"I agree with the concerns that many have voiced with respect to notching the groins in this area and the impacts that it may have on recreational fishing," said Congressman Pallone.  "This new plan is a compromise with the Army Corps.  I want to thank all the fishermen and other residents who took the time to submit comments and voice their concerns throughout this process."   The Deal Lake Flume was also discussed at today's meeting with Congressman Pallone.  The Army Corps agreed to install an electronic gate which would allow the outfall to be cleared efficiently if it were to become blocked by sand.  All parties agreed that there was no need to extend the Deal Lake Flume farther into the ocean.  Instead, there would be improved monitoring of the sand placement by the Corps during the project to avoid any excessive placement of sand in the area of the flume.

Tank Matraxia of Lyndhurst joined an open trip Capt. Kevin Cole was running Friday afternoon on the Down Deep Bullet, and got off to a great start as he cast off the bow of the boat at Brown's in Keyport to catch a 21-inch fluke. Capt. John Kolias, of Reel Fun at Twin Lights Marinain Highlands, congrarultes his relief skipper, Capt. Marc Devino, after he teleased a 73-pound black drum that hit a live bunker he was fishing from his own boat Wednesday evening while seeking stripers.

Thunder during the early morning hours seemed to keep most anglers at home today, but the Jamaica from Brielle got up north only to find very slow bluefish jigging in the morning. Mickey Sweeney of Howell said he twice set up earlier to chunk in Bay Head, but each time had thunder move too close and chase him off.

Capt. Stan Zagleski said a lack of current hurt the drift in Raritan Bay today, but he ended up putting a catch of fluke together on Elaine B II from Bahrs in Highlands. The Bob Finan party from Fair Haven fished with Capt. Hans Kaspersetz and I on Sheri Berri from Baker's Marina on the Bay in Highlands as hits were hard to come by in the weak current even when we found marks.

If this weekend's results are any indication, there should be some great mako shark fishing coming up next weekend in the Shore's biggest shark tournament -- Mako Mania. The Greater Point Pleasant Charter Boat Association's 29th anniversary Mako Mania is expected to award over 150,000 in prize money when it's contested out of Crystal Point Yacht Club in Point Pleasant.