Who needs a boat? – 9-lb fluke caught from the surf

Tiago Periera of Springfield picked up some killies this morning at the Tackle Box in Hazlet before going to the Sandy Hook surf and then returning to weigh in a 9-pound fluke. While fluke are a common surf catch, it’s hard to find a keeper, much less a near-doormat — especially on such a small bait.

Nick Honachefsky noted that he’s been doing well with fluke in the surf, and also saw a Spanish mackerel and little tunny caught yesterday at Manasquan Inlet. His Barrier Islands Beach Brawl is on again for next month. I’ll have more about that tomorrow.

The Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands had a good showing of larger fluke Friday as many from 3 to 5 1/2 pounds were boated and several limits recorded. John Froelic ran away with the pool with his 28-inch, 8-pound fluke, but there was also a 6.5-pounder boated.

The Queen Mary from Point Pleasant reported good Friday bluefishing for mostly 3-5-pounders and up to 8, but there was a slow start this morning until blues turned on after 11. Those who worked their jigs did well, such as Ken and Miriam Fuchs who limited from among over 30 plus some porgies.

At Belmar, both the Golden Eagle and Miss Belmar Princess noted that bluefish jigging was tougher today than yesterday, though those working at it did well.

The Manasquan River Marlin & Tuna Club Offshore open got another big tuna entry as Low Bid weighed a178-pounder that was just three pounds short of Canyon Runner’s second place bigeye. Just One More recorded the first blue marlin release, and Sea Owl released two whites.

A beautiful Labor Day weekend seems to be on it’s way. The morning forecast is for southwest winds at 5-10 knots.