Sea bass closes in NJ before NY opens Sunday

Trying to get this out between thunder storms, so it will be short.

There’s a big change this weekend as sea bass fishing closes in N.J. after Saturday, while N.Y. begins fishing for that species on Sunday.

A big surprise in N.J. is the switch of the Big Jamaica from Brielle to fluke. That traditional bluefish boat has been sea bass fishing recently, and after Saturday will sail daily from 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. for fluke. They’ve also  converted their Saturday night trip from blues to ling at 4:30 p.m.  That worked out very well last weekend. Tilefish trips depart at 10 p.m. on June 23and 30. Call 732 528-5014 for tilefish reservations.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar reported jigging a few 3-5-pound blues this morning before switching to sea bass and ling. That boat is chartered tomorrow.

A dense fog advisory is up tonight, but that should be patchy as the northwest wind comes up in the morning at 10-15 knots before increasing to 15-20 in the afternoon. Showers  are possible in the morning.

Joe Melillo, at Castaways Tackle in Point Pleasant, reports some small stripers are being jigged in the canal during the morning, while boaters are doing well with fluke in Manasquan River — including some 5-pounders. Sand eels and squid are best. Crabbing is excellent.

Grumpy’s Tackle in Seaside Park reports fishing has been slower the last few days, but there are still some black drum being hooked.