Courtesy Tiderunner
Striped bass fishing has really picked up along the Cape May beaches and jetties, not to mention the action is still going on up Delaware Bay. Fishing for bass has been good from the usual places such as Poverty Beach,the Cape May Point jetties, and a few other spots. Capt. Ray of the Tiderunner landed and released a 36″ bass on a fly while fishing from a boat off Cape May. From his boat we watched two keeper bass caught from shore on lead-heads tipped with rubber. Clams ares producing from the beach and some fish are keepers. Back bay stripers have not arrived in any numbers, probably because the water temperatures have been too cool. The sun has simply refused to shine in the past week or so.
Along with bass on the beach front are good numbers of Atlantic herring. Although most people do not eat these fish, this is the species that many Europeans eat. Though not large, they are great fun on a fly rod. A 3″ clouser minnow with chartreuse and white bucktail and some flashabou took the herring. They are great little fighters and some of the larger herring run to more than 16″. If the bass aren’t biting, herring can put a smile on your face.
Now’s the time to jump on a charter boat for black drum in Delaware Bay. There are reports that the drum run has started. A few have also been caught from the beaches. This action should last through the month and into June, but don’t wait. Some of the charter boats offer split charters or serve as open boats to fill in small charters. Some of the boats at this link provide the opportunity for anglers to score on 30 pound plus drum - http://www.capemaytimes.com/fishing/charter.htm. Landing one is a real tug of war, not to mention that they provide some fine eating.
Not much word on weakfish from Cape May Point jetties or elsewhere, although they should be here soon. Similarly, the cool water has probably held up the back bay bluefish run. With waters in the 51-52 degree range, it seems like most fishing is a couple weeks late. Anglers generally enjoy a spring run of racer and tailor blues in mid-late April.