Tight Lines

Nick Honachefsky reminds us there are less than 10 days left to sign up for the Barrier Island Beach Brawl! – by which time the northeaster may finally stop blowing!

The Oct. 6/7 – 2 day surf fishing tourney features $25,000 worth of free fishing tackle rod/reel/gear door prizes, plus cash prizes for15 eligible species- with Striper PHOTO/Release only.

Nick emphasizes that registration gets you a $50 FREE Goody Bag just for signing up! You can’t go wrong by getting into this fun-fishing contest. Sign up at local tackle shops, or visit saltwaterunderground/barrierislandbeachbrawl.com.

Everyone I’ve talked to agrees that they’ve before seen such a long,unrelenting northeaster. Mike Monte says the surf is filthy, and infishable. He thinks it will take several days of northwest winds to clear it up, but there’s nothing of that sort in upcoming forecasts.

The gale warning comes down at 6 p.m., before shifting to a small craft advisory through late tonight. Wednesday starts with northeast winds at 15-20 knots plus gusts to 25 — and 5-8-foot seas.

The Ocean Explorer from Belmar has been planning a season–ending fluke trip for Wednesday in hopes that the wind will back off enough for them to fish deep water rocks and wrecks in search of a fluke that could be worth over $5,000 for those joining the seasonal and monthly pools as well as the daily. An 8-pounder presently leads in those pools. Those interested can text 848 565-0519 for info and a reservation.

A fond memory from Mel Deak. Whitey and Jimmy Morenz ran Miss Take II out of Highlands for many years for stripers, weakfish and blue. That 60-foot party boat was built in 1952.

The northeaster just keeps coming, and with big waves crashing the beaches surfcasters must be alert to the dangers posed by backwashes.

It’s possible for N.J. surfcasters to cast into a pretty stiff northeaster in search of that first striped bass blitz of the fall, but the greatest danger isn’t the big waves coming at you — but rather the backwash as all that water pours back down the beach and can easily sweep your legs out from under you.

Falling down in the surf line can be a killer, especially at this time of year when there are few people on the beaches. Getting back up as the waves keep coming is no sure thing even for veteran anglers. Unless you carry a walking staff, your rod butt may be all you have to work with under the circumstances — especially if your waders have taken in water. Using a strap across your wader top is a good idea on lonely beaches even if you don’t plan to wade beyond the wash.

The northeaster just keeps coming, with no sign of a calming northwest blow. A gale warning is up through Tuesday afternoon with northeast winds at 25-30 knots plus seas up to 9 feet in a south swell. Inlets will be rough, and there’s a chance of rain.

The N.J. fluke season closes after Sept. 27, which may not make any difference unless the weather improves.

NYC Capt. John McMurry says it hasn’t been a good year for big dolphin during his tuna trips, but this one caught before the storm was an exception.

At least the gale watch is gone, and it’s down to a small craft advisory for tomorrow. However, northeast winds of 20-25 knots plus gusts to 35 continue to the afternoon. Add in some showers, and that makes a good day to stay home. Vinny D’Anton reports the surf is a mess, and it may require a change in wind direction to take care of that problem.

Capt. Vinnie Vetere of Katfish at Great Kills sent the following report about Friday’s fishing:

“”We went out 5 am in the dark to get an early jump before the blow. We found the fish chewing.

Most fish were overs up to 41lbs.

We were only able to keep the boat limit of 6. We fished eels as we had no time to look for bunker. By 10:30 the wind came up to 35mph and the waves crested at 4 feet.  We got home just before the wind blew the house away.  You were right again.  Always fish for big bass just before a big east blow.”

Vetere hopes to be out there again on Tuesday.

Paddy Sciortino of The tackle Box in Hazlet also got into big stripers by fishing live eels at night in Raritan Bay just before the storm.

The gale watch comes down tonight after northeast winds gust up to 40 knots. East winds continue Sunday at 20-25 knots with gusts to 35 and showers.

The IGFA starts its 2023 Tournament Series Online Auction at 8 a.m. Sunday. Check in with the IGFA for a preview of all the tackle, art, trips, etc. that will be up for grabs.

Capt. Ron Santee got a real surprise today when he tried to sneak in a last fluke trip on his Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands before the weekend gale watch.

Fish usually bite readily before a storm, but that wasn’t the case at all today as Capt. Ron Santee tried several spots without putting a single keeper on his Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands. The ocean was getting nasty, so Santee gave out passes for a future trip and headed in early.

Mike Monte of Nantucket has been catching stripers over 16 inches during a short period after dawn from Monmouth County beaches. Yesterday morning he had a 30-incher on a popper, while another angler beached a 31-incher. The northeaster will probably kill that action, but fall storms can produce for those willing to take a beating if the waters remain clear.

Tomorrow looks like another very fishable day, and anglers should take advantage of it in face of a weekend gale warning.

At Belmar, the Golden Eagle reported a slow start before bluefishing broke open in the afternoon. There was whitewaterfishing on the 3-to-8-pound blues with diamond jigs, and some anglers added fluke limits off bottom.

The best fluke fishing of the season has been going on since last week, but the weekend weather could put that to an end. Capt. Ron Santee said it was tougher today, but still did well on the Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands. Seve and Big Tom boated successive fluke of 8.4 and 7.11 pounds. Santee is fishing tomorrow since the wind isn’t predicted to come on until the afternoon.

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Fisher Prce IV eports a fine tripecent day on the bluefin grounds for Mike and friends landing 2 overs taking out at 55” and 59”. Thank you guys for fishing hard. We will have the boat back up in Highlands and hope to start bass fishing end of the week. We will also be available for tuna charters as long as they are around. Call or text 732-861-3394 for info and reservations.

All reactions:

88Joe Tomaszewski, Chuck Tyman Manny and 86 others

It’s not often that fluke fishing is a sure thing, but that’s the way its been this week. Capt. Ron Santee of the Fishermen at Atlantic Highlands summed up today as follows:”

Another awesome Fluke fishing day. I said yesterday it would be a perfect 10 and we didn’t disappoint !

Joe & George had their limit on the first drift, by day’s end many had their three and then some on quality Fluke from 3-4 pounds….Dennis took the pool with a beauty at 7 pounds.

Too many names to list tonight so I’ll just post the pics. Tomorrow is another 10 plus day, Friday is looking good, the weekend, I’ll let you know tomorrow or Friday. Don’t miss this awesome end of the year Bite! Kinda like the end of the year sale.

Paid our dues for a couple months with the up’s and down’s, now we have been blessed. See you in the AM 7:30-3:00pm “

The Golden Eagle from Belmar had fine jigging for small blues that produced a quick boat limit before switching to fluke as some limits of the flatfish were added.

That weekend warning is in sharp contrast to tomorrow when it looks perfect again with 5-10-knot north winds. Gusty northeast winds are in the weekend forecast.

There was also good news from the Monmouth County surf as Mike Monte arrived from Nantucket to catch stripers in the 16-inch plus size the last two mornings on a Chug Bug. Mullet are the current surf attraction.

Chuck Many reports a hot yellowfin tuna bite yesterday on the Critter Catcher

Anglers with a broad interest in fishing are missing a good bet if they don’t participate in the Fisherman magazine Dream Boat 2023 Fishing Challenge. That contest provides a grand prize of a Steiger Craft 21 center console a 150 hp Yamaha outboard, Humminbird Chart Plotter, Minn Kota Riptide electric motor and equipment, along with a trip to Costa Rica’s Marina Pez Vela for second — and great fishing gear in many categories. All you need to enter is a subscription to the Fisherman. You won’t be competing against any pros as captains and mates are among those not eligible — which even includes outdoor writers!

Of course, there’s plenty of competition for those prizes, but you never know when you might get lucky with one of the six eligible species. For instance, in comparing my personal records to the leaders as of the last issue, I would be way out in front of the 8.66-pound weakfish leader — but only because I long ago boated a 13-pounder while trolling a big plug on wire line at night for trophy stripers at Montauk’s Shagwong Reef.

I’d also be in good shape with a 15 1/2-pound fluke (the leader is 13 pounds), and a bluefish at 20 pounds as compared to the present leader of 16.13 pounds. Surprisingly, no one has entered a sea bass (minimum 4 lbs.) or blackfish (minimum 7 lbs.) so far. My bests on those species are 5 1/2 and 12 1/4 pounds. The porgy leader is 3.14 pounds, while I’ve had a 3 1/2-pounder three times over the years. There’s also a sea robin category, with the leader at 3.34 pounds. I’ve only kept length records on that species, with the best at 15 1/2 inches.

In order to be eligible, you must subscribe to the Fisherman. A good time to do so will be at the Sept. 22-24 Jersey Shore Boat Sale & Expo at 2 Stadium Way in Lakewood. The Fisherman is giving away a $20 gift card from Shurhold, a package of BKK hooks and a package of Fishbites with each subscription.

Nick Honachefsky sent the following reminder:

ARRIER ISLAND BEACH BRAWL BONUS ROUND!! *** Anyone who registers by SEPTEMBER 20TH, gets automatically entered to win:

A FREE $350 PRIZE PACK of Costa sunglasses and Savage Gear lures, drawn randomly. If you’ve signed up, you’re already in the drawing.

Register at http://www.saltwaterunderground/barrier island beachbrawl.com

A small craft advisory is up until 6 p.m. Tomorrow starts with a mere 5-10 knots northwest, and turns west in the afternoon.

Fluke fishing remains a best bet. At Atlantic Highlands, Capt. Ron Santee said drifting conditions were tough early and late on his Fishermen, but everyone caught lots of fluke. Wally took the pool with a fluke just short of 8 pounds. Tomorrow looks to be perfect.

The Prowler 5 reported the drift was a bit fast, but the boat ended up with 55 keepers being caught. With a long range forecast of rough seas on the weekend, now is the time to go!

The Golden Eagle from Belmar got into old-fashioned bluefish jigging with long drifts sand limits of 2-7-pounders. Some keeper and short fluke were also jigged.

Capt. John Contello switched back to stripers on Just Sayin from Keyport today, and had good action with bass up to 45 inches after a slow start.

As noted last night, fluke don’t care about rain — and neither should fluke fishermen now that the fishing is as good as it gets just before the season closes/

The Prowler 5 from Atlantic Highlands sailed today with just eight anglers aboard since Capt. Scott Hilliard didn’t want them to miss out on the bite even if it cost him money to make the trip. Everyone limited and released many more fluke. It was the same thing yesterday when Max Zazzarino (12) took the pool with an 8.66-pound fluke.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar was out on a tuna trip today which produced limits of dolphin plus hot catch and release angling. They were into hot bluefishing the day before, and will be back at that sport in the morning.

A small craft advisory is up through Tuesday afternoon. Showers are likely tomorrow.

Hurricane swells can send migrating fish on their way, but that wasn’t a problem for party boat anglers today in NY/NJ Bight.

Capt. Ron Santee had predicted a perfact “10” day, and that’s exactly what it was as anglers on his Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands caught double fluke limits including some some larger fish up to a 7 1/2-pound pool winner by Arnaldo. Showers are possible tomorrow, but that won’t bother the fluke whose season is almost over.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar reported as follows: “

It was a great day back angling! The weather we had the past few days definitely helped out. There were PLENTY OF BLUES in the 3 to 8lb. range on jigs. Diamond jigs, plain and tailed worked great. There were nice long drifts where we held fish on with flurries at time. We had limits around the boat. We will be on the Mahi trip tomorrow but will be back to our regular 7:30AM departure on Tuesday.“ Vinny D’Anton got out late this morning, but still managed a 23-inch surf striper on a Chug Bug. He said Tommy Cox had fished the Monmouth County surf earlier, and caught three bass around keeper size. The water was clear and perfect for surfcasting. The forecast is for south winds at 5-10 knots before going east in the afternoon. The Mimi VI from Point Pleasant has an open bottom fishing trip at 6:30 a.m. Call this evening for a reservation at 732 370-8019. ********************************************************************* NIGHT BLUEFISHING! SATURDAY NIGHTS SEPTEMBER AND OCTOBER. THE BOAT DEPARTS AT 7PM AND RETURNS AT 1:30AM. These trips are popular and sell out fast so make sure to get your reservations in now. ********************************************************************* WE ARE NOW BOOKING AFTERNOON/EVENING PARTY CRUISES! Call 732-681-6144. ARE YOU READY TO PARTY? Well, we have the place for it to happen. The 100’ Golden Eagle is where the fun begins. We have a huge upper deck for dancing and your DJ and an air-conditioned cabin along with plenty of room for your friends and family on the main deck. Have it catered or bring your own food and drinks. Celebrate while cruising the Jersey Shore! It will be an exciting event you will always remember. Call us at 732-681-6144 to schedule your special occasion. ************************** Our Golden Eagle calendar is filled with trips for everyone so go to our website and make your reservations. We look forward to fishing with you! These are our MANY UPCOMING SPECIAL AND OFFSHORE TRIPS planned such as – *18/20 Hour Canyon Mahi Trip September 17th *23-Hour Canyon Tuna Trips in September and October *Night Bluefishing Trips in September and October *Offshore Giant Sea Bass Trips in December We have GOLDEN EAGLE HOODIES, ZIPPERED HOODIES AND LONG SLEEVE AND SHORT SLEEVE TEE’S. They can be purchased on our website. ——————————————————————– The GOLDEN EAGLE sails every day at 7:30am from Belmar Marina in Belmar, NJ. For more information visit us at www.goldeneaglefishing.com or call 732-681-6144. See you onboard. We look forward to fishing with you.RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST!The GOLDEN EAGLE sails every day at 7:30am from Belmar Marina in Belmar, NJ.For more information visit us atwww.goldeneaglefishing.com or call 732-681-6144.AN EXTRAORDINARY FISHING EXPERIENCE Purchase Your Tickets OnlineAN EXTRAORDINARY FISHING EXPERIENCEThank you for sailing with us.See you on board.Capt. Rich Falcone The Golden EagleGolden EagleBelmar Marina,Belmar, NJ 07719732-681-6144Contact Us    Share This Email Share This Email Share This Email