The RFA and other recreational fishing groups are urging anglers to attend the Thursday 4 p.m. meeting of the N.J. Marine Fisheries Council at the Stafford Township Municipal Building,260 East Bay Ave., Manahawkin. A proposal to have the DEP open state waters to sea bass fishing (15 at a 12 1/2-inch minimum) to Oct. 21 will be presented. Of course, such an action would create problems with the ASMFC and NMFS.
The Golden Eagle from Belmar didn't sail today due to the weather, but they noted that another tuna was lost the day before while bonito and little tunny were bring caught. The weather from Thursday to the weekend looks good.
The Mimi VI from Point Pleasant will be sailing open at 7 a,m, Thursday, Friday and Saturday for bottom fishing. Call Capt. Ken Namowitz for details at 732 370-8019.
With the fluke season closed, be sure to check with skippers to determine what they will be fishing for and at what times.
Frank Huza of Aberdeen fished False Hook on Tuesday morning where he found large snappers. John Mazzeo of South Plainfield started Tuesday at Sandy Hook, and then went to Sea Bright where there were lots of large snappers, though one angler caught a 25-inch fluke that hit a Hex metal when it bounced bottom.
I cast in Point Pleasant Canal at daylight, but never had a hit. Mark Balocco had fished all night, and connected with an 18-to-20-pound striper at 1 a.m. Joe Melillo, at Castaways Tackle in Point Pleasant said some school stripers are being caught on metal and other lures in the local surf along with hickory shad.