Chub mackerel picking up as blues get fussy

Small bluefish got off to a good start in NY/NJ Bight, but the original hot jigging bite has backed off at times. Fortunately, chub mackerel have moved in to fill bags with good eating fish — and you can keep all you want!

Both the Jamaica from Brielle and the Miss Belmar Princess reported loads of chubs the last couple of days to go along with up to a few limits of mostly 2-pound blues — with pool fish up to 6 pounds. This is a chumming fishery, and even beginners can do well with light spinning tackle. Miss Belmar also reported a blacktip shark today, as the pool went to a pollock. Some out-of-season sea bass and blackfish are also being caught.

The Big Mohawk from Belmar reported slower fluke fishing Wednesday, though some limits were taken.

Friday’s forecast is for south winds at just 5-10 knots.

Vinny D’Anton said Monmouth County surf waters warmed up again, and everyone fishing for fluke had lots of action – with even one keeper beached. A good-sized striper hooked on sand fleas broke off.