Saturday was a nice February day on shore, but very rough offshore. The Jamaica II from Brielle reported only a few cod and ling in the big swells, but they'll be sailing again at 5 a.m. into a better forecast. Though the southwest gusts are expected to continue into Sunday, lighter winds are expected during the day.
The Ocean Explorer from Belmar also had tough Saturday bottom fishing as only a few fares could get blackfish bites in the swells, while even bergalls weren't biting under those conditions. However, the swell was decreasing during the trip home -- and conditions should be better tomorrow.