Current Fishing Report

Fisherman's Headquarters 280 West 9th Street Ship Bottom, NJ 08008-4613 24/7 Web Site: www.fishermansheadquarters.com Email: info@fishermansheadquarters.com

Current Store Hours: Monday - Thursday: 9 AM - 5 PM Friday - Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM Sunday: 9 AM - 4 PM

Weather Forecast - Ship Bottom NJ Fishing Regulations NJ Marine Contacts NJ Div Fish & Game NJ Striper Bonus Tag Rewards for Striper Tags   NJ REEF SITES GUIDE to Fish&Dive NJ Reefs w/PDF NJ License & Permit General Information NJ Marine Shellfish Licenses & Permits NJ Licenses Application Forms Info for NJ Crabbers Crab Tagging Study Barnegat Bay Nat Estuary Program NMFS Tuna Permit 2003 ASMFC Circle Hook Report	ACT NOW... To Help save your Fluke Fishery visit... SSFFF	2009 TOURNAMENT RESULTS Berkeley Striper (Spring) - Results JCAA Fluke (June) - Results LBI Simply Bassing - Results: FHQ or FishLBI Raritan Bay Anglers 19th Charity Fluke - Results GarbageFish Tournament - Results BHMTC WMIT (Summer)  -  Results "KIDS" - Hooked On Fish Not On Drugs - Results On The Water's 2009 Striper Cup - Results Sea Shell Striped Bass Derby - Final LBISFT (Derby) - Final LBISFT (Derby) FHQ Calcutta - Over Berkeley Striper Club Fall Derby - Results
	The State of NJ asks Anglers to Report Your NJ Catch Online
	DO NOT RELEASE ALIVE The State of NJ asks you Report Mitten Crab Catches Photo & Freeze the Crab Note Precise Location of Catch and Date Email info to SERCMittenCrab@si.edu or call National Mitten Crab Hotline (443-482-2222)

Attention all who read our updates...      Our reports come from all who frequent the local waters. We are always looking for honest reliable information. We don't need exact GPS locations or other info that threatens your favorite spot or which invade personal space. Please share rough locations, depth or stage of tide. Please pass on your positive or negative reports.      So if you have 1st hand, honest information to help fellow fisherman please send an E-mail to fishingreports@fishermansheadquarters.com  Thank You, FHQ

Cooler Tray by Calcutta SPECIAL PRICING $24.99

Click on "Red Line" to visit these → HOT ITEMS...  ZeeBaaS SurfEdge 3.5 Knife   http://www.fishermansheadquarters.com/zeebaas_surfedge_knife.htm  Penn Reel Custom Shop - Made in USA Lever Drag International Reels →   http://www.fishermansheadquarters.com/penn_custom_shop.htm  ESCA Lure Light - Inshore / Offshore →   http://www.fishermansheadquarters.com/esca_lure_light.htm NEW! Tire Buddy III Tire Deflator →    http://www.fishermansheadquarters.com/tire_buddy_deflator.htm NEW! ZeeBaaS ZX (R-H Cast) & ZLX (L-H Cast) Spinning Reels →   http://www.fishermansheadquarters.com/Reels_Zeebaas_Spinning.htm  Red Gills are back in stock plus introducing the NEW Red Gill Pilchard →   http://www.fishermansheadquarters.com/lures_softbaits_redgills.htm  Original & New Style Breakaway Sinkers →   http://www.fishermansheadquarters.com/tt_breakaway.htm  Grundens Rainwear and Clothing →   http://www.fishermansheadquarters.com/grundens_index.htm  Vision Surf Eels →   http://www.fishermansheadquarters.com/vision_surf_eel_rainfish.htm  New! Berkley Gulp Alive! 7" Belly Strip →   http://fishermansheadquarters.com/gulp_belly_strip.htm                       New! Berkley Gulp Alive! Ghost Shrimp →   http://fishermansheadquarters.com/gulp_shrimp.htm#ghost_shrimp

Ship Bottom Boat Towing Towing, Salvage, Bottom Work "If we can't do it, then we'll tell you who can" 609.978.7757

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Yes, Van Staal and ZeeBaaS reels are now Made in China

Starting with 2010 all ZeeBaaS products are Made in China
ZeeBaaS no longer has any other Made in USA reels in factory stock
All ZeBaaS reels we sold to date were Made in USA

These are the only ZeeBaaS Made in USA reels that remain in our stock...
8221133 ZX22RS Silver (Manual Single roller) $869.00
8221223 ZX22RD Black (Manual Double Roller) $899.00
8231323 ZX25RB Black (Manual Full Bail) $969.00

ZeeBaaS ZX Made in China reels should be released soon
ZeeBaaS ZLX left-handed casting spinning reel series is still not available

Penn International Torque Spinning Reel News:
→ Penn's new Flagship Made in USA Spinning reel
→ Manufactured at Penn's Philadelphia, PA factory with all the other International Series Reels
→ Selectable auto or manual full bail wire model has a May 2010 anticipated release date
→ The Bail-Less feature may not be an available option for the full bail model. TBD
→ A separate Bail-Less model may be developed. TBD
→ More info click...  http://www.fishermansheadquarters.com/penn_torque_spinning.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

February 02, 2009

Our Green Crab stock is currently very low....
...Please continue to give us your comments, otherwise we will not even try to order Green Crabs.
                                                                                                    - Thank you

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

January 20, 2009

Received: Wednesday, January 20, 2010 8:23 PM Subject: Wed toggin

On the Seatriever we decided not to go check out some cod numbers. We did get out to some wrecks, Saba, Magnolia, etc. 70 something feet of water. It was a slow pick w/ four of us eventually keeping 7 Blackfish up to 5-lbs. Again it was a 60% throwback deal. A lot of 13 inch fish all on green crabs. They were just not biting aggressively. Not a great catch, but it was a gorgeous day on the water. Still looking for the bigger fish as they try to winter over somewhere. Next trip is going to be further East.

~ Steve

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

January 15, 2009

Received: Sunday, January 17, 2010 8:53 PM   Subject: Friday 01.15.2010

The Seatriever's first stop was on some small pieces of the Garden State North. The water temp 39. A slow pick with 60% throwback fish. Hit 4 small structures and caught approx 6 keeper Blackfish. Each piece gave up fish SLOWLY. We were wondering where the mother load was. At about noon the wind and seas backed off. So off to deeper water. Hit the G. Isaac. Pulled 1 or 2 out of that one. No mother load there, so off to the offshore tug. It was a 2 O'clock bite. Pulled 8 off that one. Left for the barn at 3PM with a nice ride home and a great day for January. This was the first time in a least 5 years that Uncle Moe, Skip and I fished together. We're still looking for the mother load of those bigger fish. Uncle Moe was happy to see that only one Spiny Dogfish was caught.

~ Steve

Received: Friday, January 15, 2010 8:53 PM Subject: Your Friday, January 15 Fishing Report

I was on the Angler out of Atlantic Highlands, NJ. I know its not LBI local, I just wanted to let you know I was out there today and giving it the old college try. We had about 40 people on board to look for blackfish. The water temp has dropped some and I think it slowed down the fishes eating patterns. It was a pick at best. Some blackfish and some ling. Silver eels and pouts rounded up the catch. I had one short and three pouts. Nice out there but NOAA had the wind and temp wrong. It was chilly out there. Caught the short blackfish on clam and had one pout on crab. Also had a pout on shrimp. Go figure. I was glad to be out.

On Wednesday, February 24, 2010 there will be a "March on DC" in support of our fishing rights... Or lack there of... Please support the Save the Summer Flounder Fishery Fund (SSFFF) and United Boatmen and attend if you can. All the information can be found on the link... http://www.SSFFF.net/MarchOnDC.html

~ Jim T., Bridgewater, NJ

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 27, 2009

5:00 PM

A few anglers tried surf fishing today and came back with a report that was common to them all, "Nice day to be on the beach, the wind and waves looked good but the water was too churned up... no fish caught".

Received: Sunday, December 27, 2009 4:55 PM Subject: John Larson

Please mention the passing of John Larson on your site. Below is a link:

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/app/obituary.aspx?n=john-larson&pid=137841775

Jim T., Bridgewater, NJ

John was a true local who did so much for Barnegat Light and the entire Long Beach Island. Because of John, there are a lot of anglers both young and old who have enjoyed great fishing trips aboard the Miss Barnegat Light both in New Jersey and in Florida. Also so many visitors enjoyed fresh seafood that came across his Viking Village docks. May his legacy continue. The entire family and staff of Fisherman's Headquarters offer our sincerest condolences to the Larson Family.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 24, 2009

Merry Christmas!

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 23, 2009

Open Thursday December 24th until 3PM...
Could be a little later, but you will need to call to confirm if considering coming after 3PM...
Have a Merry Christmas!

Yes, we have Gift Certificates.

Need a last minute present or stocking stuffer...
Along with a store full of tackle and apparel consider our rod clearance rack or the 50% off tackle walls.

A limited amount of Green Crabs are currently in stock.
...Please continue to give us your comments, otherwise we will not even try to order Green Crabs.
                                                                                                    - Thank you

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 22, 2009

A limited amount of Green Crabs should be here around noon time on Wednesday.
...Please continue to give us your comments, otherwise we will not even try to order.
                                                                                  - Thank you

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 21, 2009

Is there any demand for Green Crabs out there?
...Please give us your comments, otherwise we will not even try to order.
                                                                                  - Thank you

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 20, 2009

Received: Sunday, December 20, 2009 8:08 AM Subject: Re: Last Day '09 Stripers

Took one last shot @ them B4 pulling the boat for the season right B4 the storm. The big boys (really girls) are still here and the upcoming storm put them on the feed! Caught Stripers along IBSP in 45 ft of water. 39" length x 24" girth - 28.1 lb Striper & 37" x 24" - 26.6 lb. Lost another big one @ the back of the boat. No birds, but lots of bait and when you were on the marks, you were on the fish! The schoolies have not shown yet, the big girls are still here, looks like fish into January!

Tight Lines til '10 !

~ The Professor

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 18, 2009

Just in time for Christmas but there is already only a limited stock... The new ZeeBaaS SurfEdge 3.5 knife now available.
http://www.fishermansheadquarters.com/zeebaas_surfedge_knife.htm

Received: Friday, December 18, 2009 8:38 PM Subject: Fwd: Reel Fantasea Charters last fishing report for 2009.

We finished our 2009 fishing season this week with frigid 18 degree temps at time of departure making ice on every surface that the sea spray came in contact with [ boat, canvas, rods ]. Regulars Jay Simmons and Ernie Rosenberg spent most of the day attempting to catch a few more stripers before they closed out their season. Although we gave maximum effort we could not find any stripers willing to cooperate so it was off to some wrecks for some nice blackfish action. The guys finished the day with a strong blackfish bite but with a strong snow storm baring down on us we had to head for the dock where a fork lift was waiting for us for the end of season haul out. It is a sad time of year but it has been a great season and with that I look forward to the next. Remember we are already booking for the 2010 season! Thanks for a great Season!

Happy Holidays from my family to yours. Best Fishes!

~ Capt. Steve Purul, "Reel FantaSea" Charters, 609-290-1217, reelfantasea@comcast.net

Received: Friday, December 18, 2009 3:01 PM   Subject: Saltwater angling registry

Could you tell me what is the reason for the upcoming saltwater angling registry that is going to happen in 2010 ? Also if you do not register what will the penalty or fine be and lastly who is going to patrol all of NJ beaches and back bays to issue fines if this is a mandatory registration.

~Thanks, Rich

Rich -

It's our Federal Government at work. Basically Sportfisherman commented to the Feds that regulations are based on poor data and that we are not being properly represented, so this is a federal reaction that will create a registration that should assure more sportfishing information is acquired for a better data base. Yes, in a nut shell it's more Big Brother stuff. But at this point it may be described as a necessary evil for us.

With few exceptions, registration is mandatory for those fishing Federal waters and in some cases State tidal waters for some species. Registration starts in January.

Enforcement... not actually sure. The federal government is to enforce. I guess that would be the Coast Guard and the Federal Wildlife Enforcement. (The guys that run up and down Holgate) Not sure how much if any the State will get involved. But since State tidal waters are involved you may see NJ Marine Police and NJ Wildlife officers also getting involved. It's all going to be new grounds for everybody.

Fines... don't know the penalty for non-registration.

If at some point the State of NJ creates a State Saltwater Fishing License, (another can of worms) and if the Fed's approve the State program then the Federal registration would likely go away since the Fed's will get there info from the State database.

Anglers tuna permits have been contacted for years and now more anglers will be contacted for inshore fishing information. If at some point in time you are contacted for a report... Don't hold back data. Be honest... If your catching... Tell them so. The Feds need to know that fish are actually being caught. Otherwise we might be cut back harder.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 16, 2009

Sent: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 6:24 AM  Subject: Striper Report 12/14

Per your request to here from private captains regarding Stripers...

They're still here, had 3 quality fish 32", 34" & 38" all on bunker spoons with three missed fish as big or larger in 4 hrs of trolling. Had to hunt around, no bird play, just needed to find the bait and the fish were there. Water temp was 48-49 so I believe it's not over yet, just a lull in between all the storms, rain and wind. If we get the NWesterlies that they are predicting for the next 3 days I've gotta believe will get some balling of the bait and the fish and hopefully one last burst of fish before the fat lady sings. Tight lines.

~ The Professor

A good chance that the Stripers will be around as long as the sandeels remain.

Received: Wednesday, December 16, 2009 11:31 AM Subject: Head boats still fishing for Stripers

For the gentleman looking for a head boat to go out on for Stripers check out the "Miss Barnegat Light". They are still sailing Fridays through Sunday, weather and patrons permitting. They will look for the fish! Excellent Captain and Crew!

~ Capt. Dave, "Kelley Lynn"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 15, 2009

Received: Tuesday, December 15, 2009 10:50 PM   Subject: striper trips

Are any headboats still going after stripers off of the island?
~ Thanks Bob

Dear Bob,
    Headboats are more likely going for Tautog and Sea Bass this time of year that will place the headboat in federal waters. Since Striper fishing is prohibited all year long in federal waters the headboats are not likely to allow any fishing or possession for Stripers.
You may wish to contact your favorite headboat to confirm what they are actually doing.
    There may be a walk on spot available on the smaller 3-5 man charter boats possibly making a last minute trip but you'll need to find a captain that is still chartering. Sorry not sure which charters are still operating this time of the year. To our knowledge most have shut down operations for the year.
    Any small boats that we are still getting reports from are all privately owned and fishing for tautog. The Striper reports are quiet.
Maybe some of those captains can give us some feed back.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 13, 2009

Sunday morning Steve Wurst was out in the Sea Trevor. It was a 4-man crew and 16 Tautog were caught. 80% of what they caught was keeper size. The biggest was a 9-lber. No Sea Bass at all. Steve fished mostly from a drift hitting spot after spot on the Garden State North using Green Crabs.  For some reason it seemed like there were more fish on the smaller structures.

Received: Sunday, December 13, 2009 5:38 PM Subject: report

Saturday December 12th there was a pretty stiff wind out of the west, the seas were about 3 to 5 feet. Water temperature was 48 degrees and there was a hard current out of the South. Fishing was steady most of the day a lot of life on the bottom, mostly shorts average catch today was 2 to 5 keepers per man. Big mouth Bob (aka Woo Woo) fished hard all day he was going for the hat trick three pools in a row, but he was shut down by his best friend Al from Lawrenceville NJ with a 10 lb 9 oz tog what a beauty.

~ Capt Frank, The Miss Beach Haven PARTY BOAT (609) 978-9951

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 10, 2009

Receive: Thursday, December 10, 2009 6:49 PM Subject: Big Surf

No fish today - but surf was up & water dirty even though west wind made it very nice on the beach. If there was a surfer season I could have limited out.

PS I did catch a seagull who got caught in my braided line - lucky for him I had my knife to cut the line. The gull was able to fly off before the line cut his wing.

~ Tony C., Collegeville PA

Received Thursday, December 10, 2009 7:48 AM Subject: Reel Fantasea fishing report

This weeks early report is due to another Gale warning. I will not be fishing the usual Thursday and Friday. Stripers continue to be caught but keepers are becoming harder to come by. Blackfishing has been very productive with "drop and reel " type fishing with some black fish hitting the scale at 9.5lbs [we had a few bigger fish break us off] with most keepers running 2-5lbs.

I had a chance to fish with my "lil' bro" Ryan and Friend Brian Schmidt aka Schmidty for stripers and blackfish on a last minute cancellation. We started off slow but finished strong with 10 stripers [2 keepers ] and non-stop action with blackfish to that 9.5-lb mark I mentioned.

Wow is it me or does it seem like this years calendar seems to be missing a few months ? How can it be December and near the end of the 2009 fishing season? What a great year of camaraderie and fishing with all of you! I count my blessing everyday being able to do what I love to do and share in the fishing experience with such wonderful people who are as passionate about fishing as I am. My wish is that you all enjoyed your time as much as I did! I continue to be a student on every trip and keep an open mind on new ideas and tactics to hopefully bring excellence to the "action and catch" in this endeavor of mine. I hope that I have communicated that only 100%+ effort on my part will do and through that you may have become a better fisherperson and have enjoyed your fishing experience. The weather sometimes kept us on our toes but when the weather cooperated the fish did as well. With a great Blackfish bite going presently and weather permitting I will be closing out the season with blackfish. These trips will sail on weather windows only on Thursday and Fridays. Anyone interested in joining open boat trips shoot me an email or call. Give the gift of fishing ! I have gift certificates in any amount for the 2010 fishing season for that special fisherperson in your life. It beats a "Snuggy" or "Chia Pet" any day and you don't have to deal with Mall traffic or parking. This years winners of the Reel Fantasea Charters season long Tournament are regulars Wayne Salvi and Jay Simmons. Wayne is Grand Master taking 3 top spots for biggest striper, biggest bluefish and biggest fluke while Jay takes the biggest weakfish category. Congratulations Guys! Remember top weights are good for 1/2 off a 5-hr back bay trip or a free open boat trip. All those who book trips are eligible and entered for the tournament. Can Wayne be unseated from his throne in 2010?

Did your Reel Fantasea experience meet your expectations? Was there something you may have preferred to do? As I strive for excellence any constructive feedback would be appreciated. If you enjoyed your fishing experience drop me a message as I will be adding a "Customer Testimonies" page and would love to add your quote.

My sincerest thank you to all of those who have chosen to fish with me this year and I hope to see all of you again next season. To all anglers out there, I wish you and yours a wonderful and blessed Holiday Season and a healthy and Happy New Year!

Best Fishes!

~ Capt. Steve Purul, "Reel FantaSea" Charters, 609-290-1217, reelfantasea@comcast.net

Received: Thursday, December 10, 2009 8:23 AM Subject: Christmas shopping

As a final edition of the fishing reports from the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association, I have prepared a gift list for Christmas.

Happy Holidays!
~ Jim Hutchinson Sr.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 8, 2009

3:45 PM

At 1:00 PM Ian King from Riverside, NJ stopped by the store after having a great time fishing the Ship Bottom surf this morning. (Today's High Tide was at about Noon) Using "Fish Head's Frozen Bunker" he landed 2 Bluefish and a 31" Striper. Ian said there were anglers around him snagging bunker and then live lining them but he didn't see them hook-up.

Received: Tuesday, December 08, 2009 4:50 PM Subject: 12-8-09 Report

Hit another blitz this AM in ship bottom - bunker everywhere - more huge blues & stripers under them - weighed in at FH - 19lb 12oz. Start of incoming tide for about 2 hours. (This morning's Low Tide was at about 5:45 AM)  All on frozen bunker chunks. Perfect Day!
~ Tony C., Collegeville PA

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 7, 2009

Received: Monday, December 07, 2009 7:20 AM Subject: Fwd: Reel Fantasea Charters fishing report

The stripers are still here and cooperating when the weather allows us to fish. Thursday's trip was cancelled due to another Gale warning but Friday's trip with the Tony Maffei crew was greeted by calm winds and seas. It was one of the nice days of the Fall. Steady action from stripers, a few slammer blues and even a few nice throw back fluke on a variety of of artificial lures and live bait. The 3 man crew boated over 30 stripers, keeping 5 stripers and a few big blues.

Sunday, regular Jay Simmons accompanied by son Justin were out in cold mid 30 degree temperatures backed by a knifing 20-30 mph wind for steady action with a catch of 20+ stripers. Justin not only landed his first ever stripers but managed the "pool fish" over bass veteran Jay who is his dad. The guys toughed it out through the cold temperatures and winds and were rewarded with a couple of keeper stripers. We did a lot of catch and release. 

~ Capt. Steve Purul, "Reel FantaSea" Charters, 609-290-1217, reelfantasea@comcast.net

Fishing reports both good or bad from either boat or surf would be appreciated. Thank you.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 6, 2009

2:00 PM

Yes, fresh bunker, fresh clams, green crabs and live eels are in stock.

Received: Sunday, December 06, 2009 12:59 PM Subject: Fishing report for Dec 4th

Fished with Capt Steve on the Reel Fantasea. Great day on the water with 30+ Stripers. Steve works hard at putting you on fish. Good pick throughout the day. Jigged plastics and then went to spot. Both worked well throughout the day. Thanks Steve for a great trip.
~ Tony Maffei

Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic - Some recent weigh-ins

Name	Type	Lbs	Bait	Location	Date	Time
SCOTT SIMPSON	Striped Bass	32.25	Bunker	Brant Beach	12/5/2009	12:45 PM
RICH BERGMAN	Striped Bass	29.69	Bunker	Beach Haven Crest	12/5/2009	1:00 PM
JOHN O'CONNELL	Striped Bass	19.19	Bunker	Holgate	12/5/2009	4:40 PM
GREG OCONNELL	Striped Bass	18.00	Bunker	Holgate	12/5/2009	4:20 PM
ROBERT GATTON	Striped Bass	17.69	Bunker	Ship Bottom	12/5/2009	1:30 AM
RAYMOND SULLIVAN	Striped Bass	15.25	Bunker	Brant Beach	12/5/2009	9:00 AM
CHUCK KORTMAN	Striped Bass	13.19	Bunker	Brant Beach	12/5/2009	5:00 AM
JOHN PARZYCH	Bluefish	12.31	Bunker	Brant Beach	12/5/2009	8:00 AM
BRIAN J. ANDERSON	Bluefish	11.75	Bunker	Beach Haven	12/5/2009	10:30 AM
RICH BERGMAN	Bluefish	11.00	Bunker	Beach Haven Crest	12/5/2009	12:05 PM
PAT CIERVO	Bluefish	10.88	Bunker	Spray Beach	12/5/2009	12:30 PM
JEFFREY R. NUEL	Bluefish	10.50	Bunker	North Beach Haven	12/5/2009	10:10 AM
CHUCK KORTMAN	Bluefish	9.94	Bunker	Brant Beach	12/5/2009	7:00 AM
STEVE WARREN	Bluefish	9.94	Bunker	Beach Haven Crest	12/5/2009	10:00 AM
CHUCK KORTMAN	Bluefish	9.00	Bunker	Brant Beach	12/5/2009	11:30 AM
DONALD THARP	Striped Bass	13.88	Bunker	Ship Bottom	12/4/2009	8:00 AM

Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic ends today Sunday December 6th.
Remember to so leave the surf in time to have your fish weighed-in or on our property before the 6 PM deadline.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 5, 2009

11:00 PM

Check out our newest metals from Point Jude Lures. We have the PoJee, Sea Scollop, Butterfish, Mullet, Sandeel, Cobra, Jointed Sandeel and Wobblehead in stock! FYI the Tsunami Sandeels are finally here too.

Week 8 of the Surf Derby is winding down! Tomorrow, December 6th is the last of the tournament. Time flies when you’re having fun!

Today we have had a number of weigh ins. Robert Gatton of Manahawkin weighed in a 17lb 11oz bass that he caught off of the surf (in the midnight hours) in Ship Bottom on bunker. Scott Simpson of Hainesport weighed in a 32lb 4oz bass that he caught (shortly after noon time) off of the surf in Brant Beach on bunker. Steve Warren weighed in a pair of bluefish both caught in Beach Haven Crest on bunker; 10lb 2oz and a 9lb 15oz. Greg O’Connell of Mays Landing and the Merchantville Fishing Club weighed in a 18lb striper that he caught down in Holgate on bunker. John O’Connell of Vineland and the Merchantville Fishing Club weighed in a 19lb 3oz striper that he caught in Holgate on bunker too.

Yesterday, the 4th Don Tharp of Manahawkin weighed in a 13lb 14oz striper that he caught on the Ship Bottom bayside on bunker.

12:00 Noon

Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic ends this coming Sunday December 6th.
Remember to so leave the surf in time to weigh-in your entries before the 6 PM deadline.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 3, 2009

Received: Thursday, December 03, 2009 11:05 AM Subject: 12/02/09 Fishing Report

Fished Beach Haven Crest from 13:30-18:00. Saw lots of guys snagging bunker inside the bar and dropping in for the blues to slam the bait. I myself landed 5 blues all between 28”-30” (had 2 bite offs too) beginning around 14:30 once the tide turned to 17:30. No bass in my bag, just blues. Had one report from just up the beach of one “nice bass” beached but I saw nothing but blues landed.
~ GRL – Cape May, NJ

Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic - Some of today's weigh-ins

Name	Type	Lbs	Bait	Location	Time
RUSSELL SHORT	Striped Bass	28.69	Bunker	Holgate	6:30 PM
THOMAS WHITE	Striped Bass	19.75	Bunker	Brant Beach	4:00 PM
BRIAN J. ANDERSON	Striped Bass	17.63	Bunker	Holgate	8:30 AM
CHRIS KOLODZIEJ	Bluefish	13.38	Bunker	Brant Beach	4:00 PM
ROBERT COATES	Bluefish	11.19	Bunker	Ship Bottom	5:30 PM

Fishing reports both good or bad from either boat or surf would be appreciated. Thank you.

Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic - "Top Ten Bass & Blues" as of this morning

Class	Position	Lbs	Name	From	Bait	Location	Date
Striped Bass	1	42.69	MICHAEL KANE	DOYLESTOWN, PA	Bunker	Loveladies	10/12/2009
Striped Bass	2	39.94	BRIAN MCALLISTER	MIDDLETOWN, DE	Bunker	Holgate	11/28/2009
Striped Bass	3	38.69	JOHN PARZYCH	TRUMBAUERSVILLE, PA	Bunker	Holgate	11/1/2009
Striped Bass	4	38.44	MIKE GREENE	SHIP BOTTOM, NJ	Bunker	Ship Bottom	11/1/2009
Striped Bass	5	36.94	KENNEY DEPIERRO	YONKERS, NY	Bunker	Haven Beach	10/11/2009
Striped Bass	6	36.81	SCOTT SIMPSON	HAINESPORT, NJ	Bunker	Spray Beach	11/1/2009
Striped Bass	7	36.06	CHRIS MASINO	BEACH HAVEN, NJ	Other	Brant Beach	12/2/2009
Striped Bass	8	36.00	BRIAN J. ANDERSON	SPRAY BEACH, NJ	Bunker	Holgate	11/10/2009
Striped Bass	9	35.31	DENNIS STEPIEN	MARLTON, NJ	Bunker	Holgate	11/19/2009
Striped Bass	10	35.25	DAVID BELL	MANAHAWKIN, NJ	Bunker	Ship Bottom	11/2/2009
Bluefish	1	16.31	RANDALL MATLACK	BEACH HAVEN PARK, NJ	Bunker	Beach Haven Crest	11/18/2009
Bluefish	2	15.31	SPENCER GARES	EASTON, PA	Bunker	Barnegat Light	11/6/2009
Bluefish	4	14.19	DAVE HERSHBERGER	RINGWOOD, NJ	Bunker	Barnegat Light	10/24/2009
Bluefish	3	14.19	RAYMOND SULLIVAN	BRANT BEACH, NJ	Bunker	Brant Beach	10/27/2009
Bluefish	5	14.00	THOMAS WHITE	SHIP BOTTOM, NJ	Bunker	Holgate	11/2/2009
Bluefish	6	13.75	FRANK MARASCIA	RARITAN, NJ	Bunker	Surf City	11/7/2009
Bluefish	7	13.38	CHRIS KOLODZIEJ	SHIP BOTTOM, NJ	Bunker	Brant Beach	12/3/2009
Bluefish	8	13.19	ROBERT COATES	CEDAR RUN, NJ	Bunker	Ship Bottom	11/6/2009
Bluefish	9	13.19	BILL MONTREY	MANAHAWKIN, NJ	Bunker	Brant Beach	11/17/2009
Bluefish	10	13.19	FRANK REILLY	MANAHAWKIN, NJ	Bunker	Surf City	11/20/2009

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 2, 2009

8:00 PM

 

Sent: Wednesday, December 02, 2009 8:28 PM   Subject: Bass

Caught 8 Striped Bass up 28 inches along with 1 Large Bluefish added to the mix. Fished from boat using Hopkins lures in the 8-1/2' shallower water South of Barnegat Inlet's South Jetty. Time: 3:00 to 4:00 PM.
~ John R

Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic - Some of today's weigh-ins

Name	Type	Lbs	Bait	Location	Time
CHRIS MASINO	Striped Bass	36.06	Other	Brant Beach	3:30 PM
RUSSELL SHORT	Striped Bass	28.69	Bunker	Holgate	6:30 PM
JOANN SULLIVAN	Striped Bass	24.25	Bunker	Brant Beach	4:00 PM
ROB VALLONE	Striped Bass	24.06	Live Bait	Brant Beach	1:10 PM
VINCE ORZEL	Striped Bass	22.56	Bunker	Brant Beach	7:30 AM
KURT HORENSKY	Striped Bass	22.00	Bunker	Beach Haven Terrace	5:15 AM
MATTHEW SHAPIRO	Striped Bass	18.38	Bunker	Brant Beach	9:00 AM
VASILLE BAGEAG	Striped Bass	18.25	Bunker	Beach Haven	8:30 AM
MATTHEW SHAPIRO	Striped Bass	17.13	Bunker	Brant Beach	3:30 PM
GARY SWEET	Striped Bass	16.69	Plug	Barnegat Light	4:00 PM
WILLIAM CLARK	Striped Bass	15.81	Bunker	Brant Beach	2:30 PM
GEORGE HAWRILUK	Striped Bass	15.50	Bunker	Holgate	3:00 PM
RICHARD KING	Striped Bass	12.50	Bunker	Holgate	3:00 PM
GEORGE HAWRILUK	Striped Bass	12.50	Bunker	Holgate	3:00 PM
JOHN SYLVESTER	Bluefish	11.81	Bunker	Brant Beach	7:30 AM
VASILLE BAGEAG	Bluefish	11.56	Bunker	Brant Beach	8:30 AM
STANLEY STEINBERG	Bluefish	11.50	Bunker	Holgate	12:00 PM
ROB VALLONE	Bluefish	11.31	Other	Harvey Cedars	4:00 PM
PETER BARTLOLMEO	Bluefish	11.19	Bunker	Holgate	12:00 AM
RICHARD KING	Bluefish	10.94	Bunker	Beach Haven	10:30 AM
CHRIS MASINO	Bluefish	10.81	Bunker	Brant Beach	3:30 PM
RICHARD KING	Bluefish	10.75	Bunker	Beach Haven	10:30 AM
MICHAEL GOWEN	Bluefish	10.31	Bunker	Brant Beach	7:30 AM
WILLIAM CLARK	Bluefish	9.94	Bunker	Brant Beach	2:30 PM
VASILLE BAGEAG	Bluefish	9.81	Bunker	Beach Haven	8:30 AM
ANTHONY PEPE	Bluefish	9.44	Bunker	Harvey Cedars	3:30 PM
KURT HORENSKY	Bluefish	9.44	Bunker	Beach Haven Terrace	2:30 PM
DONALD THARP	Bluefish	9.38	Bunker	Holgate	7:30 AM
MATTHEW SHAPIRO	Bluefish	9.13	Bunker	Brant Beach	9:30 AM

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

December 1, 2009

11:00 PM

John Sanford weighed in his first ever striper. Congrats John! His fish weighed 25lb 1oz and was caught off of the surf in Beach Haven. Click here to see John's fish
~ Greg
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
><{{{{{(º>

Received: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 11:25 AM Subject: LOST ROD ...IN HOLGATE

Please pass the word that Rich Dimartinis lost a 12 foot Tica and a Calcutta reel off his truck top rod holder [left it in open position] in Holgate today around 8:00 AM 12/1/2009. if someone picked it off the beach could you please return it to Fisherman's Headquarters for Rich to pick up. Thank you. ~ Michael Dimartinis

Received: Tuesday, December 01, 2009 10:13 PM   Subject: 12-1-09 Report

After stopping into your shop for some clams & bunker for some surf fishing I proceeded to catch two stripers in Ship Bottom at sunrise; one on a popper & one on a Slug-go. Moved mid-day to Harvey Cedars where the bunker were all over the beach and out for 500yds and a mile long. Keeper stripers & BIG blues under them in places.
~ Tony C., Collegeville PA

Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic - Some of today's weigh-ins

Name	Type	Lbs	Bait	Location	Time
JOHN SANFORD	Striped Bass	25.06	Bunker	Haven Beach	4:30 PM
BRIAN J. ANDERSON	Striped Bass	17.81	Bunker	Holgate	8:00 AM
BILL MONTREY	Striped Bass	16.94	Live Bait	Brant Beach	4:30 PM
EUGENE SLAUGHTER	Striped Bass	16.56	Bunker	Holgate	9:30 AM
RICHARD CROSTA	Striped Bass	16.56	Bunker	Beach Haven	3:15 PM
KURT HORENSKY	Striped Bass	16.25	Bunker	Beach Haven Terrace	5:30 AM
BILL MONTREY	Striped Bass	13.56	Live Bait	Brant Beach	4:30 PM
LESTER SMITH JR	Bluefish	10.94	Bunker	Haven Beach	2:00 PM
TED MILEWSKI	Bluefish	10.81	Bunker	Surf City	8:30 AM
MATTHEW SHAPIRO	Bluefish	10.31	Bunker	Holgate	1:15 PM
JAY ZIMMERMAN	Bluefish	10.19	Bunker	Harvey Cedars	2:00 PM
EDMUND P OGMOND	Bluefish	9.75	Bunker	The Dunes	12:00 PM
JAY ZIMMERMAN	Bluefish	9.44	Bunker	Harvey Cedars	2:15 PM
CHRIS MASINO	Bluefish	8.56	Bunker	Holgate	7:00 AM

The Save the Summer Flounder Fishery Fund (SSFFF) will be holding a public meeting on Tuesday, December 1st in Manasquan to address issues with the upcoming 2010 and beyond fluke seasons. A recommendation was recently made that would change the fluke season potentially to 2 fish at 19.5". Additionally, the black sea bass closure could just as easily be repeated as a summer flounder closure next year or in future years. Come on out to learn about these issues, how the SSFFF continues to address the problems and how you can help. Click the following image link for info...
http://ssfff.net/sitebuildercontent/sitebuilderpictures/ssfff/flyer_2009_final.jpg

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 30, 2009

8:00 PM

Received: Monday, November 30, 2009 7:58 PM Subject: Sunday's report

Sunday November 29th, we headed out with our usual suspects, minus our main man Brant who was on a hunting trip with his family. The water temperature was 50 degrees and the wind was out of the South-west. We fished 3 spots all day, the 2nd and the last were the best. The black fishing was pretty good; there was a steady bite all day with tons of shorts and plenty of keepers. Average catch was 2 to 5 fish each; also we had several guys with limit catches. Once again BIG MOUTH BOB was on the prowl for the pool and by the end of the day he locked it up with a 5-lb tog.

~ Capt Frank, The Miss Beach Haven PARTY BOAT (609) 978-9951

Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic - Some of today's weigh-ins

Name	Type	Lbs	Bait	Location	Time
MATTHEW SHAPIRO	Striped Bass	20.63	Bunker	Holgate	6:30 AM
THOMAS KIRK	Striped Bass	18.19	Bunker	Brant Beach	6:00 PM
CHRIS MASINO	Striped Bass	17.00	Bunker	Holgate	6:45 AM
KURT HORENSKY	Striped Bass	15.44	Bunker	Beach Haven Terrace	6:00 AM
CHARLES HESS	Striped Bass	14.88	Bunker	North Beach Haven	7:30 AM
DENNIS STEPIEN	Bluefish	12.19	Bunker	Holgate	8:00 AM
MATTHEW SHAPIRO	Bluefish	11.31	Bunker	Holgate	8:00 AM
MATTHEW SHAPIRO	Bluefish	10.94	Bunker	Holgate	8:00 AM
KURT HORENSKY	Bluefish	10.38	Bunker	Holgate	5:00 PM
PETER BARTLOLMEO	Bluefish	9.06	Bunker	Holgate	10:00 AM

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 29, 2009

SURF:

Bunker in Holgate yesterday and again today. Hours of hot action in the Rip. Twenty pound bass (common) and fish over 30 too. Also fish along the front beach up and down LBI.

Bunker in Ship Bottom today. With the incoming tide they were right on the beach. Big bluefish on them and stripers too. One customer said, “Bluefish left and right and stripers too!”. Most of the fish were caught bunker that was snagged but fish also took chunked bait and plugs.

Al Asplint of Manahawkin weighed in a 10lb 13oz bluefish. Al hit the beach late morning and went straight to his honey hole in Ship Bottom. Al had consistent action right into sunset. He said the beach was mobbed, “There were a lot of people and trucks. It was a beautiful day. There were birds out side the bar and bait in tight to the beach.”

Paul Castrati of the Long Beach Island Fishing Club also fished Ship Bottom. He weighed in a 9-lb 5-oz bluefish that he caught on bunker. Paul also reported having a great day on the beach with a number of fish on bunker.

OCEAN:

Ted Phillips of Waretown fished aboard the "Black Cloud" out of Forked River with Capt. Chuck Boyer and First mate Chuck Boyer Jr. Went out early, broke the BL Inlet and went North catching a number of stripers trolling ( ~ 1/2 - 1 mile) off the beach. The bite was hot for a couple hours. Lots of take downs! Had a number of shorts with four keepers and lost a number of fish too. Had a few double headers on the Panther Martin Umbrella Rigs

Uncle Moe was on the water this morning aboard the "Seatriever". Fished an undisclosed wreck outside of Barnegat Light for about four hours. Caught about 15 sea bass and 8 blackfish (up to 4-6lbs). Green crabs were the bait! Morris said he was catching on gulp too.

Also this morning, Wayne Smith fished aboard the "Lady Grace" out of Harvey Cedars. They trolled off of IBSP, North of the Governors Shack. Trolled in 50-60 feet with nothing. Trolled shallower into about 20-25 feet of water and started catching. They caught 40 short Stripers and two keepers plus a couple of Bluefish. Wayne said, “Tried jigging with little luck (one short), It was too spread out". He noted a number of double headers trolling. Umbrella tube rigs (green & white) did the trick.

Wayne also reported fishing aboard the "Karen Ann II" with Capt Adam out of Tuckerton. Wreck fishing outside LEI on Friday. There were six guys on the boat and everyone limited out. All nice keeper blackfish with green crabs. Wayne said, “Capt. Adam knows how to put you on the fish!”

~ Greg
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
><{{{{{(º>

Received: Sunday, November 29, 2009 7:48 PM Subject: Fishing report

Fished off Beach Haven this morning trolling stretch 25's to bring in 4 nice blues 6-10 pounds. Lost two fish close to boat could have been stripers. Water was clean. No birds were seen from Holgate to Beach Haven.

~ Martin M.

Received: Sunday, November 29, 2009 7:37 PM Subject: Reel Fantasea Charters fishing report

I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving ! This week was again abbreviated by more bad weather in the way of another Gale warning but we were able to fish on Sunday to find a steady bite for stripers on combinations of artificial lures and live bait. Regular Jay Simmons was joined by his clients Steve and John Sfugaras from Stevens Best Buy Food Services of Paterson. Steve and John not only caught their first stripers ever but also limited out. The bite was a steady pick of stripers and bluefish spicing up the catch. By trips end we landed 38 stripers [to 31'] and only 4 bluefish [to 10lbs] .

~ Capt. Steve Purul, "Reel FantaSea" Charters, 609-290-1217, reelfantasea@comcast.net

Received: Sunday, November 29, 2009 2:26 PM Subject: Barnegat Bay Fishing Report

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. As usual, we took a couple of days off to enjoy the holiday with family and friends but did make it out twice this week and found very cooperative fish both days. These fish are absolutely gorging themselves on sand eels, and even the fish we're landing in the bay are stuffed with them. Looks like the stripers have been enjoying their own Thanksgiving feast, and no doubt it's going to continue right through into the New Year.

After being blown out by the strong Northeast winds early in the week, we finally made it out on Wednesday. Scott Fritz was back again this week, this time bringing along brother-in-law Mitch Kernstine and 12 year old nephew Ben who were up visiting from Richmond, VA. With the seas still looking pretty big, we stayed inside where drifting live spots behind the lighthouse produced a lucky 13 stripers for the guys including a limit of keepers and Ben's first ever striper. Talk about excitement, when Ben was the first to score with what proved to be the biggest fish of the day and earning him bragging rights for the entire holiday weekend.

We wrapped up our charter season today, with George Selph and Bob Keller being back aboard for one final go at the striped bass. When jigging produced only a couple of shorts, we headed back to the inlet and absolutely slammed the bass again on the outgoing tide. Final tally was close to 30 bass landed, with five fat ones in the box when we headed. Nice way to wrap things up for the year.

I'll be out fishing a couple of days over the next week or so then pulling the boat out until spring. Then it's on to updating the web site and getting things ready for next year. This is always a sad time of year as it marks the end of yet another great season in which I've had the opportunity to spend time and fish with so many good friends, both old and new. I know how fortunate I am to have been blessed with this opportunity... thank you all for giving it to me.

Have a wonderful Holiday season, be safe and enjoy the gift of life we all have. Hope to see you all again in 2010.

~ Capt. Jack Shea, "Rambunctious", Barnegat Bay Fishing Charters 609.698.3632

Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic - Some of today's weigh-ins

Name	Type	lbs	Bait	Location	Time
BOB DUGAN	Striped Bass	22.3	Bunker	Barnegat Light	4:20 PM
RAYMOND CURNEW	Striped Bass	21.1	Live Bait	Holgate	9:00 AM
DON INGLING	Striped Bass	20.6	Live Bait	Holgate	7:30 AM
MATTHEW SHAPIRO	Striped Bass	20.2	Live Bait	Holgate	7:00 AM
NICOLE T. BAXTER	Striped Bass	18.0	Bunker	Holgate	12:00 PM
DON INGLING	Striped Bass	16.5	Bunker	Holgate	1:30 PM
STUART DUENKEL	Striped Bass	14.6	Bunker	Holgate	8:45 AM
MATT KING	Striped Bass	14.0	Bunker	Holgate	10:30 PM
Name	Type	lbs	Bait	Location	Time
ALAN SMITH	Bluefish	11.8	Bunker	Loveladies	7:20 AM
BARRY P BAXTER	Bluefish	11.4	Bunker	Holgate	1:00 PM
MATTHEW SHAPIRO	Bluefish	11.3	Bunker	Holgate	11:00 AM
GREG OCONNELL	Bluefish	11.1	Bunker	Holgate	7:00 AM
AL ASPLINT	Bluefish	10.8	Bunker	Ship Bottom	3:00 PM
DONALD LOCICERO	Bluefish	10.3	Bunker	Holgate	11:00 AM
GEORGE KRZYZANOWSKI	Bluefish	10.3	Bunker	Brant Beach	2:20 PM
DON KAKSTIS	Bluefish	10.1	Bunker	Beach Haven	1:30 PM
PAUL CASTRATI	Bluefish	9.31	Bunker	Ship Bottom	2:00 PM

Fishing reports both good or bad and either boat or surf would be appreciated.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 28, 2009

6:45 PM

SURF:

Dave Wark stopped by this evening. He fished the Barnegat Light Surf this afternoon. About 1:45 PM he caught a 31" Striper on clam. He said, "Had one bite and one fish." An angler up the beach from Dave caught a 29.5" Striper.

The South-end of the island was hot this morning with bass and blues in the surf. There were birds and bunker in close to the beach. A number of anglers caught fish by snagging and then swimming these bunker.

Brian McAllister of Middletown, DE took the lead in the FHQ Calcutta! Brian McAllister stopped by the shop this evening to check-in his 39lb 15oz striper. He caught a couple fish with his two sons around the 3 o’clock hour at the Wooden Jetty in Holgate. Brennan McAllister weighed in two stripers, 21lb 8oz and a 19lb 9oz. All of the McAllister’s fish were caught on bunker.

~ Greg
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
><{{{{{(º>

Received: Saturday, November 28, 2009 11:26 AM Subject: Fishing Report 11/27

I was out yesterday and figured I would share my report:

Managed to get out at dawn and immediately found birds working the surface. Not much action but did manage to pick up one short striper. In an attempt to find more fish we headed about 2 miles North and found a giant pile of birds working with fish scattered all over. The bite was slow, however, we managed another short striper and a 10-lbs blue. Around 8:00 AM the winds picked up and few crew members started getting sick so we headed in. All fish were caught on diamond jigs on or near the bottom.

~ Lance, Waretown

Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic - Weigh-Ins

Striper
Brian McAllister (dad) weighed-in a 39-lb 15-oz Striper he caught at 3:00 PM in Holgate on Bunker.
Brennan McAllister (son) weighed-in a 19-lb 9-oz Striper he caught at 8:00 AM in Holgate on Bunker.
Brennan McAllister (son) also weighed-in and released a 21-lb 8-oz Striper he caught at 3:30 PM in Holgate on Bunker.
Bill Montrey weighed-in a 18-lb 5-oz Striper he caught at 7:30 AM in Holgate on Bunker.
Bob Miller weighed-in a 25-lb Striper he caught at 6:00 AM in Holgate on Live Bunker.
Bob Miller also weighed-in a 15-lb 15-oz Striper he caught at 8:00 AM in Holgate on Live Bunker.
Yesterday, Ray Sullivan weighed-in a 29-lb 4-oz Striper he caught at in Holgate on Bunker.

Bluefish
Thomas Gardiner Jr. weighed-in a 10-lb 8-oz Bluefish he caught at 1:15 PM in Holgate on Bunker.
Dominic Savasta weighed-in a 12-lb Bluefish he caught at 8:30 AM in Loveladies on Bunker.
Steve Warren weighed-in a 10-lb 7-oz Bluefish he caught at 8:40 AM in The Dunes on Bunker.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 27, 2009

Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic - Weigh-Ins
Striper
Today, C. Foos weighed-in a 17-lb 8-oz Striper he caught at 6:00 AM in Holgate on Bunker.
Yesterday, Joanne Sullivan weighed-in a 19-lb 15-oz Striper she caught at 9:30 AM in Holgate on Bunker.
Bluefish
Today, Joe Carmelengo weighed-in a 11-lb 8-oz Bluefish he caught at 8:15 AM in Brant Beach on Bunker.

Received: Thursday, November 26, 2009 7:57 PM   Subject: fishing report

As we headed up the beach Thursday we found plenty of bass and blues. We had a steady pick most of the morning, every body on the boat caught at least one keeper bass. Five fares plus myself had limits catches by 11:00 AM we were on are way home with coolers full of fish over all it was a great day of fishing.

~ Miss Beach Haven The Miss Beach Haven PARTY BOAT (609) 978-9951

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 26, 2009

Have a Safe and Happy Thanksgiving Holiday!

Surf:
Bob Morano & John Kirby both caught 10 to 14-lb Stripers today early AM at the tip of Holgate on Bunker.

Boat:
During the last few days Bluefin tuna on a feeding frenzy were located in about 80' of water off of Seaside Heights.
"The birds were so thick they could be seen on radar miles away. Troll your lures way-back. Since some of these Bluefin have hit umbrella rigs close to the beach, you could try an un-armed Red Gill umbrella teaser with a Siwash hook armed larger Red Gill on the lone central following trailer. In the past some anglers have used an easier method of just a Daisy Chain of Red Gills. Make the rig with Heavy Duty lines and connections. Don't forget to bring your Federal Tuna Permit. http://www.nmfspermits.com/ "

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 24, 2009

Received: Sunday, November 22, 2009 9:20 PM Subject: Saturdays report

Saturday we headed up to the south reef, the water temperature was 54 degrees and the wind was out of the NW at about 10 mph Our first and last stops were the best, we had a pick most of the day. By the end of the day we had a couple of limits, some guys had 2 to 3 fish it was a great day to be on the water. The pool winner today was BIG MOUTH BOB from Hamilton, NJ with a 6-lber.

~ Miss Beach Haven The Miss Beach Haven PARTY BOAT (609) 978-9951

Received: Sunday, November 22, 2009 7:51 PM Subject: Fwd: Reel Fantasea Charters fishing report

Last weeks Nor'easter shut us down but this week as the weather settled we were right back at it with limits of stripers along with plenty of catch and release on almost all trips. The week got started strong with regular Joe Franke joined by friend Ed in sporty inlet conditions but with a solid striper bite the guys toughed it out for their limit of stripers along with plenty of catch and release. Regulars Jay Simmons and Ernie Rosenberg were out with business associates Mark Hansen for an all out Striper Blitze. The guys started fast out of the gate with action right outside the inlet under some bird play. From there we moved a few miles to the North and stayed with the fish all day long landing over 80 stripers even with the guys taking breaks from the exhausting action. Ernie took "pool fish" honors with a stout 20-lb class bass with Jay earning Bass Master honors landing 40+ bass. Later in the day regulars Chris Spring and Karl Steffan were out for the last scheduled "Friday Night at the Fights" for this year. We start right were we left off earlier in the day "at the scene of the crime ". The fish finder lit up with fish hanging in the same area and with confidence we sent down a combination of live bait and jigs to have the fish ignore everything put in front of their noses. Licking our wounds we made our way back to the inlet where the guys managed only a quick 3 stripers before the bite died again. Moving around from inlet to back bay still provided no more action even though the fish finder was lit up with fish in all the "right areas" all trip long. Saltiest Crew honor goes to the Steve Sweeney Party who fished in stiff North East driven seas [Sunday] in sloppy 4-6ft conditions. The guys managed only a pick of stripers and blues despite good readings of fish under the boat. The guys boated a total mix of 10 stripers and blues with about the same amount being lost due to rough conditions. Way to hang tuff guys. The last remaining dates for the 2010 season are Dec. 4,10,11 and 1 spot available on Dec 3 open boat. I wish everyone a Happy and Safe Thanksgiving.

~ Capt. Steve Purul, "Reel FantaSea" Charters, 609-290-1217, reelfantasea@comcast.net

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 22, 2009

Received: Sunday, November 22, 2009 11:57 AM   Subject: Barnegat Bay Fishing Report

Last week we were wondering what impact that major nor'easter was going to have on our fall bass run. Well the answer is in, and it's great news... the run is even stronger than it was before the blow. If only the weather gods would now cooperate and just let us enjoy it.

Early in the week, immediately after the storm, we stayed pretty much in the back bay as even the inlet was an ugly place to be fishing. What we found was that the storm brought a fresh batch of fish into the bay and restarted the bay fishery that had seemed to be starting to wane. Monday I had Steve Rosenthal up from the DC area banging five bass, with three of keeper size up to 35" mostly drifting live spots in back after a wolf pack of spiny dogfish made clam fishing almost impossible. Wednesday brought out Steve Sweeney from Medford Lakes along with buddies Big Frank and Little Frank. After testing clam baits and again finding the doggies were still abundantly aggravating, we switched to drifting spots to nail five more bass, this time with four keepers topped by Big Frank's 23 pounder. These were all fresh in from the ocean, with beautiful colors and loaded with sand eels.

Late in the week we shifted gears to run along the beach looking for fish that would respond to jigs, and were majorly rewarded both days. Friday I had Scott Fritz out with brother-in-law Ike and buddy Pete Haupt, and the guys used A47's to jig up 50-60 bass in boxing their limits from the beachfront along Island Beach State Park. Saturday's trip was even better, with regulars George Selph and Bob Keller culling their limits from among roughly 70 landed bass. Add in the occasional jumbo blue, and you've got jigging action at its finest.

It looks like we're may have some weather problems the next day or so, but I expect fishing to continue like this for a while yet. I'll be wrapping up my charter schedule for 2009 after weekend, but I plan to be out there fishing as long as the weather holds.

~ Capt. Jack Shea, "Rambunctious", Barnegat Bay Fishing Charters 609.698.3632

Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic - Weigh-Ins
Bluefish
Steve Warver weighed-in a 8-lb 5-oz Bluefish he caught at 7:30 AM in Surf City on Bunker.
Dan Sullivan weighed-in a 11-lb 2-oz Bluefish he caught at 8:45 AM in North Beach Haven on Bunker.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 21, 2009

5:30 PM

Yes, Fresh Surf Clams and Fresh Bunker are in stock.

Paul and Lee aboard the "Grinder" had a great day. They caught blues (10-14lbs) and schoolie bass off of Harvey Cedars. They were catching by both trolling (deep divers - Stretch 25’s) and jigging (metals - AVA’s).

Tom Bentlif went North out of the inlet first. He caught one keeper bass on a white bunker spoon and two shorts on an umbrella rig. Tom then decided to look South of the Inlet. There he caught 7 bass and 6 blues on the umbrella. Tom said, “We had a number of double headers!”

~ Greg
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
><{{{{{(º>

Received: Saturday, November 21, 2009 4:05 PM Subject: report

Fished off Beach Haven today in 30 feet of water with only one lone confused sandbar shark (He didn't realize water temp was 55). He hit a bunker chunk. Several other runoffs had to be blues. Heard the chatter on VHF that 2 miles off Ship Bottom was the place to be. Stopped by to find plenty of boats pulling up blues on the troll with spoons and Mann's Stretch 25's.
~ Martin M

Received: Saturday, November 21, 2009 12:01 PM Subject: LBI Drive-On Conditions

Haven't seen any information on your site about beach buggy access since the storms. I had called Ship Bottom PD last week and they said it was virtually inaccessible because the beach level had dropped so much, in effect leaving severe drop-offs where the drive-ons are located. This is why I haven't been down. Are the beaches accessible in Surf City and Ship Bottom?
~ George Bailey

4:30 PM

We received mixed beach condition reports from various anglers but a common comment on all beaches was, "watch out for the debris".

With the sun starting to set and the tide just past low and the water starting to come back in, Ken went out and made the following quick observations...

Loveladies beach seems okay but may be "sketchy" at high-tide.
Harvey Cedars beach is in very bad shape... it's a shear cliff... Check with HCPD it might all be closed.
Surf City's 25th street ramp is very steep but beach looks okay
Ship Bottom's 5th street ramp and beach seem to be okay.
Brant Beach's 31st Street ramp has been and continues to be a soft entrance but has been used. Harder to get off than get on.

... Ken ran out of daylight to check the remaining beaches. Reports from anglers would be appreciated.

As mentioned flood-tide may produce difficulties. So know the area you are fishing and be aware of that incoming water. Tonight's beach front high-tide will be about 10:15PM. 

Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic - Weigh-Ins
Striper
Tom Daly weighed-in a 21-lb 14-oz Striper he caught at 9:00 AM in Surf City on Bunker.
Matthew Shapiro weighed-in a 14-lb 14-oz Striper he caught at 2:15 AM in Holgate on Bunker.
Gary Naylor weighed-in a 13-lb 13-oz Striper he caught at 9:30 AM in Holgate on Bunker.
Brain Andersen weighed-in a 13-lb 11-oz Striper he caught at 10:15 AM in Holgate on Bunker.
Bluefish
Ray Sullivan weighed-in a 10-lb 0-oz Bluefish he caught at 9:00 AM in Holgate on Bunker.
Rich Goodman weighed-in a 10-lb 0-oz Bluefish he caught at 10:30 AM in Ship Bottom on Bunker.
Joe Handley weighed-in a 9-lb 10-oz Bluefish he caught at 9:30 AM in Brant Beach on Bunker.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
November 20, 2009

4:00 PM

Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic - Weigh-Ins
Striper
Chuck Kortman weighed-in a 17-lb 6-oz Striper he caught at 5:00 PM in Holgate on Bunker.
Bob Massa weighed-in a 15-lb 6-oz Striper he caught at 5:00 AM in Holgate on Bunker.
Bluefish
Frank Reilly weighed-in a 13-lb 3-oz Bluefish he caught at 10:00 AM in Surf City on Bunker.
Matt Gogojewicz weighed-in a 12-lb 7-oz Bluefish he caught at 9:00 AM in Surf City on Bunker.
Brian Dalton weighed-in an 11-lb 9-oz Bluefish he caught at 9:00 AM in Holgate on Bunker.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 19, 2009

9:30 PM

This morning, Dennis Stepien weighed-in a 35-lb 5-oz Striper caught last night at 9:00 PM in Holgate on Bunker.
This afternoon, Tom White weighed-in a 14-lb 13-oz Striper caught at 5:00 PM in Holgate on Bunker.

SURF:
There was bunker down in Holgate today. A lot of snag and live-lining but have not heard of any BIG fish today. (There was that 35-lb class fish caught last night by Mr. Stepien.) Also today Bluefish in the ~10lb range; Brant Beach and South. Have not heard much about from Ship Bottom and North.

~Greg Cudnik
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
><{{{{{(º>

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 18, 2009

Surf:
This morning there were a number of fish weighed in for the Derby. Some of these were...
Randy Matlack of Beach Haven Crest caught a 16-lb 5-oz blue on bunker just before 7:00 AM.
Chris Masino of Beach Haven caught a 10-lb 5-oz bluefish on bunker around 9:00 AM.
Michael Gowen of the LBIFC caught a 11-lb 2-oz blue in Brant Beach on bunker about 7:30 AM.
John Sylvester of the LBIFC caught a 19-lb 8-oz striper in Brant Beach on bunker.

Yesterday,
Christian Martin of Beach Haven Crest caught a 24-lb striper on a plug in Holgate.

Boat:
Bass and blues trolling and jigging! There have been more bluefin sightings the last couple of days.

~ Greg
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
><{{{{{(º>

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 16, 2009

Received: Monday, November 16, 2009 6:28 PM   Subject: reports

Opening day we headed out to the fishing grounds with are regular crew, the weather was great light winds out of the north and a south east swell. We fished one spot all day and limited out the entire boat accept one person most of the fish were between 2 and 4 lbs.Daren Grabo from beach haven nj. won the pool with a tog just over 4 lbs I would not call it a mad dog bite but a steady pick all day. Just a reminder we are sailing Saturdays and Sunday at 7am

BHCFA Weekly Report

    The captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association are hopeful the fishing will be as hot after last week’s severe nor’easter as it was before it struck.
    Captain Fran Verdi of the “Drop Off” fished the day before it hit and began the day with two keepers on the incoming tide on the north bar of Little Egg Inlet. When the white water disappeared, and Captain Fran pulled anchor to look for more white water. He reports that spot was constant action despite the rolling white water and crashing waves. At the day’s end the crew had seven fish 34-39 inches. He is continuing to fish Wednesday to Monday with mostly open boat fishing.
    Captain Carl Sheppard of the “Star Fish” out of Beach Haven says he wanted to fish last Saturday, but it was just too rough. He adds that his action on Sunday helped to make up for missing Saturday. He started by trying to fish a rip in the bay, but had to stop due to muddy water and an excess of sea weed. He made the decision to brave a few swells in the inlet and see what the ocean had to offer. The move was a good one as he located a flock of gannets working over an area in 35-feet of water. What he found was a school of striped bass with no bluefish mixed in. He managed to jig up 22 bass with most of them keeper sized. He even tried trolling a diamond jig on his way back to port and even picked up a bass this way.
    Captain Frank Camarda and the “Miss Beach Haven” fished Monday taking good advantage of the increase in the daily blackfish limit. Both the weather and the fish cooperated as the every angler aboard limited out except for one. The boat remained in one spot for the day, and most of the fish were between two and four pounds. Darren Garabo of Beach Haven won the pool with a 4-pounder. Captain Frank says he will be sailing Saturdays and Sundays at 7 am.

~ Jim Hutchinson Sr., Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 15, 2009

Received: Sunday, November 15, 2009 10:26 AM   Subject: Barnegat Bay Fishing Report

As you might imagine, there's not too much to report this week as the storm that battered our area kept us pinned to the dock from Wednesday right into Saturday morning. Friday was probably the worst of it, with sustained winds over 40 and regular gusting close to 60 mph. Fortunately, aside from some road flooding, damage was minimal and things are getting back to normal.

We did make it out on Tuesday just before the blow. Bill Staples and Rich Smith were in from King of Prussia, PA and got into some mixed bluefish/striper action off of Long Beach Island on A47 jigs. Surprisingly we had very little action north of the inlet early in the day, but the long run south to Harvey Cedars paid dividends for us. The bass clearly knew the storm was on its way, as all the fish I cleaned were absolutely stuffed with peanut bunker and sand eels, and they were still feeding. I guess they knew what was about to hit.

The storm hit us just as the traditional fall jig fishing was really getting under way, and it will probably be a couple more days before we know what impact it may have had. What we really need now are a few days of light northwest breezes to flatten things out and draw the bait back close to the beach. Unfortunately, they don't seem to be in the forecast for this week so we'll probably be fishing in the bay until the ocean settles down a bit.

~ Capt. Jack Shea, "Rambunctious", Barnegat Bay Fishing Charters 609.698.3632

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 13, 2009
FRIDAY THE 13TH!

High Surf Advisory, High Wind Warning, Coastal Flood Watch and Gale Warming in effect through this evening. There is not going to be much beach after this one. The wind is and has been cranking with gusts up to 40+ kts. At noon time the Delaware Bay Buoy (44009) was reading 21.3' @ 12 sec.

With solid 8-10'+ (and building) surf up the street from the store and a stiff alongshore pull there cannot be much beach left in Harvey Cedars. They were just getting setup to pump sand to rebuild the beach too. This must have twisted those plans. Earlier this morning the roads were really flooded (impassable) but at 2 PM it looks like it went down at least at the store. This storm is not going anywhere fast so we will have a number high tides still to go. The tide is forecasted to be 4'+ above normal high tide so know your limits. A number of cars were stalled out this morning. Plan around the tides if possible.

Got a call from a friend this morning, "The house on Merivale (boarder of Beach Haven and Holgate) is about to go into the drink." The home owner has had a many year battle with the whole situation. It might be over today. Sad story. I saw some news crews driving around so it might be on TV.

Greg
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
><{{{{{(º>

Normal Tide Predictions Bayside (Island Center - Manahawkin Bridge)
11/13/09 High 7:16 AM
11/13/09 Low 2:20 PM
11/13/09 High 7:36 PM
11/14/09 Low 2:35 AM
11/14/09 High 8:06 AM
11/14/09 Low 3:11 PM
11/14/09 High 8:26 PM

Normal Tide Predictions Oceanside (Seaside Park Ocean - "Couple minutes different than LBI")
11/13/09 High 4:10 AM
11/13/09 Low 10:16 AM
11/13/09 High 4:30 PM
11/13/09 Low 10:31 PM
11/14/09 High 5:00 AM
11/14/09 Low 11:07 AM
11/14/09 High 5:20 PM

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 10, 2009

11:30 AM - Fresh Bunker & Clams, Live Eels & Green Crabs In Stock.

This morning there were a number of fish caught down in Holgate. There were fish on both bait and artificials.  Rich DiMartinis landed a 21lb 11oz striper on a plug.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 9, 2009

11:00 AM

Yes, Fresh Bunker and clams are in stock.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 8, 2009

7:00 PM

SURF:
Ken Austin of Manahawkin weighed in a 17-lb 8-oz Striper that he caught in Loveladies on bunker.

BOAT:
Spoke with a number of customers today that reported bass and blues trolling and jigging off of Island Beach State Park and off of Long Beach Island. Customers also reported 75-lb bluefin sightings at a few different locations; the Axel Carson Reef (~3 mile off of Casino Pier) areas around the Barnegat Ridge.

2:00 PM

While plugging last night at around 7PM in Harvey Cedars, George Gilbert hooked and landed a 30-lb 7-oz 45" Striper.

Received: Sunday, November 08, 2009 6:16 PM Subject: fishing report

Saturday's fishing was pretty good. We fished two spots all day. Everybody caught multiple black fish. Also caught porgies and one trigger fish. Pool winner was Bam Bam from Philadelphia, PA with a 4-lber. Over all fishing was good all day.

Sunday we fish 4 spots and the water temperature was 58 degrees with a southerly swell. The fish were not aggressive at all. You had to work hard to make up a catch but by the end of the day everybody had there one fish with several other keepers being tossed back to fight another day. Pool winner was John from North Jersey with a 5.5-lber.

~ Miss Beach Haven The Miss Beach Haven PARTY BOAT (609) 978-9951

Received: Sunday, November 08, 2009 11:03 AM Subject: Barnegat Bay Fishing Report

What a great week for fishing. The weather finally cooperated and we had some excellent fall action on all of our trips this week. We started the week out fishing on Tuesday, Election Day with Rick, Joyce and Gavin Fisher from Newtown, PA nailing bass on both live spot and clams all morning long from Oyster Creek Channel, keeping four fish up to 18 pounds for the table.

Wednesday brought Butch Mellott down from Hopewell to get in on the action, with Oyster Creek again delivering a limit of fish to 34" mostly on clams.

Things changed a bit on Thursday when action in the channel seemed to dry up for Bensalem's Vince Barba, so I headed outside for the first time this fall and found non-stop jigging action on mixed bass and jumbo blues a couple of miles from the inlet. Making this even more fun was the fact that we were using tackle much more suitable to fishing in the bay, and trying to guess from the length of the line peeling runs what kind of fish was at the other end.

NOAA's bogus "gale warning" forecast for Friday caused us to cancel that trip, but we were back out there again yesterday with regulars George Selph and Bob Keller for the Barnegat Fishin' Hole's fall bass tournament. Hoping to find some bigger fish for the tournament, I broke out the wire line and switched to trolling Tony Maja bunker spoons north of the inlet. Unfortunately the bass and blues we put in the box didn't win the tournament but there was action all the way from the inlet up to the Seasides. We even heard reports of big schools of 75-100 pound bluefin beating up on sand eels within a couple hundred yards of the beach! You've gotta love fishing in the fall, and there's still a few more weeks of this to go before we pack it in for the year.

~ Capt. Jack Shea, "Rambunctious", Barnegat Bay Fishing Charters 609.698.3632

"Fisherman's Headquarters stocks the complete line of Tony Maja Bunker Spoons plus the EZ Out-Rodder."

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 7, 2009

National Weather Service Forecast for Ship Bottom NJ
Tonight: Partly cloudy, with a low around 45. South wind between 13 and 16 mph.
Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 63. West wind between 5 and 10 mph.
Sunday Night: Mostly clear, with a low around 47. South wind around 6 mph becoming calm.
Monday: Sunny, with a high near 65. South wind between 3 and 10 mph.

7:00 PM

Jim McFeeley of Morgantown, PA fished the BL Inlet Rocks early this morning with a couple friends. They caught 7 bass and lost a number of fish too. They mentioned that all of their fish were on needlefish plugs and clams.

John Cannon of Shamong just weighed in a 10lb 4oz bluefish. He was fishing bunker in Surf City.

3:00 PM

Blitz just outside Barnegat Inlet this morning. From 6:30 AM - 11:00 AM there were acres of birds and boats all over them. John McFadden said, "It reminded me of Montauk. First three cast, striper after striper."

Received: Saturday, November 07, 2009 7:14 AM Subject: Reel Fantasea Report - Insane Action!

The weather cooperated this week and so did the fishing. Even with a Gale warning that was forecasted for Thursday night into Friday afternoon, with winds out of the NW fishing along the beach was flat as a lake.

Regulars Wayne Salvi and Mike Balkum along with business associate Ken were out in phenomenal weather with light winds and warm temps on Thursday. The guys started the day securing their limit of stripers in under 1 hour along with a few throw backs . From there the guys continued slamming away at stripers and blues along Island Beach State Park in oil slick calm seas. Stripers to mid teens made their way to the our artificials on light spinning tackle all day long.

Fridays forecasted NW Gale of winds to 40mph lead to more of a bad "hair day" than anything else with the ocean blown flat along IBSP beaches. The fishing was as good as it gets with the sky black with gulls and gannets. ALL DAY LONG! Regular Jay Simmons joined by business associates Jerry Kronemeyer and Mike Satt experienced "off the charts action" with surfacing stripers and bluefish from start to finish! Both Jerry and Mike are lifetime fishermen and residents of Cape May and have never experienced such "white hot action" even though they frequent the states Southern rips! By lunch time the guys were so spent they had to refuel with a bite to eat ignoring breaking fish within a few feet of the boat! The action continued with vast schools of stripers and blues so thick that there was not enough gulls in the air to keep up with surfacing fish, it looked as though M80's [ the large firecracker ] were hitting the water as fish after fish erupted on fleeing bait fish! It seemed rafts of gulls were so laden with full stomachs they could no longer take to flight even while drifting through breaking fish.

I have 2 spots left for November 13th "Open Boat Friday at the Fights" for anyone interested. The bass are here in force and it's time to get to it!

~ Capt. Steve Purul, "Reel FantaSea" Charters, 609-290-1217, reelfantasea@comcast.net

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 6, 2009

11:30 PM

SURF:
Blitz! The beach went going off today! Bunker were in tight to the beach. Bluefish and bass were on them all day long and the action was nothing less than stellar.

Doug Dunkelberger of Surf City fished in the morning time off of the surf in Loveladies, nothing. He went home for lunch and then walked up his street to take a look at saw bait in close and birds working hard. He ran home, grabbed his pole and then got into the action. He caught two nice sized stripers utilizing the snag (weighed treble hook) and swim (liveline) technique. One was 33lb 13oz and the other was 27lb 1oz. Doug mentioned that an angler next to him on the beach caught a “much bigger fish” (40+ pound class) but was not in the derby. Doug mentioned that the angler successfully released the cow.

Other weigh-ins at the shop today: Mike Olson of Manahawkin caught (~5pm) a 30lb 9oz, 44 inch Striper in Brant Beach on bunker.  Basil Dubrosky of the Village Harbour Fishing Club weighed in a 15lb 13oz striper that he caught in Surf City. Basil caught his striper on bunker at noon time.  Scott Simpson of Hainesport weighed in a 23lb 3oz striper that he caught in Surf City on live bunker.  Steven Kientz of Wayne weighed in a 11lb 2oz bluefish that he caught in Brant Beach. Steven caught his blue on bunker at 1:45pm.  Dennis Stepien of Marlton weighed in a 10lb 6oz bluefish that he caught in Ship Bottom on bunker.

On another note, we have found the mid night clam stealers. A few customers have reported ling at night on clams off the front beach. Just another reason to chunk bunker.

12:30 PM

SURF:  The reports of blues and bass continue to filter into the store. What earlier was for the most part mid-island south has also turned into mid-island north.  There are fish all along the island's front beach from North to South ends!

This morning Michael King of Cherry Hill weighed in a 11 lb 11 oz bluefish.  He caught the blue around 10 am in North Beach on bunker. Also, John & Christian Martin of Beach Haven Crest both weighed in some fish that they caught around 10 am in Holgate: 26 lb 3 oz, 42" Bass and 10 lb 15 oz, 32" Blue.  There fish were caught on bunker.

Yesterday late afternoon, Scott Simpson of Hainesport weighed in a 10 lb 5 oz bluefish. Scott caught the blue around 1pm on bunker in Loveladies.

10:00 AM

A number of surf anglers reported a good bite of bluefish and stripers on bunker mid-island (from Ship Bottom on South).

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 5, 2009

The Wild Honey III was out today and took advantage of the great weather day. While breaking the inlet on the incoming tide boats were spotted hooking up or landing Stripers that were caught on live bait.  We tried bucktails and plugs but were not successful. Continued out into a very calm ocean to 60 feet of water off of the "White House" on Island Beach State Park and sent out the wire line rods with umbrella rigs. Bluefish after bluefish in the 10-lb class but no stripers on the troll for us. Other boats did report landing some nice size Stripers in this same area. Upon the tide turning we headed back into Barnegat inlet and plugged the "North-side" (Island Beach side) around Barnegat Inlet and came up with one short Striper. Later we went further into the bay an fished off the Hi-Bar sedges and hooked up with four Stripers. To our surprise all of these fish were 28" to 32" fish. We did hear that at about the same time we were off Hi-Bar an angler bucktailing the North jetty was hooking up with Striper after Striper. It's just the best feeling hooking up on Stripers while working a bucktail jig or plug. Also have to mention that the weather for the daylight hours was just fantastic. If it wasn't for the occasional big boat wakes, a kayak could have been out fishing in 60' water.

Received: Thursday, November 05, 2009 10:09 PM Subject: Fishing report

In response to a bleak weather report I “layered up” and went fishing. Fortunately, the weatherman was wrong, again, and I found myself removing layers and catching fish. Blues and keeper bass weren’t hard to find off of IBSP from 20 out to 50 feet of water. Personally , I drug ‘brellas’, and ‘bars’ for most of my fish, but jigging worked just as well. My freezer’s looking better prepared for this winter now. B.T.W., the fish were packed with sandeels, mostly sub-4”’s. ~ The “R.E.A.”

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 3, 2009

Received: Tuesday, November 03, 2009 7:56 PM Subject: BHCFA Weekly Report

The captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association are reporting hot action on some very decent striped bass. The fish seem to be coming in waves with some days being a pick and others very steady action throughout the tide.

Captains George Finck of “Sparetime Charters” went striper hunting with regular mate Jim. They returned to the dock with four nice striped bass from 34-42 inches and report pulling the hook on three others. Captain George adds he has open dates in November for some of this striper action.

Captain John Koegler of the “Pop’s Pride” reports he has been able to get in on the striped bass action. He says poor weather forced him into the bay. He personally boated a 42-inch bass that weighed in at 26-pounds that was too large for the net he had on board. His crew did not want to gaff the fish as they usually release the larger bass.

Captain Fran Verdi of the “Dropoff” has been catching stripers on a daily basis, usually with fresh clams. One day when fresh clams were in short supply, he switched to salted clams and still put keepers of 33 and 34 inches in the fish box. He too has open dates in November for both charters and open boat trips. Most of the fish he has been catching have been in the 33-39 inch class with some larger fish in the mix. He reports fishing the inlet areas until the seas push him into the calmer bay waters.

Captain Fran had Don Jennings out on his first bass trip of the season the outgoing tide produced four keeper bass up to 36-inches, including one tagged fish.

~ Jim Hutchinson Sr., Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 2, 2009

1PM  FRESH BUNKER & CLAMS, LIVE EELS & GREEN CRABS - IN STOCK

SURF:
This morning David Bell of Manahawkin weighed in a 45" x 25" 35 lb 4 oz striper. David caught his fish last night (~10pm) on bunker in Ship Bottom.

BOAT:
Brian Deane of Forked River was in the shop this morning to pick a some trolling gear. He shared his report from yesterday. Trolled wire line off of Island Beach State Park out to 3 miles(30-50' of water). There was bait all over. He said for every three bluefish he caught one striper. The bluefish were up to 15lbs and the stripers up to 40 inches. Brian said that more fish were caught on white umbrella rigs than anything else he was trolling.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 1, 2009

October 31, 2009  --  Happy Halloween!

Surf:
Earlier this morning Linda Hollins of Riverton, NJ weighed in a 31 lb 12 oz, 43" striper for the Surf Derby. She caught the fish in Ship Bottom on a bunker chunk around 8:15am. Take a look at Linda's Striped Bass!

Also weighed in today:
  Shawn Hawthorne of Philadelphia caught a 13 lb Striper, 33.5" (just short for the derby) on bunker in Ship Bottom around 8:30am. Shawn also caught a 27" striper on clam.
  Jerry Viola of Cedar Grove caught a 9lb, 31" (just short of the derby) Bluefish that he caught in Surf City on bunker around 9am.

Rick Pumphrey of Manahawkin stopped by yesterday afternoon around 2pm to load up on fresh bunker and clams. He hit the beach in Love Ladies and had his first striper on the beach within 20 minutes. Ended up hooking up with five stripers. Lost one in the wash. Largest was 31inches. Rick said he moved north as the tide was coming in because the drivable beach was getting slim. Nothing but weed so he packed it in for the night.

Boat:
Harold McMaster (of Forked River) went out trolling yesterday morning(7am-3:30pm) aboard the "James Gang" Charter Boat out of Forked River. They trolled wire line ~1.5 miles north of the inlet off IBSP in 50-55' of water. Harold said they were marking tons of bait. The fish wanted white spoons, "the green spoons did not get touched." All together they caught 20 bass up to 20lbs and a dozen bluefish that were all under 10lbs. Harold noted that it was snotty and there were only a couple other boats out there.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

October 30, 2009

Stripers in the bay are heating up. Eels and Clam as well as artificials (soft baits like Hogy's and Gulp and plugs like X-Raps) are working along side of the sod banks both at the north end and the south end. A few customers that picked up bushels of clams yesterday afternoon told me (with fish in the cooler to prove) clamming the back side of Holgate was producing stripers in the high teens and twenty pound class fish. The rips and white water down on that end of the island are also producing on various baits(clams, bunker, eels, etc.).

SURF: Yesterday night just as we were closing Ron Alia weighed in a 31.75" Bluefish that he caught off of the Barnegat Light surf on bunker.

FYI: The NJ DEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced a limited one-week harvest season of the oyster beds known as Fitney Bit and Oysterbed Point, located at the mouth of the Mullica River. The season will commence on Monday, November 9, 2009 and end on Saturday, November 14, 2009 (daily harvest times are sunrise to sunset). The harvest is open to all commercial and recreational shellfish license holders.

For more information on the harvest, including charts showing locations of the open and no-harvest areas, visit http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/news/2009/oysterharvest09.htm on the division's website.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

October 28, 2009

SURF: David Bell of Manahawkin just weighed in a 12lb 15oz bass that he caught at 2:30pm on the beach in Ship Bottom on Bunker.

Ed Lapp weighed in a 32lb 9oz bass yesterday evening. HE caught the fish at 6pm in Haven Beach on Bunker.

2:45 pm