Reminder after January 1, 2012 everyone needs to renew their New Jersey Saltwater Registry for 2012. New Jersey anglers can do so FOR FREE by registering at the FREE NJ State Saltwater Registry

December 27, 2011 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Received: Dec 27, 2011 6:46 PM Subject: Fishing on 12-27

Fished the North-end of the island at dawn for a couple hours. Hooked up with about 8 bass using needlefish. Most were 24-28 inches, one went about 34 inches. Lots of birds as the sun rose, sandeels were present. The bite died down by around 9:30 AM which is when I stopped although probably could have picked at them a while longer.

~ Bill, Marlton, NJ

December 26, 2011 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Received: Dec 26, 2011 11:29 AM Subject: Sorry Art

Sorry to hear that Art did not get in on the striper action this fall. It was a record season for me and my 16 year old son. We started catching fish on Nov.12 and went right through Dec.11 with 6 to 8 fish a day each, every weekend. Greg said use AVA 17 or 27 in color Black and you should do good. Well we did, we are thankful for the great year, see you in the spring.

~ Joe & Al Z

December 25, 2011 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The management and staff of Fisherman's Headquarters wish everyone all the best during this holiday season and a special wish for a Very Merry Christmas!

December 24, 2011 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Even though it's winter the temps are still mild and the bass are still here! This epic fall Striper run just will not end. Rick Zane caught one bass and Mike Mitryk caught 4 bass this morning. Both guys were fishing the surf on the north end of the Island. Tie on a teaser and fish metals or needlefish!

~ Fish Head Greg

Received: Dec 24, 2011 9:08 AM Subject: Reel Fantasea Fishing Charters - season wrap up- going out with a bang!

With a small craft warning in place and a marine forecast with North winds gusting to 30-kts for Friday, I reluctantly canceled Fridays trip only to awake to find the winds quartering from a more favorable NW direction. A quick early morning call back to the crew had 2 out of the 4 still able to go, so off we went. Again, we were only minutes from the dock before we were tight with striped bass on our first casts! From there we were singled, doubled and tripled up with bass from start to finish!

Regular Dave Cammarata was joined us with new comer US Fish and Wildlife Coastal Wetlands Biologists Bill Crouch for what will likely be our last trip of an AWESOME 2011 fishing season! We not only managed an easy limit for the 3 of us plus 1 bonus tag but plenty of catch and release with both keeper and short stripers. As per usual of late, Dave earned "Hot Rod" honors hooking 25 stripers. We ended the day and the season on a high note with us leaving the stripers still biting before heading for the barn.

Although we will not be sailing during the Holiday Season if the weather continues it's mild pattern we will be welcoming the 2012 fishing as early as January 5th for stripers and or blackfish. There appears to be no end in the foreseeable further for us to "pull in the sidewalks" just yet! So let's keep it going!

I wanted to sincerely thank all who have fished with me this year and can only hope that you enjoyed yourselves as much as I did! It was awesome meeting and fishing with so many new friends but also getting to fish and see old friends as well. There is no question on how blessed I find myself being able to do what I am most passionate about and enjoying everyone's company and camaraderie .

For those who frequent the various winter boat and seminar shows over the next few months...

1.) I have the privilege and honor to have been selected by George Poveromo's Salt Water Sports National Seminar Series to be held in Tinton Falls on Saturday Feb 11. www.nationalseminarseries.com as a faculty member.

2.) Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) Jim Hutchinson jr. at the Atlantic City International Boat Show - Early Spring Back Bay striper tactics Feb 2nd at 4pm.

I hope to see you there. If you can make it, please say hello while your there.

My Sincerest Thank YOU and best wishes for you and yours for a Happy, Healthy Holiday Season! Wishing everyone fair winds and calm seas,

~ Capt. Steve Purul, Reel Fantasea Fishing Charters 609.290.1217

Received: Dec 24, 2011 10:38 AM Subject: Fishing Report

I fished the Reel Fantasea on 12/23/11 with Capt. Steve Purul (one of the best in the business). There were only two of us on board plus the captain and we caught close to 40 stripers and filled the limits plus a bonus tag. Not bad fishing for the day before Christmas Eve. I have to throw a plug in for Capt. Steve. I have fished with him 5 or 6 times now and I have not caught less than 10 stripers and have exceded 20 on two of the trips, including yesterday. Simply awesome fishing.

~ Dave C., Mt. Laurel, NJ

December 23, 2011 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Received: Dec 23, 2011 11:51 AM Subject: Fishing Report

Took the boat out on Thursday morning and ran from the inlet to seaside heights casino piers. Marked a good body of fish with light bird play about 4 miles north of Barnegat Inlet in 30-40 feet of water. Unfortunately couldn't get any of them to bite. About ten boats out and didn't see anything caught. Ocean temp was 46.5 degree. Hopefully the action will last a couple of weeks more and the weather stays mild!