To borrow from the old song, only mad dogs and fishermen would go out in a storm like last weekend’s.
So having said that, there is not a whole lot to report
Still, a few boats continue to sail and some nice blackfish are coming over rails.
Capt. Kenny on the Mimi VI out of Point Pleasant was back togging on Wednesday after clearing the snow away and said they were picking some nice fish up to 8 pounds. There wasn’t a big crowd, but the fish were biting. He’ll be sailing every day the weather allows right through the end of the blackfish season.
The Norma K III, also out of Point Pleasant Beach, was ready to sail on Wednesday but there wasn’t enough of a turnout to leave the dock. Capt. Matt Sosnowski said that he plans to fish through the weekend for blackfish and so far the weather looks like it will cooperate.
Capt. Rich Wilkowski on the Jersey Hooker said he’s going deep for the big tog this weekend, sailing an open boat on Friday with a few a spots remaining for trips on Saturday and Sunday. He’s leaving the dock in Point Pleasant Beach at 6 a.m. and returning around 4 in afternoon.
John Bogan at Brielle Bait and Tackle said the fleet out of Bogan’s Basin will also be back sailing this weekend with the Paramount, Big Jamaica and Jamaica II all heading out for cod, pollock, ling, blackfish and porgies. The shop will also be holding rod building classes in February for those interested in some indoor fishing-related activity.
Several of the Belmar boats are sailing as well. The Ocean Explorer went offshore on Wednesday and found some tough conditions as the water remained a bit roiled after the blow. There were some cod, blackfish and ling but just not enough. Conditions are bound to improve with the calmer forecast.
Capt. Pete Sykes on Parker Pete’s Fishing Charters also out of the marina hopes to be back out on the hunt for tog this weekend.
The Angler out of Atlantic Highlands sailed the Thursday before the big blizzard and found decent tog fishing in deeper water. Capt. George Bachert said the inshore blackfishing was pretty much over.
His plans to sail this weekend were still undecided so check the website or call ahead to see if the boat will be heading out. The Prowler V is the only other boat still sailing out of the municipal marina and Capt. Scott Hilliard reported he will be sailing for blackfish this weekend.
Farther south, if you were hoping to get in on the big tog being caught aboard the Osprey V out of Atlantic City, you missed your chance. Over the past several weeks, the Osprey landed a couple of tog well in excess of 20 pounds and a number of fish in the teens. Capt. Amanda Peterson said they’re done for the season and will be back next year at Kammerman’s Marina.
As for the surf, it was far from quiet with huge waves scouring the sand. Hal at Betty and Nick’s in Seaside Park said they reopened on Monday and didn’t have anyone walk into the store until Wednesday.
However, there’s a nice warming trend on the way and it’s worth a shot to head to the beach and try for some holdover stripers. Small swimming plugs and soft baits retrieved slowly are the choice right now. If nothing else, a trip to the suds offers some relief from a case of cabin fever.
Best Bets for the Weekend
As has been the case for the past several weeks, blackfish maintain the top spot on the menu. The number of boats going after them has gone down, but you can still find a spot if you want to get out there. Boats out of Belmar and Bogan’s Basin in Brielle are also sailing for cod, pollock and ling.
A walk along the beach for stripers may prove fruitful at Sandy Hook, the Long Branch area and Island Beach State Park. The weather forecast is pleasant enough and if nothing else, it will get you out of the house.