Tuna tough on party boat trip

The Golden Eagle from Belmar ran their first Exotics trip yesterday as signs of tuna only turned into a couple caught plus some losses. There was bait showing along with whales and dolphins — but bites were hard to come by. That’s the way it is with tuna fishing, but being there when the bite is on is a thrill not to be missed.

The Golden Eagle got its regular inshore trip in today as chumming in the Mud Hole produced a pick of chub mackerel, jumbo sea bass and blues.

A Happy Birthday fluke for Maeve Donnelly, daughter of Brielle dentist and N.J. Marine Fisheries Council member Pat Donnelly who’s also among the best fluke anglers in NY/NJ Bight.

A small craft warning is up for Thursday. South winds at 15-20 knots increase to 20-25 plus gusts to 30 in the afternoon.