Cocktail blues were abundant once again today under birds north of Shark River, but the Golden Eagle out of Belmar reported only "decent" catching as the blues were very flighty. The Queen Mary looked for chub mackerel, and reported "mackerel madness". That boat is chartered Sunday morning. Capt. Stan Zagleski said fluking on his Elaine B. II from Bahrs in Highlands was below par Friday, but improved Saturday on rough bottom for a mix of fluke and sea bass. John Vanderstad of Pompton Lakes won Friday's pool at 5 1/4 pounds, and returned today to bag four fluke. Shore fishing conditions looked good this morning in Shark River, but I only had one hit on a popper -- and it shook the hooks. Never saw the fish, but from the fight I expect it was a 4-pound blue. Vinnie D'Anton of Shark River Hills went to the Spring Lake surf, and managed one 24-inch striper on a Chug Bug. Capt. Tommy Joseph reports porgy fishing is still very good on his Rightaway III from Shark River. After limiting Wednesday he shifted to fluke with good success, but the fluke didn't cooperate with that move the next day. Joseph had two cancellations for Monday's trip that are up for grabs.
