Tog biting, but gale on Sunday

Bob Matthews reports from Fisherman’s Den in Belmar Marina that party boat blackfishing is holding up. He weighed a 10 1/4-pounder caught on the Ocean Explorer today. The tog limit is now four at a 15-inch minimum.

Matthews also noted that surfcasters are still caching 12-20 small school stripers many days while casting shads and 4-or-5-inch Mag Darters. He recommends crushing barbs on plugs in order to ensure safe releases. The northern Den has been closed in favor of building up the main store.

Unfortunately, there’s a gale warning up from midnight through Sunday afternoon. A northwest wind at 25-30 knots with gusts to 40 is forecast for the morning.  The Big Mohawk from Belmar has canceled their blackfish trip.