Tight Lines

The Atlantic Highlands party boat fleet is looking forward to Friday’s opening of the fluke season after a good start in April turned into a frustrating May when bass were marked regularly and trollers kept catching — but party boats had a hard time getting bites.

Capt. Ron Santee gave it his best effort Monday with the Fishermen, but even the blues wouldn’t bite. He didn’t fish the last two days while getting ready for fluke. Capt. Rob Semkewyc  usually sticks with stripers on his Sea Hunter into the start of fluking, but will make the final striper trip on Thursday.  He will probably set up some June afternoon trips for big bass.

The Sea Tiger II didn’t have enough to sail this morning, but the few who showed up for the afternoon trip were rewarded with a surprisingly good bluefish bite. If you want blues, Capt. Hal Hagaman suggests you bring wire-leadered hooks tomorrow.

The Queen Mary from Point Pleasant had a slow trip Tuesday until some blues were caught late in the day. After hours of searching, the Queen Mary got into some readings Sunday, and a few stripers up to 30 1/2 pounds were caught on 9-inch white shads and 6-ounce diamond jigs. They also jigged a few sea bass and a couple of blues.

Ocean trollers continue to pick a few big stripers, but the reports I got this morning from Capt. Bud Mc Arthur and Capt. Chris Di Stefano were negative along the northern Shore at that point. Pete Connell of Avon trolled a 42-pound striper on the weekend, but only missed one hit today.  Those skippers reported scattered bunkers popping

Following up the Canyon Runner report from yesterday, it was during a free trip for six military veterans that Capt. Charlie Vanderbeck  on the 48-footer put them into two giants and smaller bluefins plus an albacore and two makos. One of the makos was an 80-inch male (about 180-200 pounds) that met the standards for a legal catch and was kept.  Four hooks were found in it, including one in the liver. The Canyon Runner has only one date left before mid-July.

Capt. Vinny Vetere has had good striper fishing for bigger bass from his Katfish out of Great Kills. During the last week, there were four in the 40-pound class, and two in the 50-pound class. He’s open Thursday and Friday plus Wednesday to Friday next week.

I’ve been having a big problem with AOL, including e-mails coming in late or not being able to open them. Today I was also unable to reply — or to write an e-mail. If you haven’t seen your report or received an answer, try again or call me at 732 757-5531.  Please don’t text me as I don’t text and rarely remember to check for those messages.

The Big Mohawk from Belmar has been doing well with sea bass and ling, but will be sailing from Friday to Memorial Day only by reservation on limited trips.

Bob Matthews reported from Fisherman’s Den in Belmar Marina that he’d heard of stripers up to 54 pounds being caught by trollers off Ocean County. He weighed a 32-pounder for Jake Langerveld (10) from North Whales, Pa.  Blues are in the river, and small stripers in the surf. The Den’s rental boats are ready for Friday.

Paul Haertel of the JCAA had no luck trolling stripers out of Barnegat Inlet yesterday afternoon, and it was the same story with casting after dark in Point Pleasant Canal. I was on the other side with Jerry Lasko and Maren Toleno as we failed to follow up a successful night. Jerry quickly lost what he thought as a striper, and I had one run from a big blue before the hooks pulled. Maren later moved to another area to release a 22-inch striper. –

Joe Melillo reports from Castaways Tackle in Point Pleasant that short stripers are feeding in the canal on cinder worms at night and are a fly rod target. He’s getting stocked up on fluke bait for Friday, and tying  sliding hook rigs so long baits for larger fluke can be presented properly. Anglers fishing the canal for stripers and blues have been catching large fluke for weeks.

Grumpy’s Tackle in Seaside Park reported good action out front with blues from 8–14 pounds Tuesday on both bait and artificials, plus smaller ones in the evening. They had their first big blue weigh-in on a popper in the surf, and also heard of fluke being released on Kettle Creek shads — including a 5-pounder by Lou DeFonthey.

Tomorrow’s forecast is for a return to south winds, but at only 10-15 knots in the morning before increasing to 15-20 in the afternoon.

Jell Merrill took his son out bluefishing I from their small boat in Manasquan River yesterday as the cold front blew through. Steve, who graduated from Rider this week, was dressed like it was November, but caught a 10-pound blue on the surface after they left 50 degree water at Dog Beach and fished in 58 degrees at Treasure Island.

The canyon fishing season is off to an amazing start as the Canyon Runner fleet from Point Pleasant totaled  two giants, 20 school bluefins, 15 mako sharks and even an unheard of spring albacore in their first four trips. I’ll have moreabout this tomorrow.

As noted in yesterday’s blog, the inshore bluefish bite has turned into a night opportunity. I joined Jerry Lasko and Maren ioleno last night to plug in Point Pleasant Canal, and got into good action . As almost always, Maren was high hook with a dozen large blues, but Jerry had the prize catch with a 28-inch striper that he released. I released seven blues up to a fat 36-incher that had me running along the canal to keep up. Bill Hoblitzell was fishing a different area of the canal and had similar action with a half-dozen big blues plus a short bass.

The long-awaited results of Sunday’s Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament at IBSP were finally received from the DEP at 12:50. Please excuse all the empty lines and boxes I COULDN’T ELIMINATE IN TRAFERRING.`.

The winners of Sunday’s Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament have been announced! John Kolacy of Flanders was awarded the Governor’s Cup for his 37½” Striped Bass. Tournament details are available on the Division’s website, and the complete winners list is below: Bluefish Category Child (Male): First Place: Logan Apello, Cliffside Park, NJ – 20 5/8″ Second Place: John Ryanfalk, Ossining, NY – 20 4/8″Teen (Female Teen (Male): First Place: Nick Donato, Toms River, NJ – 28 4/8″ Second Place: Colin Graham, Toms River, NJ – 26 2/8″ Third Place: Benjamin Brenner, Toms River, NJ – 25″ Adult (Female): First Place: Dawn Wesemann, Churchville, PA – 27 6/8″ Second Place: Norma Kasper, Downington, PA – 26″ Third Place: Margaret Crossley, Mount Laurel, NJ – 19″ Adult (Male): First Place: Gary Galbraith, Carlisle, PA – 32 1/8″ Second Place: Damon Lofton, Morris Plains, NJ – 29 3/8″ Third Place: James Bielski, Forked River, NJ -(6:45am) Striped Bass Category Adult (Male): First Place: John Kolacy, Flanders, NJ – 37 4/8″ Second Place: Michael Mastrian, Toms River, NJ – 31 2/8″ High School Team  First Place: Toms River High School South – 26 2/8″ Bluefish Second Place: Manasquan High School – 25 6/8″ Bluefish Third Place: Columbia High School – 18 3/8″ Bluefish

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1

Quest

 

Paul Haertel passed along some very interesting results from the weekend Waretown Fire Department Striped Bass Tournament that I’d never heard of and wasn’t even included in The Fisherman’s list of events. It’s hard enough to catch a 50-pound striper at any time, but in that small contest it took two to win!

Balls Deep won with the two bass total of 112.7 pounds as that included a 52.7-pounder to earn the female award for Sara. Jerzy Boyz was second at 95.7 pounds — barely edging Lucky Stripers at 95.2 pounds. Balls Deep won the Calcutta for biggest single bass at a huge 59 pounds.  A mere 5-pounder took the bluefish prize. Paul wasn’t sure how those bass were caught, but he suspects they were trolled.

Capt. Tom Savastano ran north from Manasquan Inlet on Sunday to find big schools of bunkers on the surface, but couldn’t get a hit either trolling or live baiting before finishing up with sea bass.

Party boats sailing out of Atlantic Highlands have had a hard time getting the stripers they mark to hit. Capt. Rob Semkewyc said it was the same story today as trollers were catching while fares on his Sea Hunter caught only a short bass and some blues. As a result, he’s only going to run one more striper trip on Thursday before switching to fluke from 8-2 when the season opens on Friday. The Fishermen will also make the switch on Friday. Capt. Hal Hagaman of Sea Tiger II was surprised by a couple of what would be keeper fluke during the Sunday afternoon trip which produced only one blue in the strong south wind. There had been a keeper striper and some blues on the morning trip.  John Andrea reported that his partner trolled a dozen blues between 15 and 20 pounds Saturday by Buoy 19. That’s the first report I’ve had of big blues in the back of the bay as those chunking have been mentioning small blues.

Daytime bluefishing has been getting tougher in rivers and bays. While Jerry Lasko and Maren Toleno have been catching big blues at night in Point Pleasant Canal, there have been very few at dawn and dusk. Bill Hoblitzell and I did nothing Sunday morning casting jigs in the canal before going out on his Sea Vee from Mc Carthy’s for a couple of hours along with Jerry Gilbert from Pa. I scratched out a 3-pound blue working a small Z Man jig off bottom, before later getting a blind strike on one of Frank Cresscitelli’s Guide’s Choice Zara Spook versions for the only large blue of about 9 pounds. When blues come hot and heavy you take them for granted, but the way it was Sunday I really savored the strike and the fight. We also had a few follows and a couple of shad tails bit off — but that was it.

I was surprised to see Capt. Dave Gennaro in Manasquan Inlet with his Hi Flier from Barnegat — where the big blues were supposed to be. He said the bay is now full of 1-pound blues, and was waiting for the change of tide to resume ocean trolling after coming up along the shore without a hit. He managed a few blues in the river by trolling small plugs. Trolling back to Barnegat Inlet didn’t produce, but he ended up getting into big blues on poppers by Oyster Creek Channel.

The Ocean Explorer from Belmar reported that Sunday’s sea bass fishing was tougher than it had been as high hooks had from six to seven. Tuesday’s forecast is for northwest winds of 10-15 knots with gusts to 20l That switch from south will be welcomed as anglers have been blaming that wind plus the full moon for any fishing that hasn’t been up to par.

I’ve been checking the web  all day for results of Sunday’s Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament, and also made a couple of calls to the DEP, but still haven’t come up with anything. Hopefully I’ll find that info tomorrow.

Frank Huza of Aberdeen Township reports there was finally a fishing contest where the fish cooperated!  Last year bluefish were scarce everywhere, while last evening only bluefish were caught.

The annual Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament will be held Sunday at Island Beach State Park. Those not pre-registered can start signing up at 5 a.m. in Pavillion #1.

The weather looks good with south winds of 10-15 knots, though they do increase in the afternoon to15-20 with gusts to 25. That shouldn’t be a problem in the surf during the fishing hours. The Seaside Park tackle shops report blues are finally showing on the beach and hitting plugs and metal as well as fresh bunker which is available at the shops. Some stripers are also in the surf, and there were reports yesterday of bunker schools within range.  Be sure to carry a snag hook as your best shot at a big fish would be with a snagged bunker.

Party boats from Atlantic Highlands had a hard time with stripers today though they had marks and watched trollers catching them.

Sea bass fishing remains very good, and the Big Mohawk from Belmar also had lots of ling today,

There was a surprisingly good turnout at this morning’s block garage sale at 1552 Osprey Ct., Manasquan Park, NJ 08736. That’s the first time I’ve ever exhibited on a Friday. Yet, there’s still plenty left for the conclusion Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Call me at 732 757-5531 or e-mail to cristori@aol.com with any questions.

There was good surf news at Seaside Park as Grumpy’s Tackle weighed the biggest surf bass so far. Brian Chiasson beached a 40-inch, 17.7-pound bass on cut bunker from the local surf. There were also some 3-5-pound clues in the surf , which bodes well for Sunday’s Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament on Sunday at Island Beach State Park. There’s also a free Summer Fun Day there from 11-3 Saturday. Go to Swimming Area 1 for the activities. The state is doing the same thing Sunday at the Sandy Hook unit of Gateway National Park. A visit to the marine lab is included.

Nick Honachefsky of Saltwater Underground and Mickey Malchiondo had lots of action on bunker chunks this week at IBSP with 16 choppers in the 2-4-pound class.

At Atlantic Highlands, Capt. Rob Semkewyc reported a very tough day on his Sea Hunter though lots of fish were recorded. Only one short bass and a blue were caught, but the bite has been fluctuating wildly from day to day.

Capt. Ron Santee of the Fishermen had a similar problem Thursday before running west in the bay and using both clams and bunkers to catch some small bass plus blues before winding up with four legal stripers on the change of tide.

Sea bass fishing remains good for all. The Ocean Explorer from Belmar reported they were feeding on sand eels today, and drifting was best as anglers casting jigs did better than bait fishermen. They recommend bringing jigs with sand eel teasers.

Miss Belmar Princess got into some 2-pound blues Thursday before snagging bunkers which didn’t attract any big stripers. They wound up adding sea bass to the fish bags.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar found only a few blues for jigging this morning, but went offshore to add sea bass and a pollock despite a wind against current situation.

Jim Hutchinson Sr. reports for the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association that  big stripers are starting to show for trollers.

School bluefin tuna made an appearance for BHCFA Junior Mates on an experimental trip.

My block is having a garage sale the next two days, and I’ll be including fishing tackle at 1552 Osprey Ct., Manasquan Park, NJ 08736. The hours are 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Call 732 757-5531 for additional info.

All sea bass reports have been very good during the first two days of the season.  Capt. Stan Zagleski said it was limits for all on his Elaine B. II from Bahrs in Highlands — and that seemed to be the case for all.

Tank Matraxia and his crew from Lyndhurst fished aboard Lock & Load from Neptune and were limited in short order. Tank not only put ALS tags in sea bass, but also in an 18 1/2-inch cod that Marty caught as part of a double with a ling on a jig.

Chuck Many had his nephews from Slate Hill N.Y.  aboard Ty Man from Gateway Marina in Highlands as we wormed in Shrewsbury River for a pick of school stripers up to 16 inches, though the bass were very fussy. An afternoon attempt to catch big stripers in the ocean with live bunkers didn’t produce as no bait was marked.

Capt. Rob Semkewyc said the hot gigging bite of large stripers in Raritan Bay wasn’t repeated. He had to change locations and go to bait to put a few keepers aboard the Sea Hunter from Atlantic Highlands.

John De Bona of The Fisherman magazine reported there was hot bluefishing from the docks at Belmar Marina this morning.

The forecast for the morning is southwest winds at 10-15 knots with gusts to 20 — and a chance of afternoon showers.

Though my recent garage sale went well, there’s still lots of fishing tackle left — and I found some more that hadn’t surfaced  during the last sale. Since my block is having an area sale this weekend, I’ll be adding my tackle to my wife’s household goods. The address is 1552 Osprey Ct., Manasquan Park, NJ 08736. I’ll have details in tomorrow nights blog. My phone is 732 757-5531.

The few reports received so far from today’s sea bass opener were good. The Golden Eagle from Belmar started out jigging bluesh from 2-10 pounds before heading offshore for sea bass which were 75 percent keepers. They’ll be doing the same thing at 7 a.m.

The Mimi VI from Point Pleasant had many sea bass limits plus ling. They sail open for $75 the next two days. Call 732 370-8019 for reservations.

It was a good day for Atlantic Highlands party boat seeking stripers in Raritan Bay. The Sea Hunter limited out with bass up to a 30-pounder on jigs and shads — and added many releases. The Fishermen had a similar report as ganetts were diving and two 24-pounders tied for the pool.

It was so cold this morning in Point Pleasant Canal that I thought an Ice Age was upon us. Never before have I experienced cold hands in mid-May. I had to take a break for awhile to warm my hands at Castaways Tackle in Poiny Pleasant, but managed to pick four blues on a 3-ounce bucktail tipped with a Z Man, Only a few other blues were caught while I was there.

The party boat fleet was fishing inside Manasquan Inlet, but I didn’t see shore anglers catching when I checked it.

Grumpy’s Tackle in Seaside Park reports big blues are still thick in Barnegat Bay, and there should be more in the surf for Sunday’s Governor’s Surf Fishing Tournament.

Allen Riley, John Mazzeo and Mitchell Mc Kee fished the Sandy Hook surf this morning with fresh cut bunker. Allen caught bass of 19, 21 and 22 inches and missed two others. John released a 5-6-pound blue, and Mitchell released a 3-4-pounder. The water was barely over 45 degrees, and the air was 44 degreeThe forecast is for southwest winds at 10 knots in the morning with a 60 percent chance of showers.

It’s looking good for Wednesday’s sea bass season opener in New Jersey. Moderate northwest winds should knock down the swell, and gusts to 20 knots from that direction shouldn’t be a problem on near-shore wrecks and reefs. As noted in last night’s blog, the limit is 10 sea bass at a 12 1/2-inch minimum. Some boats will be running limited trips which require reservations — so be sure to check with your favorite boat before coming down.

The Point Pleasant Canal bluefish bite wasn’t up to yesterday’s, but I still managed five that were all large — three over 10 pounds and two six-pounders. One of the latter engulfed the 3-ounce bucktail tipped with a Z-Man paddletail — and then gulped it down as I was trying to get it out. I also added a 22-inch striper before the bite died out.

Castaway’s Tackle in Point Pleasant is stocked up with clams and squid for the sea bass,

Despite much better weather, it appears that most party boats didn’t get out. The Golden Eagle from Belmar will be sailing at 7:30 for a mixture of stripers, blues and sea bass. .

After a near perfect day on Saturday, Sunday turned out to be a real bummer with rain and strong winds followed by winter-like temperatures this afternoon with a gale advisory up.

Monday doesn’t look great either as east winds in the morning drop to 15-20 knots with gusts to 25. Light rain and drizzle is supposed to die out early, but return later in the afternoon. Dress for winter if you’re out early.

Grumpy’s Tackle in Seaside Park Reports that big blues made their first real showing Saturday evening in the surf with 6-10-pounders on both bait and lures. The bay remained hot for big blues. Gene Topoleski and his son loaded up on jumbos to 15.7 pounds.

Chuck Many reported on Facebook that he and Dave Donahue fished with Bryan Pieros on his Bid Time in the Battle o the Border. They didn’t catch many bass, but all were big up to the 42.3-pounder that won the contest. All of the bass were released, including the winner.

Capt. Stan Zagleski has finished striper fishing after only finding three shorts on Saturday, which was a terrible day for the party boats. He switches Elaine B. II from Bahrs in Highlands to sea bass on Wednesday’s opener.

Jerry Lasko and Maren Toleno dressed in full rain gear this morning and got into a hot bite of mixed-size blues from shore in Manasquan River. They fished in IBSP Saturday evening where Maren released stripers of 36 and 32 inches on an SP Minnow along with a small bass and blue.