Surfcasting along the N.J. Shore finally broke open yesterday though I didn’t get the reports before publishing my blog. Jerry Lasko said he got into a mini-blitz on an Ocean County beach yesterday morning as stripers were working on bunkers larger than peanuts and smaller than adults. He caught bass on poppers up to a 34-incher, but many other lures also worked — including a Tsunami Sand Eel. Mike Monte reported walking into an 11 a.m. blitz of schoolies at Brick Beach. Nick Honachefsky went back to the beach in the evening to release 33 from 24-29 inches on a black Bomber — and was into them again this morning. Vinny D’Anton went south to catch schoolies on metal.

Surfcasters actually seemed to find more receptive stripers today than ocean boaters. At Belmar, the Golden Eagle reported a smaller catch of stripers than yesterday plus some big blues though there were lots of fish on the surface. They will sail early tomorrow at 6. Miss Belmar Princess had a similar report of stripers reluctant to hit, though some keepers over 28 inches were boated.

Small craft warnings are up for southwest gusts to 30 knots this evening, but they drop to 15-20 by morning and diminish in the afternoon.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar managed to get out today despite the cold wind forecast, and they had hot action with stripers right away before ending up with a boat limit plus many releases and some bluefish,

The Sea Hunter didn’t sail from Atlantic Highlands today, but will be ready to go tomorrow.

The Queen Mary from Point Pleasant had a boat limit of stripers and many releases on their Tuesday Striper Marathon. The hi-hook caught 15 bass plus eight blues.

Jay Russell thought he had something going at sunset yesterday in Spring Lake when he caught two school bass on as many casts with a Mambo Minnow — but that was it.

Thursday starts with southwest winds at 10-15 knots plus gusts to 20 before increasing in the afternoon to 15-20 plus gusts to 30.

The ocean was calm and the stripers cooperated for boaters — but the tough pick continued on the surf.

Capt. Ron Santee Jr. of the Fishermen at Atlantic Highlands reported a calm ocean and lots of action even right through the change of tide. John the Vet was high hook, catching 21 stripers that were all slots and bonus bass. The pool fish was a 37-incher. Unfortunately, the wind will prevent fishing until Thursday.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar had decent fishing early with stripers on top and blues in addition.

Vinny D’Anton finally got a small striper from the surf when he tried Brick Beach, but that was it for his morning. The surf was down and cleared up. Mike Monte tried Sea Girt, but that area was pretty quiet even though there was some bait. He feels the water temperature has to drop a bit more.

A small craft advisory goes up at 6 p.m. and through Wednesday afternoon. Northwest winds of 15-20 knots with gusts to 30 are forecasted for the morning.

There’s a stretch of west winds coming up which could well bring the first big breakthrough in Jersey Shore surfcasting as well as knocking down the swell.

Small craft warnings are up through tonight. but west winds of 15-20 knots with gusts to 30 should reduce the 4-6-foot seas and clear waters muddied from the gale.

Arthur Young e-mailed this morning after seeing fish breaking on a beach cam at Manasquan, but Vinny D’Anton reported he fished there without a hit and at other areas where the water was badly discolored and there was no bait. However, gannets were diving everywhere offshore and whales were spotted.

Bob Matthews at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar said he saw a few bass caught in the local surf this morning, and had reports from Dover Township and Sandy Hook. It seemed to be better later in the morning with metal or a Tsunami Sand Eel plus a teaser. He noted that blackfish boats were catching in areas close to shore. The Golden Eagle was limited jigging stripers by 9 a.m.

Capt. Rob Semkewyc said he wouldn’t have sailed with his Sea Hunter from Atlantic Highlands if he knew it would 40, but when the wind dropped off somewhat late in the morning his 12 fares l,imited with both bass over 28 inches and bonus bass. Tomorrow looks fishable, but Wednesday is canceled due to 30 knot winds and cold.

The Golden Eagle is sailing early at 6:30 on Tuesdays. Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays through November in order to get in on the best striper bite. In addition to limits of legal bass today they released additional slots and some overs to 47 inches. Some big blues were added.

Nick Honachefsky  caught this big bass Saturday while casting poppers with Capt. Brien Keating to lunkers up to 30 pounds breaking under birds. Tactical Angler poppers did the job.

On Nov 16, 2020, at 9:58 AM, Nick Honachefsky

Though the gale warning continues into the morning, the switch to west winds should knock down big seas and make fishing possible on the opening day of the blackfish season as the limit goes up to five at a 15-inch minimum. West winds will be 20-25 knots with gusts to 30.

There likely won’t be any boat fishing in exposed areas tomorrow as a gale warning is posted.

There will be southeast winds at 15-20 knots early plus gusts to 25 — before increasing to 25-30 with gusts to 40 in the afternoon when seas increase to 7 feet.

Striper fishing was tough today. The Golden Eagle from Belmar saw lots of stripers thrashing on the surface, but only a few overs were released and a few keepers boated. Of course, they will not sail Sunday.

At Atlantic Highlands, Capt. Rob Semkewyc had readings on his Sea Hunter similar to yesterday’s hot bite, but the bass were turned off today and most were under 28 inches. Some slots and a few larger bass saved the day. Capt. Ron Santee Jr. was happy he left early with the Fishermen as the first drift provided almost all the action for the day though they picked away at a few bass and blues, Those boats won’t be sailing tomorrow.

There were no reports yesterday except from Chuck Many who got out before the rain and released large stripers from his Ty Man out of Highlands

It was a different story today as the Sea Hunter from Atlantic Highlands got out to fill a boat limit of slot stripers quickly while falling just a couple short of 28-inch plus bass along with a bunch of blues. The second drift covered 1.6 miles with non-stop action.

Down the coast it was the same thing as the Golden Eagle from Belmar as they were limited by 10:30 and released about 200 bass. They also caught a dozen or two blues.

Blackfish season opens Nov, 16 with five tog at a 15-inch minimum. Boaters should be sure to sign up for the JCAA Blackfish Tournament which starts Monday. You must sign up by 11:59 p.m. on the 15th. Visit jcaa.org — or call Paul at 973 943-8201.

Capt. Dave De Gennaro will run open with his Hi Flier from Barnegat on Sunday,

Though small craft warnings are still up. the Saturday forecast is for a calming northwest at 10-15 knots with gusts to 20.

Blackfish season opens Nov, 16 with five tog at a 15-inch minimum. Boaters should be sure to sign up for the JCAA Blackfish Tournament which starts Monday. You must sign up by 11:59 p.m. on the 15th. Visit jcaa.org — or call Paul at 973 943-8201.

With all their normal fundraising events lost to the pandemic, the JCAA is running a blackfish contest just as the season for that species opens in New Jersey.

Online registration and printable applications are available at www.jcaa.org

Jersey Coast Anglers Association Presents its 1st Annual
BLACKFISH TOURNAMENT

Tournament Dates
November 16th – 22nd, 2020
You choose the dates to fish but you may only fish TWO days!
Prizes Based on weight of single largest blackfish
1st Place $2000
2nd Place $1000
3rd Place $750
4th Place Magictail Tog Jigs Valued at $150
5th Place Magictail Tog Jigs Valued at $100
Cash prizes based on only 60 boats
and will be adjusted up or down proportionately depending on the number of boats that enter
Largest sea bass – Magictail Tog Jigs Valued at $100

$$$ Various 1 and 3 fish Calcuttas $$$

ENTRY FEE $125 PER BOAT
(MAXIMUM OF 6 ANGLERS PER BOAT)

For additional info call Paul at 973-943-8201
For entry forms, rules and info. go to www.jcaa.org. or visit our Facebook Page
Completed entry forms can be faxed to the Jersey Coast Anglers Association office: 732-506-6975 or
Mailed to: Jersey Coast Anglers Association, 1594 Lakewood Rd, Suite 13, Toms River, NJ 08755

ONLINE REGISTRATION may be done at www.jcaa.org or on our FB page

There will be NO Awards Ceremony this year due to the uncertainty of what
Covid-19 restrictions will be in place at the time. There is NO Captains meeting either. The important thing is that we do our best to keep everyone safe. We hope to have a nice awards ceremony next year.

Official Rules & Regulations:

Tournament Dates: Monday, November 16th (opening day for the 5 fish limit) through Sunday, November 22nd. Each boat entered may only fish two of the seven tournament days. Each entrant must text 973-943-8201 or email anglerpmh@aol.com, give their name and date(s) they are fishing by 9 PM the nights before the days they would like to fish. In the event no message is received, their designated fishing days will be Saturday November 21st and Sunday November 22nd. In the event an entrant only designates one day, their second day will be Sunday November 22nd.
Fishing Hours: Dawn until there is sufficient time to make it to the weigh-in station before they close but no later than by 7 PM on your designated fishing days. (Some weigh-in stations may close before 7 PM)
Fishing Location: Fish all NJ waters or waters in the EEZ east of the New Jersey coast that are open to the public, including the ocean, bays, inlets and rivers stretching from the Raritan Bay & Hudson River in the north to Delaware Bay in the south.
Weigh-ins Entrants must weigh in their fish at Bahr’s Landing Marina in Highlands, Fishermen’s Den in Belmar, Captain Bill’s Landing in Point Pleasant, Creekside Outfitters in Waretown, Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom, Great Bay Marina in Little Egg Township, Fin-atics in Ocean City, One Stop B&T in Atlantic City or Jim’s B&T in Cape May by no later than 7 PM on their designated fishing days. Entrants should confirm that their choice of a weigh-in station will be open until that time. If not be sure to get there before they close or go to another weigh-in station. Some weigh-in stations may be closed or close early on certain days or may have restricted hours due to the weather at this time of year and the Covid-19 situation. Weights will be recorded by the weigh masters on the official tournament weigh-in sheets but entrants should make certain that they receive a receipt or take a photo of the weigh-in sheet. All fish must be weighed on the day they are caught and may not be held overnight to weigh the next day. You may weigh in as many fish as you like but only the largest 1 or 3 (for those in the 3 fish Calcutta) will be scored regardless of which of the designated days they were caught on. You do not have to catch your largest 3 on one day.
GENERAL RULES AND PROVISIONS:
• The tournament will be held rain or shine on November 16th through November 22nd. It is the sole responsibility of the entrant/captain of all entered boats to determine if weather and sea conditions are safe to fish. The Jersey Coast Anglers Association, its administrators, officers, directors, agents, committee members, sponsors and/or any and all other persons assume no responsibility or liability for any boats entered or individuals participating in the tournament.
• If weather conditions prohibit any or all boats from fishing and, as a result, an insufficient number of fish are weighed in to account for any of the prizes including Calcuttas, drawings will be held.
• It is the responsibility of all entrants and contestants to comply with all state, federal, and International Game Fish Association (“IGFA”) international angling rules, including any applicable state registry requirements.
• Each boat may have up to 6 anglers or other individuals onboard and no more than 6 lines may be in the water at one time.
• Each entrant may only win one prize in each category (blackfish/sea bass)) but may win multiple Calcuttas.
• All fish presented to the weigh master will be recorded in pounds and hundredths of pounds. The time the fish are presented for weigh-in will be recorded in hours and minutes.
• If two fish tie by weight, the first fish weighed in will hold the position on the leader board. If two fish are the same weight and weighed at the same time prizes will be split.
• Jersey Coast Anglers Association reserves the right to require a polygraph examination within 60 days, at Jersey Coast Anglers Association‘s expense, of any captain/entrant or crew member to preserve the integrity of the tournament. Failing the test or refusing to take the test will result in disqualification.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar didn’t sail today. but will be making an early departure for stripers tomorrow at 6 a.m. Make a reservation online.

Small craft warnings are up through Friday, though the north gusts to 25 knots drop to east at 10-15 knots Friday morning before shifting north in the afternoon. Rain is likely.

Bill Venizia released a 42-pound striper Tuesday on the Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands.

The Jamaica from Brielle has added a last canyon tuna trip that departs at 8 p.m. Sunday for yellowfins and albacore. Call 732 528-5014 for reservations. The Jamaica has also started running its far offshore wrecks trips for jumbo sea bass and porgies. They leave by reservation at 11 p.m. the night before Friday and Saturday. Suini Kanakan of Monroe Twp. had a pool winning 7.5-pound sea bass Sunday to edge a 7-pound pollock by Kenny Williams of Philadelphia for the pool. On another trip, Alberto Aponte from Brooklyn had a 12-pound cod.

Capt. Gene Berger was a pioneering fly rod charter skipper fishing out of Brielle when I moved my center console from Montauk to Point Pleasant. He eventually got out of chartering, and I hadn’t heard about him in some time before Bill Hoblitzell e-mailed the following;

Hi Al
Hope you’re well . I had Gene Berger of On A Fly charter boat out of Brielle years back aboard yesterday  and he took this magnificent bass on a fly yesterday off Sea Girt. It was 38” and weighed 24 lbs. on the Boga Grip.

 At Belmar today, the Golden Eagle reported almost all keeper stripers. They had about three dozen of them plus a surprising three dozen bluefish as well as some legal sea bass. There were only two or three releases of larger stripers. They will be leaving early tomorrow at 6 a.m.

Miss Belmar Princess picked at stripers north of the inlet, and added a couple of blues.

Bob Matthews at Fisherman’s Den said most of the action has been near the three-mile line with both A-27 and A-47 jigs or by trolling tube umbrella rigs. The Capt. Cal has stuck with sea bass, and is doing well. Winter flounder up to 13 inches are hitting in the river. That fishing is best from a boat with heavy chumming.

At Atlantic Highlands, Capt. Rob Semkewyc reported a good day of striper fishing on his Sea Hunter plus the first big blues in a long time. The Veteran’s Day trip looks good, but Thursday may be a problem. Capt. Ron Santee, Jr. of the Fishermen is frustrated by all the bass on top which only provide a brief bite. He feels we need a northeast blow to change things.

Vinny D’Anton said the surf remains disappointing. He saw bunkers well offshore at Manasquan, but bass never drove them in. The other pros he’s in contact with had similar reports.

Tomorrow’s forecast is for south winds at 10-15 knots before increasing with gusts to 25 and showers in the afternoon.