Tuesday bluefish

[NJ219bands]

Went fishing 🎣 in Manasquan Inlet this evening on the outgoing tide in the rain during a small craft advisory south wind. An old guy was fishing to the left of my spot. Saw three fishermen catch a small bluefish further out on the jetty before the fisherman to my left caught and released a big bluefish on a plug. After a lot of fishermen started fishing 🎣 to my right, I went out towards the end of the jetty. A young fisherman hooked a 35.5” striped bass with a plastic minnow in the ocean and I let his friend use my gaff to land it. After he threw it into the inlet, I caught, tagged and released a 33” 15.5” girth bluefish with my brother John’s very old prism taped diamond jig. I’m applying for a NJ Skillful Angler Recognition Award 🥇.

[Broad Bill]

I'll be the first to take the bait, why would anyone gaff a 35.5" bass that has to be released.

[Ol Pedro]

I'll be the first to take the bait, why would anyone gaff a 35.5" bass that has to be released.

He could have lip gaffed the bass and safely released it.

[Broad Bill]

I'm aware of that and knew it would be the answer but tough to do on the rocks at the MI. Tough situation with the current regulations. Bridge gaff would probably be a better alternative and safer for the striper but more so the angler. Just slide it down your line.

[NJ219bands]

I'll be the first to take the bait, why would anyone gaff a 35.5" bass that has to be released.

The gaffer said that he gaffed the lure. It’s illegal to gaff striped bass in NJ. I saw a Manasquan resident gaff a bluefish in the belly then throw it back into the inlet.