Friday, September 13th

Location: Eastern Raritan Bay
Tide: High 2:17pm
Water Temp:  66.3 degrees
Wind: NNW 7kts
Moon Phase: 59% Full

Conditions
incoming tide for the majority of the trip. The wind is out of the north around7 knots, and will be blowing against the tide.

Pregame Show
One day we are fluking superstars, the next we’re hull scrubbers. Surprisingly, after what was arguably one of the best days of the year on Wednesday, we did not sail yesterday because of the lack of anglers. So, we dedicated the day to cleaning up the hull of our boat. Today, we are heading right for the money spot from Wednesday. There were limits, there were big fish, and there was a lead change in the September Flukemaster Pool. Hopefully, the weather front that passed through last night did not push the fish to another location, but in all reality, it is a possibility. We won’t know until we drop the lines in and take a look. We are just about ready to make our first drift of the day. Let’s all keep our fingers crossed that the fluke are still here.

September Flukemaster Classic Update
Walter Petka took the lead away from Paul Alesi on Wednesday with a 7 lb 8oz fluke. The pot is currently at $500.00.

Fall Schedule Update
There will be life after fluke this year! Beginning on Wednesday, September 25th we will be fishing for porgies. On the 27th sea bass opens, and you will be able to throw them into the mix as well. Our schedule starting on the 25th will be as followed:

Wednesday’s, Saturday’s & Sunday’s
7:30am – 4:00pm
Fare: $65

First Drift
Definitely not the start we were looking for. We pulled up on the “X” spot and it was dry. Nice conditions with the wind pushing us along with the last of the outgoing water, but NOTHING bit. Not a fluke, sea robin, sea bass, or anything else. Making a slight shift to the north for the next one.

Second Drift
Another one that was not good. These fish have moved. This was my fear with the weather from yesterday.

Third Drift
Bill Godwin caught the first keeper, and it was a baby beast weighing 6 pounds. There was one other keeper caught after that.

Fourth Drift
No good. We are changing our location and heading toward Sandy Hook.

Fifth Drift
The conditions have deteriorated with the wind now blowing between 15 to 20 knots. Making the next one along the beach.

Sixth Drift
At this point, it is what it is. The wind is now easily over 20 knots, despite catching a couple of keepers on this drift, the fishing is terrible. We will keep at it and maybe they will add up for a few people.

Seventh Drift
We just had the moment of the day! Another 6 pounder plus a few more keepers. It is still terrible, but at least it was something.

Eighth Drift
Stinks! We are going to head back into the bay for one more drift.

Postgame Show
Yesterday’s heroes. That’s what we were today. All the high fives, fist bumps, and shouts of “YES!” and “NICE!” from Wednesday were replaced with crushed dreams, disappointment and whispers of  “Should have been here Wednesday!”. It was simply a bad day of fishing. We did catch two 6 pounders, which was easily the highlight of the trip. Tomorrow is another day. Hopefully there is an improvement.

 

Check back tomorrow for more live updates