Nov Fishing Reports from Cape May

[CapeMayRay]

After 2 months of the worst algae bloom we have had down here (the last one 2008) It sucked the oxygen out of the water and the fish went to deep water or out to the ocean so that they could survive. Finally the cooler weather has cleared up the water and we are started seeing some fish normal fish activity again. All small bass but it is better than catching nothing like the past two months.





Hope we will see some better fish move into the area as the water is still much warmer than normal.

[hubris 1]

Im new at the flats fishing but I couldnt have said it better myself. Leave it to me to just start to learn when it stinks. I caught 3 nice stripers last weekend, but it was sure dead before that. I thought it was me. No Bait at all is around. I couldnt believe it. Thanks for the report, I was going to PM you to see what was going on.
Its a good thing I can entertain myself fishing, without catching anything.......... Im looking forward to this weekend.

[CapeMayRay]

Yes, it was a depressing 2 months. In looking back at my past records it was the worst fishing during that period that I have experienced. Not too many years back during Sept and October I was averaging 200 schoolie stripers a week with some nice keepers mixed in. To go 2 months with only a handful of stripers and canceling just about all charters to me indicates that there are some serious problems.

Did get out tonight again and had to work hard for 3 stripers. Just like last night the wind died to zero and fishing in the cold seemed a bit warmer. As long as I can get a few fish it will be worth the effort.

[CapeMayRay]

With it suppose to rain the next two days and high winds for the weekend I shot out for another evening trip with a buddy from the fly club. Still tough fishing. We worked hard but we managed to get a few small bass on clousers and deceivers in the back bay.

[CapeMayRay]

After all the wind for the last week the stripers finally moved into the area in decent numbers. The inlet and beach front are still very muddy from the wind but the back bay waters have been clean and fish have been hitting deceivers and clousers. Been catching some small bass off of some sod banks in the back bay, with one two hour session catching 15 small bass. In the boat in the back bay the best action is creek mouths on the out going tide using intermediate line. For my spin anglers small swiming plug are working well.

[CapeMayRay]

Last two days we have had beautiuful weather for November. Warm temperatures, light winds making it perfect for fly fishing. Not many big fish around but plenty of fun to be had using a fly rod. Best action is still in the shallow waters of the back bays working small creek mouths as the ocean and inlet have been too dirty to fish. The fish have to see it to eat it.

Chartreuse buck tail deceivers are the hot flies, fished on intermediate line.

[hubris 1]

Until the sun went down.Top of tide was about 1:30, all outgoing tide. Water is full of mud and grass anywhere else. Caught 6 stripers on finesse. The trolling motor made the difference as I cant believe how easy it is to use and makes a big difference. It sure got cold when the sun hit the horizon. I will remember to take my camera next time I go. Its peaceful as your pictures Ray, and I never knew there were so many beautiful birds that you never see unless you hunt the shallows. Thanks for your reports, luv em.

[CapeMayRay]

This week with high winds and murky water it has made fly fishing a bit more challenging. Been catching off sod banks and in the boat. The hot fly is still the chartreuse buck tail deceiver, fished on intermediate line in the back bay and 300 to 350 sinking around the inlet and deeper waters. Mostly all small fish but still a lot of fun.

[hubris 1]

I went friday on the in,.......nothing, saw a couple never had a hit. Sunday on the top, going down, never saw the water so clear. Never had a hit, never saw a fish, cant even find the birds that feed in the back. Around 3 I ran in, first at the ramp, pulled the boat, washed it, Im done for the year.
Damn, its cold and lonely back there. NO bait, 49 degree water, Clear as can be in the water, I thinks its over for this year. Look forward to your first report next year, with my new trolling motor all ready to go. Happy New Year.

[CapeMayRay]

Didn't do much fishing last week with all the high winds and the holiday but did have some fun on the fly with some small guys off the sod banks.