As of this week, we are officially now in the fall season and as such, our fishing options are somewhat stunted as we move forward. Saturday marks the end of the summer flounder season barring some unexpected reprieve from the local commissions. Black sea bass is a no-no for the next few weeks and tautog limits remain at a level so low, targeting them isn’t really a cost effective endeavor. But that does not mean there are no options left for the remainder of the year. The fall run has started with blue fish starting to filter into bull’s eye range. Mullet and other baits are moving and being challenged by a variety of attackers, not the least of being our linesided friends. There are still trigger fish in the region and I still have hopes for putting some nice northern kingfish into the backyard smoker. Croakers, weakfish and even their cousin the redfish also remain viable options. And let’s not forget our freshwater opportunities. Fall is a great time to seek out pan fish like crappie and bluegill. There is no better time for bass fishing as the waters tend to clear up from the summer heat. So as you can see, there is no reason at all to mourn the passing of summer. We have plenty to do before we put this baby to bed for the winter. And our front line scouting team remains ever vigilant to tell us where the best opportunities exist.
Noel Feliciano of One Stop Bait and Tackle in Atlantic City tells me that the flounder in the surf look like they are going to hang on right until the very end but weather may put a crimp in your ability to get at them. High winds and surf are definitely putting a hurt on the coastline the last few days. Hopefully, the skies will calm and the seas will calm giving anglers a chance for some final flounder. There are still some nice croakers around in the inlet and some decent tog have been taken off the T Jetty.
Dave Showell of Absecon Bay Sportsmen’s Center was busy monitoring the coastal storm when I stopped by the shop to talk with him. As usual, Dave was concerned about his live bait tanks and the potential for losing any of his prized mullet or spot. Dave tells me that Pluggers at first and last light along the sod banks have been hitting the striped bass hard. There is also an abundance of medium bluefish all over the bay. Bigger bass are up the river and the mouth of the Mullica has had some sporadic weakfish bites. White perch in that area have been very active according to Curt, Dave’s right hand man at the shop. And while the end of flounder season has neared, there are still nice keepers being taken close to the inlet.
The High Roller will be running its final flounder hunting excursions this Friday and Saturday. As it has been all summer, there will be two trips each day from its berth in Gardiners Basin Atlantic City. Be there at 8 am or 1pm and say goodbye to the summer in a proper manner with Captain Mike Tobasso and some Absecon Bay flatfish.
Captain Mike O’Neal of the Stray Cat is a little despondent over the close of flounder season but will continue to hunt for fish from his dock in Egg Harbor Township until some nice bottom fishing opportunities open up again later this fall. Until then he will be chasing whatever options that present the best possibilities of putting fish in the cooler. The Stray Cat is licensed for up to 19 passengers and with its 20 foot beam; there is a better local boat for any kind of fishing you can think of. With blues and stripers staging up, this is the perfect boat for a larger than 6 pack charter. Mike also does “open boat” trips whenever he doesn’t have a charter so call him up and check out his schedule if you are looking for a sneak out day of fishing. Captain Mike can be reached a 609-391-9630.
If you are looking for Jumbo Bluefish, we are hearing that they have arrived and the Miss Belmar Princess has been loading up on them recently. Pool winners of up to 22 pounds have been verified and that ain’t chicken feed. There is nothing like the thrill of jigging up a 22 pound bluefish. And when you find them, you know you are in for a workout that few other forms of fishing can compete with. So head up to Belmar and jump on the Princess if you are looking to put up a stock of blues for the long cold winter.
Chris at Better Bait and Ice of Toms River is always someone who I can rely on to give me the straight dope on the area bite. He informed me this week that the blowfish have finally showed up in the bay around the BB buoy. A chum pot and some small hook should be able to land some nice puffing specimens. Customers have come back with up to thirty fish from recent expeditions. There have also been some nice northern kingfish in the mix. Don’t forget to take a shot at the many snapper blues that are still saturating the area. Chris also told me that some nice perch days have been occurring in the upper Toms. And crabbers looking for one last feast are doing well at God Luck Point and Island Heights. Sounds to me like there is plenty of life left in the Toms.
The Carolyn Ann III (Barnegat Light) will not be sailing after Saturday, Sept 27, but will resume sailing, daily, on Saturday, October 18, for sea bass. The fare will be $55 for an adult and $25 for a child. Rod rental is $5, and the bait is provided.
The Norma K III will be sailing tomorrow and Saturday for fluke out of Point Pleasant and after that will start targeting ling and cod on its daily trips. It will also continue to sail on Friday and Saturday nights (7:30pm-1am) for big blues.
John Yak at The Dock Outfitters in Seaside Heights knows that hard wind and rough water can sometimes be an angler best friend. The bait takes a beating and that is exactly what the big stripers enjoy and look for this time of year. Once this fall Nor’easter clears the state, John believes that will be the case. John reports there are plenty of blues in the area and that they have been getting a little bigger with every day. Stop in the shop at the foot of the causeway and check them out. All your bait needs are available including sand worms and eels. While you are there, grab John and ask him about their new line of custom rods.
The Duke O Fluke in Somers Point is calling it a season after flounder season neds this Saturday but is available for private “nature” charters in the area for a few weeks if you are interested. Give Captain Brooke Koenke a shout if you need more information. He also asked me to thank everyone who supported the Duke this year.
The Gambler Deep Sea Fishing boat (Point Pleasant) will be running a special “Inshore Exotics” excursion this Monday September 29th targeting tuna species, jacks and mahi. Seating is limited (30) so call the boat to reserve a spot. Light tackle fishing off a head boast is a real thrill if you have never tried it. They also have some offshore trips coming up. And as always, they are still running cod and ling trips and night blues to fill in the gaps. Check out their website for a detailed schedule.
The 56’ custom Super Chic out of Barnegat Light has some dates available for charter trips but they are filling up quickly. Be it off shore or inshore, this is the boat you should consider, especially if you have a group larger than a standard 6 pack. Captain Ted White requests that you call asap to reserve a date so as to avoid the last minute rush when the striper bite turns on the heat. The tuna bite right now has been as good as it gets with long and yellow fins dominating the northern canyons.
Mike Jung at Peace Token Bait and Tackle in Cape May Court House reports that the mullet run is definitely picking up all over the area. Cold Spring Inlet and the Cape May Point seem to be the hot spot for small bass chasing bait. There are false albacore just off the beach but the general consensus is you need to be on a boat to play with them. On the beaches, blue fish and kingfish are dominating the suds. Bloodworms for the kings and metal for the blues and you are in business. Don’t forget your cast net if you are targeting bass. Mullet is running and there isn’t a much better option this time of year.
I called up to Betty and Nicks to get the scoop on activity especially bait, on Island Beach State Park. Brian at the shop tells me that the mullet has been strong and depending on the duration of this storm, still has a way to go. There are also bay anchovies and peanut bunker in the wash. Bluefish from 2-5 pounds have been common with the occasional sprinkling of bass. Metal and mullet rigs are working best. The bluefish action has been nonstop at times. And when the winds turn west/northwest, the false albies are moving into the beach. I asked Brian if anyone has seen any sand eels yet but they have not made a confirmed appearance.
I ran into Captain Ed Berger (Team Tackle Direct) this week on the beaches of Absecon Island wo told me the fishing was decent if you were searching for blues but the real action in the area has been in the back bays along the sod banks. First and last light with a top water popper has been the ticket which will get you on the ride. The action has been incredible according to big Ed. There are mullet moving both in the back and along the beaches and this nor’easter should push even more out of the bay. Ed sent me a picture of the New S&S Rattletail display they put in at the store on Tilton road and I can honestly say, if they don’t have the one you are looking for than no one does.
It’s always nice to chat with the gang up at Fishermen’s Supply in Point Pleasant. They are close to the action up there and quite frankly, they get it. I spoke with Brian at the shop today who told me it has been a little slow of late but there is still action if you look for it. Offshore, it has been the Hudson Canyon where long and yellow fin tuna are the hot story. Inshore, it’s still mahi and bonito and fat alberts if you just want action. And big blues around the Shark River. Brian told me that he heard of some decent striper action around the Spring Lake area but mostly it has been bluefish and some nice albacore off the beaches. Brian told me they have some of their famous seminars on tap for the near future but do not have the details set yet. Stay tuned, I will post them when they tell me.
Summer may be “officially” over but there is still plenty of fun taking place in the Ocean City area, especially if you have a rod and reel with you. I gabbed with Justin of Fin-Atics Marine Supply there who told me that they have had some great mullet sweeps in the last couple of weeks and some good fishing around them. Corson’s Inlet has been the best place for action especially under cover of dark. Anglers throwing anything mullet shaped or fishing with live bait have had the most success. Bluefish are the biggest attackers but the occasional nice striped bass also show up for the fun. In the back, Justin tells me he ran into some blowfish behind Avalon recently which surprised him as they weren’t even using a chum pot but the small sea bass in the area may have been pushing them. Bass and blues are prevalent along the sod banks behind OC and like most other spots, dawn and dusk are your best opportunities. If you are looking to pick up a new kayak, Fin-Atics is having their end of season sale. Stop by and check them out.
Best Bets for the Weekend
First of all, this weekend marks the return of StriperFest, the biggest fishing party in the Northeast. It takes place in Falmouth Marine Park in Falmouth, MA. If you are heading up, knock back a few for me and be sure to take your gear with you as the fishing up that way has been lights out. For those of you not lucky enough to be headed to the north, don’t worry. The weather reports look great and I am certain there is more than enough to keep you occupied. We wrap up the fluke season this Saturday and frankly, that should be your first option if you have the chance. After you have fulfilled that requirement, it’s a clean slate. I would start with bluefish and work my way up from there. If you need mullet for the bait box, now is the time to get the cast new out. This early Nor’easter may push them out in force. I still think there are some redfish and kingfish around but they have been in deep hiding. And this weekend may be the last shot at blowfish. Don’t put too much pressure opn yourself, there is plenty of time left this year. Fishing is meant to be fun and that is how you should always approach the sport. But stay safe when you are out there. See you on the incoming.