WMIT off to slow start

The 50th anniversary White Marlin Invitational, sponsored by the Beach Haven Marlin and Tuna Club, got off to a slow start Wednesday when all 30 boats entered decided not to head offshore into a “sporty” sea. Then just three fished Thursday in still choppy conditions. Their results were poor, with only one released white marlin plus small tuna and dolphin.

The good news is that means almost the entire fleet will be fishing today and tomorrow in what appear to be better conditions to conclude the contest for over $106,000 in prize money. I’ll have an update after the scales close this evening.

The 25th anniversary Point Pleasant Elks Fluke Tournament will be contested Saturday in a weather forecast of light winds that should allow entrants to fish anywhere they wish. The captains meeting is 7-9 p.m. today at the Elks  Lodge, 820 Arnold Ave. in Point Pleasant. The late entry fees are $195 per powerboat with up to four anglers, and $65 in the Kayak Division.  For info call 732 899-7638.

Pete Connell of Avon had a poor report on yesterday’s fluke fishing from his boat out of Neptune as he and Don Smith managed only one keeper plus few and very small shorts from many of his favorite drops. The only positive was all the schools of bait spotted and marked — though nothing was on them.

The Jamaica from Brielle has been doing very well on daily 7:30 a.m. bonito trips, but that boat is chartered Saturday. They will also turn to tuna on Monday, July 29 with a 12:30 a.m. departure to the 40-70-mile area for $285 with a limit of 25. The return will be at 5 p.m.  Call 732 528-5014 for reservations.

The Mimi VI from Point Pleasant will be fishing open for bottom fish on Thursday, Aug. 1. The fare is $75 for the 7 a.m. trip. Call 732 370-8019 for reservations.

The first surf report of little tunny was from Bay Head late yesterday afternoon as a school of bait was blasted in close.  Bob Correll and Jim Gates were only able to catch a few cocktail blues, but identified both Spanish mackerel and little tunny jumping at the same time.  The bait was there again this morning, but only a few very small blues were hooked as Spanish mackerel were seen jumping further offshore.

Shark River bluefish only cooperated on poppers for a very short period early this morning as the few of us fishing each caught a few 3-4-pounders on poppers before they shut off with the current still running hard.  Vinny D’Anton tried the Manasquan surf, but found no fish or bait.

You never know when some fish may turn on. Allen Riley sent a note from Dan Brodzinski (Dan the Tinman from Piscataway) who was sitting on the beach with his wife under the hot sun this morning at Seven President’s Park in Long Branch when he decided to do some casting and caught a short fluke — before he hooked into a 7-8-pound striper!

The Golden Eagle from Belmar reported another good day of jigging blues, bonito and chub mackerel. They suggest you bring light spinning tackle for best results and the most sport.

Following is info and registration materials for the Hudson River Fishermen’s Association Catfish Chaos Derby next month.

Saturday August 17, 2019 GRAND PRIZES $500 First Place $250 Second Place $125 Third Place Kids’ Prizes to 3rd Place (Youth Under 16-years old) Rod & Reel Combos, fishing gear, etc. Scholarship Division (Any Participant Under 18-years old) $250 First Place $150 Second Place $100 Third Place Additional prizes awarded at each weigh station the day of the Derby. All proceeds to benefit the HRFA Scholarship Fund and Youth Angler Program. Cost to register is $20 for Adult and just $10 for youth under the age of 16. $10 to sponsor a youth angler. CLICK HERE FOR ON-LINE REGISTRATION Fishing begins 12:01AM & ends at 3:00PM Fish anywhere on the Hudson River from boat or shore Weigh stations open at 8:00AM Fish must be alive at check-in. Dead fish count at half the length. Prior to 8:00AM take photo of fish and text to 845-300-1562 to register time caught then bring fish to the most convenient weigh station. Multiple (8) weigh stations located up and down the river for your convenience. Grand Prizes Awards Ceremony location and time to be determined. Weigh Stations Coeyman’s Landing Marina River View Marina Rondout Yacht Basin River Front Marina Haverstraw Marina Piermont Pier Westerly Marina Yonkers’ Waterfront Westerly Marina in Ossining, NY is stepping up to the plate again to support this event. Click on the logo above to visit their website. Just like last year they will donate a brand new Mercury 2.5HP 4-stroke outboard motor. Every adult registered to fish the Derby will be eligible to win. Each angler’s name placed into a hat and one lucky name will be pulled from the hat at the Awards Ceremony. Ya gotta be in it to win it. For further info contact the Derby organizer Scott Havner by phone at 845-300-1562 or email him at fishon7231@verizon.net. For detailed rules and updates visit us on Facebook @ HRFA Catfish Chaos Derby and www.hrfanj.org. Be sure to check the July & August issues of River Views too! ‌ Some of the other great prizes available . . . A lucky youth angler will have a chance to win this Okuma rod and reel combo at this year’s Catfish Chaos Derby thanks to River Basin Sport Shop in Catskill, NY. If you’re fishing in the Catskill area make sure you stop in and check out this great tackle shop. You gotta be in it to win it. So sign up now! The HRFA would like to thank Ramsey Outdoors for returning as a sponsor for this years Catfish Chaos Derby on August 17th. Their sponsorship last year put a lot of smiles on many of our youth anglers. 12 lucky kids walked away with a great Plano tackle box. Welcome back and thank you Ramsey Outdoors! The HRFA would like to thank Daiwa Corp for once again sponsoring this years Catfish Chaos Derby on August 17th. You have to be in it to win so register now! Hudson River Fishermen’s Association 3rd Annual Catfish Chaos Derby Saturday August 17, 2019 Starts 12:01am & Ends 3:00pm Entry Form (Please Print Clearly) Name: _________________________________________________ Address Street: _________________________________________________ Town: _________________________ State: _______ Zip: _______ Cell Phone: __________ E-mail: ______________________________ Please indicate desired Entry Fee option: ____ Adult: $20.00 each ____ Child under age 16: $10.00 each ____ Sponsor a child: $10.00 each Make Checks Payable to: “HRFA Catfish Chaos Derby” Mail to: H.R.F.A. P.O. Box 421 Cresskill, NJ 07626 Or … Mail to: H.R.F.A. P.O. Box 421 Piermont, NY 10968 Full Disclaimer The undersigned angler (“Angler”) on behalf of himself/herself and personal representatives, assigns, heirs, executors, and successors hereby fully and forever releases, waives, and discharges the H.R.F.A. and all sponsoring or cosponsoring companies, organizations or individuals related to the Derby (collectively “Releasees”) from all liability to the Angler and his/her personal representatives, assigns, heirs, executors and successors for loss(es), damage(s), claims thereof on account of injury to Angler or his/her property or the resultant death of Angler whether caused by active or passive negligence of the Releasees or otherwise, in connection with the Angler’s participation in the Derby (“Losses”), and further covenants not to sue any of the aforementioned parties for such Losses. Angler is fully aware of the risks and hazards inherent in participating in the Derby and elects to voluntarily participate. Angler hereby assumes all risks of loss(es), damage(s), or injury(ies) that may be sustained by him/her while participating in the Derby. Angler represents and warrants to the Releasees that he/she is in good physical condition and is able to safely participate in the Derby. Angler warrants that all statements made herein are true and accurate and understands that Releasees have relied on them in allowing Angler to participate in the Derby. ANGLER HAS READ THE FOREGOING AND INTENTIONALLY AND VOLUNTARILY SIGNS THE GENREAL RELEASE, WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT. Angler’s Signature: ___________________________________ Date: _______ 2019 HRFA CATFISH CHAOS DERBY RULES 1. Fishing in the Hudson River and tributaries only. 2. Event will be held rain or shine. 3. Only channel catfish, white catfish, and bullheads will be counted. 4. Fish can only be caught using a rod and reel. 5. Fish will be checked-in by length. 6. Fishing from shore and boat allowed. 7. Fish must be alive at check-in. The HRFA promotes catch and release therefore dead fish count at half the length. 8. One entry per angler. Largest fish checked-in counts. 9. Fishing starts at 12:01am and ends at 3:00pm. You must be at weigh station by 3:15pm. 10. Ties are determined by time of catch. Early fish wins. 11. Check-in starts at 8:00am. Fish caught prior to 8:00am send photo of fish to 845-300-1562 for time stamp of catch. You must still check fish in to count. 12. Registration ends at 8:00pm Friday August 16th . 13. Prize structure is subject to change. 14. All New York and New Jersey rules and regulations apply depending on state fished. 15. The Hudson River Fishermen’s Association and all sponsors are released from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action arising out of or resulting from any participation in this derby. 16. All decisions of the derby committee are final. We’d like to acknowledge the following companies for supporting this year’s Catfish Chaos Derby. Please thank them with your patronage. Click on their logos to shop on-line. H.R.F.A. | Website ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌