This past week’s fishing has been interesting to say the least. Both bottom fishing and Striper fishing have had their moments of greatness since my last report, and quite frankly the Deer hunting wasn’t bad either! I am happy to report that I have spent more time in the woods this past week than on the water, but here at Fisherman’s Wharf it’s been all about the fish.

I have personally only been out Wreck fishing a few days since last weekend but we have had boats out fishing on every single day. Late fall weather has allowed some outstanding fishing opportunities over the past seven days. The middle of the week proved to be some of the best Striper action of the year so far with Capt. Jeff on the Thelma Dale IV reportedly landing over 100 Stripers since just last Monday. The quality of some of these fish has not quite been what they were just a week ago, however there have still been plenty of fish that have been weighed in at over 20 pounds.

Sea Bass action has also been very good. Most of the anglers have been able to walk away with a limit or close to a limit on any of the trips that I have run. At times we have also been seeing some jumbo sized Bluefish mixed in the catch as well as what seems like a never-ending supply of Spiny Dogfish Sharks. These Sharks have sometimes actually been swarming around the boat. Some of the smaller wrecks that only stick up a few feet seem to be surrounded by these scavengers. This is a sure sign that the waters are beginning to cool and that the fish are on the move. Ocean surface temperatures however have been holding in the 53 to 54 degree ranges for the past several days with the calm weather.

Our Wreck fishing is winding down now with only a couple of weeks left before the mandatory coastwise closure on the Sea Bass. We will continue with the four day a week Wreck fishing sailing on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. We also have one special 10hr. Tog trip left the day before Thanksgiving and one more 12 hr. trip the following Saturday for Sea Bass and Blues. After the closure on the Sea Bass starts any effort bottom fishing will be on weekends for Tautog. Please call in advance so we can give you an update on the chances of these trips getting out.

Striper fishing will continue in full force sailing seven days a week up until the 20th of December at which time we will be looking forward to the upcoming season. As I write dates are being tossed around for the first Sea Bass trips of the year. These will be 18hr. trips and I would look for them sometime after the first of the year when the Sea Bass re-open. I will try to post the dates as soon as I know when they are.

It’s not over by a long shot yet gang and I believe that we will have quite a few more successful trips in the weeks to come as long as Mother Nature continues to give us a break. If you would like more information about any trips or you would like to make a reservation please give us a call at (302) 645-TUNA or check out our website at fishlewes.com