Rollin’ along”- Fishing report-11-08-10-By Bob Misak
This past week of bass fishing along the Jersey shore saw yet another surprise weigh-in for the L.B.I. Surf Classic. Joe Kovacs came in on the 4th with another bass breaking the 50 lb. mark at 51 and change! That fish no doubt “tightened up” Ray Sullivan’s wader straps a bit. Hang in there Ray! What a derby, and what a great year to see some fantastic fish weighed. On Nov.4th Larry Weidner weighed in two fish at exactly 25.50 lbs, believe it or not. And, on that day Paul Haertel of the Berkeley Striper club also weighed in a bass; the weight, 25.50 lbs. How strange is that? And to top that off, Frank Hoover jumped in on the bluefish with a 14.63 lb. bluefish to make three fish at that exact weight as well, with Lou Prete edging out Frank and Mike Cucinotta for the lead with a couple weeks left to sweat it out. The competition is fierce this year, and even getting daily money takes a bit of luck and the right fish at the right time. The blues are not as thick off the beach as they should be right at the moment, and with the water temps in the mid fifties and dropping, I’m a little concerned the blue fishing may not get that last minute surge we are used to seeing in November. The blackfishing both off the head boats and the jetty rocks is doing just fine, and some super nice white chins are being caught. The north jetty is holding good togs as well, but it’s a little tricking trying to yank them off the rough terrain over there. The shop is doing it’s best to keep fresh baits in stock, and the green crabs and fresh clams and bunker are still plentiful. The guys fishing the sod banks and the inlet are getting a steady catch of 30 to 34 inch bass, and these are the ones you want for the table. The head boats are still on the big blues outside and the chum slicks are still producing some limits, but a lot of captains are back on the sea bass and tog fishing, as you have to get them while the getting’s good. Who knows when the boys up top will walk up to the dock and say, “no more sea bass” It wouldn’t be the first time, so if you want to get a few more great meals off the head boats, now’s the time. But basically, everyone’s in bass mode for the moment and that’s just fine as most guys are catching fish at will. I still think there a few more 40 lb. fish to hit the scales in the derby, and who knows, maybe even a 60 pounder! For the record, I said maybe, not definitely. My opinion is that if we do see a 60, it will come off a boat trolling or snagging. But, we all know what they say about opinions; they’re like… oh, never mind. Anyway, we’ll see you down at Barnegat Light bait and tackle, and if you won any t-shirts grab em’ now; Basil has some nice ones with like crabs and stripers on em’ and stuff. By the way, Basil is getting ready for his next bolt from New Jersey; Disney World. But at least he won’t be sitting in a deer stand counting squirrels all day. As always, good luck and a fantastic finish to the season, and be safe.

Barnegat Light Bait and Tackle
1501 Bayview Ave.
Barnegat Light, NJ
(609) 494-4566
Website www.barnegatlightbaitandtackle.com
Email info@barnegatlightbaitandtackle.com