Record numbers reeled in across Jersey coast

It is hard for me to imagine how the salt water fishing off southern New Jersey could be any better. Depending on whether you are a back bay, surf, inshore or offshore angler, the chances of getting skunked are pretty slim.

Let’s begin out in the deep and work our way home. The best indicator of what is happening out there would be the results of the big Mid-Atlantic Tournament. This year it set several records, not the least of which was the $3.16 million dollar prize pool. An incredible number of white marlin were caught by the competitors. The official total was 810, with just 30 of those being brought back to the docks. The rest probably are still swimming around out there.

Then, the second largest blue marlin in the quarter century of the event was weighed in at Cape May. It was a gigantic 754-pounds, easily topping the second place blue which was a mere 432-pounds. Plenty of yellowfin and bluefin tuna were taken, along with seven wahoo and seventeen mahi.

Unfortunately, there were no area residents at the top of the prize list. This event attracts the big boats from as far away as Florida, some of which actually fish a big buck offshore circuit. Naturally, they are equipped with the best captains and crews and the cost of equipment is no object.

Now, moving in a bit to areas within reach of smaller boats, the action is just as varied. There are some white marlin around, along with wahoo, false albacore, bonito and loads of mahi. Most of these can be caught by trolling spoons and feathers. Of course, if you see any pots or floating debris troll by because that is where the mahi are hiding.

On the artificial reefs there are flounder, many throwbacks but some genuine doormats. Live bait, such as peanut bunker, mullet or even small bluefish can get you a big flattie. Some sea bass, taug and triggerfish also are hanging out on the reefs.

Surf activity also is great guns and with the end of the main tourist season the beach tags go away and there is plenty of space for the surf casters. That breaking water has been yielding tons of kingfish along with croakers, spot, spike weakies, porgies, blowfish and snapper blues.

The various inlet jetties have been good for triggerfish, small taug and kingies. Delaware Bay anglers are reporting some good croaker action.

I have mentioned a few times this season that I have been able to smell the unmistakable aroma of bunker or other baitfish being gobbled up by predators. This past Tuesday evening that aroma was as strong as I ever have smelled it at my house on the bay side of Ocean City. With that much bait around you will have more than ample predators, including the blues and small stripers.

Remember a few weeks back I asked for help in identifying a strange creature caught by a dockmate of mine behind Ocean City? It was the shape and size of a baseball and felt like a water balloon when you squeezed it. Well, it appears there is a good chance this little guy was a sea slug. In his own way it was a cute critter. He was released back into the bay.

ACROSS THE BAY

There are a couple of notes for those of you who fish in Delaware waters. First, the summer season for tautog ended this past Monday. Second, the slot striper fishing for 20 to 25-inch fish also ended. The striper regs now are back to normal with a limit of two fish from 28 to 37 inches or two fish over 47-inches.

The Delaware and Maryland beaches seem to be holding abundant numbers of kingfish and croakers and with the beaches now seeing fewer bathers, it is an excellent opportunity to start casting without inconveniencing anyone.

The croakers do seem to really be spread out in the Delmarva. You can find them mixed in with sea bass at Indian River Inlet. The also are just outside the inlet, with the bigger ones tending to be there.

Flounder are showing no sign of tapering off. The usual Old Grounds seems to be getting the recommendation from the veteran anglers.

Like New Jersey, there is plenty of bait so grab that cast net and do some livelining.