Mixed results on a beautiful day

There was nothing to complain about weather-wise today, but only some boaters hit the Raritan Bay striper bite when the linesiders were turned on.

Capt. Ron Santee said the morning change of tide which produced good action on lures yesterday was only a pick today on his Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands. Santee said the water was muddy, and the big moon may have also been a negative factor,

Andreas Toy had the opposite report as the 39-footer was run offshore to check for tuna without finding anything before they ran back inshore and got into the stripers.

Several other boaters reported the usual limits and releases. Especially on a crowded Saturday, you have to be at the right place at the right time — and with the right ammo — which is often live bunkers.

Bluefish are slowly building up. and there was a new leader in the L.B.I. Surf Fishing Classic. Shawn Gallen entered a 35-inch, 12-pound chopper that was caught at Holgate on bunker.

Fluke fishing is improving slowly. At Atlantic Highlands, the Sea Tiger 2 had a 25.5-incher yesterday, and Prowler 5 had a 5.3-pounder come aboard this week despite the bottom waters still being cold.

The great weather continues through Sunday morning when the wind will be west at 5-10 knots before increasing to southwest at 10-15 plus gusts to 20 in the afternoon.

At Brielle, the Jamaica will be sailing at 7:30 a.m. for stripers while the Paramount will leave at the same time to bottom fish for ling, flounder and pollock.