The N.J. spring tautog season concludes tomorrow night, and remains closed through July16. The summer season, with a limit of one blackfish at the 15-inch minimum, runs from July 17 to Nov. 15. That season was instituted to provide divers with an opportunity in warmer waters. The final opening is from Nov. 16 to Dec. 31 with a six-blackfish bag at the same 15 inches.
Bob Matthews, at Fisherman's Den in Belmar Marina, reported blackfish have been biting at the Shark River jetty, but fishing on any ocean jetty would be dangerous in the current strong east winds and big seas. The best bet for catching a tog now might be in Point Pleasant Canal. Matthews also noted that flounder fishing has been holding up in Shark River. Â