Small blues a best bet for weekend

Both the weather and fishing prospects are looking good as the Labor Day weekend gets underway.

Tomorrow begins with west winds at just 5 knots before going to south 10-15 knots in the afternoon. That should be fine for jigging small blues in NY/NJ Bight.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar reported that fishing was a bit slower today, though they had shots at the usual 2-3-pounders plus other times when 4-6-pounders were hitting. Though the action was in flurries, plenty of fish were marked on the hills, and those who worked at it caught limits. A few bonito and little tunny were also jigged. The Queen Mary from Point Pleasant has had similar reports down the beach.

Austin Perilli reports from Jamaica Bay as follows:

Lots of bass and bluefish in the bay right now hitting surface poppers, soft plastics, and small metal jigs. Plus, we have been doing well drifting live bait for weakfish. This type of high-action fishing in calm, sheltered water is perfect for friends, families, and kids to get out on the water for a few hours.

With that being said, we will be running after school special trips from 4 or 5 pm – sunset daily during the months of September and October.. Contact him at austinoutfittersnyc.com.

Fluke fishing has been generally good on rough bottoms when drifting conditions are decent.

The bigeye tuna bite has been great for boaters entered in the Manasquan River Marlin & Tuna Club’s Offshore Open which concludes on Sept. 3. The Experience remains the leader in tuna at this time with a massive 256.8-pounder.