Hi All,
Captain's logbooks contain many clues about how different fish species interact within their environment. Mine points out that in the past few years, I have caught False Albacore on top water lures just off of Bayhead around this time of the Summer. Whether it transpires or not exactly on a particular date is not relevent. Rather, it points out that it could happen. In that case, one should be prepared in the event it does.
How do I prepare? I make sure I have at least one spincast outfit at the ready with an AVA 27, no tube tail. I also may have one with a topwater lure like a red and white Yozuri swimmer. Please note that a small wire leader will work. They are not line shy, especially during blitz conditions. It may save you a few lures if the Blues are mixed in.
I have caught these fish in blitz conditions both in the early morning and late afternoon. They have been mixed with big bluefish. It seems that the lure does not matter. They were smashing baitfish that most likely exited the Manasquan Inlet.
So, if you are out in the next few weeks, have a pole that you can cast to breaking fish at the ready and your eyes scanning the area you are passing through. If you find them, hold on tight. False albacore are spectacular to fight. BTW, please practice catch and release with them. They have little or no table value.
BTW, this applies to both boaters and surf casters as they are frequently tight to the beach!
Capt. Ed
