Fortunately, the snowstorm didn't amount to anything along the Shore, and the forecast for later in the week looks good for fishing. On the other hand, it appears bottom water temperatures have dropped quite a bit with all the ice coming out of the rivers plus melting snow. That's actually good news for cod, but not for tautog.The Ocean Explorer from Belmar did get out Tuesday with a few anglers, but found very little life in the areas they've been fishing. Some ling and eels were caught, but the next trip will be to deeper waters that may still hold big blackfish -- though clams will be carried in addition to crabs so ling can be targeted in addition to tog. The next trip hasn't been scheduled as yet, but will be announced. The Big Mohawk from that port is planning to sail for blacks on Friday and the weekend. The Mimi VI from Point Pleasant is sailing open for bottom fishing this week. Call 732 370-8019 for info and reservations. Ric Gross has escaped the winter cold of Point Pleasant, but fishing out of Clearwater, Fl. wasn't up to last year's standard for hogfish and snappers last weekend, though there was good action on the 2C's for porgies and big blowfish. Vinny D'Anton of Wall got settled in at Sarasota for the winter and started plugging spotted sea trout that were bigger than the little stripers he had left a few weeks ago.