Get in on the Fisherman Dream Boat Challenge

Anglers with a broad interest in fishing are missing a good bet if they don’t participate in the Fisherman magazine Dream Boat 2023 Fishing Challenge. That contest provides a grand prize of a Steiger Craft 21 center console a 150 hp Yamaha outboard, Humminbird Chart Plotter, Minn Kota Riptide electric motor and equipment, along with a trip to Costa Rica’s Marina Pez Vela for second — and great fishing gear in many categories. All you need to enter is a subscription to the Fisherman. You won’t be competing against any pros as captains and mates are among those not eligible — which even includes outdoor writers!

Of course, there’s plenty of competition for those prizes, but you never know when you might get lucky with one of the six eligible species. For instance, in comparing my personal records to the leaders as of the last issue, I would be way out in front of the 8.66-pound weakfish leader — but only because I long ago boated a 13-pounder while trolling a big plug on wire line at night for trophy stripers at Montauk’s Shagwong Reef.

I’d also be in good shape with a 15 1/2-pound fluke (the leader is 13 pounds), and a bluefish at 20 pounds as compared to the present leader of 16.13 pounds. Surprisingly, no one has entered a sea bass (minimum 4 lbs.) or blackfish (minimum 7 lbs.) so far. My bests on those species are 5 1/2 and 12 1/4 pounds. The porgy leader is 3.14 pounds, while I’ve had a 3 1/2-pounder three times over the years. There’s also a sea robin category, with the leader at 3.34 pounds. I’ve only kept length records on that species, with the best at 15 1/2 inches.

In order to be eligible, you must subscribe to the Fisherman. A good time to do so will be at the Sept. 22-24 Jersey Shore Boat Sale & Expo at 2 Stadium Way in Lakewood. The Fisherman is giving away a $20 gift card from Shurhold, a package of BKK hooks and a package of Fishbites with each subscription.

Nick Honachefsky sent the following reminder:

ARRIER ISLAND BEACH BRAWL BONUS ROUND!! *** Anyone who registers by SEPTEMBER 20TH, gets automatically entered to win:

A FREE $350 PRIZE PACK of Costa sunglasses and Savage Gear lures, drawn randomly. If you’ve signed up, you’re already in the drawing.

Register at http://www.saltwaterunderground/barrier island beachbrawl.com

A small craft advisory is up until 6 p.m. Tomorrow starts with a mere 5-10 knots northwest, and turns west in the afternoon.

Fluke fishing remains a best bet. At Atlantic Highlands, Capt. Ron Santee said drifting conditions were tough early and late on his Fishermen, but everyone caught lots of fluke. Wally took the pool with a fluke just short of 8 pounds. Tomorrow looks to be perfect.

The Prowler 5 reported the drift was a bit fast, but the boat ended up with 55 keepers being caught. With a long range forecast of rough seas on the weekend, now is the time to go!

The Golden Eagle from Belmar got into old-fashioned bluefish jigging with long drifts sand limits of 2-7-pounders. Some keeper and short fluke were also jigged.

Capt. John Contello switched back to stripers on Just Sayin from Keyport today, and had good action with bass up to 45 inches after a slow start.