Weakfish abound along the Raritan River
RON NUZZOLO Fish On
After a foggy start out of the Raritan and a bit of hunting, the crew of the Island Girl finally found what they were looking for: hungry weakfish. Bill Lee, Rich and Carmine Nuzzolo, along with Kerry Smith and Rich Malkowsky found quality fish in the 3-5- pound range. Rich Malkowsky was the high hook, taking his limit of these speckled beauties. The fish early hit peanut bunker and sand works in 50 feet of water in the Ambrose.

NJSaltwaterfisherman.com has reports from Great Bays Capt. Mikes Marina with action just outside of the inlet with a good supply of croakers, some blowfish, blues and nice-size weakfish. Triggerfish continue to be caught in the bay along with snappers and small sea bass. Marsh elder has been showing more weakfish and nice 2-4-pound blues. Some stripers have been caught up in the Mullica and plugging along the sod banks and off the beaches with the occasional keeper or two mixed in. With the water temps still in the low 70s, we won't be seeing any large numbers of striper until the temps drop.

Capt. Steve reported similar action from Barnegat light on Reel Fantasea Charters.

Gary Mease owner operator of Ocean Gate Yacht Basin with father-in-law Reggie Savoy were onboard for some back bay/inlet fishing. The first stop at the inlet looked like it was going to be a turkey shoot with immediate responds from blues on poppers, but as quickly as the action started it developed more into a pick. From there they moved around back for some nice action with weakfish/ sea trout on plastics. Regulars Jay Simmons, Joe Franke and Ernie Rosenburg were out the next day to find the blues more responsive. The guys were at times triple up with fish. From there it was off to a couple of wrecks for some nonstop action on a fall cornucopia of species. Sea bass, blackfish, porgies, bergals, jacks, grunts, blues and some throwback fluke as well rounded out the catch; the poles never stopped bending. Please keep those reports coming to me at ron@signbrothers. com.

Tournament updates

Here are the results of our FISH (Fishing in Seaside Heights) children's surf fishing tournament, sponsored by the Seaside Heights Fishing Club. There were two age group classifications, 12 years old and younger and 13 to 16 years old.

There were 138 fish caught: fluke, stargazers, sea robins, kingfish, skates, and one 31-inch striped bass. In the 12 and younger age group, the winners were:

First place: Richard Brihn, 12, Hamilton Township. Second place: Zach Grace, 10. Third place: Ryan Fox, 9, Toms River.

In the 13-16-year-old age group, the winners were: First place: Brian Trimmer, Pa., Second place: Dana Knoefig. Third place: Richie Vega, Perth Amboy. Richie Vega caught the 31-inch striped bass.

There were 103 children who fished in the tournament; they ranged in age from 2-16 years old. Besides the awards given, each child received a door prize of their choosing. Hot dogs were served on the beach and everyone who participated had a great day of fishing.