13-pound blackfish tops catches on the hunt for jumbo tog
The weather was warm and enough people were down on the docks that a few boats were able to get out on the tog hunt. There were a couple of lunkers landed, too.
On the Dauntless party boat, Capt. Pat Murphy, of Toms River, who works deck as well as the run the boat sometimes, connected with 13 ½ pounder on Wednesday. That was biggest of the blackfish that was reported to the Asbury Park Press. Murphy also has a 10-pound codfish to boot, as there have been a spattering of them on the structures.
The Paramount party boat had a 15-pound codfish landed on Wednesday by Joe Gorski of Middletown. Gorski had the magic touch as he landed three more cod and his four-fish blackfish limit.
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An angler on the Ocean Explorer connected with a 9.1-pound blackfish, which was the biggest of the bunch on that boat. Capt. Bobby Quinn said he's looking for the jumbos everyday, covering ground that is mostly within 100 to 150 feet of water.
The weekend's forecast looks encouraging, as far as the west wind goes at the start. It's expected to switch overnight Saturday to northeast by Sunday but the ocean should be manageable. There could be some drizzle in the morning on Sunday.
Build a fishing rod, other fishing events
Brielle Bait & Tackle has scheduled another rod building basics course to run in March. The course will cover everything one needs to know about assembling a fishing rod from scratch. It's a three-night course, 7 to 9 p.m. on March 20, 22 & 24. The cost is $95 and space is limited. Call the shop at 732-528-5720 for more info or to sign up.
The Hi-Mar Striper Club's annual flea market will be held from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 11 at the Middletown VFW Post 2179 in Port Monmouth, New Jersey. The cost is $5 per person, 15 and under get a free entry.
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The Asbury Park Fishing Club's "original plug show" and flea market returns on March 19. This will the be show's 30th anniversary. The show, which draws the best plug makers on the East Coast, will be held at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park. The hours are 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Sandy Hook spring fishing permits go on sale starting at 10 a.m. March 1 until May 15. They can be purchased online only for $60 thought www.recreation.gov.
When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel is not reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him @danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; dradel@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Fishermen continue hunt for jumbo blackfish and cod
