Blues in Raritan Bay

[Capt.Yasar]

Are there any blues near Perth Amboy area? Wanted to take some kids out; their patience runs out quickly so I'm looking for a short ride from Sewaren ( where boat is docked). Max I can go upto Keyport or princes bay area.

Not sure if snappers are around yet. Catching snappers was kids favorite last year.

If nothing around Perth Amboy I'd probably take a ride to Belmar and hop on to a party boat for small blues. I think 8 years old can handle small blues and will have fun.

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Not sure if they are there but if there are any in Raritan Bay first place I would go is Round Shoal....It's by the reach channel where the channel takes a deep bend into Staten Island. If you were to draw a line between the 42 and 20 buoys you'd be on it.

Anchor up, throw some bunker chum, fish bunker chunks...

I'd bet at a minimum you'd get some Cocktail Blues.

[Capt.Yasar]

Thanks Gerry. Much appreciated.

[LIGHTACKLE]

Lots of snappers around...

[Capt.Yasar]

Last year we caught snappers when fishing on the Perth Amboy pier. Any suggestions on where to get them on boat?

[Gerry Zagorski]

Your best bet for snappers is going to be close to land in protected areas around creeks and inlets in the bay. Keyport Harbor might be a good bet. Don't think you will find them on Round Shoal.

On the ocean side the surf is usually loaded with them but you need to be very tight into the beach.

Sabikki rigs and small cast masters are your best bet. If you manage to get some and have a live well you might want to try Fluking with them in and around the deeper channels too.