No fish at the end of the rainbow

[CapeMayRay]

Better sweet start to the season. With guys getting bass in Delaware bay and Susky flats I wanted to launch the boat this morning only to find high winds and drenching rains. Around noon it cleared and I had to get the boat in.

Put it in the slip and got all the lines and electric line hooked up and was a happy camper. Around 5:00 p.m. the wind died and is was super sunny with the bottom half of the out going tide I decided I had to try some fishing. No one was available on short notice so I went myself.

Just as I got to the dock it clouded up and looked threatening to the west. As I left the marina the water was 39 to 40 degrees and it started to drizzle. By the time I got under the toll bridge it was raining hard. By the time I got to the flats it was pouring and 15 to 20 mile an hour winds.

It lasted about an hour and it cleared from the west and the wind died. Beautiful rainbow. Had the whole arch from Stone Harbor to Wildwood Crest. Couldn't get it all in one frame. Had a beautiful sunset but no fish or any hits.



Water on the flats was 40 to 41. Found some creek mouths way in the back where the water was 44 to 45, but no signs of life.

At least I am in and ready for action. Didn't want to do the first trip out in the inlet by myself until I made sure the boat was working good. Never saw anyone else out fishing the whole time.

Fished to about 9:00 p.m. and called it a night.

[LadyAngler]

Nice shots Ray. Were you out back past Jarvis Sound? Thought I saw a boat out there. Amazing rainbow, from the marina there was even a second one; looked like it complete framed the inlet from where we stood.

Let's cross our fingers that it's a good omen for a great season!

[flies only]

hey ray , thanks for the report. hopefully they will be coming soon.

[Dave Sikorski]

Beautiful shots Ray.

Glad to see some reports again, even if they're black, white and stinky.

I've been too big of a wuss to hop in the boat and go exploring around here.

Staying away from the Flats this year, at least on my boat...the place will be a mad house after some recent reports of bigguns on lures.

-D

[CapeMayRay]

Mary, that was me back on Jarvis. Met you and your husband New Years Eve. I did see that double rainbow. I was out to dinner the night before with Tom K and his wife. He wanted to go with me but was feeling sick. Good thing he didn't go he would of had me heading in when the rain came.

Was lucky to get the pictures. The shutter button came off of my camera. Sent it back on extended warranty and they don't want to fix it as they said they saw some corrosion on the outside of the camera. Seems you can't just replace the button as it is all attached to the main drive.

Works perfect when I stick a bodkin in and use it as shutter. Talked to cannon yesterday and they have been super. Offered me a good deal on an upgraded camera to keep a happy customer.

Should not have to play camera games too much longer.

[Wave Loudly]

Ray, I wish I could see those pictures, Cape May was an old tomping ground of mine a couple of decades ago when I could see, lots of fond memories. Sorry that you didn't get any fish, but things have got to get better!!!

[CapeMayRay]

Wave, I am use to the late start. With our deep inlet we get a lot of cold water in our back bay. North of us the inlets are smaller and shallow with more back bay area to warm up with the sun. We always seem to be a few weeks behind on the baitfish and the good action. Won't stop me from trying. Next week should be when it starts getting better.

[CapeMayRay]

Had beautiful weather on Saturady and again just as I went out after dinner, it clouded up the wind shifted off the ocean. Was cold and raw. I worked the inlet rocks and sides, but the water was rough and it started to rain. Only fished for a short time as it was not very much fun. Just thought I could sneak in a striper before the big blow.