Dream Boat Challenge off to a good start

The 2025 Dream Boat Challenge is well underway, but the Steiger Craft 21-foot center console with a 150-hp Yamaha and all the equipment an angler needs is still fair game for all subscribers to The Fisherman magazine.

Thomas Luciano o is listed in the July issue as the leader with 21 points based on his weakfish leader at 7.98 pounds plus a sixth-place porgy.

Rashawn Williams is second with the only doormat fluke so far at 13.06 pounds. The 15-pound minimum for bluefish hasn’t been breached so far– and the same applies to black sea bass at a 4-pound minimum and blackfish at 7 pounds – though the largest of the latter species will almost surely be caught in the fall.

There are many other valuable prizes in that contest, including a second- place trip to Tropic Star Lodge in Panama.

The sea robin leader is a 3.40-pounder, and a 2.78- pound porgy leads that category.

Capt. Ron Santee reports he had to power drift at first during yesterday’s Fluke trip with his Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands. However, a few fares limited and the pool winner weighed 5 pounds, 10 ounces.

Striped bass have remained scarce in the N.J. surf. Vinny D’Anton reports he gets an occasional hit on his Chug Bug from a bluefish – one of which was an 8-pounder.

The marine forecast in NY/NJ Bight is for northeast winds at 5-10 knots plus patchy fog.