Offshore trip Sunday 1.13.13

Tried to book an offshore sea bass trip with the Sponsors on this website but everyone was booked up this weekend so decided to fish a NS out of Barnegat. Simply amazing the amount of fish on these wrecks right now. Fished one wreck and made one slight adjustment all day and it was non stop fishing the entire time with quality sea bass. Pool went to I believe the only pollack caught which went ~15lbs and second place was a beautiful purple hake a few lbs smaller than the pollack. There were a smattering of porgies around the boat and still quite a few bluefish. Saw for the first time in about twenty years a ~4lb weakfish pulled up as well. You never know what is hanging around these wrecks. I had just got done telling the guy next to me that about 20 years ago I was on a trip on the Big Jamaica and there were about 4 weakfish of the same size caught and the Capt said back then they were the first weakfish he had ever seen taken on these off shore trips. No sooner did the last word come out of my mouth and a guy fishing the stern pulls one overboard! Aside from the fog, couldn't have asked for a more beautiful day for the middle of December. There were actually guys on board with shorts and tea shirts!!!

My son and I landed our limit as I think everyone else did but more so the size was incredible. Ryan jigged all day, no teaser, with mostly an 8 oz silver hammered jig but he also used an 8 and 12 oz. viking as well. Fish were very aggressive on the jigs. I think every sea bass he caught hit as the jig was falling never on the rise. I fished mostly bait and switched to jigs later and don't even know how many double headers of 4 to 6 lb sea bass I had. Used 16 oz. sinkers most of the day but at the very end even under flat calm conditions the current picked up noticeably and 20 oz. was needed. The only jig we tried which for some reason didn't work was an 8 oz. glow.

We kept our limit of 30 and were trowing back 23 and 24 inch fish! Between the two of us we must have caught 70 to 80 sea bass. I can't emphasize enough for anyone going on these trips to bring a venting tool. They cost about $10 bucks and more importantly they work. I know Bogan's stocks them or you can find them on line I'm sure. As I said they work like a charm. My son and I must have netted 40 sea bass today floating down from mid ship or above for people who just tossed their undersized fish back overboard. All but one that we vented swam back down. I'm actually amazed party boats don't maintain 5 or 6 for the boat as it's a shame to waste this resource. These fish are next season's jumbos and where I'm sure the sea gulls and gennetts appreciate a free meal, it's a sin how many of these fish are just disgarded overboard and left to die. It takes all of 10 seconds to vent a fish and insure it's safety. The fishery has really come back, we should all do our best to do what we can so it stays that way and killing undersized fish or trophy fish if you've met your legal limit already is just a waste of resource.

Had the pleasure of meeting Andy S from the website on board todays trip. Andy, enjoyed talking to you and having an oppoertunity to finally meet you.

For anyone who sails out of Barnegat my hats off to you. Couldn't have asked for nicer conditions, light breeze and almost flat calm conditions and still that inlet was not to be taken for granted on the way back in! The shoaling that takes place there is crazy. I can't or maybe better said don't want to think what that inelt must be like to navigate with a full moon outgoing and a 15 to 20 wind from the NE. Scary!

Anyway a few pics from our trip today. Anyone who wants to stock their freezer or get in on some of the best sea bass fishing you've ever witnessed I'd sign up soon because fishing just doesn't get any better than it is now. The sponsors can use the business as well. Oh and by the way, aside from a few scallopers, there wasn't another boat in site all day.

Good luck to everyone who ventures off shore....bring a big cooler you're going to need it!

Dakota

[Joey Dah Fish]

Wow great post great info great fish great job!!! Congrats on your trip

[AndyS]

Good sum up on todays fishing.

Nice meeting you also, and your son is a true gentleman.

[Chico]

Nice catch!! And good advice, Florida Gulf Coast requires venting tools, easy to do!!

[blkbear]

Amen on the venting tool, Great pics and report.
Thanks for sharing☺

Originally Posted by AndyS

Good sum up on todays fishing.

Nice meeting you also, and your son is a true gentleman.

Andy,

Thanks I appreciate as I'm sure Ryan does your kind words. He's a great son who makes me very proud every day but more important he's grown into a fine and caring young man! Not a bad fisherman either!

To be able to spend time together on trips like today is how life was meant to be lived! Great day and as I said it was great meeting you today and added to the enjoyment of the trip.

Dakota

[MVP]

Dakota

Really enjoyed reading your report. GReat detail in regards to size weights, and jigs used that were successful for you. GReat to see father son team together. Not that my father is in his 70's it is like our places have changed and i am the one taking him fishing. Looks like you will have a great fishing partner for life.

Alex
MVP

[SaltLife1980]

Sounds like a Great trip.. You fished on the D/M?

Nice work and looks like some real nice fish!

Salt Life,

Check your pm

DAkota

[reefsquater]

Nice write up, what a great trip you had.

Good eats for sure!