The stripers are being reeled in from the bay in the Keyport area, and a few flounder were hitting in the river, said Capt. Carmine from the Lucky Carm. He heard that a 32-inch keeper striper and a 27-1/2-inch keeper were landed, but that was unconfirmed. Charters will begin April 14 for stripers and flounder. A few dates are open in April, but only two Sundays are left on the 15th and 22nd. May is filling up, but Memorial Day weekend is available, including because of one cancellation. Spots are also available in June, and June's striper fishing can be just as good as May's.
The Lucky Carm will donate a charter to a Desert Storm veteran May 1, and staff members from The Fisherman magazine and outdoor reporter Karen Wall from the Asbury Park Press are expected to be aboard. A trip will also be donated to six Vietnam vets on April 17 from a drawing that raised money for a charity, and Karen is also supposed to join that trip.
Capt. Carmine is a Vietnam vet, and he says that he and Capt. Eddie, the mate on the boat and the captain when Carmine's not at the helm, will never forget the vets and wish to give back whatever they can. The clock is counting down to April 15, the date when 2006 rates on charters can still be locked in before the rates are bumped up for 2007. Mention Fishing Reports Now and receive $50 off a charter.
Capt Eddie