Snowstorm

 A powerful winter storm walloped the state this week. Down at the shore, we did not see much in the way of snow, two inches maybe and not enough to shovel. The beaches were the problem as the ocean cut into the dunes and the erosion was tremendous. The weather buoy on the Barnegat Ridge, the fishing grounds 15 miles offshore showed seas reaching 21 feet. That's the type of energy that moves wrecks and changes bottom structure. At least a couple boats will still try to fish when things settle down for those looking for a day out.

Winter Fishing

 The snowstorm before Christmas caused a rapid drop to water temperatures and ended any inshore fishing. Even the pre holiday bite on the offshore wrecks dried up. Blackfishing has become a joke among the die hard anglers as it has become an all day event to land a keeper. Even if something was done to save this once great fishery, it would be too little too late. The striped bass fishery slowed down to the point where no one is even trying. A sure sign that surf fishing is finished are the seals showing up in local waters. They eat everything, bass, flounders, blackfish, bunkers, anything they can catch. The only thing I never saw one eat was a dogfish. If you can find a boat willing to sail on a nice day, you may catch enough for dinner.

Happy New Year

 After all the boats have sailed, and all the fish caught, only memories remain. Happy New Year

Nice Weekend But...

 It could be all over. Most boats are hauling out for the season ahead of the storm. The word got out at the beach, as anglers lined the surf like a picket fence. Yesterday and today things were back to normal, as the few guys out there picked away, I spoke to the skipper on the blackfish boat and it sounded bad. The J II came in with the best catch of the weekend with full coolers of big ling. Some lucky fishermen got their Christmas fish.

Winter Fishing

 It's getting cold and you have to do your fishing between the storms. I have heard of some good catches of big unit blackfish, like the old days. The striped bass bite remains strong. No need to go on a boat this time of year, the crowds on the beach have thinned out and some times they bite all day long.

Happy Thanksgiving

We awoke to the sound of the duck hunters down on the bay the past few mornings. We also hear that a lot of boaters are out, enjoying the weather and the striped bass run. Happy Thanksgiving.

Fishing Report

 Got a couple of first hand reports. Striped bass fishing is very good and blackfishing is a struggle. Porgies are offshore and sea bass are on the winter grounds. Dog fish are solid from the surf to the canyon. Striped bass on the grill today.