The possibility of showers this morning turned out to be the reality. The Golden Eagle from Belmar reported being hit with 40 mph winds and torrential rains that left them with a large swell, dirty waters and poor bluefish jigging. Fortunately, ahe shift to west winds and a fine Sunday forecast bodes well for an improvement in fishing. Surprisingly, 20 of the 120 boats entered in Mako Mania opted to fish the first day in what turned out to be rough conditions. Yet, tournament director Capt. Pete Grimbilas was also surprised that three of them had eligible makos to weigh. Grimbilas said that Water Proof from Waretown took the first day lead with a 218-pound mako over Right Place at 208 pounds, and Trophy Hunter with a 175-pound mako. The rest of the fleet will sail into what look like great conditions on Sunday -- though possibly too calm for a good drift. The Ocean Exploer from Belmar managed to get in a day of fluking despite the rough ocean, and even managed one limit catch. The word from Seaside Park is of some fluke and blues in the surf. Grumpy's weighed a 26-inch, 6-pound fluke caught on Gulp in the Island Beach State Park surf on Wednesday.