There will be some wind from the northwest, but seas should be modest tomorrow for what may be the best fishing opportunity of the week.

The forecast is for northwest winds at 10-15 knots with gusts to 20. The direction shifts to west in the afternoon.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar is sailing at 7:30 for bottom fishing.

The Mimi VI from Point Pleasant is taking reservations for blackfishing this week at 6 with a Limit of 16 at a $125 fare that includes all bait. Call 732 370-8019 for reservations.

Capt. Lou Grazioso was enjoying jigging for stripers in Raritan River in windy weather yesterday when he saw a kayack get flipped over. A rescue took place right away, and the kayack was placed aboard the Contender Lou was fishing aboard. Though the rescued angler lost his rod, he joined his hosts in making the best of a bad situation by jigging bass with one of their rods.

Though the blackfish season in N.J. got off to a bad weather start, Sunday is looking perfect with a forecast of south winds around 10 knots before going southwest in the afternoon.

The Marilyn Jean V from Sheepshead Bay is sailing daily at 7 a.m., and reported apick of mostly short cod and tog yesterday, with some keeper cod included.

When I grow up, I want to be just like Percy Wentworth, who’s 88 years young, makes the finest cast nets which he can still throw like a young buck — and mates daily on Capt. Vinny Vetere’s Katfish out of Great Kills.
However, even Percy needs some rest, and is about to retire from netmaking. He’s seeking a buyer for that very successful business — and will train the new owner at his home. Call Percy at 718 984-7383.

The NJ tautog season opened today in big seas from the south blow. A small craft advisory is up this evening before switching to a gale warning at 6 p.m. Tomorrow starts with northwest winds at 15-20 knots plus gusts to 30 — but at least that direction should knock down the swell. By afternoon it drops to west 10-15 plus gusts to 20.

Sunday looks better with 5-10 knot south winds before shifting to the west in the afternoon, Sowers are likely.

Party boat anglers haven’t had much to fish for in NJ waters and were looking forward to Friday’s opening of the blackfish season. Sorry to say, but the weather doesn’t look good.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar has cancelled Friday’s trip due to big swells on the ocean. However, the weekend looks better.

Bob Matthews reports from Fisherman’s Den in Belmar Marina that striper anglers are doing well in Raritan River, but the winter flounder fishing in Shark River has been very poor — possibly due to a lack of sunny days.

Gales have been unusually common so far this spring, and the latest warning is up all day tomorrow — though Sunday is looking good so far.

Tomorrow starts with south winds at 20-25 knots that increase to 25-30 in the afternoon. Showers are possible.

Capt. Jim Freda is providing a seminar on mid-range tuna fishing on Saturday, April 2 in the JCSA Building at 385 Herbertsville Road in, Brick. The cost is $10. Call Joe Kayhart at 862 432-6814 for reservations

The Hudson River Fisherman’s Association holds its annual awards dinner on April 3 at Cornetta’s Rest. in Piermont, N.Y. The cost is $75, and tickets can be reserved by calling Dan Harrison at 551 265-3460.

Capt. Vinny Vetere will begin striper charters with his Katfish from Great Kills on April 15. There’s no increase in the charter price, but a fuel surcharge will be added.

Wednesday morning’s forecast is finally just right for fishing with a northwest breeze at just 5-10 knots before increasing to 30 knot gusts in the afternoon.

The wind problem persists with a gale warning up tonight. Northwest winds at 15-20 knots and gusts to 25 plus light freezing spray are in the morning forecast.

Gusty northwest winds are in the forecast for Monday.

Speeds of 25 knots are predicted along with gusts to 30 which should at least result in a calm ocean close to the Jersey Shore.

When I was a youngster and just starting to fish aboard party boats on Long Island, a rise in party boat fares usually involved 50 cents as fuel prices were very low and there was little inflation. It’s a lot different now with raging inflation — and steadily increasing fuel prices.

Capt. Ron Santee is hoping to start striper fishing with his Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands by the secod weekend in April, but still hasn’t set a new fare. He’s using ng a sharp pencil to avoid a shock for his anglers, but diesel is at $4.60 a gallon and climbing.

The Ocean Explorer from Belmar didn’t sail for cod today due to the wind, but hopes to be able to open the tautog season in April — along with the Golden Eagle and Big Mohawk from that port.

The forecast is for west winds at 20 knots tomorrow morning plus gusts to 25.

This 119.3-pound wahoo was trolled recently during a South Carolina wahoo tournament< but fought by several angles for an hour on 130-pound tackle.

Cod to be targeted

Both the Ocean Explorer and Golden Eagle are planning to prospect for cod out of Belmar on Saturday. The forecast is for southwest winds at 10-15 knots plus gusts to 20. Scattered showers are possible.

Striper fishing in Raritan Bay and River as well as other protected areas should also be possible.