If you are going to put up with the potential discomforts of a winter fishing trip, you might as well seek a really special fish. That’s what a couple of N.J. party boats are doing this weekend.

As noted this week, the Ocean Explorer from Belmar is running a Super Pool trip Sunday at 6:30 which costs $100 but also requires another $100 for the pool for the biggest tog. Call 848 565-0519 for a reservation.

The Gambler from Point Pleasant will be making a limited trip 35 to 50 miles to trophy tog wrecks and rocks to the south on Saturdays and Tuesdays this month. The fare is $200, and there will be big money pools. Call 732 295-7569 for reservations.

Mike Monte gave the Belmar surf 45 minutes of casting under perfect conditions this morning without a hit. Yet, he plans to keep trying as the water temperature is 47 degrees and stripers should still be around.

Surfcasting conditions remain favorable Saturday as the forecast is north winds at 15-20 knots with gusts to 25 that drop to 10-15 after midnight and set up a calmer northwest on Sunday.

The N.J. party boat fleet continues to contract. The Elaine B II from Highlands made its last trip of the winter on Tuesday. The weather and conditions were good though blackfishing was slow. Yet, everyone went home with something.

The Ocean Explorer from Belmar has scheduled a limited Super Pool trip for Sunday at 6:30. The fare is $100, and there’s a required $100 for the winner-take-all super pool for biggest tog. Call 848 565-0519 for a reservation.

Friday’s forecast is for north winds at 10-15 knots with gusts to 20 before diminishing to 5-10 in the afternoon.

Following is a press release from the NY DEP relative to a circle hook requirement that’s already in effect in N.J.

RECREATIONAL STRIPED BASS FISHING SEASON Comments Accepted until Mar. 8, on Proposed Regulation for Circle Hooks to Help Improve Striped Bass Survival

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) today released a new proposed regulation for public review and comment that would require the use of circle hooks when recreational fishing for Atlantic striped bass. This proposed regulation would reduce release mortality in recreational striped bass fisheries as required by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). Catch-and-release practices contribute significantly to overall fishing mortality in recreational striped bass fisheries and circle hooks work effectively to increase survival. DEC is accepting public comments on the proposal through Mar. 8, 2021. “From Montauk Point to the Hudson River, New York’s waters provide critical habitat for striped bass of all ages and offer some of the best striped bass fishing along the East Coast,” Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “Circle hooks improve the survival of fish that are returned to the water, and this requirement further supports conservation efforts that ensure we’re protecting this highly sought-after sportfish for future generations of anglers to enjoy.” The Atlantic coast-wide harvest of striped bass is managed by ASMFC. To address the finding that the striped bass resource is overfished and experiencing overfishing, ASMFC initiated and approved Addendum VI to Amendment 6 of the Interstate Fishery Management Plan (FMP) for Atlantic Striped Bass to reduce harvest, end overfishing, and bring fishing mortality to the target level. New York State adopted recreational slot size limits regulation changes in 2020 that reflect ASMFC’s Addendum measures and are in accordance with the FMP. In marine waters the recreational slot size is 28-35 inches total length and in the Hudson River the slot size is 18-28 inches total length; the possession limit is one fish per angler. The open seasons and size limits for striped bass in all New York waters have not changed for 2021. Recreational striped bass seasons start April 1 in the Hudson River and tributaries and April 15 in marine waters. New York State worked cooperatively with other members of ASMFC to adopt consistent slot limit regulations and comparable season dates. The proposed regulation includes all New York State waters where recreational fishing for Atlantic striped bass occurs, including coastal waters of Long Island and New York City, the Delaware River, and the Hudson River to the Federal Dam in Troy, New York. The full text of the proposed regulation can be found at https://www.dec.ny.gov/regulations/106216.html. Comments on the proposed circle hook regulation should be sent to fw.marine@dec.ny.gov or by mail to: Division of Marine Resources, 205 N. Belle Mead Rd. Suite 1, East Setauket, NY 11733. The public comment period closes on March 8, 2021. After reviewing public comments, DEC will be adopting and publishing a final regulation. DEC encourages anglers to check DEC’s Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations for the most up-to-date information before going fishing. Make sure to also enroll in the annual no-fee Recreational Marine Fishing Registry before going fishing in New York’s Marine and Coastal District waters or when fishing in the Hudson River and its tributaries for “migratory fish of the sea” (which includes striped bass.) Anglers can enroll in the registry online or by phone or by visiting a license issuing agent location. To enroll, go to https://www.dec.ny.gov/permits/6101.html.  A small craft warning is up to late tonight for gusty northwest winds which are forecast to drop to 15 knots plus gusts to 25 with 2-4-foot seas by morning.

No reports today and small craft warnings are up through Wednesday afternoon with north gusts to 25 knots tonight. It will be northwest 15-20 plus gusts to 25 in the morning. That should result in calmer seas close to shore for the rest of the week;

The annual Canyon Runner Seminars are a must for offshore anglers, but the pandemic has changed everything this year — and those events will go virtual this winter as per the following release:

4 Saturdays in February & March4 Hours each Day16 Total Hours of On-Line Training For the 20 Years We’ve Done Our Seminars all you could choose to see was 6 Classes in a full day. Now you’ll be able to see 16 Classes Live and in their entirety from the comfort of your home via Zoom your Computer or Cell!! All Classes Live and InteractiveAll Classes Videotaped for Re-Viewing By YouInteractive Q&A Throughout the Live ClassQ&A Follow-Up after Each Class Dates & TopicsSaturday, February 6 – Core Tuna TacticsSaturday, February 20 – Mid-shore TunaSaturday, March 6 – Big Fish Saturday & RiggingSaturday, March 20 – Swords/Marlin/Tiles/SharksThe 2021 Canyon Runner Seminar Speakers combine for 10,000 days in the Canyons, Produced 2,000+ Big-Eyes, & Millions in Tournament Winnings! TICKETS ON SALE NOW MUST BUY IN ADVANCE ONLY ONE LOGIN ACCESS PER TICKET Huge Upgrade from Year’s Past – because now we will Cover It All and for the first time you’ll be able to See It All. All 16 Classes (4 each Saturday) will be yours to attend live via Cell or Computer on Zoom! And – if you just want to attend one Saturday based on the agenda at a discounted price you can do that too!

$20,000 in Door Prizes – We’ll Mail Them to You!  FREE $100 Spreader Bar & Bag for Groups of 4 or More! $150 for All Four Saturdays $50 Per Saturday if You Only Want to Attend Certain Classes Call 732-272-4445 Email:  info@canyonrunner.com Only One Device Can Login Per/Ticket Purchased

Raising $25,000+ for Wounded VeteransOPERATION RESTORED WARRIORVETERANS HEALING VETERANS OF PTSD Every year we try to get as many Military personnel we can offshore for FREE – in the last few year we got close to 350 servicemen offshore tuna fishing and striper fishing. We carry this support for our Military into our Seminar by donating $10/ticket directly to our Veterans. We’ve Raised Over $100,000 for various Military Charties in the last Few Years – Help Us Add to That Number in 2021 – Join Our Team and Attend

MOST CLASSES EVER – ALL WILL BE COVERED! 1) Recon – The Art of Finding Tuna – How & WHEN to Find and Catch Your Quarry Without Fishing the Crowd – Fish Earlier and Farther2) Midshore Tuna Game Plan – Trolling & Chunking3) Midshore Tuna – When, Where, Why & How “Core Class”4) Top Water Tuna – Plugging, Popping and Stick Baits – Casting for Tuna2) Advanced Big-Eye Tactics – Specialized Big-eye Tuna Trolling Techniques3) Offshore Sharking for Monster Makos4) Water Temp Chlorophyll & Current Analysis5) Canyon Success Without Targeting Bigeyes (Focus on Yellowfins, Longfins, Mahis, Swords – How to Adapt to What & WHEN the Ocean Gives)6) Using Your Electronics to Find Fish7) Why 10 % Catch 90% of the Fish – Top Ten Reasons Same Crews Regularly Outfish the Fleet8) Hi-Tech Bait Rigging for Tuna & Swords9) Rigging Tackle – Crimping – Top Shots10) Small Boat Dredge Fishing – Capt. Tim Pickett11) Tuna Trolling – Must Know to Excel Offshore12) Day-Time Sword Fishing the Canyons13) Canyon Chunking 101 “Core Class” – Rig Up like a Professional Crew14) Offshore Trolling & Chunking from a Center Console15) Winning Marlin Tactics18) Learn How to Truly Run the Pit like the Professional Mate19) Latest Tracking Northeast Yellowfin & Big-Eye Tuna  For additional information and TicketsCall 732-272-4445Email: info@canyonrunner.com

Mike Monte took advantage of a calm, mild January morning to cast for stripers in the Belmar surf which had been producing schoolies recently. Everything looked good except for a big offshore swell which made the surf practically unfishable despite the lack of wind. Monte will continue early morning and evening surf attempts as long as the weather holds.

The fine winter weather continues tomorrow with north winds at 10-15 knots and 3-5-foot seas. After that there are northwest winds predicted for days to come.

The Elaine B. II from Bahrs in Highlands plans to resume blackfishing tomorrow.

Bob Matthews reports from Fisherman’s Den in Belmar Marina that dedicated blackfish anglers are still catching tog in Shark River Inlet as well as on the party boats — but the winter flounder season closed on Jan. 1. Small stripers are a surf possibility as long as water temperatures remain in the forties.

Captain Joe Massa from Morgan Marina has decided to keep his boat in the water for a couple more weeks to do some blackfishing. He said it’s been hit or miss with the recent storms. Yet, he has been able to limit out if he fishes before a storm when the seas have been good. He teamed with Michael Kunisiak from South Amboy last week for 13 keeper blackfish up to 6 pounds. Massa had another good trip the prior week with Guy Talarico and Kenny Mccrone as they totaled 19 keepers up to 5 lbs. They have been fishing in 70 foot depths, but have tried deeper water with poorer outcomes.  Massa has been using white crabs for better results. He has also been using his Rhodan trolling motor for easy anchoring. It has enabled him to move around on a piece of bottom to find the best life. Pairing it with a HD map has made bottom fishing a lot easier he says.

The Mimi VI from Point Pleasant will be open boat blackfishing full day Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6 plus Saturdays and Sundays at 6:30 for $90. There are also special trips limited to 15 for $120 that include whitelegger crabs as well as greens. Call 732 370-8019 for info and reservations.

Small craft warnings are up through Monday evening for northeast gusts to 30 knots and rain — but the morning forecast drops to north at 10-15 knots. After that it looks like ideal northwest winds and mild temperatures through at least Thursday.

Though internal waters closed for striper fishing in N.J. on Jan. 1. the ocean remains open all year with the same regulations. A few hardy surfcasters will take advantage of that, especially with mild temperatures and west winds in the forecast.

Mike Monte plans to return to the Belmar surf that was producing a few shorts recently, but Ray Lewis reported recently that there were few small bass left even all the way south at Brigantine.

In the past, before heading to Florida for the winter, I almost always caught surf stripers in N.J. well into January and often right to the end of the month — though never in February even when I tried the very rare fishable day. Watch for cormorants which indicate the presence of small bait — and cast Tsunami Sand Eels or small plugs plus a teaser.

The marine forecast is for northwest gusts to 25 knots tonight before switching to east at 10-15 with gusts to 20 in the morning.

Here’s wishing all a Fishy New Year!

My New Years Eve went better than last years at a pond across the street from my Ft. Myers winter home. Though I caught only one largemouth bass running a Z Man paddletail over the surface, there was no encounter with an alligator!

There are many changes in seasons starting today. plus imposition of the mandatory use of circle hooks when using natural baits for striped bass in N.J. Those circles must be non-offset.🔚

Chuck Many made a solo trip to Cape Charles, Va. to release this striper stuffed with roe while fishing in the rain.

Small craft warnings are up through Saturday afternoon as southeast winds gust to 25 knots tonight. However, the morning forecast is for a surf calming west at 15-20 knots with gusts to 30.

It’s been a long time since I last celebrated New Years Eve by going out to party, but I did pull myself away from TV bowl games long enough to make a few late afternoon casts for black bass in a pond across the street from my winter home in Ft. Myers. Fl. last year at this time. There wasn’t much action in that shallow pond though a small alligator followed me along one side as it normally did. As I was making my last casts on the other side while walking out of the pond, I snubbed my foot on something. Out of curiosity, I used a small pocket flashlight to see what I had bumped into — and saw the gator staring back at me!

Why it didn’t react to my bumping into it is a mystery, but it sure looked annoyed before slipping back into the water. Since then I’ve tried to leave ponds before dark.

I get lots of walking exercise while casting surface lures on light spinning tackle. My usual lure is a 5-inch Z Man paddletail worked slowly over the surface for exciting strikes. I’ve had releases of largemouths up to a roundish 23-incher so far this winter, but most are much smaller.

Small craft warnings are up until 6 p.m. for west gusts to 25 knots. Friday’s forecast is for east winds at 10-15 knots that changes at night to southeast 10-15 with gusts to 20 and rain.

The Ocean Explorer from Belmar tried deeper waters Wednesday for blackfish, but found too many dogfish. Some keeper tog were caught in shallower waters, but not enough for a good crowd.

Nick Honachefsky has announced that his new shows for Saltwater Underground on the Sportsman Channel will start Friday at 10:30 a.m. — and then every Friday at that time plus Sundays at 4:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. through March 28.

Anglers along the N.J. Shore were shocked to hear last night that Capt. Chris Hueth of the Big Mohawk from Belmar had passed away from a heart attack.

Hueth has long been famed as a blackfish and doormat fluke specialist, but was just as skilled with all bottom fish plus stripers and tuna. The info I’ve had so far indicates that Chris was driving home on Rt. 71 when he had the attack and pulled over to call 911. Help arrived too late to save the 59-year-old skipper.

Bob Matthews said everyone at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar Marina was shocked by the loss of the relatively young and healthy Hueth. Hopefully, that concludes the bad news from 2020. Ironically, despite all the problems with the pandemic, it was more normal physical problems that downed other famed captains such as Art Hilliard, Stan Zagleski and Jeff Gutman — as well as Dave Arbeitman from the Reel Seat and my fishing buddy Bruce Vitale.

Matthews noted that only a few small stripers are still being caught in the local surf, and winter flounder fishing has been spotty at the the docks as the season winds down before closing on Jan. 1..

Capt. Vinny Vetere says the weather is right for closing out the year with a shot at big stripers with his Katfish from Great Kills. Call him at 917 693-8908.

Small craft warnings go up at 4 p.m. and into Thursday morning for southwest winds gusting to 35 knots with rain likely. Those winds go west at 15-20 knots plus gusts to 30 in the morning before diminishing to 10-15 northwest with gusts to 20 in the afternoon.

Chuck Many had to work hard for for just a couple of stripers during his last trip this week on his Ty Man out of Cape Charles, Va., but they were worth the effort as the pre-spawn bass weighed 57 and 56 pounds before release.