small fish in Shark River?

[bulletbob]

8YO grandson desperately wants me to take him salt water fishing... the easiest way would be to trailer down my 14 footer w/30 HP,,, That means I will be very limited as to where we can go.. he loves to eat the fish we catch so I would like to bring something home for him to eat... I know sometimes at this time of year Shark River gets invaded by Blowfish,Spots, Kingfish. Porgies, Snapper Blues etc.. Just wondering if its worthwhile yet.. He wants no part of a party boat, so thats out. any decent fishing in Shark River this year for small, willing biters to keep an 8YO fisherman interested?.. I made this same post last year, but we never got down there.... Hopefully we can this year... bob

[tautog]

Best I know is that are a lot of blowfish in Upper Barnegat Bay.

[Capt. Debbie]

I chartered out Shark River for a decade and would say look elsewhere. Maybe this year is very different? But when weather socked us inside Ocean Ave bridge- a field day were a few sea robins. And even those are down in these parts.

I've also got a 14 foot tin boat with a 25hp. Thats a 20 knot boat, so you dont need to be within eyeshot of the ramp.

Better off in Barnie (as suggested) or launch in Navesink or Shrewsbury rivers. Even Leonardo ramp staying close in is a decent shot in Sandy Hook bay by Earle.

As you likely already know in this tin boats- PICK YOUR DAY. The wind can ruin a trip for us easily in smaller boats.

[Squanfisher]

Shark River will fit the boys expectations. I fished out of a 14 foot fiberglass skiff with a 9.9 on the back for many years as a kid in the same stretch of river. If you pick a weekday you will be fine. Call Fishermans Den for details , at the Belmar marina for the information on the Public Ramp which has really improved since the old days . You'll need a tokin or two for in/out. Both the Manasquan and Shark River have a viable Snapper Blues presence right now that the Boy will enjoy. If you go soon there is good Fluke dragging still. Fish the change in tides and the Grandson will get fish. Take the kid out before he grows out of the interest of Fishing .Good Luck :cool: