Had the Gary Rothrock party out today for a stab at the flatties, but to my surprise the fluke fishing was again slow, very slow. What the heck happened to the initial fluke run? It's sure not happening in the Sandy Hook area as of yet. Based upon some of the reports I've read, doesn't seem to be happening anywhere else either.
I know it's early in the season, but my records from last year show that by this time, my customers were getting some really nice keeper fish, of course with numerous throwbacks, but still able to box some quality flatties. So far in 2010, the fish have been small (14-16" on average) with few keepers that just make the 18" regulations in New Jersey.
But, as they say, tomorrow is another day. Another body of new fish could enter the bay at any time so we all have to be patient I guess. We had outgoing water all morning and the water temps passing the Earle pier was 70.8 degrees, surely warm enough to put these fish on the feed. Water clarity was good but the speed of the outgoing was a little slow (0.7 - 0.9 kts) for my liking. The bait of choice, once again, was bucktailing Spro's in the 3 - 4 oz range tipped with a Gulp Alive minnow with a teaser Clouser rig......our favorite when bucktailing. We also had 2 guys dragging bait with squid/sand eel combo which got hits too.
My "Thanks" to Gary for the gracious compliments.........we work that hard for everyone who fishes with us. We want to catch fish just as much as you do.
Tight Lines,
Capt. John