Saturday, January 27, 2018

Waiting for Spring

We made our way offshore yesterday for our last winter trip. Cold and calm, it was nice to be on the ocean and we steamed thirty miles offshore to try some wrecks. A few cod and blackfish came aboard along with a bunch of silver eels and ocean pout. All the big draggers from Cape May and Point Judith were working over the mackerel schools in the Mudhole and we spent the last hour filling coolers and baskets with the tasty treats. Whales and dolphins put on a show for the ride home. A few boats will keep sailing for the winter. The Skylarker will start again in April for the inshore blackfish bite. The last few seasons we did very well that time of year on the 50 to 90 foot spots, fishing with clams. I will give everyone a call when it's time to go.

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Monday, January 22, 2018

A Change in the Weather

Saturday afternoon was so pleasant, that after taking a long walk, we sat in the back yard for a while, taking in the sunshine. Sunday morning we took a ride to the woods and hiked some trails. Quite a few people were out enjoying the day. We found some Tundra swans and a lone Merlin out on the bogs. Back at the house, our two little resident deer were making their daily visit to the grass in the yard. The boat was out today, but I haven't spoken to the skipper yet so I don't have a report. The bay is clear of ice but this is the time of year when the water gets cold and the fish don't always bite. I heard the mackerel fishing was good and cod were caught out at Montauk. We are watching for a weather window and should be out again towards the end of the week.

Friday, January 12, 2018

A Winter Fishing Trip

When the winter weather offers a window to get offshore, you have to take advantage. Thursday was the day, as it was mild and the ocean was flat calm. Capt. Steve rounded up a crew and we cast off at 5:30 am and made our way east to deep wrecks. Three drops in the deep produced a few ling, a lone cod and the ever present spiny dogfish. A passing dragger gave word of mackerel not far from our position and we spent the afternoon picking at them. All the blackfish boats were inshore with good gangs aboard, and they had a few fish. We will try to get out again Monday to try some 100 foot plus drops, looking for trophy blackfish. Let me know if you would like to come along.

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Open Boat Blackfish

We are keeping an eye on Monday 1/15 , Martin Luther King day. The plan is to get a crew together and head to the deeper wrecks in search of trophy blackfish. This is the time of year when the pool fish can be teen sized. While it is hard to predict weather this time of year, the long range is looking good. Give a call or send me an e-mail if you would like to try.

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Snow

I just checked Accu weather and they say there is a zero percent chance of more then 6 inches of snow today. I just looked out the window and there is about 18 inches of snow.

Snow and Ice

While running errands the past few days, we took time to check out the ice on Barnegat Bay. There are parts that are open and parts that are completely covered. Some guys were still duck hunting and it seems like a million ducks could be seen all over the bay. The wild life viewing has been excellent. We can find a Bald Eagle just about any time, some times by just looking out the window! The other afternoon, just after sunset, I was watching a family of deer behind the house, little does and bucks and one big eight point buck. The phone rang, and "Highliner" Paul was returning from clamming with a big load. The super moon caused an extreme low tide that allowed him to access an area that was loaded. Linguini and clams, stuffed clams, chowder and what ever else I can come up with. Thanks, Paul! Fishing is on hold until the weather breaks. Or, should I say if it ever breaks, as right now there is about eight inches of snow and it's still coming down. Belmar remains relatively ice free because of the current, and we will still try to fish on the next nice day.

Monday, January 1, 2018

Something Really Cool

A charter boat posted a dive video from last summer of a wreck on Stellwagen Bank off of Cape Cod. Just google "Stellwagen bank Patriot wreck" and the you tube video comes up on a bunch of sites. If you ever wondered what it looks like down there, you will enjoy seeing all the different marine life.