Rhode Island health officials have noted a surprising number of smooth puffer catches this summer, and are warning fishermen to discard that potentially toxic species.

What are those warm water fish doing so far north? Actually, the same thing happened several summers ago of the N.J. Shore. It’s not unusual for southern species to migrate up to the NY/NJ-Bight or even to Cape Cod in the summer, but the secret to a brief abundance may be found in the following description in Vic Dunaway’s Sport Fish of the Atlantic: “Basically an offshore fish that’s caught by anglers only when it comes to beaches, or into bays, at unpredictable times.”

Dunaway noted under food value “Provides more meat and just as good as other puffers

but should be cleaned with care.”

When I started saltwater fishing on the south shore of Long Island in the 1950s, the most abundant species was the blowfish (northern puffer). Most people didn’t eat them then, but my Italian uncles were well aware they were good-eating long before “chicken of the sea” became a fish store favorite. I learned how to clean them by cutting through the skin just behind the head and pulling out the “tail ” meat while discarding the rest of the fish — including the toxic and intact guts.

I had read about the Japanese dish fugu had to be prepared by a specially trained chef in order to avoid toxic consequences when eaten. I wondered how that could be accomplished before becoming aware that the fish was a puffer — and I was performing the same feat of cleaning without cutting into the toxic organs. I could have made my fortune in Japan cleaning blowfish!

Smooth puffers have smooth skins and are usually much larger than other puffers. They are strong fighters, and in some areas are called rabbitfish. I caught my personal record of 19 1/2 inches this winter in St. Lucie Inlet on a jig and shrimp.

Paul Haertel of the JCAA got back to fishing after a heart operation by fishing on a friend’s boat in Barnegat Inlet. While he couldn’t keep up in fluking, a live spot intended for a big fluke produced a 22-pound striper that was released.

Paul is running the JCAA Heavy Hitters Fluke Tournament — and reminds anglers that the last day for the $150 early entry is July 28.

August 4-7^th  Jersey Coast Anglers Association Heavy Hitters Fluke Tournament. Win $25,00 in our doormat fluke category plus $9,000 in cash prizes based on just 150 entrants. 1^st to 5^th place prizes based weight of a single fluke. Calcuttas for 1 fluke, 3 fluke total and sea bass. Ten weigh-in stations from Sandy Hook to Cape May. You pick your one day to fish. $150 per boat (up to 6 anglers/people) by 7/28 or $175 per boat after 7/28.  Visit www.jcaa.org to register online or print an application, see our FB page, or call 973-943-8201 for more details.

The Mimi VI from Point Pleasant has openings on this Tuesday’s bottom fishing trip at 6:30 a.m. Some of the winter flounders caught on those trips are larger than most fluke. Call 732 370-8019 for reservations.

Capt. Ralph Leyrer is taking individual reservations for Tuesday tuna trips on his Last Lady. Call 732 988-8907.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar reported very good bluefish jigging today, and some were 5 to 10 pounds. A few keeper fluke were also boated.

Small craft warnings are up through Tuesday morning. Southwest winds at 15-20-knots plus gusts to 25 are forecast along with afternoon showers and thunderstorms.

That forecast is enough to convince Capt. Ron Santee to cancel Monday’s fluke trip with his Fishermen out of Atlantic Highlands. He actually had better fluking today, with a few fares bagging three and a 4 5/16-pound pool winner — but the southwest wind will make his best spots unfishable.

A 13.5-foot hammerhead shark that may have weighed over1,000 pounds was tagged and released yesterday off Hilton Head, South Carolina. That fish was far above the S,C, state record, but Capt. Chip Michalove of Outcast Sport Fishing decided to release it out of respect for its old age. That was a good decision because it was fought by multiple fishermen and certainly not a legitimate sportfishing catch by IGFA standards.

The Jamaica from Brielle had an offshore shot of small blues before chumming up chub mackerel and adding some sea bass. A few sharks were also fought. Carl Metzger Jr. of Lresport, Pa. won the pool with a 4-pound sea bass.

Capt. Ron Santee reports fluking was tough in a lack of breeze and current though some fares on his Fishermen out of Atlantic Highlands released over 20 shorts. The high hook caught four legal fluke — and there was also a 3-pound sea bass.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar picked at 2-3-pound blues before getting chub mackerel started while adding some blues on the mackerel baits.

Sunday’s forecast is for southwest winds at 10-15 knots before going south at 15-20 in the afternoon.

In an unusual move, NOAA Fisheries is advising those fishermen licensed to sell giant and large medium bluefin tuna to check with buyers in advance of fishing in order to ensure there will be a market for their catch. Apparently, there’s been an oversupply compared to demand –and waste should be avoided. Any such catches must be reported even if the fish is not sold.

Bob Matthews at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar Marina as follows: “I

 don’t know if you noticed but summer is more than half over or is it just me getting older. Well either way I would get moving as the fishing is good at this time. Fluke fishing has been excellent, we had one rental boat with 9keepers and many short fish. The for hire fleet has been enjoying some good Fluke and Seabass fishing.

The fluke range up to 8 lb.

The Golden Eagle and Miss Belmar have had a very good bite of 

bluefish,mixed size up to 10lb,poppers have been the lure of choice.

The tuna bite has been up and down attracting plenty of anglers.

Stripers and Kingfish are still being taken in the surf, worms and sand

crabs are prime baits.

To our sweetwater fishermen the Largemouth Bass , Calico Bass,catfish

and bluegill bite has been good, low light conditions during this hot spell

has been best. 

Come on down before the summer is gone and kids are back to school, we all know how fast time goes on .   

Bob”

Today’s report from the Golden Eagle was of an offshore pick of 2-pound blues with a few 6-poundersamong them. A cod and some sea bass were added.

Saturday’s forecast is for west winds at 5-10 knots before going south at 10-15 in the afternoon.

Jim Hutchinson Sr. reports for the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association as follows:

“

The week began with strong winds and an upwelling of water in the ocean. This resulted in patches of dirty water along with colder water temperatures that slowed fishing. The last few days of hot weather have raised the water temps and increased fish catches.

Captain Dave Kreines of the “Byte Me” has been working hard to land fish for the box but is finding enough action to keep his family charters excited. He had the Vaughn family out, and the 6- and 7-year-old cousins had a fun time with small sharks while Dad lost a big cownose ray at the boat. Another trip with the Stoltz family resulted in small sharks and undersized fluke while fishing in Little Egg Inlet.

Max Goldman reports the “Starfish” has been finding constant action of fluke, black sea bass, and porgies among other species coming over the rails in the ocean. Captain Max adds the fishing is improving with each increase in water temperature.

Captain Gary Dugan of the “Irish Jig” has been finding a mix of action on the inshore ocean reefs with groups of anglers who have been willing to work hard for their catches. A recent family group returned with fluke of 18-and 22-inches along with an 18-inch black sea bass.

Captain Frank Camarda has been finding decent numbers of fluke and other bottom fish with the head boat “Miss Beach Haven.” One of his top anglers, Daryl, had an especially good day recently with a pair of beauties. The “Miss Beach Haven” is the only head boat at the southern end of Long Beach Island.

Captain Brett Taylor of “Reel Reaction” Sportfishing reports good catches of fluke and black sea bass despite some very unfavorable weather conditions. He had Andrew Wilk Sr. and Jr. on a 3-hour trip “all over the bay” before they got into real action. The water was dirty and cold, but the father and son team boxed 2 keeper fluke along with a grill-sized bluefish. Andrew Jr. just got back from pitching in the Junior College World series for Mercer County College. The Bob Dodds group eked out 4 solid keepers to 19.5 inches while catching a total of 28 fish.

Additional information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.“

The following offshore news was submitted by the Canyon Runner out of Pt. Pleasant: Canyon Runner Coaching Members Epic Tournament Week – Multiple Wins at Jimmy Johnson and Montauk Canyon Challenge: “To say that the CR Membership showed well at the MCC would be an understatement to say the least as our Team took the far majority of wins – but none bigger than when one of our Coaching Partners – Capt. Mark DeCabia – and the crew of the “Rebel” and owner Mike Tucci took top money honors with a 256 Big-Eye. Team “Rebel” and Canyon Runner – want to specifically give a big shout out to a great tournament run by great folks in Capt. Chris Squeri and Rich Lucas. FYI – “Rebel” has done the MCC from day 1 and this is their third win. “Regis D” Big Win at MCC From left to right is the crew of the “Regis D” owner / captain martin Thurston the Yacovou brothers Nick and Loucas the Mahi slayer, captain Gary Savard of the Tiger Shark Boat, Chuck House, and First mate Joe Grenus – these boys took first place for the three heaviest yellows, first place trifecta, second place 500 albacore Calcutta & third place mahi. Way to go Martin and team “Regis D”!! Jimmy Johnson Quest for the Ring Winner! of our Members – Ken Hager – Owner of the “Taylor Jean” was happy for us to inform you that for the Jimmy Johnson tournament, the “Taylor Jean”, teamed up with their buddies from another boat, the well known and well respected “MJ’s” crew and fished the tournament together on the “Taylor Jean”. On Monday they went fishing in the Washington and with an hour left caught a big eye tuna that Brandon Kape fought for over 2 1/2 hours. They were getting nervous that they wouldn’t make it back to scales in time if the fish took another run but at the at the end of the day they landed a 231 big eye that they weighed in at 8 pm on Monday that held for the week. Trying to win the ring they marlin fished the other 2 days. They ended up winning first place tuna division and brought home $170,000. Congrats to a GREAT TEAM!! Capt. Craig Angelini put Titan Up into the most tuna points title and was second in the Small Boat Calcutta. “ Vinny D’Anton said the Monmouth County surf was quiet this morning though he did release a 20-inch striper on a Chug Bug. He also reported seeing cownose rays in the surf for the first time this summer. Bluefish cooperated for the Golden Eagle from Belmar. They were 6-9-pounders, and there were many limits as Run-Off poppers worked best. The boat added a pick of sea bass. The morning forecast is for west winds at just 5 knots before going south at 10-15 with gusts to 20 in the afternoon.

Fluke anglers can save on entry fees for upcoming contests by entering today.

The 27th Point Pleasant Elks Fluke Tournament has an entry fee of $160 for Saturday’s big money engagement — which increases to $210 tomorrow. That covers up to four anglers. Visit pointpleasantelks.org to sign up.

The JCAA Heavy Hitters Fluke Tournament has an early entry fee of $150 for those who sign up by 7/28/2022. It’s $175 thereafter.

That contest is a lot different as it runs from Aug. 4-7, but only one day can be fished. There’s also a $25,000 prize for the largest fluke over 12 pounds at no extra charge for those who fish on Aug. 7. Up to six anglers per boat can fish, and only six lines can be in the water. The payouts will be for single fish this year, rather than multiples– though there are also Calcuttas for multiples and sea bass. Sign up at jcaa.org or call Paul Haertel at 973 943-8201 for info.

A really last-minute opportunity to bottom fish on Mimi VI from Point Pleasant at 6:30 in the morning is available by calling 732 370-8019.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar reports that bluefish were marking today, but not hitting well .Run-Off poppers worked best.

Tomorrow’s forecast is for south winds at 10-15 knots before increasing to 15-20 in the afternoon plus gusts to 25. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are possible.

Andrea’s Toy reports they had Don Beshada back with 2 special guests. Jordon Burroughs and dad Leroy. For you wrestling fans this is the same Jordon who is a 6-time World and Olympic Champion! Got out to the grounds and found the life, and the boys proceeded to jig and pop some nice yellows. First time the Burroughs ever tuna fished. Great job boys!

Bluefish have been active recently in NY/NJ Bight, and today was no exception. At Belmar, the Golden Eagle reported blues hit all day, providing many limits. Some sea bass and fluke were added. Miss Belmar Princess had a hot 30-minite bite in the morning, but it slowed by noon. Most of the blues were 2-4 pounds, with a few larger mixed in. The high hook counted 12 blues to 7 pounds with others lost.

Capt. Ron Santee had a good start fluking with his Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands until the wind came up against the current to ruin the drift. A 3.8-pound fluke won the pool. That boat is chartered the next two days.

The forecast is for southwest winds at 10-15 knots before switching to south winds gusting to 20 knots in the afternoon.

Kil Song with average-size halibut jigged in quantity at Icy Bay Lodge in Alaska.

Following are the final results and pay-outs from Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring Turnament held last week out of Atlantic City :

2022 Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring – Atlantic City

Total Payout: $1,130,500.00

 JJFISHWEEKAC is guaranteed to payout $1,000,000. This is based on the tournament having 89 boats or under entered into the General Entry. For every additional 15 boats, the payout will increase by $200,000. 

Heaviest White Marlin – Base Entry	80 Teams	$45,000.00
1st Place – Outrage, Matt Cusamano, 64.10 lbs	$30,000.00
2nd Place – Wet Rock Fishing , Jouber Pereira, 60.40 lbs	$15,000.00

Heaviest Blue Marlin – Base Entry	80 Teams	$45,000.00
1st Place – TLC, Devin O’Neill, 437.00 lbs	$45,000.00
2nd Place	$0.00

Heaviest Tuna – Base Entry	80 Teams	$45,000.00
1st Place – Taylor Jean / MJ’s, Brandon Kape, 231.00 lbs	$30,000.00
2nd Place – Just One More, hunter gutwein, 223.00 lbs	$15,000.00

Heaviest Wahoo – Base Entry	80 Teams	$7,500.00
1st Place – Roll Groove, Darren Helwig, 42.20 lbs	$5,000.00
2nd Place – Too Many Martinis, Kurt Wallace, 38.90 lbs	$2,500.00

Heaviest Dolphin – Base Entry	80 Teams	$7,500.00
1st Place – Low Profile, Ken Wible, 27.10 lbs	$5,000.00
2nd Place – Fishaholic, Thomas Zerbo, 16.30 lbs	$2,500.00

White Marlin Optional	52 Teams	$175,000.00
1st Place – Outrage, Matt Cusamano, 64.10 lbs	$125,000.00
2nd Place – Roll Groove, Steve Poore, 55.30 lbs	$50,000.00

White Marlin Daily	53 Teams	$75,000.00
1st Place Day 1	$15,000.00
1st Place Day 2	$15,000.00
1st Place Day 3	$15,000.00
1st Place Day 4	$15,000.00
1st Place Day 5 – Outrage, Matt Cusamano, 64.10 lbs	$15,000.00

Blue Marlin Optional	54 Teams	$175,000.00
1st Place – TLC, Devin O’Neill, 437.00 lbs	$175,000.00
2nd Place	$0.00

Blue Marlin Daily	57 Teams	$75,000.00
1st Place Day 1 – TLC, Devin O’Neill, 437.00 lbs	$15,000.00
1st Place Day 2	$15,000.00
1st Place Day 3	$15,000.00
1st Place Day 4	$15,000.00
1st Place Day 5	$15,000.00

Tuna Optional	64 Teams	$175,000.00
1st Place – Taylor Jean / MJ’s, Brandon Kape, 231.00 lbs	$125,000.00
2nd Place – Just One More, hunter gutwein, 223.00 lbs	$50,000.00

Tuna Daily	70 Teams	$75,000.00
1st Place Day 1 – Taylor Jean / MJ’s, Brandon Kape, 231.00 lbs	$15,000.00
1st Place Day 2 – Fishing for MD (FFMD), John Denny, 50.00 lbs	$15,000.00
1st Place Day 3 – SUSHI, Paul Collins, 164.00 lbs	$15,000.00
1st Place Day 4 – Just One More, hunter gutwein, 223.00 lbs	$15,000.00
1st Place Day 5 – End Game, Chris Vaughn, 208.00 lbs	$15,000.00

Wahoo Optional	66 Teams	$50,000.00
1st Place – Roll Groove, Darren Helwig, 42.20 lbs	$35,000.00
2nd Place – Too Many Martinis, Kurt Wallace, 38.90 lbs	$15,000.00

Dolphin Optional	66 Teams	$50,000.00
1st Place – Low Profile, Ken Wible, 27.10 lbs	$35,000.00
2nd Place – Fishaholic, Thomas Zerbo, 16.30 lbs	$15,000.00

Catch & Release	43 Teams	$96,750.00
1st Place – Reelin Feelin, 700.00 pts	$62,345.70
2nd Place – Bullwinkle, 600.00 pts	$34,404.30

Small Boat Tuna Optional	15 Teams	$33,750.00
1st Place – End Game, Chris Vaughn, 208.00 lbs	$21,937.50
2nd Place – Titan Up, Collin Binder, 200.00 lbs	$11,812.50

Team Payouts

Team	Payout
TLC	$235,000.00
Outrage	$170,000.00
Taylor Jean / MJ’s	$170,000.00
Roll Groove	$90,000.00
Just One More	$80,000.00
Reelin Feelin	$62,345.70
Low Profile	$40,000.00
End Game	$36,937.50
Bullwinkle	$34,404.30
Fishaholic	$17,500.00
Too Many Martinis	$17,500.00
Fishing for MD (FFMD)	$15,000.00
SUSHI	$15,000.00
Wet Rock Fishing	$15,000.00
Titan Up	$11,812.50

SANDY HOOK BAY ANGLERS  40^th   annual  2 Day  Fluke Tournament results are as follows:

1^st      Ed Zelkovsky   Bridgewater, NJ    7.5 lbs.   26”

2^nd     Jim Pfeiffer      Brick,NJ                  7.3 lbs.   26”

3^rd     Gerard Scarano  Old Bridge, NJ    7.1 lb

s.   26 ½”

4^th     Kevin Cole        Newton, NJ           6.09 lbs.  23 ¾”

5^th    Bob Moskal      Highlands, NJ        6.02 lbs.   24 ½”

6^th    Tom Wolf          Fleetwood, PA      5.9 lbs.     25”

7^th    Larry Natelli      Fords, NJ                5.6 lbs.    24 ½”

8^th    Ron  Zastocki    Wins a free entry in 2023 Tournament

Jenna  Boise  from Mahwah, NJ won the Ladies Rod & Reel

Dave Lilly couldn’t come up with a contender, though there was no lack of action. The problem was that smooth dogfish dominated. They were especially bad on Sunday when there was little drift. Dave was so worn out by the big dogfish that he had to come in by noon.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar had another good bluefishing trip today with some larger choppers included before adding sea bass.

Capt. Ron Santee had steady Sunday action with his Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands as several anglers ended up with two keepers. A 4-pound fluke took the pool and there also some sea bass. That boat is chartered Wednesday and Thursday.

Small craft warnings are up through Tuesday morning for gusty southwest winds.

Vinny D’Anton got into school stripers up to a 29-incher this morning in the Monmouth County surf as small peanut bunkers were the attraction. Both MirrOlures and the Chuug Bug worked.

The Jamaica from Brielle reports tuna have finally moved into the Mid-Shore areas 30-70 miles from the inlet. Their next tuna trip by reservation will be at 11 p.m. 7/24. Daily trips for blues and sea bass also included a surprising cobia.

That was what the Golden Eagle from Belmar reported this morning as practically every rod hooked up as soon as the boat stopped. As it turned out, that bite continued to 11 a.m.. Most of the blues were from 4-9 pounds, but a few to 10 pounds were included. Both Run-Off poppers and jigs were productive. A switch to sea bass that produced some of them plus a few ling, whiting and fluke.

Adrew Sokol was out on the Queen Mary from Point Pleasant and had a similar report. A couple of his blues were 7-8-pounders, and a double on the same plug broke off at the last minute. That boat also ended up bottom fishing as Sokol added a jumbo plus a large chub mackerel and a four-spot flounder.

Capt. Ron Santee started out Saturday with fine drifting conditions, but the fluke bite from his Fishermen out of Atlantic Highlands was slow. The high hook managed four keepers and 16 shorts, while the pool fluke was 3 pounds.

Vinny D’Anton was delighted to see the Monmouth County surf loaded with small peanut bunkers this morning, and his Chug Bug proved there were some school stripers among them. Frank Manzi also caught a bluefish around that bait.

Ken Zwirko sent this shot of a 105-inch bluefin tuna on his center console today.

As noted in last night’s late blog, there was plenty of excitement during the last day of Jimmy Johnson’s Quest for the Ring Tournament out of Atlantic City as the white marlin division was turned over. However, the fish cunt provided at that time illustrates how tough canyon trolling was during a week of passable to very good weather conditions,

That count included only three blue marlin along with 46 white marlin, 1 sailfish, 52 tuna, 3 wahoo and 8 dolphin for a total of 113 reportable fish (weighed or released) for the 80-boat fleet. With each boat fishing three days for a total of 240 boat days that represents some pretty sparse fishing for boaters burning expensive fuel to troll 100 miles or so from shore. Of course, those boats were fishing big lures and baits for big fish and could probably have caught many more average-size tuna and dolphin.

The payouts haven’t been provided as yet. I’ll publish that info when available.

Good weather continues tomorrow with south winds at 5-10 knots.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar went offshore this morning to jig 2-4-pound bluefish plus some sea bass before the mid-day lull. Then they found similar blues inshore in the afternoon along with a few gaffers.

Tim Hageman reports that he and Jack Silverstein had a good striper trip in N.Y. Harbor this week with Warden Sportfishing from Highlands as bunkers did the trick.. On the other hand, Capt. Vinny Vetere released some very large stripers while trolling TGT bunker spoons from his Katfish out of Great Kills.