OK folks, I'm basically new to the area and know only what I can read and ascertain from conversations about fishing in the area. I went out of Atlantic highlands Saturday afternoon about 3PM. 2 kids, 2 bikini model moms, and me. I wanted to fish. It's a passion of mine but I'm not from here. I grew up in CA so I don't know much about the area, species of fish, or techniques. I stopped in a local bait and tackle shop and loaded up on 4 Oz bucktails White, green, and pink. I picked up Gulp curly tails to match. Grabbed some whole squid and a chart of the bay and water off Sandy hook and headed out. I crossed the bay and turned headed east a little bit using the chart and bouys to determine where I was. Found what I thought were some drop offs and maybe rocks and set anchor. Set two lines up with 4Oz bucktails and gulp stingers and two lines up with 4oz egg sinkers and cut squid. After about 30 mins starting getting some action on the bucktails but it was hard to keep up with the rods, the kids, and the moms. Hooked and landed a 19.5" Fluke on green/green buck tail. Hooked and landed several skates and a dogfish on cut squid. Kept the fluke and send everything else back to Neptune. Kids had fun, girls got tan, and I got my first taste of East Coast saltwater fishing. I tried to snag some bunker but struck out. This seems like something you must see to understand.
I greatly appriciate any comments, tips, or even company to learn the local waters.
Scott