Lots of open spots in the Fisherman Dream Boat contest

It’s hard to believe that this late in the season there are still top ten spots worth valuable fishing prizes in the Fisherman magazine’s Dream Boat Fishing Challenge. With a minimum of 15 pounds, only five bluefish spots are filled at a time when big blues used to be abundant, A 16.13-pounder is first.

The black sea bass category thas only three entries at a 4-pound minimum, though that will change when party boats start fishing the deepwater offshore wrecks There are only three entries in blackfish with a 7-pound minimum. Though the weakfish category is full, there isn’t a single tiderunner as the entries range from 8.66 to 8.10 pounds. The Dream Boat contest is only open to subscribers, and provides prizes ranging from a 21-foot Steiger to a Costa Rican fishing trip, electronics and tackle.

The fishfinder on Capt. John Contello’s Just Sayin indicates that it may just be possible to catch a striper.

The forecast is for north winds at 15-20 knots with possible evening and night rain.

This is the last day to apply for the Striped Bass Bonus Bass Program. Go to the SBBBP website.

KILLER DAY OF STRIPER FISHING TODAY ON Miss Belmar Princess

Only the Princess sailed again today and had a KILLER DAY!! Tons of ACTION ALL DAY on JUMBO STRIPERS and a few KEEPERS in the mix today too! Over 60 fish landed today with a bunch lost as well! High hook had 7 plus today with a bunch of other anglers hooking about 5 a piece. Live bunker and swim shads both worked today. Back at it tomorrow!

Miss Belmar Princess is fishing for STRIPERS- departs at 7:30am and returns at 2:30pm

Royal Miss Belmar is fishing for STRIPERS 3/4 day- departs at 6:00am and returns at 12:30pm

MAKE YOUR RESERVATION at missbelmar.com or call Stephanie 732-681-0030 or Heather 732-681-6866

The Golden Eagle from Belmar had a similar report of all day action on bunkers and swim shads. Most of the bass were overs. but smaller than usual– though not quite keeper size.

Vinny D’Anton got into big bass from a northern Monmouth County beach this afternoon as they were feeding on peanut bunkers and hitting shads. He released a 38-incher, and saw other bass over 40 inches being caught,