There is still some serious fishing going on in the Southern end of our State with some stripers still in the mix and some enormous Tog being taken from some of the deeper water wrecks and rockpiles. However, here is short touch of Holiday cheer to kick things off.
T’was The Night Before Fish-mas
T’was the night before Fish-mas, and all down the dock
Not an angler was stirring, all holds had been locked.
Most vessels were wrapped in their wintertime whites
with props off in boxes, and tie-downs snugged tight.
All drags released with clickers left on
tackle up on their shelves, all bait dumped, all gone.
When suddenly there was a terrible clatter
I sprang from my desk to see what’s da’ matter?
I clicked on my iMac, to Roffers I ran
As the image came up, the excitement began.
An eddy of hot and non-turbulent water
had pushed off the stream and into our quarter
I saw 60’s and edges that dropped down by 20
Swirls of red at the top
The north side had plenty
“There’s tuna out there”, I screamed to myself
Just 25 out, their right on the shelf
Right away I knew what I needed to do.
I was still in the water, I needed a crew!
Call Carmen, call Paul, call Craig and JV
Call John, Cousin Steve, Don and Cory
They’re inside the canyon, I can hear the drags a screamin’
I called all the boys, and they said ……..I was dreamin’.
“It’s Christmas, not Fish-mas you angling fool
Time for family, gifts and stockings, and the kids out of school.
The red lights a dancin’ are not on your bow,
they’re all on the tree, put your keys away. Now!
I hung my head, and skulked back to my desk
I realized my priorities all were a mess.
How could I think tuna, racing fast ‘cross the water
Instead of opening gifts with my wife and my daughter?
I was terribly wrong, misguided, screwed up!
Even the dog wouldn’t listen, my best friend, my pup!
And then in a twinkling, my thoughts became clear.
Like a beacon from above shining down on my beer.
It’s Christmas, no fishing, I’ll hang right at home.
My family surrounds me, I can’t leave them alone.
“Smart move” said my wife.. after you I’d be jogging
With frying pan in hand to give you a flogging…
“Of course dear” I replied………………….
………………………….but on Thursday… I’m Toggin!
This is a quick reference list for all of you that still have shopping to do or have visions of making just a few more trips out before rolling up the rug. The following shops in our area are open for business, and would really enjoy seeing all of you before the holiday to give their end of year a little bump. Please buy local when you can, and help those that supported you throughout the season have a Happy Holiday as well.
Many have shifted to off-season hours,and have limited their baits supplies to some degree so be sure to call or give their websites a bump before running over.
Fisherman’s Supply Point Pleasant 732-892-2058
Reel Life Bait & Tackle Point Pleasant 732-899-3506
Jersey Hooker Outfitters Brick 732-903-6904
Jersey Tackle Brick 732-451-1077
Pell’s Fish & Sport Brick 732-477-2121
Capt. Hippo’s S. Toms River 732-505-3500
Better Bait & Ice Toms River 732-270-1030
Murphy’s Hook House Toms River 732-270-3856
Tony’s Bait & Tackle Manahawkin 609-597-7250
Absecon Bay Sportsman Absecon 609-484-0409
TackleDirect Egg Harbor T’ship 609-788-3819
Fin-Atics Ocean City 609-398-2248
Two Chums B&T Sea Isle 609-263-2486
Sea Isle B&T Sea Isle 609-263-6540
Peace Token Tackle Cape May C.H. 609-463-6851
Hands Too B&T Cape May 609-884-2248
On a personal note, I can’t begin to tell you how fulfilling it has been over the course of this past season to get to know so many of the guys on the list above that fight the good fight ( and this year was the toughest battle in decades) to keep us all in the loop on the latest intel and provide us with the tools to do what love to do.
To all of you that have read the reports Mike and I put out there every week, thanks. For the emails, for the info, for following our efforts. From our families to yours, we wish you all the blessings this season has to offer. Stay tuna-ed in to what is going on right after Christmas week (we got a week off!), as we come back to keep you up to date with the latest and best news there is on fishing in New Jersey.
Stay Tuna-ed!