Get in on The Fisherman Dream Boat Contest

It may seem like a daunting task, but anglers actually have a good chance to win a boat and motor or many lesser prizes by entering The Fisherman Dream Boat contest which requires subscribing to that publication.

Most winners have had boats of their own, but that’s not necessary as all of the species involved can be caught from party boats. For instance, you could start out in May with the spawning run of porgies in Peconic Bay where 2-pound minimum scup are routine. If you rent a skiff there and change techniques there’s also a chance to catch a qualifying fluke (6 pounds), weakfish (5 pounds) , or sea robin (2 pounds) in the same day. After that you could get in on the summer run of doormat fluke off Nantucket. If you don’t fish for sea bass all summer, that;’s no problem as there are plenty of 4-pound minimum knuckleheads on party boat offshore wreck trips. Blackfish (7 pounds) are most abundant inshore in the fall. The 15-pound minimum on bluefish has become the toughest nut to crush.

You don’t have to compete with professional fishermen as captains, mates and everyone else involved in the fishing industry are ineligible — even outdoor writers!

A good bet for becoming eligible is to subscribe at the Fisherman booth in many upcoming outdoors shows where those signing up receive a $20 credit card for Shurhold boat cleaning products.

Thursday’s forecast in NY/NJ Bight is for northeast winds, but only at 5 knots before going south in the afternoon.