Cape Queen Sea Bass Report 2/3/08

[Cape Queen]

We took advantage of the perfect weather Sunday and made another visit to the offshore sea bass fishing grounds. Friday evening & Saturday morning it was hard to believe the weather was going to cooperate for Sunday's trip with the flags standing straight off the masts. We spent most of the day Saturday at the boat preparing for the trip and watched the winds gradually die down to nothing, yet the forecast was still sketchy and calling for 3' - 7' seas offshore. Judging by what we saw the weather do Capt. Andy Meredino fealt confident the seas would cooperate and provide some good fishing.
Once again everyone pulled through and was on time for the trip Sunday morning. Bill Bahrle and his son, Evan, his brother, Dave, along with Ed Trapper and Ron Wallis all from Forked River joined us. Completing the charter were Theodore Diamantis and his two man crew from the Philadelphia area. With bait, poles, and crew aboard we pulled out of the slip before our 2:30 scheduled departure time. The marina waters were glass calm and everyone anticipated a smooth 60 mile ride. We did find some seas out to 20 line, but once in deeper water the seas died to a consistent 2' -3' feet and everyone settled into their bunks or seats for the cruise out.
We all heard the throttle pull back a little after 6:00 am and everyone automatailcally knew we were there. As we rolled up the rear canvases and prepared the boat for fishing we noticed we were the first boat out save for a commercial boat fishing nearby. Poles were in the water in no time baited with clams and squid. Fishing started with... dog sharks again! After a quick drift or two we hit a nice patch of seabass and they started coming over the rails. Fish were biting on clams and quid, but seemed to prefer the squid strips early in the morning. The bite shifted to clams later in the morning with some beautiful humpbacks coming off the bottom. Just before lunch Dave's pole bent over after he felt the tell tale sign of a sea bass bite. Having trouble reeling the fish up we all swore it would be an eel. A few minutes later Jim, the mate was netting a large cod, medium sea bass, and one true humpback all one the same rig! The fishing continued through-out the early afternoon with some drifts that produced a consistent amount of fish. It wasn't long before the charter had limited out and the crew got to bring home dinner as well.
Back at the dock everyone took there share of fish, shook hands, and headed towards home to catch the remainder of the Superbowl (it was only the last 3 minutes that mattered anyway!).
Thanks again to all those who chose to go fishing and we hope to see again!

[zar2754]

excelent report!!!!

[Cape Queen]

Thanks! The weather was so beautiful and the fishing so good it fun to write up. To get a like this in February we must've been doing something right, made it hardly seem like work!

[Cape Queen]

I just spoke with Bill from the charter on Sunday. The seabass & cod above weighed in on a Berkely scale at just under 7#s and just over 12.5#s. Congratulations Dave!

[TheGeneral]

Originally Posted by Cape Queen

Thanks! The weather was so beautiful and the fishing so good it fun to write up. To get a like this in February we must've been doing something right, made it hardly seem like work!

Nice Job Cappy , great decission . This makes up for some of the days when you question, WHY AM I HERE ??? I see Happy customers with meat for the table. Again Congrats on a super trip this time of the year. Haig

[sportfishingusa]

NICE CATCH CAPT!! How much for that charter? How many guys you hold?

[phillyfishing]

hey capt and crew nice trip...

[Cape Queen]

Sportfishingusa, If you charter the boat it is $1400 for the first 8 people for the offshore sea bass trips or $175 per man if we are running an open boat. We are watching the foreast closely, it looks like we might another trip in on Friday if the Capt. feels comfortable with the forecast. We'll keep you updated.

[Captain's John & Diana]

Looks like the weather and fish gods all worked in Capt Andy's favor and you had a great trip. I was over this afternoon sitting on your boat talking to Capt Joe your neighbor this afternoon. Real nice day today down in Cape May and it felt like spring. Say hello to your dad from Diana and I

[c-hawk 25]

i am interested in going if you guys sail again.email me if you have days available

[lip ripper 2]

great news trying to get out this week if the weather holds for friday

[Cape Queen]

Captain John, Passed along your greetings to pop. He returned them and asked how everything was the Hooked Up II. Let's hope our spring is as nice as this winter (minus the wind!) and we should get some excellant fishing in early this the season.

[Cape Queen]

Looks like mother nature is going to cooperate one more time this season! Capt. Andy is putting together a trip for this Friday and we have a few open spots. Check our post in the Open Boat Forum (or call) for details:

BB OPen Boat Post

[Cape Queen]

I just received a cancellation and have one spot open for tomorrow's offshore seabass trip. Capt. Andy and I checked the weather this morning and everyhting is cooperating well, so our trip is definately a go. Give us a call if you'd like a single seat on this trip.

[Captn Joe]

Kirk,

thanks for taking the time to post that great report from Capt Andy - with Pix. I am glad to hear your dad is starting to come around, make sure you tell him I was asking for him too, and many of us here at the Barn are pulling for a recovery on his part.

Captn Joe