Yesterday’s blog featured a sheepshead just a little bit lost in Raritan Bay, but Mike Monte easily topped that one with a report of a five-foot tarpon caught in the Nantucket surf. The surprised angler was fishing a chunk of bluefish for sharks.

Closure: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category (Commercial) Fishery

FISHERY: General Category Bluefin Tuna

CLOSED: August 17, 2023, 11:30 pm – August 31, 2023

REASON FOR CLOSURE:

Based on the best available landings information, the 355.4 mt quota is projected to be reached and exceeded shortly

PERMITS AFFECTED:

Atlantic Tunas General category permitted vessels and highly migratory species (HMS) Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for bluefin tuna.

Commercial fishermen aboard vessels with an Atlantic Tunas General category or HMS
Charter/Headboat permit may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna from 11:30 p.m., August 17, 2023 through August 31, 2023. Previously-designated restricted-fishing days (RFDs) for the rest of the June through August time period will be waived when this closure takes effect.

RECREATIONAL: Not affected by this

The Bolden Eagle from Belmar had very good jigging for 2-4-pound blues on their first two drifts, and then continued to pick as everyone limited while adding some large bonito.

Thursday’s forecast is for southeast winds at 5-10 knots with a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon.

The Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club’s 54th White Marlin Invitational is underway –and I should have some results tomorrow. Crisdel was last year’s big winner with a 194.3-pound bigeye.