Point Pleasant Canal
 

Any blackfish yet? They usually show up there first. Caught them last year first week of April.

Re: Point Pleasant Canal
 

still too cold. I think the min temp for them inside is around 42 degrees. they really don't chew much under 46 degrees. we had a couple of blow out tides last week that brought in some much warmer ocean water on the incoming but its still COLD. tried for flounder by the 70 bridge on Tuesday and had 3 bites no fish. I think they where perch.

Re: Point Pleasant Canal
 

Live close to the canal, Haven't really seen anyone trying yet. Maybe we could get a pilot program for 12" tog in there like the program being talked about for 16" fluke caught from the beach in IBSP! :rolleyes:

Re: Point Pleasant Canal
 

oh irishc stop pouting,, we will see the 12" fish ;)

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What are you going to do with a 12" fish and its micro fillets

Re: Point Pleasant Canal
 

One fish sandwich.

Re: Point Pleasant Canal
 

A wise old man once told me, "When there's dandilions in the lawn, there's blackfish in the canal. " Good luck, Papa

Re: Point Pleasant Canal
 

Eat it... What else ya gonna do!

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I like that, those old timers usually know what they are talking about, I will be testing that theory later this spring.

Re: Point Pleasant Canal
 

That's quite interesting. Always learn from the old timers.

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Please test that Petey, and Capt. Ken. I did, and I'll be there with you......again.
Try out this one at the canal also. "You can tell it's May 1, when the bluefish come running thru the canal, from Barnegat Bay to the Manasquan." That said by a not always so wise old man............Papa

Re: Point Pleasant Canal
 

Try some 1" - 2" pcs of sandworm in the early spring for them! Works much better than the usual bait. Only in the spring... its also easier on the hook set too. I know it sounds odd..... but try it. ;)

Re: Point Pleasant Canal
 

Just pulled my first dandelion with a flower on it! Hmm.

Re: Point Pleasant Canal
 

what year did you see that connection between dandelions and fishing? I noticed it years back, but now it seems like the rule LOL

Re: Point Pleasant Canal
 

We used to catch them in there all summer long on sandworms - we'd catch them in there from late april straight through October never put a crab on the bottom lol.

We're talking 20 years ago before they implemented the 12" minimum size limit, but the quantity of tog in that canal is still basically the same as it was then, they might actually even be a bit bigger now. So FWIW togs love worms but they are so hard to keep on the hook with all the other critters around!

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No kidding... I always stopped in June. I know the larger fish that find their way in there are on crabs, blue claw being the largest we have seen, but I never gave it a try throughout the summer. Its a great place to teach a kid about toggin' so I will remember this !! Thanx Allen.

Re: Point Pleasant Canal
 

Blackfish the mouth of the canal very often, anchor at the edge. Have caught them in the spring using clam and have done very well. Couple years ago had them going pretty good with the clams, but the boat anchored next to me was slaying them. Guess what he was using? Right sand worms. Kind of expensive, but they definitely get it done

Re: Point Pleasant Canal
 

Scotty, I was told that, about the dandilions, many years ago, when I was a young man, and the wise old man was very old. He also told me to go to the beach and dig sand crabs, keep them in a pail with ocean water and a lot of sand, and add more salt water when it gets low. His pail was so heavy he just left it at the bulkhead at the Manasquan end when you could go out to the end on the west bank. Sometimes I would bring him some fresh crabs, cause I know a lot of people had their hand in his bucket.................... me included,lol.

The bluefish that come through first are real skinny, and kind of long looking, but they fatten up quickly. When it starts, you could catch 100 in no time there, with tin, only 10 years ago. And don't be too surprised to see a tiderunner weakfish there in May, but I hope you take a picture, and let her swim again. Thank you for that. Papa

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That was awesome! I loved the story. It's amazing when you look back at all the moments that have taught us how to be better fishermen and elders who take time to show the younger generation how to catch them. A great wise man also taught me the ways of fishing 21 years ago when I was a young lad. Now I teach him! HAHAHA

Re: Point Pleasant Canal
 

Hey papasown. I noticed that the dandelions bring the bass in the Raritan bay. Like clockwork. I hate them yellow things lol

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You're right, Scotty. I used to keep my boat up at the Clam Hut in Highlands from mid-April till June 1. I had the good striper bite until it picked up down near the Manasquan. Good winter flounder fishing, too.
As far as dandilions go, they only grow in the yard during fishing season, so I believe that green is good, and go fishing. Catch 'em up........Papa

Re: Point Pleasant Canal
 

The mouth of canal is one of my favorite spots for blues, weakies, fluke and early season bass. Had a really nice early season with weakfish in the 4-6lb range last year.

After all these years, I have never tried for Blackfish. This thread is a reminder for me to give it a try this year, haven't blackfished since I was a kid. Could use the crash course lessons and tips that were given.

Re: Point Pleasant Canal
 

If you're stuck for info and bait, stop by Georges B&T right next to the west side of the canal bridge on Rt. 88 in PP. He's got the timing down, and will share info with you. He's a low volume shop but great man. Catch 'em up...........Papa

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Love George. I'm always in there. if he don't have it he'll order it.