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Ling, phenomenal catches, were scooted aboard the party boat Dauntless, Capt. Butch said. The angling improved, became very good, serving up 20 to 50 fish per angler. A few cod were shoveled in during the last days. Five were axed Wednesday, and two on Monday, and two per day during the weekend. A few fluke and winter flounder were bagged. Out-of-season sea bass and blackfish were let go. Sea bass season will open in state waters on Saturday and in federal waters, beyond 3 miles from land, on Tuesday. That might change, but when sea bass season opens, the fish will be targeted on the boat. Trips fished in 65 to 100 feet or shallow. Friday’s trip tried fishing deeper, and dogfish and silver eels, mostly dogs, were a nuisance. Waters were 52 degrees. The Dauntless is bottom fishing 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily. Nighttime bluefish trips might begin on Memorial Day weekend, depending on demand.
Not killer, but pretty consistent, striped bass fishing was creamed from the ocean with Andrea’s Toy Charters, Capt. Fred said. Most were whacked on livelined bunker that was snagged for bait. None of the bass topped 40 pounds, but all were 20 to 40, good-sized. Charters will keep fishing for them, and combo trips for stripers and sea bass, including open-boat, will begin in mid June. In June, offshore fishing for sharks and tuna will become a focus aboard.
Fishing on the whole was picking up, after slower angling a moment last week after the full moon, said Chuck from Gates Bait & Tackle. Fluke fishing on Manasquan River was good, putting up considerably more keepers this week than before. Fluke bit in the river since the season opened for them, but throwbacks were abundant. Bluefish also swam the river. Fluking was improving in Manasquan Inlet, though lots were throwbacks 1 ½ to ½ inch short or 16 to 17 inches. Fluke began to be boated on the ocean. Surf fishing for striped bass had been slow because of the moon, but seemed to be amping up, especially around Asbury Park. A 40-pounder, the first of the season, was heard about that was beached from the surf there. Quite a few blowfish were nabbed from the surf. Loads of bunker schooled the ocean, and boaters creamed lots of striped bass and blues that chased the baitfish. Sea bass season will open Saturday, and many good-sized sea bass were already caught and released. Fresh clams, killies and all the frozen baits, including bunker and mullet, are stocked. The shop is within walking distance of the surf, charter boat fleet and party boat fleet. The grounds include the Gates Motel, popular with anglers. ***THIS TACKLE SHOP IS FOR SALE! CALL: 732-899-5760.***
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