23-Pound Blackfish Caught in NJ

By OTW StaffFebruary 3, 2015

Shane Burke with his 23-pound white chin, weighed in at the Tackle Box in Hazlet.

Last Friday, Shane Burke of Homdel, NJ caught a giant blackfish just two pounds shy of the New Jersey State Record. His fish, a 23-pound brute, hit while he was fishing on a friend’s boat out of Wildwood, NJ.

Southern New Jersey has a reputation for producing monster tog in the dead of winter. The New Jersey State Record—and former world record, before it was smashed this January by a Long Island fisherman (see photos of the 28-pound blackfish HERE)—was caught on January 20, 1998 on the North Star out of Ocean City.

Anthony Monica's 25-pound tautog, caught out of Ocean City, New Jersey, was considered by many to be an unbreakable record. — Anthony Monica’s 25-pound tautog, caught out of Ocean City, New Jersey, was considered by many to be an unbreakable record.

OTW Staff

The On The Water staff is made up of experienced anglers from across the Northeast who fish local waters year-round. The team brings firsthand, on-the-water experience and regional knowledge to coverage of Northeast fisheries, techniques, seasonal patterns, regulations, and conservation.

One response to “23-Pound Blackfish Caught in NJ”

wm.patrone.
Great catch. Great boat.I fished with you last summer and had a great day.we hooked up over 400 sea bass that day.many many keepers. We look forwerd to hook up with you this year.rio.will stay in touch.

April 25, 2015
Log in to Reply