After boaters couldn’t come up with a blue or white marlin big enough to weigh in at the White Marlin Open and WMIT, that problem was overcome on the first day of the MidAtlantic. Pipe Down weighed a 489-pound blue marlin that was well over the 400-pound minimum for that species. Then V iking 80C brought in a 70-pound white that stood up against a 69-pounder on Big Oil. Almost the entire fleet fished today. and they managed just a few bigeyes. Marli leads at 205 pounds, followed by Talkin Trash at 195, Random Chaos at 112 — and Low Profile with a 101-pounder. Crisdel dominated in tuna a few days ago at the WMIT as they raised schools of bigeyes, but only weighed a 57-pound tuna today.

A very impressive dolphin was the 45-pounder by Liquidity, while Big Deal loaded up with dolphin of 25, 26 and 32 pounds. Rhonda’s Osprey leads in wahoo at 23 pounds.

The unofficial field for the 2023 MidAtlantic out of Cape May plus Ocean City, Md consists of 181 boats fishing for a purse of $5.7 million- and176 of those boats fished the first day. That should result in a very busy weigh-in period starting at 5 p.m. I’ll add a post after the scales close.

The MidAtlantic has a double minimum for billfish weigh-ins as whites must be 69 inches and 65 pounds — while blues have to make both 102 inches and 400 pounds. Tuna count at 50 pounds, while dolphin and wahoo must be at least 20 pounds.

The Mimi VI from Point Pleasant has room on bottom fishing trips the next two days as well as on many others coming up. Call for details call 732 370-8019.

The Paramount from Brielle will be running squid trips from 7 to noon Tuesday and Wednesday.

The forecast is for northeast winds, but at just 5-10 knots.

Frank Criscola’s Crisdel out of Brielle Yacht Club won the White Marlin Invitational for the second straight year. A couple of blasts from bigeye schools filled the scoreboard for a $147K win.

Capt. George Steller couldn’t find bigeyes as large as last years, but a 116.1–pounder led the way. Now it’s on to the MidAtlantic and much bigger pay-offs as that contest begins fishing in the morning.

There wasn’t much other information available from the WMIT, but Git Up did win the dolphin category with a 16-pounder.

Capt. Ron Santee reported from his Fishermen out of Atlantic Highlands that there was way too much current which he couldn’t get away from. Those who worked hard with a lot of lead were able to put a catch of fluke together.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar had plenty of action all morning with 2-4-pound blues plus a few Spanish mackerel and a bonito. Both plain and tailed jigs worked well.

The inshore forecast is great, with southwest winds at 5-10 knots in the morning.

The White Marlin Invitational concludes today at Beach Haven with 52 boats using their last day, but offshore anglers will swiftly move over to the MidAtlantic as fishing begins Monday out of Cape May plus Ocean City, Maryland.

It’s been hard to get info out of the WMIT, but as of this morning Shark Byte had the points lead with 650 — followed by Code Blu. Git Up and Crisdel with 450. Bandit had the three leading tuna at 115.9, 107.6 , and 105.3 pounds –with Crisdel next at 104.6 pounds. There were no eligible dolphin or wahoo, and no weigh-ins of white or blue marlin.

At Belmar, the Golden Eagle had jigged limits of 2-4-pound blues plus bonito on Friday while the pool went to a 14-pound jumbo blue– the first jumbo I’ve heard of in some time.

Sunday’s forecast is for west winds at 5-10 knots before going southwest in the afternoon at 10-15 knots.

It took some time to get results, but the White Marlin Invitational got off to a decent start yesterday with a few tuna and many billfish releases.

Shark Byte took the lead i buillfish release points at 650 — ahead of Code Blu, Git Up and Lovin Life and Crisdel with 450 each. Bandit had a bigeye blast with 115.9- and-107.6-pounders — while Crisdel weighed a 104.6-pound yellowfin.

Jim Hutchinson Sr. reports for the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Assn, as follows:”

Recent catches in the waters off Long Beach Island have included triggerfish on the bottom, and mahi, cobia, and Spanish mackerel up in the water column. There have also been some reports of a resurgence of croakers around. Meanwhile, the artificial reefs continue to give up good numbers of fluke.”

Last call for the HRFA Catfish Chaos tomorrow from 12:01 a.m. to 3 p.m. You must register today by calling Dan Harrison at 551 265-3460. The fee is $20 for adults and $10 for those under 16. There are many NY and NJ weigh-in stations.

Catfish Chaos DerbyAugust 19, 2023- Last day to register -Aug. 18

Speaking of the reefs, Captain John Lewis of the “Insatiable” announced that the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife sank a scallop boat on the Garden State North Reef Site on Friday, August 11. This deployment was sponsored by the Sportfishing Fund and the Junior Mate’s Reef Project of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association.

This deployment follows others that add to the marine habitat to provide the marine ecosystem with food and shelter for all marine organisms. This in turn will develop enhanced fishing opportunities for recreational anglers.

Captain Brett Taylor and “Reel Reaction Sportfishing” had a double charter this week and boxed a nice mahi-mahi in the morning while fishing ocean structure. That group also reeled in10 keeper fluke to 24-inches along with three sea bass. His afternoon group fished in the bay with poor tidal conditions yet still picked some 62 fluke with three keepers and a blowfish. Steady action!

This week’s blog about a 5-foot tarpon being caught in Nantucket has to be corrected.. It came from Mike Monte of Nantucket, but he was reporting something he’d heard from Mashpee on Cape Cod. I hope I didn’t cause overcrowding on the ferry by Yankee tarpon seekers.

Bill Venezia is the new monthly pool leader on the Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands. He boated a 9-pounder today. Capt. Ron Santee said the drift was very fast, but those who used lots of lead and worked hard did well. That boat is chartered on Saturday.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar had good jigging on the hills today for 2-4-pound blues plus some bonito. Limits were common.

Capt. Ralph Leyrer is a bottom fishing specialist on his Last Lady from Belmar, but he scheduled a tuna trip this week which produced a 50-inch bluefin. Then he got back to his specialty with a big catch of triggerfish. Leyrer has an opening this Wednesday for triggers and porgies.

Jack Ralston fished both half-day trips of the Gambler from Point Pleasant this week, and won the pool each time. His largest fluke was a 23.5-inch, 4.7-pounder.

The Jamaica from Brielle had fine variety fishing Wednesday as blues, sea bass, fluke and chub mackerel were joined by king and Spanish mackerel plus bonito.

The Paramount from that port is starting squid jigging trips at 4 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday,

A small craft warning is up for Friday. Southwest winds at 10-15 knots with gusts to 20 are predicted . Showers and thunderstorms are likely.

The White Marlin Invitational is being contested out of Beach Haven. If there are some outstanding catches weighed, I’ll add a blog after the scales close tonight.

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) will hold the fourth annual Women’s Fishing Expo at Connetquot River State Park Preserve on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.“New York is home to some of the world’s best fishing destinations and DEC is proud of the fact that women are a fast-growing segment of the fishing and outdoor recreation community,” DEC Commissioner Basil Seggos said. “The annual Women’s Fishing Expo gives participants the skills and knowledge to feel confident about getting outdoors and casting a line.” “Fishing is a great way to enjoy the beauty of our great State Parks year-round,” State Parks Commissioner Erik Kulleseid said. “We’re glad to work with DEC to offer this Women’s Expo again, which opens up opportunities to learn more about a lifelong sport and make it a family experience or simply a quiet getaway.” “DEC is happy to be partnering with New York State Parks once again to bring back the Women’s Fishing Expo for its fourth year,” DEC Regional Director Cathy Haas said. “These expos are tremendously effective in introducing more women to Long Island’s plentiful fly-fishing opportunities and we look forward to its continuing success this year.” The Women’s Fishing Expo will provide hands-on instruction and experiential learning in a fun and supportive environment. This event will be run primarily by women anglers and fisheries professionals and will also feature women-owned businesses and fishing clubs for networking opportunities. Everyone is welcome to attend, although the event is focused on introducing women and girls to fishing.Expo activities begin at 10 a.m. and are free of charge. Participants will be able to learn about fishing on Long Island and statewide, fishing basics and intermediate fishing skills, basic knots, fly-tying demonstrations, fly-casting instruction, fisheries management information, a trout hatchery tour, marine fishing information, and free fly fishing on the renowned Connetquot River. Fly casting and flyfishing are limited to those aged 14 and older.This is a rain or shine event. Spots are limited, and pre-registration is required. For more information, or to register, call the DEC’s I FISH NY Program at (631) 444-0283, or email fwfish1@dec.ny.gov with the subject title ‘Women’s Fishing Expo.’A vehicle use fee of $8 will be in effect. Parking is free for Empire Passport holders. The 2023 Empire Passport can be purchased for $80 at State Parks offices, or online at the New York State Parks website.For information about freshwater fishing on Long Island, call the DEC Bureau of Fisheries at (631) 444-0283, e-mail fwfish1@dec.ny.gov or visit DEC’s website.In 2022, 19.8 million women went fishing in the U.S., a 40-percent increase over the past decade according to the latest annual Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF) Special Report on Fishing. This is the highest number the group has recorded since participation tracking began in 2007. Overall, women make up 36 percent of fishing participants, according to the report.New York State has expanded recreational opportunities of residents and tourists, positioning New York as a recreation destination, connecting communities to State lands, and improving the quality of life. The NY Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative is an effort to improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women and to boost tourism activities throughout the state. This includes streamlining fishing and hunting licenses, reducing license fees, improving access for fishing, and increasing hunting opportunities. In support of this initiative, $10 million in NY Works funding was dedicated to fish hatchery repairs and 50 new land and water access projects such as boat launches, hunting blinds, trails, and parking areas.To further encourage fishing, DEC and partners hold free clinics throughout the state and offer Free Fishing Days since 1991 to allow all people the opportunity to sample the incredible fishing New York has to offer. For a current schedule, visit the DEC website. The site will be updated as new events are added throughout the year.

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Yesterday’s blog featured a sheepshead just a little bit lost in Raritan Bay, but Mike Monte easily topped that one with a report of a five-foot tarpon caught in the Nantucket surf. The surprised angler was fishing a chunk of bluefish for sharks.

Closure: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna General Category (Commercial) Fishery

FISHERY: General Category Bluefin Tuna

CLOSED: August 17, 2023, 11:30 pm – August 31, 2023

REASON FOR CLOSURE:

Based on the best available landings information, the 355.4 mt quota is projected to be reached and exceeded shortly

PERMITS AFFECTED:

Atlantic Tunas General category permitted vessels and highly migratory species (HMS) Charter/Headboat permitted vessels with a commercial sale endorsement when fishing commercially for bluefin tuna.

Commercial fishermen aboard vessels with an Atlantic Tunas General category or HMS
Charter/Headboat permit may not retain, possess, or land large medium or giant Atlantic bluefin tuna from 11:30 p.m., August 17, 2023 through August 31, 2023. Previously-designated restricted-fishing days (RFDs) for the rest of the June through August time period will be waived when this closure takes effect.

RECREATIONAL: Not affected by this

The Bolden Eagle from Belmar had very good jigging for 2-4-pound blues on their first two drifts, and then continued to pick as everyone limited while adding some large bonito.

Thursday’s forecast is for southeast winds at 5-10 knots with a slight chance of showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon.

The Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club’s 54th White Marlin Invitational is underway –and I should have some results tomorrow. Crisdel was last year’s big winner with a 194.3-pound bigeye.

Catching a fish species where it doesn’t “belong” is always a memorable experience, but doing it twice is really a long shot.

I was casting for weakfish with Capt. Joe Massa from his My Three Sons out of Morgan Marina on Sept. 9, 2013 when we were running out of sand worms and I decided to try a Gulp Jerk Shad on my jig head — soon hooking up with a much tougher fish. When I first saw it, I thought it might be a juvenile black drum, but a Florida angler was with us and immediately identified it as a sheepshead. That 20-inch fish weighed 7 pounds on my scale before being released. I thought that would be my sheepshead personal record for a long time, but got lucky again in 2018 when I hooked a 23-inch 9 1/4-pounder while drifting sandworms for weakfish at the Verrazano Bridge with Chuck Many.

Massa was releasing blackfish yesterday on rough bottom in the bay when an 18-inch sheepshead hit his jig tipped with crab. He released that beautiful surprise catch, though sheepshead are a very good eating fish.

Gerardo Ciriello with big sheepshead from Cape Fear

Most anglers consider sheepshead to be a Florida fish, but they are actually common in N.J. from the south jetty of Barnegat Inlet to Cape May.

The forecast is for northeast winds at just 5-10 knots — changing to southeast in the afternoon.

Capt. Ron Santee said a 6 a.m. downpour kept many anglers away, but those who got aboard the Fishermen from Atlantic Highlands were happy with catches of fluke up to 5 1/2 pounds.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar had jigging limits of small blues plus some larger bonito up to an estimated 8-pounder by Ron Bara. Most fares also had their single sea bass allowed at this time.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar reported several bonito yesterday, but today there was a real bite as their anglers caught up to 10 of the 3-5-pounders along with limits of small blues and the one sea bass a man presently allowed.

Adam La Rosa of the Canyon Runner advises anglers who would like to experience the thrill of tournament fishing may be able to do so at a reasonable cost by joining a party on the Restless Lady 2. Call them for details at 302 382-8422. Adam says the Canyon Runner has an unusual opening for the MRMTC Offshore Open from Aug. 29-Sept. 2. Call him at 732 272-4445.

The forecast is for southwest winds at 10-15 knots. Showers are likely.

Chuck Many has been off the radar lately, but before heading back down to Hilton Head he fished a local pond to release a nice bass.

Fisher PriceIV sent this after winning the tournament.

The captains meeting for the 46th annual Ocean City Marlin & Tuna Club is today as fishing runs from Monday to Saturday.

The Beach Haven Marlin & Tuna Club runs its 54th annual White Marlin Invitational from Aug. 16-19. Visit thewmit.com for details.

The BIG ONE, The MidAtlantic, runs out of Cape May from Aug. 20-25. Contact South Jersey Tournaments at 609 884-0177 or visit southjerseytournaments.com for info.

The Golden Eagle from Belmar got into small blues off the beaches this morning, and also drifted some fluke and sea bass — but had some additional good news as several 4-pound bonito were caught.

The forecast is for northwest winds at a mere 5 knots before turning south in the afternoon.