Hurricane Lee claims a victim

Ever since big ocean swells from offshore hurricanes have started hitting the Jersey Shore, I’ve been warning about dangerous conditions at the inlets. Unfortunately, that warning turned into the reality of a drowning death in Manasquan Inlet yesterday. I ran a center console charter boat out of that inlet, and felt it was relatively safe in comparison to inlets with sand bars in front of them , such as Barnegat in N.J, Jones on Long Island, and Hatteras in N.C. Yet, even then I was always on high alert while riding a wave on the ebb between those jetties which don’t allow much room for corrections if you’re not lined up correctly. Several years ago I was aboard a sportfishermen going through Manasquan Inlet on such a day when I looked back and noticed a pontoon boat getting ready to run the inlet. It wasn’t until I was watching TV later that I found out it hadn’t made it as lives were lost.

Applying just enough power to stay on top of the wave without running over it is critical. A much better idea is to postpone your trip or arrange to go out on the ebb when you’ll be facing into the waves — and return on the flood.

Though the forecast of 15-20-knot northwest should provide some calming, inlets will still be a problem at times in 7-10-foot long period swells which won’t bother boaters at sea.

I didn’t get any reports today, but Jim Hutchinson Sr. sent in the following report for the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association.”As Hurricane Lee and its rough seas pass by Beach Haven many miles offshore, the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association prepare to do some serious fishing once things calm down.

This is the time of the year when the summer species of fish are still around before making their departure until next year. In addition, the fall species are starting to arrive. Finally, the warm waters of this time of the year always drive some unfamiliar fish from the south into local waters. This makes for a real variety of fish that can be found if you know where and how to look.

Adding to the mix are good numbers of small mahi-mahi not that far off the coast. Many anglers are finding them as they prepare to do some inshore bottom fishing.  As is typical of these fish, anglers are smart to check weed lines and floating pieces of debris for  these colorful fish lurking under.

Captain Gary Dugan had a pair of ocean trips this past week fishing inshore ocean structure for fluke.  He notes that his anglers had good steady action, it was tough at times to find keeper fish. However, on each of his trips they returned to the dock with fish in the cooler including a nice triggerfish.

The 2023 fishing season in New Jersey for summer flounder ends on September 27. Anglers are encouraged to take to the water when the seas are calm to get in on these delicious eating fish.”

NOAA Fisheries has transferred 21.7 metric tons of giant bluefin tuna quota from Reserve to the General category for commercial fishermen. That will keep the fishery going until a Sept. 17 closing. It will reopen Oct. 1 with a limit of one.