Ron Nuzzolo
Fish On Capt. Steve from Reel Fantasea Charters, Barnegat Light, reported back-bay fishing remains on fire.
Dave Hook, with girlfriend Becky Wilson, was out for nonstop action, snagging large blackfish up to 9 pounds and also caching striped bass as well.
Bucky Hayes from Princeton was out for a double-digit bass night catching his limit of bass and then some. Bucky also topped off his catch with blues as well.
Chris Spring of New York was out for some nonstop striper action, catching 11 stripers, a mess of blues, and 10 blackfish up to 7 pounds. The interesting thing about the blackfishing (if not amazing) is that while reeling in the blackfish there would be another 3- to 7-pound blackfish swimming alongside, as if it was a bluefish trying to bite the bait out of the fish’s mouth.
Joe Holl with friends Dom, Duey and Mike, who had caught his biggest striper ever, were out for a nice pick of bass 10 to 18 pounds with also some nice blackfish of 5 to 6 pounds, losing the biggest fish boatside when the hook pulled free. All fish were caught on the inside on clams. The guys also had a solid morning on blues as well on artificials.
My friends on the Lady Grace out of Harvey Cedars had a great weekend trolling bunker spoons and Stretch 25s, making the tally on bass 23.5, 28, 32, and 35 inches for the weekend. The bite had been in the morning hours, leaving the rest of the days for the blues.
Out of the Raritan Bay, the Island Girl IV, with Capt. Rich Nuzzolo along with the Nuzzolo gang – Chris, Ron Sr., Bill Lee and Craig Monda – has been quietly maxing out on big bass up to 45 inches and 27 pounds. All fish were caught on bunker chunks on the outgoing tide. The Island Girl IV had back-to-back days of the best bass fishing of the year so far. The bluefish action has been also amazing, with a 16-pound gator topping the day.
On the Lucie Anne, Capt. Timmy had a great bunch of guys – Robert Varipapa from Staten Island, Tommy Eosso from Aberdeen (first-timers) along with Tony Sgotto, Lake Hopatcong, and Rob Walenty from Jackson. Rob Varipapa caught his first bass at age 50 and is now officially hooked. Tommy Eosso busted his knuckles reeling in relentless chopper blues swarming the boat. All had a great day catching and releasing over 60 blues and enjoying a great day on the bay. Once again the Raritan Bay bluefish saved the day for the first-timers.
Tim and Debi O’Mara from NJSaltwaterfisherman.com reported that opening-day fluke was a success. There were a lot of smaller fish caught, which had to be thrown back, but they saw some nice 20- and 22-inch fish come in. There are still blues in the inlet along with some stripers up along the sod banks. The sharks are all over the place. Crabbing is still slow, but if you put your time in, you should have dinner. Ocean fishing on the reefs produced loads of doggies and some sea bass.
Fishermen’s Conservation Association (FCA) hosted the 9th annual Manhattan Cup “catch and release” charity fishing tournament in New York City. Despite choppy conditions caused by winds that gusted to 25 knots, all but a few of the 52 expected guides set forth from Chelsea Piers, taking 150 anglers on an exciting quest for striped bass, bluefish and weakfish – all within mere miles of the famed Manhattan skyline.
Largest striped bass caught and released, bait division (sponsored by Redington) – Andrew Levey and Capt. Steve Pagidas – 32.96 pounds.
Largest bluefish caught and released, bait division (sponsored by Redington) – Shawn Gallagher and Capt. Rich Swisstack – 17.59 pounds.
Largest bluefish caught and released, artificial division (sponsored by Berkley) – Michael Caruso and Capt. Anthony Grassi – 7.84 pounds.
Largest striped bass caught and released, fly division (sponsored by Sage) – Alan James Robinson and Capt. Vince Matsui – 10.84 pounds.
Largest bluefish caught and released, fly division (sponsored by Sage) – Graham Uffelman and Capt. Bryan Goulart – 7.59 pounds.
High Hook Award, most striped bass caught and released by an angler (sponsored by Urban Angler) – Alan James Robinson – 12 striped bass.
Most striped bass caught and released by a captain (sponsored by Urban Angler) – Capt. Vince Matsui – 12
Private boat division largest striped bass caught and released (sponsored by Vineyard Vine) – James Giacalone and Capt. Mick Kalishman – 17.35 pounds.
Private boat division largest bluefish caught and released (sponsored by Vineyard Vine) – Andrew Madoff – 6.13 pounds.
Smallest striped bass caught and released (sponsored by Habana Joe) – John Colgate – 1.20 pounds.
Ocean Beach Marine Conservation Award – Brad Burns, founder and inspirational leader of Stripers Forever.
Proceeds from the event will help the FCA in its efforts to protect local fisheries, ensure access to waterways and promote a sustainable habitat for important game species. Capt. Frank Crescitelli, co-chair of the Manhattan Cup and chairman of the FCA, said that a particular focus for the group is seeking game fish status for striped bass in New York State.
“The striped bass is the most valuable inshore saltwater species we have in New York State, because of both its economic value and anglers’ accessibility to the fish. Whether from a jetty, beach or boat, anglers have equal opportunity to engage this majestic fish. We are confident that this will be the year that New York joins Connecticut and New Jersey in designating the striped bass as game fish.”
More information can be found at www.joinfca.org.