April 5, 1997
Striped Bass
Yup, they're still catching Stripers
at Graveling Point. At this point I guess you've heard enough about them.
If not, request last weeks news letter; it will fill you in on all the
striper details. In brief, lots of short stripers are being caught this
week. No particular tide or time seems to be right. It's a game of just
being there at the right time.
Winter Flounder
Winter Flounder anglers are starting
to get some sunny not to windy days. However, they have yet to report any
catches. The only good reports of Winter flounder fishing are coming from
areas like the Manasquan River. Maybe somebody will kick up a few local
flatties this weekend.
Mackerel
Mackerel fishing is upon us!
The Cape May charter boats are catching them in great numbers. The size
of the fish aren't too bad either. I saw a batch of fish that were from
about 3/4 to 1-1/2 pounds each. When fishing on a headboat for Mackerel,
the best technique for catching quantities of fish is getting the line
to the mackerel faster. This is best achieved by putting heavy diamond
jigs(8oz) on the bottom of your three or four hook mackerel tree rig. By
using a diamond jig with a treble hook rather than a sinker to weight your
rig, you increase the quantities of fish that you are able to catch at
one time. Check the back of your Fishermen Magazine or visit our Charter
boat list on http://www.scottsbt.com for telephone numbers to call for
dock leaving times. Be aware that the Mackerel are still a long ride even
for the Cape May boats. Bring coolers with some ice to preserve your catch,
the warm weather can spoil good Mackerel fast. Look for Mackerel to be
accessible out of Atlantic City by next weekend and out of Little Egg Inlet
by the following weekend.
Herring
Herring made their first show
at the Basto Village dam on Easter Sunday. It was a quick in and out visit
though. The snow on Monday may have chilled the water just enough to push
them out. Look for them to return soon. Another good place to keep a lookout
for the Herring is at the Lake Lenape dam in Mays Landing.
Tautog
Everything seems to be coming
to life all at once. The Evelyn Ann out of Oyster Creek is catching Tautog
in 80 feet of water. The charter boat Mary M is running Blackfish charters
out of Barnegat Inlet. The Blackfish are still being really picky. Use
clams for bait, or dress up your green crab bait by removing claws, legs,
and the back shell to make it more appealing to Mr. Tautog.
As the sea gulls increase in
numbers and the terns and laughing gulls make their first appearances this
week, the laurel bushes bloom, and we are reminded that the bluefish are
not too far away. This means that you have approximately two more weeks
of pleasant working conditions on the boat before the GNATS come to carry
you away. Don't say I didn't warn you.
Bluefish Gift Certificate
There is a $100.00 gift certificate
reward for the first Bluefish caught and weighed in by a surf fisherman
at Graveling Point or Pebble Beach at the end of Radio Road in Mystic Island,
NJ. Last year it was caught by Ed Varga on April 25. We have some fresh
Mackerel in stock this weekend for the Striper fishermen, but bloodworms
are still the best choice of bait.