Michael Shepherd

1 week ago | pressofatlanticcity.com | Michael Shepherd

It was an ugly day for fishing during Sunday's opener of summer flounder season. Widespread windy and rainy conditions combined to detract but not entirely stop diehards from toughing it out. Two trips run by Mike Tabasso on the Atlantic City-based back bay pontoon boat High Roller had some decent results. Tabasso was at the helm of the popular party boat out on the water Monday morning when he reported his customers racked up nine keepers and 55 short summer flounder during a four-hour launch.

2 weeks ago | pressofatlanticcity.com | Michael Shepherd

The current tog season is dwindling down to the last couple of days while summer flounder are next up in the lineup followed by black sea bass. Plus, the first bluefish and kingfish have arrived in South Jersey waters, while black drumfish have been increasing and combining with striped bass of all sizes and quality white perch. It is not quite a peak season of variety for local fishers but the improving weather recently has helped create an outstanding spring run.

3 weeks ago | pressofatlanticcity.com | Michael Shepherd

The anticipated improvement in the weather provided some very decent recent fishing reports. Mike O’Neill of the Stray Cat open/charter boat said there was a “good bite on Good Friday.”O’Neill, who will be running an open boat schedule, only launched three times from Seaview Harbor Marina in Great Egg Harbor Inlet to go fishing in the ocean this month, mainly caused by unfavorable conditions. He said a six to eight pound tautog was caught 10 miles off the coast on Friday.

1 month ago | pressofatlanticcity.com | Michael Shepherd

Here's to hoping we are in a transition phase to more spring-like conditions. The recent chilly and windy weather did not totally stop fishing but likely cut into the number of fishers who gave it a try. Dave Showell at Absecon Bay Sportsman Center in Absecon used the term of "ugly weekend" when called by the local scribe on Monday morning. Showell also had a positive observation by describing back bay waters that were cleaning up to hopefully create improved conditions this week.

1 month ago | pressofatlanticcity.com | Michael Shepherd

The rainy Monday did not keep some fishers from getting wet and getting fish. Cliff Higbee of Higbee's Bait and Tackle said the beach at Fortescue on Delaware Bay was packed Monday morning. Noel Feliciano of One-Stop Bait and Tackle in Atlantic City said the weather hasn't stopped fishers from working the Absecon Inlet jetty system, and he was headed out to do a video. "Never a dull moment" Feliciano said.