Rain, rough surf but bass and blues are caught

The weather keeps coming, but at least the bluefish and striped bass haven’t stopped biting in the rain and rolling surf.

The wind will likely be a factor heading into the weekend for the boats, especially those trying to bounce. NOAA called for gusts of 25 knots from the northeast Thursday evening and the seas could still be a bit much for the small boats or kayaks. However, the predictions are known to be wrong.

Manasquan Inlet was quite turbulent Wednesday, as was the surf, but anglers were chasing bluefish. Grumpy’s Tackle in Seaside Park reported catches of blues and bass on their stretch of beach. Fisherman Troy Corson donned the foul weather gear and had a day of fun baiting.

More: Fishermen battle bluefish at Manasquan Inlet, Island Beach

Jingles Bait & Tackle said the surf on Long Beach Island was rough and windy, but fishermen were there and they found the fish. Shop owner Chuck Kortman weighed a nice striped bass just under 10 pounds that he caught on a bunker in Surf City. He also had three bluefish.

The Gambler party boat returned from the slopes of the deep water canyon with another good catch of golden tilefish. Capt. Bob Bogan said they pulled three fish over 50 pounds from the depths. It wasn’t always easy to fish – fishing at those depths is always a challenge no matter how well the fish were biting – but those who stuck to it had a great trip.

Bill Bryne, who had one over 40 pounds last week, came back for more and landed a 52 pounder. That wasn’t the biggest fish on board. They had brought in a 55 pounder. Matt Brown had a high hook with seven fish, two of which weighed over 40 pounds.

More: Golden! Fishermen are returning with large quantities of golden tilefish from the deep, offshore areas

Meet ‘Coastie’

This Saturday marks the start of National Boating Safety Week and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Manasquan Flotilla 16-07 will have a special guest, “Coastie the Safety Boat,” at Jenkinson’s Aquarium on Sunday from noon to 4 p.m.

Coastie is an animated robot cartoon character and is very mobile. It has navigation and search lights, a flashing light, a siren, an air horn and eyes that move meaningfully. He talks, plays music and interacts with the instructor and the children during the presentation.

Coastie will be there to help the Auxiliary teach children boating safety. One of the main goals is to show children and parents how to properly wear a life jacket. All children 12 years and younger must wear a properly fitted life jacket approved by the U.S. Coast Guard (PFD) when the ship is underway.

When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel isn’t reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him @danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; [email protected].