Unusual Saltwater Catches

[Billfish715]

I (and I hope we all) like reading about everyone's exotic and strange catches. N.J certainly has its share of stories, many of which are never shared. Blackfin Tuna, Tripletails, Cobia, Barracuda, Sailfish, Tarpon and more are certainly not common to our state. The juvenile fish that show up are also quite impressive. Who would think there were sea horses in the Manasquan River!? We find a few each year when we pull our seine.

The stories about catching sturgeon on umbrella rigs in the bay, or trolling marlin on Manasquan Ridge are examples of why we keep fishing even on those slow days. You never know what might be swimming off our coast. Don't be embarrassed to mention your unlikely catches. Catching and releasing a 150# class sand tiger shark off Bay Head on a fluke rig with 20# leader, ranks up there on my unusual list.

When you see a "googin" trolling around with spreader bars and rigged baits in 60 feet of water off Spring Lake or Seaside or Long Branch, hold back your smirks and sarcasm. You might be very surprised when you get back to the dock or listen to 68.

Keep the stories coming.