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New Jersey Offshore Fishing Report 10-14-11


<b>Sandy Hook</b>

Few boaters launched because of the nor’easter this week, said Wayne from <b>Twin Lights Marina</b> in the Highlands. But trips to the canyons, when they last sailed, reportedly walloped tuna. Word spread about a 1,008-pound giant bluefin tuna that somebody caught someplace. Another source, from a fishing magazine published in New Jersey, told Fishing Reports Now that George Harms was believed to deck the fish. Prince Edward Island was believed to be the location of the catch, because Harms was believed to possess a fishing permit from there. That info is all unconfirmed. Giants are out of season in New Jersey, and the fine for docking one in the state was currently $20,000 for a first offense, the source said. The full supply of frozen offshore baits is stocked.

<b>Shark River Inlet</b>

From an edited e-mail from Capt. Ralph from <b>Last Lady Fishing Charters</b> from Neptune: “Our canyon trip (Friday to Saturday) was a disaster. Had numerous fish miss the lures, spit the hooks, and had mechanical problems, blew a turbo, and didn't get back till late Sat.  We did get back safe – both Capt. Harry and myself are mechanics, and we can fix most anything. Other boats did very well with the fish.  Now for the good news: On Monday we took the Last Lady II on an offshore cod trip. Left super early, and got to a wreck offshore before dark. One of the best trips of the year. Boxful of cod to 30+ lbs and pollock to 24+ lbs. Great group of DPW guys with the Rob Michalkovich party from Secaucus, along with fireman Mike. Oct 23 open-boat for cod full. Nov 8, next open-boat for cod, 2am leave. We are also available for full-boat charters. Open-boat canyon trip Oct 17-18, two spots left.”

<b>Manasquan Inlet</b>

A few bluefin tuna were reported reeled in from between the Triple Wrecks and the Atlantic Princess wreck last week, said Dave from <b>The Reel Seat</b> in Brielle. Farther from shore, Spencer Canyon gave up the most yellowfin tuna during the weekend. The fish at the canyons were both chunked at night and trolled during daytime. Sometimes the fish were chunked in the mornings during daylight.  Closer to the coast, false albacore landed were heard about, but no bonito were. Albies were boated at the Shrewsbury Rocks on Saturday.

An overnight trip located good-looking waters at Spencer and Wilmington canyons Sunday to Monday on the party boat <b>Gambler</b> from Point Pleasant Beach, Capt. Bob said. But lots of boats filled the area, seeming to hurt tuna fishing. Longfin and yellowfin tuna, mostly 30- to 60-pounders, were muscled in, but fewer than hoped for. No swordfish were landed. The next trip offshore aboard was supposed to steam Thursday to today, but weather forecasts earlier this week called for 30-knot winds, so Bob would watch forecasts, hoping they diminished. The tuna trips will continue at least through the month, and a couple might sail in November, if the fishing holds up. Room is available on the trips, especially on weekdays. Anglers might even be able to jump on a trip last minute, if a space or two are available. Don’t hesitate to call to ask. Visit the <a href="http://www.gamblerfishing.net/offshoretrips.html" target="_blank">Gambler’s tuna schedule</a> online. An Exotics Trip, targeting false albacore and bonito, is slated for 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday.

<b>Little Egg Inlet</b>

Tuna catches were hot and heavy for the fleet, said Capt. T.J. from <b>Legal Limit Charters</b> from Tuckerton. Between Spencer and Wilmington canyons gave up most during the weekend. Most of the 30- to 50-pounders, lots, were chunked at night. Most trips on boats scored, but some did not. Legal Limit is sailing for tuna.

<b>Great Egg Harbor Inlet</b>

Fishing for tuna and swordfish was great, when boaters last got the weather to sail, said Bill from <b>Fin-Atics</b> in Ocean City. Northern waters around Spencer and Lindenkohl canyons gave up most during the weekend. Most trips overnighted, tackling tuna both at night and during the day.

<b>Cape May Inlet</b>

An overnight trip limited out on yellowfin tuna on the <b>Heavy Hitter</b> from Cape May Saturday to Sunday, Capt. George said. “We could’ve sunk the boat with them,” he said. The trip, with five anglers, chunked the fish a few miles from Spencer Canyon in 1,000 feet. The charter had been trolling toward the area, and George heard from another captain, from a local, party-boat sized charter boat, who said his anglers were on the fish. The Heavy Hitter’s trip arrived there, and kept drifting the area through the night, and catching. Most of the tuna weighed 30 to 50 pounds, and one probably pushed 70, and a couple were around 60. The Spencer was loaded with boats, and anglers kept saying to go to the Spencer, but the trip found the fish a few miles from there. The weather kept trips from fishing offshore most of the rest of the week. But George knew about boaters who returned to the same area after his trip, bailing the fish.

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