Sea bass still a good bet in N.J.

Though the N.J. sea bass season has been open for some time, it appears to be standing up quite well. Capt. Ron Santee reports he only needed two drops with his Fishermen out of Atlantic Highlands for a good Sunday catch of sea bass up to a 3-pounder plus a few fluke and ling and the first mackerel which I assume were chubs rather than Atlantics.

Tuesday looks to be ideal for that fishing with a forecast of northwest winds at 5-10 knots which shift to southwest in the afternoon.

Nick Honachefsky was surfcasting for black drum with clams on the southern Jersey Shore when this surprise visitor joined the party.

Betty & Nick’s in Seaside Park reports Kat caught this 24-inch, 5 1/2-pound fluke in the surf.