FROM THE SURF
10.13.2010
The mainland angler with that “Aloha Spirit”
By Paul Danielczyk
Well this week was a rough one with very little fish hitting the beach. In fact this angler has gotten skunked today with some nice looking water. I was on Island Beach State Park all morning throwing everything but the kitchen sink and only one good hit but it shook the hook once I started to reel. No idea what it was but I was using mullet at the time so I expect it was a blue.
After talking too many of the regulars on the island the fish are just not there on a regular basis. Everyone is blaming a lot of it on the warm water. I took the temperature of the water and it was 69 deg. Bob McGinley of RH Custom Rods said that pretty much south of Brick the fish are just out to far and the bait are just not here to bring them in. I can attest to that as the birds were soon in large flocks about a ½ mile off the inlet and that is where all the action is right now.
But, some fish have been caught Bill Ellis caught a 43” Striped Bass in the Mullica river as reported by Captain Matt Kliminski of Task Marine, LLC. Dan Procida landed a 15lb 13oz using a bunker as reported by Barnegat Light B&T. Plus, Oceanside B&T reported a 14lb 2 0z striper caught by Randy Matlac on the south End on a bunker, and a 13lb 14 oz striper caught by Peter Bortolomeo on Holgate on a bunker head. Congratulations to all of you for some nice catches reported.
As you can see there are some real nice fish around you just have to be in the right place at the right time. This time of year is rough as the water begins its cool down the bait fish are scattered all over the place so they are no help.
At this time we are waiting for a so called Nor’easter to hit later in the week, maybe that blow will start the break up of the outer bar as it has been slowing everything down. The churning of the waters could be beneficial to bring some of the cooler waters up and start the fall cool down. If you are able to get out on Thursday morning give it a try as the water is beginning to start to churn this afternoon and with this I am sure will bring some good hits.
With the North East wind it was hard to cast anything out and I am sure it will continue for some time. I would try and throw aerodynamic type of lures such as AVA’s Deadly Dicks, and AOK’s metals and anything that will cast well in a strong wind conditions.
I had to use 6oz in order to hold bottom and this will, I am sure get worse.
Happy Catching
Paul
