Manasquan Dolphin, BFT, etc

[fellinger]

Ok, so now I am torn between Barnaget and MI for storing the boat next year. I have run across a really good deal on rack storage at MI. I know BI has a ton of good close (within 20nm) fishing areas but, what about MI?

I looked over the charts and there seems to be some pretty hopeful spots within 15-20 miles for late summer BFT, dolphin, etc.

Thoughts? If I can be in the ocean in 5 min at MI versus a 7mile hike through the bay in BI I think I should just use MI....

Fred

[IrishAyes]

MI, a short 6 mile run from Shark River. Pretty much equal access to the mud hole from both inlets. Shorter ride from Shark River to Shrewsbury Rocks where many boats do their summer flounder fishing.

Plenty of other species to fish for at the Rocks also.

Barnegat or Manasquan would have an advantage on a day when the wind is blowing hard from the east as you may still be able to fish the bay. Not much fishing inside of Shark River for a boat over 23'.

[Hotrod]

If I had a choice.  it would be MI..  My summer place is in barnegat.. so there I rest.. and like to be close to the boat.. 80% of the time  the bite is better North.. other than this years Killer Striper Run off IBSP

[fellinger]

It's killing me, Rod. The more I look at chart for BI and the 7 mile run and the way the inlet can be the more I like MI. I might have to settle for something in the coves of PP near the ICW and just suck it up.

[Hotrod]

The Run is 3 Miles..  I don't why I was thinking 7..

[fellinger]

Are you sure? I used to online chart viewer and did it and it was 6+ by the way I was doing it.

[Hotrod]

Nope.. Just did it.. it is 7..

[fellinger]

Nice.... Gotta love technology.

[Luna Sea 5]

if your looking for great water, deep channels and close to the ocean, you have to go north to the Sandy Hook Area.  You have Highlands, Atlantic Highlands, and a few other places up there close to the ocean.  Once you turn the hook, your about 8-10 miles from both the rocks, and the Mud Buoy.  Most of the fluke fishing can be done right there in the bay in the Reach Channels.

Like Rod said, except for this fall, all the fishing is North. 

[NJ Guy]

Yeah i really like the reach and ambrose channels for fluke and i like drifting chapel hill channel with worms and eels for bass 

[fellinger]

Thanks guys. I will be honest... I really liked the MI area and Sandy Hook areas. I have never fished Shark River. A lot of my choice will be made by (A) cost and (B) proximity to Bucks County, PA (C) diversity of fishing. I would like to be able to fish in 1 - 1.5 hours from leaving my house. I am not partial to being in a slip or rack. I think both have pros and cons.

[Reel McCoy]

I am with Uncle Luna and NJ Guy, you can't beat the fishing oportunities in the Sandy Hook, Raritan Bay areas.

[fellinger]

I hear you guys, believe me. I am not sure I could deal with the N NJ and NYC traffic though. 

[Noworries2009]

If you spend considerable time fishing for tuna,sharks and other off shore species in summer it's a no brainer . Manasquan inlet will save you time/fuel. If you are strictly inshore with fluke,stripers etc... then look into some other areas. Some guys I know leave their boats up in the Sandy Hook area for the early striper bite then move down when it dies out. The bunker live lining in June was great close to MI. Shark River is another option to look into and is 5 miles or so closer to the ROCKS. I've had boats docked here for years until recently when I sold my boat. I really enjoyed those quicky trips to river fish for fluke or stripers for just a couple of hours. If you're a weekends only guy that might not interest you with boat traffic. Being a few minutes from the beach/ boardwalk is a big draw for those with families/kids too.

[IrishAyes]

Jump on I-195 in Trenton and Shark River is approx 35-45 minutes away. I don't know how far you are from Bucks Co to Trenton so add that to your travel time.

You can also access the Manasquan area from I-195 but the weekend traffic is horrendous once you get off of I-195.

[Luna Sea 5]

What I like about Sandy Hook.  If the weather is nice, you can get around the hook quick and sky's the limit.  If the weather is not so good, you can stay in the reach, Chapple Hill, etc. and still produce very good catches.  If the weather is horrible, you can go up the river and still put together a great catch due to all of the open water from the hook to the bay and through the river.

South.. The offshore grounds are closer, but if the weather isn't the best, there isn't much inside the bay area, especially if you have a larger boat. 

[Offshore Madness]

I have will only store/launch my boat in the Atl.Highlands area.They said it above once you turn the hook its 8-10 miles,and if you run like me a short ride to excellent fishing grounds.Imo some of the best. The raritan bay is a great fluke spot we did awesome this past year.Most spots are an average 20 minute ride.You have a little bit to decide where to keep her.The real question is where do YOU want to keep it and what fits in to your needs. Hope this helps out a bit. 

[Pops Soul]

Fred I live in Morrisville Pa., Keep the boat in SR in Rack storage. 45 minute drive to Belmar, Few miles to the south your in MS. 20 minute run to the north and your at the SHrewsbury Rocks the only real down fall is when you have a snotty day out shark rive gets crowded in a hurry. Thats my 2 cents