R.I.P. Capt. Bruce L. Miller

Capt. Bruce Miller passed away in Toms River on Jan. 7 at the age of 85. Bruce was one of the most experienced captains at Clarks Landing in Point Pleasant, after starting with his Gypsy Shark from Hoffman’s Anchorage in Brielle. He later ran Mirage from Clarks where he often served as weighmaster at other Greater Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association contests. Miller was a charter member of the GPPCBA as well as being a founding member of the Jersey Coast Anglers Association and a supporter of building artificial reefs.

Bruce grew up in Fords, and retired after a career working for General Motors. He was one of the pioneers in canyon fishing, as well as being noted for his mako shark catches. He also kindly provided me with local information when I switched my home port for chartering from Montauk to Point Pleasant.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at Quinn Hopping Funeral Home, 26 Mule Rd. in Toms River.

Capt. Bruce Miller

Jeff Merrill took this shot of big swells breaking at Manasquan Inlet this morning.

A gale warning is up through this evening for west gusts up to 45 knots. with 10-18-foot seas. By morning the west wind will be down to 15-20 knots and seas to 6-9 feet before diminishing to 4-7 feet during the afternoon.