Bob Matthews reports from Fisherman’s Den in Belmar Marina that offshore fishing has been shut down by the east winds, but there’s been a surprise run of 6 to 10-inch squid which can be jigged for bait or food in Shark River where anglers are picking at flounder and kingfish. The gale watch is up through late tonight but drops to southeast 10-15 knots in the morning. The Sea Hunter hopes to make their striper trip from Atlantic Highlands.

Crazy Alberto Knie and I joined South Jersey native David Rizzo on his boat at Marco, Florida on Tuesday to enjoy a sunny day on the water even though fishing was tough as noted by the shot of Dave and me with a sheepshead and a mangrove snapper. I also had a light tackle fight with a ray, and Alberto hooked a Goliath grouper that immediately broke the 400-pound leader on a bridge column. At least we weren’t fighting a northeaster!

Ciattarella for Governor

The New Jersey Outdoor Alliance has unanimously endorsed Jack Ciattarella in his effort to unseat Gov. Murphy.

Small craft warnings are up through 8 p.m. and change to a gale watch for Friday afternoon to evening.

Vinny D’Anton looked over waves up to 15 feet this morning to spot massive bird action about a mile offshore of the Jersey Shore.

It might take some time before boaters can get to that action as east winds are predicted to continue.. Thursday’s forecast is for northeast at 15-20 knots before dropping to 10-15 in the afternoon. Seas will be 4 to 7 feet.

The Jamaica from Brielle had some good canyon fishing before the storm as noted below. “We had a limit of yellowfin plus some Longfin on the Thursday/Friday trip.Friday night as also very good and Sunday was pretty good.The longfin were 50-60lbs and the yellowfin were 30-80lbs.The canyon is loaded with yellowfin and good numbers of longfin tuna are also moving in.It looks good for our upcoming trips. We have trips scheduled through mid-November.
Upcoming“

Lack of drift hurts as Sea Hunter begins striper trips

Capt. Rob Semkewyc started striper fishing Saturday with a charter on his Sea Hunter from Atlantic Highlands that produced a couple of bass despite a lack of drift. His first 7 a.m. open trip today had the same problem as only one bass was boated. Results should be much better without the mob scene on daily trips this week.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar didn’t get involved in the striper mob yesterday, but went offshore for good sea bass fishing along with large porgies.

Dave Lily got out early and trolled seven big stripers at the mouth of the bay before it became impossible to fish 300 feet of wire in the mob — and came home early. All were too big to keep. Even Miss Belmar Princess ad up there. Lilly had been skunked Thursday on the full moon, but

The fishing community lost another great one much too early when George Valentini of Monroe Township passed away at 68. The distributer of Avet Reels was a familiar figure at trade and sportsman’s shows, and an avid striper fisherman.

Frank Huza of Aberdeen reports that he just missed a blitz of large little tunny at Sandy Hook this morning. One angler had caught 7. He checked other lots and saw tunny breaking offshore though they never came in.

The Canyon Runner from Point Pleasant reports there’s some old-fashioned canyon fishing going on now with limit chunking catches at night plus bigeyes on the troll and deep dropping for swordfish. An availability for either a charter or a spot on an open trip will be on either Oct. 26-27 or 27-28. Call 732 272-4445 quickly to take advantage of that opportunity.

The forecast is for southwest winds at 15-20 knots — dropping to 10-15 in the afternoon.