Early season Mackerel

[eppefour]

I read in Fisherman mag that charter boats from Pt Pleasant had mackerel this week 35 miles south. Down around Barnegat I would thinkl. I have always had trouble finding the damn things. Anybody know where to find early season mackerel :ernaehrun

[Fish Tale Charters]

Last year I had them in the late part of March early April straight out about 2mi off the Bell. Big balls of them. I'd get off one and circle around and get back on another. It was fun!

Capt Craig
FISH TALE CHARTERS
www.fishtalechartersoc.com
fishtalecharters@comcast.net

[thetackletrap]

I remember seeing big schools of the tinkers in the inlet at ocean city NJ the last couple of years. I believe it was around May. I can't quite recall the time though.

[guz739]

How big were the tinkers that were there. I cant wait till the boston show up.

[thetackletrap]

I'd say the average was 4"-7" They were nice size but we don't them every year. They can be hard to find.

[Fish Tale Charters]

With the water temp never getting real cold, I think it will warm up quick. I got my fingers crossed that the MAC's are here by the end of March. They were last year. All the boats at my marina that went out to fish for them came back loaded up. I will load up and use for bait. They work great cut in strips for bucktailing Striped Bass in the Cape May Rips in the spring. They are also good for Flukin. Right behind the mac's will be the bluefish.

Capt Craig
FISH TALE CHARTERS
www.fishtalechartersoc.com
fishtalecharters@comcast.net
Phone 609-391-8230
Boat 609-425-6548

[Squidnation]

I have not seen them in any numbers since the late 80's. I would love to get a bag or two for sharking this year

[SharkJP]

Bill, you read my mind, I had scetchy reports that they were here last year for about a week. . . had to run about 40-50mi to get them.

For the cost of fuel, i decided just to buy a few flats for sharkin. . . a lot more cost effective

but, if anyone gets some solid reports, let me know, should have the boat in by the 1st, goin to do some more work on her this weekend.

Bill, if you ever need an extra for sharkin, let me know. . . Id be happy to ride along

[Squidnation]

Monty usually finds them every year but the run only lasts for a few days at the most. If I hear that he gets into them I'll give you a call.

[John Rogers]

Seems like there are a lot more out of NJ. I talked to monty last year about the mackeral and he said they don't come in like they use too. Hope he does some tog trips soon. I need to get out soon