Small boaters must exercise caution in big breaking swell

Dave Lilly had an unusual fluking report today as he encountered big breaking swells well beyond the shore while heading south to try the Rattlesnake before changing course to the east after watching a 20-foot boat almost get flipped while failing to navigate the breakers properly. That was a good move as his crew limited up to 5 1/2 pounds in calm waters off Long Island. Lilly also noted that chub mackerel were hitting baits being reeled in. On the way back he ran across the Tin Can Grounds and saw everyone reeling in doubles of big porgies.

The big swell doesn’t seem to be a problem for offshore tuna fishing, and Raritan Bay was flat calm.

Fluke boats have been complaining of a lack of drift, but Capt. Ron Santee said the catching was better on Tuesday when a new monthly pool leader at 6 3/8-pounds was boated on his Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands.

The Big Mohawk from Belmar also had a new monthly leader that day as a 9 5/16-pound fluke was boated.

Paul Haertel reported that “Ryan Loughlin, Tom Kowitski Nick Cacopardo and I had a nice day on the water yesterday. We caught 40- plus mostly small mahi but we did catch a few nicer ones to just over 9 lbs.. We caught 10 goldens but all were small.”

Bluefish cooperated today on the Golden Eagle from Belmar. They ranged up to 6 pounds, and a few bonito were mixed in.

The forecast is for southwest winds at a mere 5 knots, increasing to 10-15 knots in the afternoon.

Capt. Dave DeGennaro is putting together a yellowfin tuna trip tomorrow from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. on his Hi Flier from Barnegat while those tuna are biting within easy range. The cost is $500 with a limit of four. Call 732 330-5674.

Hans Kaspersetz reported the usual big catch of tuna this week on the Blue Runner.