Capt. Mark DeBlasio reports their winter season in N.C. with Water Proof has been very good as follows: “January, we will doing our winter promo for a 2026 canyon overnight trip. Book before February 1 and get $300 off that trip. Call or text 201 988-5474.

Now for a fishing report .. our commercial season in OBX is moving along nicely. Good weather and solid fishing with a commercial fish landed every day. Good amount of shorts mixed in as well which should be good for our groups that want to jig and pop. More and more fish showing every day .. we have been testing the redesigned Shad Life bugeye head and the new design has been getting a ton of bites. Our biggest fish so far fell to the Wolfpack Tackle Tungsten head. We have some new TN Tackle heads that will be going in the mix here shortly for testing as well.January, we will doing our winter promo for a 2026 canyon overnight trip. Book before F

Now for a fishing report .. our commercial season in OBX is moving along nicely. Good weather and solid fishing with a commercial fish landed every day. Good amount of shorts mixed in as well which should be good for our groups that want to jig and pop. More and more fish showing every day .. we have been testing the redesigned Shad Life bugeye head and the new design has been getting a ton of bites. Our biggest fish so far fell to the Wolfpack Tackle Tungsten head. We have some new TN Tackle heads that will be going in the mix here shortly for testing as well.January, we will doing our winter promo for a 2026 canyon overnight trip. Book before February 1 and get $300 off that trip.

Now for a fishing report .. our commercial season in OBX is moving along nicely. Good weather and solid fishing with a commercial fish landed every day. Good amount of shorts mixed in as well which should be good for our groups that want to jig and pop. More and more fish showing every day .. we have been testing the redesigned Shad Life bugeye head and the new design has been getting a ton of bites. Our biggest fish so far fell to the Wolfpack Tackle Tungsten head. We have some new TN Tackle heads that will be going in the mix here shortly for testing as well.January, we will doing our winter promo for a 2026 canyon overnight trip. Book before February 1 and solid fishing with a commercial fish landed every day. Good amount of shorts mixed in as well which should be good for our groups that want to jig and pop. More and more fish showing every day .. we have been testing the redesigned Shad Life bugeye head and the new design has been getting a ton of bites. Our biggest fish so far fell to the Wolfpack Tackle Tungsten head. We have some new TN Tackle heads that will be going in the mix here shortly for testing as well.January, we will doing our winter promo for a 2026 canyon overnight trip. Book before February 1 and get $300 off that trip.

Now for a fishing report .. our commercial season in OBX is moving along nicely. Good weather and solid fishing with a commercial fish landed every day. Good amount of shorts mixed in as well which should be good for our groups that want to jig and pop. More and more fish showing every day .. we have been testing the redesigned Shad Life bugeye head and the new design has been getting a ton of bites. Our biggest fish so far fell to the Wolfpack Tackle Tungsten head. We have some new TN Tackle heads that will be going in the mix here shortly for testing as well.

The weather forecast for NY/NJ Bight is for south winds at at 10-15 knots plus gusts to 25 in the afternoon. Morning rain is possible.

The Philadelphia Fishing Show has always run at the end of that season, but has been moved this year to this weekend in the Greater Philadelphia Exo Center in Oaks. Pa. from noon Friday through Sunday. Admission is $12 for adults. For info visit phillyfishingshow.com

Vinny D’Anton got off to a good start after arriving at his winter home in Sarasota. He fished at Longboat Key and found the spotted seatrout waiting for him to wade out while casting a Mirrolure Mirradine plug. A hard fighting gafftopsail catfish was also released.

The forecast for NY/NJ Bight is for northwest winds at 10-15 knots before dropping to west at 5-10 in the afternoon.

Raritan Bay Capt. Frank Mihalic drove down to Cape May for great winter blackfishing as follows:

“What a day on Fishing Fever with Capt Tom Daffin doing what he does… Special thanks to Garrett Weir and PhishFinders for putting this group together…and to Lenny for being an Awsome guy. Everybody caught fish all day long…easy boat limit.

Capt Tom got a 10 lb Dandy that was tagged…documented and sent her home.first crab down for me found me on the other end of an 11.5 female that went back happy and healthy…I also had a 7.5 and 2 more 7pounders. Last couple hours was a catch and release game. What a day ! Thanks again guys. Let’s do it again real soon!What a day on Fishing Fever with Capt Tom Daffin doing what he does… Special thanks to Garrett Weir and PhishFinders for putting this group together…and to Lenny for being an Awsome guy. Everybody caught fish all day long…easy boat limit.

Capt Tom got a 10 lb Dandy that was tagged…documented and sent her home.first crab down for me found me on the other end of an 11.5 female that went back happy and healthy…I also had a 7.5 and 2 more 7pounders. Last couple hours was a catch and release game. What a day ! Thanks again guys. Let’s do it again real soon!What a day on Fishing Fever with Capt Tom Daffin doing what he does… Special thanks to Garrett Weir and PhishFinders for putting this group together…and to Lenny for being an Awsome guy. Everybody caught fish all day long…easy boat limit.

Capt Tom got a 10 lb Dandy that was tagged…documented and sent her home.first crab down for me found me on the other end of an 11.5 female that went back happy and healthy…I also had a 7.5 and 2 more 7pounders. Last couple hours was a catch and release game. What a day ! Thanks again guys. Let’s do it again real soon!What a day on Fishing Fever with Capt Tom Daffin doing what he does… Special thanks to Garrett Weir and PhishFinders for putting this group together…and to Lenny for being an Awsome guy. Everybody caught fish all day long…easy boat limit.

Capt Tom got a 10 lb Dandy that was tagged…documented and sent her home.first crab down for me found me on the other end of an 11.5 female that went back happy and healthy…I also had a 7.5 and 2 more 7pounders. Last couple hours was a catch and release game. What a day ! Thanks again guys. Let’s do it again real soon!What a day on Fishing Fever with Capt Tom Daffin doing what he does… Special thanks to Garrett Weir and PhishFinders for putting this group together…and to Lenny for being an Awsome guy. Everybody caught fish all day long…easy boat limit.

Capt Tom got a 10 lb Dandy that was tagged…documented and sent her home.first crab down for me found me on the other end of an 11.5 female that went back happy and healthy…I also had a 7.5 and 2 more 7pounders. Last couple hours was a catch and release game. What a day ! Thanks again guys. Let’s do it again real soon!”

A small craft warning is up in NY/NJ Bight from Wednesday morning to late night. West winds will be 15-20 knots plus gusts to 30 with a slight chance of morning rain.

George Poveromo’s fishing show continues its TV run as follows:

Proudly announcing that our 26th year of World of Saltwater Fishing premiers on the Discovery Channel on Sunday, January 4th at 8:00 a.m. (ET)! We’ll also air on ESPN2 in Q2. Episodes will also post on my YouTube channel: George Poveromo TV. Full schedule here: www.georgepoveromo.com

Proudly announcing that our 26th year of World of Saltwater Fishing premiers on the Discovery Channel on Sunday, January 4th at 8:00 a.m. (ET)! We’ll also air on ESPN2 in Q2. Episodes will also post on my YouTube channel: George Poveromo TV. Full schedule here: www.georgepoveromo.com

Another day of good weather is forecasted for NY/NJ Bight WITH NORTHWEST WINDS AT JUST 5 KNOTS BEFORE GOING SOUTHEAST IN THE AFTERNOON.

The Monday forecast in NY/NJ Bight is for northwest winds at a mere 5-18 knots — which is about as calm as it gets. That’s ideal for blackfishing which is a good bet for N.J. party boats such as the Big Mohawk from Belmar.

Bluefin tuna were spotted well into the winter, and anglers are anticipating an early start to the 2026 season.

NOAA Fisheries said it plans to take action as early as possible in 2026 to implement updated bluefin tuna quotas agreed to during the 2025 annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas.

Federal officials also reminded anglers that strict reporting requirements remain in effect.

Owners of vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species Angling and Charter/Headboat categories must report all bluefin tuna that are retained or discarded dead, as well as all retained billfish and swordfish, within 24 hours of landing or the end of each trip.

Additional information on highly migratory species bag limits and reporting requirements is available through NOAA Fisheries.NOAA Fisheries said it plans to take action as early as possible in 2026 to implement updated bluefin tuna quotas agreed to during the 2025 annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas.

Federal officials also reminded anglers that strict reporting requirements remain in effect.

Owners of vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species Angling and Charter/Headboat categories must report all bluefin tuna that are retained or discarded dead, as well as all retained billfish and swordfish, within 24 hours of landing or the end of each trip.

Additional information on highly migratory species bag limits and reporting requirements is available through NOAA Fisheries.NOAA Fisheries said it plans to take action as early as possible in 2026 to implement updated bluefin tuna quotas agreed to during the 2025 annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas.

Federal officials also reminded anglers that strict reporting requirements remain in effect.

Owners of vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species Angling and Charter/Headboat categories must report all bluefin tuna that are retained or discarded dead, as well as all retained billfish and swordfish, within 24 hours of landing or the end of each trip.

Additional information on highly migratory species bag limits and reporting requirements is available through NOAA Fisheries.NOAA Fisheries said it plans to take action as early as possible in 2026 to implement updated bluefin tuna quotas agreed to during the 2025 annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas.

Federal officials also reminded anglers that strict reporting requirements remain in effect.

Owners of vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species Angling and Charter/Headboat categories must report all bluefin tuna that are retained or discarded dead, as well as all retained billfish and swordfish, within 24 hours of landing or the end of each trip.

Additional information on highly migratory species bag limits and reporting requirements is available through NOAA Fisheries.NOAA Fisheries said it plans to take action as early as possible in 2026 to implement updated bluefin tuna quotas agreed to during the 2025 annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas.

Federal officials also reminded anglers that strict reporting requirements remain in effect.

Owners of vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species Angling and Charter/Headboat categories must report all bluefin tuna that are retained or discarded dead, as well as all retained billfish and swordfish, within 24 hours of landing or the end of each trip.

Additional information on highly migratory species bag limits and reporting requirements is available through NOAA Fisheries.NOAA Fisheries said it plans to take action as early as possible in 2026 to implement updated bluefin tuna quotas agreed to during the 2025 annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas.

Federal officials also remind anglers that strict reporting requirements remain in effect.

Owners of vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species Angling and Charter/Headboat categories must report all bluefin tuna that are retained or discarded dead, as well as all retained billfish and swordfish, within 24 hours of landing or the end of each trip.

Additional information on highly migratory species bag limits and reporting requirements is available through NOAA Fisheries.NOAA Fisheries said it plans to take action as early as possible in 2026 to implement updated bluefin tuna quotas agreed to during the 2025 annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas.

Federal officials also reminded anglers that strict reporting requirements remain in effect.

Owners of vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species Angling and Charter/Headboat categories must report all bluefin tuna that are retained or discarded dead, as well as all retained billfish and swordfish, within 24 hours of landing or the end of each trip.

Additional information on highly migratory species bag limits and reporting requirements is available through NOAA Fisheries.NOAA Fisheries said it plans to take action as early as possible in 2026 to implement updated bluefin tuna quotas agreed to during the 2025 annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas.

Federal officials also reminded anglers that strict reporting requirements remain in effect.

Owners of vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species Angling and Charter/Headboat categories must report all bluefin tuna that are retained or discarded dead, as well as all retained billfish and swordfish, within 24 hours of landing or the end of each trip.

Additional information on highly migratory species bag limits and reporting requirements is available through NOAA Fisheries.NOAA Fisheries said it plans to take action as early as possible in 2026 to implement updated bluefin tuna quotas agreed to during the 2025 annual meeting of the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas.

Federal officials also reminded anglers that strict reporting requirements remain in effect.

Owners of vessels permitted in the Highly Migratory Species Angling and Charter/Headboat categories must report all bluefin tuna that are retained or discarded dead, as well as all retained b

illfish and swordfish, within 24 hours of landing or the end of each trip.

Additional information on highly migratory species bag limits and reporting requirements is available through NOAA Fisheries.

Sunday’s forecast in NY/NJ Bight is for northwest winds at 10-15 knots.

Saturday may actually be a nice day for fishing with the wind forecast down to northwest at just 10-15 knots in NY/NJ Bight Some snow is possible in the evening.

Blackfishing may be the best bet at present, and being able to present a crab bait on the bottom without it being yanked up with every big wave improves chances of fooling the wary tautog.

Though cod may be uncounted, blackfish remain the most likely target for N.J. party boats. The Big Mohawk from Belmar is planning to seek them in the morning. The gale warning comes down at 6 p.m. ,and the forecast in NY/NJ Bight Improves to northwest at 15-20 knots plus gusts to 25.

A most unusual aspect of the Fisherman magazine Dream Boat Challenge was the lack of bluefish entries. That was primarily due to the 15-pound minimum which was imposed after several years when big blues arrived early and filled up on adult bunkers to such an extent that 15-pounders weren’t uncommon. However, that early run seems to have faded away — leaving anglers with the very high minimum which resulted in only two 2025 entries.

Amir Rajpaul entered a 16.5-pounder on 10/07, and Norman Bouchard had a 16.1-pounder on 9/25. There used to be many blues that size in late summer and early fall in NY/NJ Bight as well as in Long Island and Block Island Sounds as well as other areas. Though blues seem to be in a general decline which has resulted in tight limits, they are far from the historic lows I experienced when growing up on the south shore of Long Island around 1950. At that time the catch of even a single adult bluefish or weakfish was newsworthy. Yet I caught lots of juvenile weaks and snapper blues with my cane pole from local docks. It was accepted at that time that blues were a cyclical species. Hal Lyman was an expert on that species and speculated that they had a seven- year cycle. They started to return to the Bight around 1955 and soon returned to abundance in most areas while attaining record sizes in some areas. Overfishing came to the fore in short order before conservation measures were finally put in place. Though the fishery has been up and down, there has been no sign of a cyclical disappearance. Yet, the almost complete lack of larger spawners is disturbing.

Hopefully, the Fisherman will adjust the minimum size in the contest which is open only to subscribers — except for captains, mates and outdoor writers. A good time to subscribe is coming up at the winter sportsman’s shows when the Fisherman will offer a fishing item as an incentive].

A gale warning is up through Thursday afternoon in the Bight. The forecast tomorrow is for northwest winds at 20-25 lnots plus gusts to 35 along with snow showers.

Have a fishy New Year!

As noted yesterday, Rashawn Williams had to set personal records for almost every species in the Fisherman magazine Dream Boat contest in order to win the 2025 title. He put 18,000 miles on his truck , made the most from his NYPD shifts, and was blessed with an understanding girl friend. After leading most of the way. he ended up fishing offshore wrecks six straight days at the end of the season on the Cp tt. Lou fleet from Freeport in order to get over the sea bass 4-pound minimum. Then there was the clinching 13. 16- pound,blackfish that hit a whole white crab in Rhode Island on Sound Bound.

THe Dream boat is open to Fisherman subscribers.

A gale warning is up through tonight in NY/NJ Bight.