenty of action for those targeting striped bass. Weakfish and some scarce bluefish are also being caught, which only adds to the fun. With Memorial Day weekend right around the corner, it sure feels that fishing is rounding into shape. Let’s check things out.
Capt. Chuck, from the Sea Star III, reported slow fishing during the day trips to the bay. The first weakfish, kingfish, and fluke were caught during the recent days. These fish usually hang in the area off of Cape May Point during the summer and offer a different quarry when the Sea Star III stays in close during days with unfavorable conditions.
The afternoon and evening fishing for drum fish had some nice fish caught, with some of the bigger fish weighing in at 57, 69 and 76 pounds, with the largest being caught by Butch Gamler. Daily trip pool winners were Denise Connelly, with a spotted hake, and Dustin Cresta, with a kingfish.
Opening day of sea bass season was welcomed with good action and keepers all around the rail. I’m sure Capt. Chuck was happy to get back on the ocean and see his patrons load up on some tasty fish.
The Sea Star III will now focus on sea bass during the day and drum fish by night. The trips for sea bass leave daily at 9 a.m. while the drum fish trips sail on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday from 4 p.m. until 10 p.m.
Mike, from No Bones Bait and Tackle, said that the local boats out of the marina are catching some nice flounder. Others have been heading out for drum fish, and those results are steadily improving.
Mike also reported that blueclaw crabs are coming out of the mud. The early crabbers are having some good results and getting some tasty crabs in the process.
One of the boats in the marina is the Sailor’s Delight. They have been hitting the water, as long as the wind cooperates, and returning with a good showing of flounder for their patrons.
If you have a desire, and the proper qualifications, then Capt. Andrew is looking for you. He is looking to add another captain to the organization, and this could be your opportunity. Give him a call and discuss the situation.
The Miss Avalon had a good opening to the 2023 sea bass season. The breezy day didn’t deter the anglers’ enthusiasm, and they were rewarded with plenty of limits all around the boat. They will be sailing a schedule of 8 and 10-hour trips, so check out their schedule and see what trips suit your availability.
The Avalon Lady is fishing every day, except Tuesday, for flounder. They have been catching at a rate of one to two keepers per angler. You could also pull in a weakfish or a blue fish, so be ready. Or you could be like the unidentified angler who pulled in the first 5-pound flounder of the season during a mid-week trip. Either way, it sounds like a good day of fishing.
Boulevard Bait and Tackle is staying active as anglers stop in or send photos of the catches from the local beaches or their favorite backwater haunts.
Lots of striped bass are still being caught from the Sea Isle beaches. Some quality keeper fish were caught by John (33 inches), Rich (36 inches, 13 pounds), and Gary, who took a 37-inch fish home to the dinner table. Fish that cleared the 38-inch max, and were returned to the water, went to Joe (39, released), Luis (42.5), a different Joe (40), Cale (40), Jack and Cale (45), and Gary (44, 42 and 38.5).
Other notable catches went to Tim, with his first black drum from the surf, and Bob, who caught a 29-inch weakfish in the back bay while fishing a pink-shine Gulp grub.
The shop also reported the first black drum caught, this season, by one of their patrons (unidentified) from the Delaware Bay.
Sea Isle Bait and Tackle was also busy weighing in fish and getting updates from anglers along the beach.
Among the highlights was the 8.48-pound, 29.5-inch gator, actually a weakfish, caught by Justin M. Other catches of note went to Boddy D., who caught two drum fish from the beach with one weighing 21.69 pounds, local anglers Matt whose 3.92-pound flounder just edged out his fishing partner, Joe’s, 3.91-pound fish, and Jim who caught his first ever striped bass. It was 31 inches and 13.47 pounds. It also represented the biggest fish of any species that Jim has ever caught. Congratulations, Jim.
Capt. Bob, at Full Ahead Sport Fishing, helped young angler, Tyler Sullivan, remove a goal from his bucket list. Tyler caught his first drum that cleared the 50-pound mark.
On other trips, patrons of the Full Ahead landed a 70-pound drum fish and a 44-inch striped bass.
Cape May Bait and Tackle reported a good drum fish trip for Joey B. and the crew of the “No Expectations.” The three anglers had three nice drum fish for their efforts.
A nice striper was caught Wednesday by Tim, who was using clam, while another customer caught a big striper during the weekend.
Stalker Fishing Charters, with Capt. Skip, is fishing the backwaters in the skiff. He has been catching striped bass and bluefish, both up to 29 inches, weakfish up to 25 inches, and keeper flounder. He has dates available, so give him a call at 609-972-5218. While you’re at it, he is also accepting reservations for deepwater fluke trips once he switches over to his bigger boat.
Slowly but surely, we are getting everyone, or every fish, into the pool. Many species are active now and will provide you with some good action. You’re almost bound to catch something just by dropping bait in the water. Good luck if you get out, take care, and I’ll see you around.
Submit fishing news and photos to mrobbins@cmcherald.com.
