The IGFA 424-page softcover book not only lists the all-tackle freshwater and saltwater world records for men and women, but also line class, length, fly rod and junior records. Even catching an all-tackle record doesn't require spending a fortune to chase such fish as a 1500-pound bluefin tuna, as there are hundreds of lesser records to shoot for especially since the IGFA started accepting just about any unlisted fish over a pound and considered to be large for the species.

The bitter cold is only a memory now, but gale warnings are up for Tuesday -- with southeast winds gusting to 35 mph. The winds are expected to drop to 10-15 mph out of the west by Wednesday.

Despite very cold temperatures and strong winds, it will be warm in the Middletown VFW, on Veteran's Lane off Rt. 36 East, where the annual Hi-Mar Striper Club's Fishing Flea Market and Seminars will run from 8 a. m. to 3 p. m. Saturday. Over the past 18 years this event has raised nearly 250,000 making it one of IGFA's most successful fund raising events on their annual calendar. A cocktail hour precedes a deluxe hot and cold buffet dinner followed by the Fishing Tackle Bonanza Auction where thousands of dollars worth of fishing tackle including rods, reels, line and lures donated by major tackle manufacturers and local tackle shops, plus jewelry, marine artwork and other fishing related items and accessories will be given away.

Sunday was another beautiful day for ocean fishing, but there was no change in the mackerel situation as the Golden Eagle from Belmar jigged loads of herring with only scattered mackerel among them. The Big Mohawk from Belmar fished offshore for blackfish on Saturday.

It sure didn't look promising today with snow and wind, but the weekend weather forecast is about as good as it gets in mid-winter for ocean fishing. Small craft warnings come down tonight, and the Saturday wind forecast is for west at 5 to 10 knots.