2013 Blackfish results

[MVP]

Kept a fishing log for the first time this year for tog from 11/17 until the end of the year 2013. Have fished more in 6 weeks than all of 2013 combined. The thrill of the right blackfish bite keeps you coming back for more punishment and rewards

Been a challenging year but very rewarding. When you think about it the principle and gear used in blackfishing is very simple as you can carry everything you need in a small bucket. It is all the small details that make the difference between catching and not catching especially during slow bite.

Fishing with such good fisherman there is always the opportunity to learn something that will help you improve your craft. I learned allot this year that I think has made me a better blackfisherman. I have been able to figure things out and still put fish in the box when others are struggling. Have really had to work hard to put catch together on tough days. I guess it is this challenge that keeps us coming back. Most people think we are crazy when we tell them we are leaving our warm bed and houses to go blackfishing in the middle of the winter. Enclosed is list of trips with totals.

11/17 Tagged Fish - 7 keepers. Fun trip with fellow njfishing members but slow bite
.

11/23 Mary M - 4 keepers Slow Bite

11/26 Legacy - 10 Keepers Very good bite
out of SI, NY

11/29 Legacy - 6 keepers Good bite

12/1 Mary M - 6 keepers Slow bite

12/2 Friends boat - 13 keepers Very good bite
out of AH

12/4 Friends boat - 11 keepers Slow bite for other three guys I was just in the zone with slow steady pick of quality 5-7 lb fish out of AH

12/5 Fish Tank - 1 keeper. Decent fishing as 5 out of the six guys had between 4-6 fish I just sucked. Capt Tommy fished for about 45 min through out the trip and had his limit using light fluke d rod with 20 lb test mono. Humbling to say the least

12/8 PUOSU on OE - 2 Keepers - Slow bite

12/19 Mimi - 5 keepers - Slow bite

12/26 Friends Boat out of AH = 7 Keepers. My buddy was fishing two rods. Dead stick momo rod outfished us both using braid. Very interesting lesson learned

12/27 Mary M - 5 keepers. Super slow. Only 14 keepers for 7 of us.

Total 12 trips
Average: 6.41 fish per trip

With current regs they have us brainwashed to feel that we have had a good day if we limit out. (NOT)

Curious what others thoughts are on your blackfishing results for 2013.
On all trips only kept are legal boat limit. As fishing slows in NJ I will be heading further south in search of 20 pounder.

[MVP]

Kept a fishing log for the first time this year for tog from 11/17 until the end of the year 2013. Have fished more in 6 weeks than all of 2013 combined. The thrill of the right blackfish bite keeps you coming back for more punishment and rewards

Been a challenging year but very rewarding. When you think about it the principle and gear used in blackfishing is very simple as you can carry everything you need in a small bucket. It is all the small details that make the difference between catching and not catching especially during slow bite.

Fishing with such good fisherman there is always the opportunity to learn something that will help you improve your craft. I learned allot this year that I think has made me a better blackfisherman. I have been able to figure things out and still put fish in the box when others are struggling. Have really had to work hard to put catch together on tough days. I guess it is this challenge that keeps us coming back. Most people think we are crazy when we tell them we are leaving our warm bed and houses to go blackfishing in the middle of the winter. Enclosed is list of trips with totals.

11/17 Tagged Fish - 7 keepers. Fun trip with fellow njfishing members but slow bite
.

11/23 Mary M - 4 keepers Slow Bite

11/26 Legacy - 10 Keepers Very good bite
out of SI, NY

11/29 Legacy - 6 keepers Good bite

12/1 Mary M - 6 keepers Slow bite

12/2 Friends boat - 13 keepers Very good bite
out of AH

12/4 Friends boat - 11 keepers Slow bite for other three guys I was just in the zone with slow steady pick of quality 5-7 lb fish out of AH

12/5 Fish Tank - 1 keeper. Decent fishing as 5 out of the six guys had between 4-6 fish I just sucked. Capt Tommy fished for about 45 min through out the trip and had his limit using light fluke d rod with 20 lb test mono. Humbling to say the least

12/8 PUOSU on OE - 2 Keepers - Slow bite

12/19 Mimi - 5 keepers - Slow bite

12/26 Friends Boat out of AH = 7 Keepers. My buddy was fishing two rods. Dead stick momo rod outfished us both using braid. Very interesting lesson learned

12/27 Mary M - 5 keepers. Super slow. Only 14 keepers for 7 of us.

Total 12 trips
Average: 6.41 fish per trip

With current regs they have us brainwashed to feel that we have had a good day if we limit out. (NOT)

Curious what others thoughts are on your blackfishing results for 2013.
On all trips only kept are legal boat limit. As fishing slows in NJ I will be heading further south in search of 20 pounder.

[Scotty]

Been out about the same amount, but with less fish. Here we go:

11/18 - BMH - 7 keepers to 4# on whites
11/22 - Ductworks - 5 keepers (many shorts) - had largest and most
11/30 - Private boat - 0 keeps (terrible anchoring conditions)
12/4 - BMH - 2 keepers
12/5 PUOSU (OE Belmar) - 0, lost a monster (Bait sucked)
12/13 - BMH 4 kepers + pool
12/20 - BMH - 5 keepers
12/24 - MBH - 4 keepers
12/27 - Mary M - 1 cod and 1 keeper tog
12/28 - Private boat - 0 keepers (Bait sucked)
1/1 - Ductworks =- 3 keepers (1 large)
1/5 - ?

On days I caught none or few, others did catch fish. Seems to be a little better than most years for me, as I've been eating a steady diet of tog since before Turkey day LOL

[jmurr711]

opening day monger- 3keeps 10+ shorts
12/8 puosu-3 keeps 10+ shorts
12/19 Monger- 10keeps including 10lb 15+shorts
been blown out 3times
have this sunday puosu,next sunday the 12th with Hank & am hoping to hit Va in february & oc,md if anyone invites me :)
have noticed this year small crabs been key except 1 drop on 12/19 when they ate soups for 6minutes

[shrimpman steve]

11 trips
They all sucked
Nuff said

[Foul Hook]

Good thread Alex. I've been out numerous times(you guys keep better records than me) and cant say I've had a great bite any day . One time I had 5 on private boat(last Sat, I got lucky )one time I had 4 Black Fri (O.E.), other wise it was 1 to 3 keepers. I've fished maybe 10 days this season to the tune of about $100 each day. I agree with the thought that the a**holes who set the limit have not one clue what is going on. I'll be keeping what I feel is sufficient from here on out, all species .Let em catch me, it's the way they want it.

[Reelron]

Just looking at some notes I made while going thru my log book. Noticed pretty much the same. If I count the Spring Tog trips, I have fished the same amount of Tog and Fluke trips. 15 Caught 10 more Tog than Fluke. My notes aren't that detailed, so I don't have it broken down to what boat on what date right now, just dates. And I don't feel like going back thru the log book.


11/16-2
11/17-2
11/19-5
11/20-8
11/23-6
11/29-5
12/1-7
12/7-6
12/8-1 ?
12/19-5
12/26-3

Probably would have been 1 or 2more tog trips but I spent a week in Costa Rica, in Feb. Not gonna happen this year.:( Even better I noticed a sharp increase in Ling trips! :) That I plan to continue!

[torchee]

Got out about 8 trips.

The current regulations really affected my season. I averaged 4-5 keepers most trips but almost always returned numerous fish that were 1/4" short.

Definitely better tog than fluke this year.

[NoWorries]

Only 6 trips this fall toggin on boats in NJ. Lost a few to weather. Trips were 1,3,5,1,0,6. My worst year ever in many years of tog fishing. Been doing this a long time. Conditions were bad on most trips and bites were hard to get. South winds, wind against tide, stormy, you name it. There were others on those trips that scored better so ......... No good trips in my book. Lots of crap weather but my log for last year showed 14 trips thru Feb with better weather and much better results even with Sandy in the mix.

[Tunarun]

That's a nice thread you started. Hopefully no one will highjack it and start saying, see, if you fish with that guy etc you catch and with that other guy you don't. I believe a Capt brings one to a spot with the hope that u and I catch, he doesn't have a Crystal ball to guarantee it. I'm rambling on, sorry, it must be the coffee or the cold. lol As for 2013 for myself, I would give it ***out of ***** since I do most of my winter tog fishing in De and Md where there is a lot less pressure which helps Tremendously with ones ability to catch the Elusive Tog and Big Tog. I probably had limits on all my trips except for maybe two but nothing larger than 11lbs. I also fished recently on the OE, I think it was 12/3 and had 9 keepers, 2 Jumbos one shy of 10 lbs and the other shy of 12 lbs, then on the MaryM 12/27, just 2 but I had my chance to catch a few more but couldn't keep them on the hook, a Very Picky bite. Dennis

[Reelron]

That's a nice thread you started. Hopefully no one will highjack it and start saying, see, if you fish with that guy etc you catch and with that other guy you don't. I believe a Capt brings one to a spot with the hope that u and I catch, he doesn't have a Crystal ball to guarantee it. I'm rambling on, sorry, it must be the coffee or the cold. lol As for 2013 for myself, I would give it ***out of ***** since I do most of my winter tog fishing in De and Md where there is a lot less pressure which helps Tremendously with ones ability to catch the Elusive Tog and Big Tog. I probably had limits on all my trips except for maybe two but nothing larger than 11lbs. I also fished recently on the OE, I think it was 12/3 and had 9 keepers, 2 Jumbos one shy of 10 lbs and the other shy of 12 lbs, then on the MaryM 12/27, just 2 but I had my chance to catch a few more but couldn't keep them on the hook, a Very Picky bite. Dennis

Whew! Scared me, for a minute I thought the thread got hijacked!

[Fish Tank]

HI,MVP I like to keep my eyes on the guys that fish with me,only to see if i can be some help.Needless to say i have learned plenty by watching the sharpies that are on the boat.Watching you assured me that you could fish on my team anytime.We all have those days,i got lucky and had the hot hand.Believe me,i have had days when some nine year old kid outfished me.Its all about enjoying the company and doing what we love to do.I wish you and your family a healthy and happy new year.capt.tommy joseph

[MVP]

HI,MVP I like to keep my eyes on the guys that fish with me,only to see if i can be some help.Needless to say i have learned plenty by watching the sharpies that are on the boat.Watching you assured me that you could fish on my team anytime.We all have those days,i got lucky and had the hot hand.Believe me,i have had days when some nine year old kid outfished me.Its all about enjoying the company and doing what we love to do.I wish you and your family a healthy and happy new year.capt.tommy joseph

Tommy,

You are so right when it comes to what constitutes a good day of fishing
In the past I would not consider it a good day unless I caught both quantity and quality of fish. Over the past 2 years I have learned to base success of trip by the company on the trip and just enjoying the experience regardless of the catch
I can thank guys like you, Shrimpman Steve and other friends for teaching me this important lesson. Fishing has been much more enjoyable now that I have grasped this concept. Do not get me wrong as I am very competitive and like to catch just as much as the next guy but do not base success of trip based on how many fish are in my cooler. Trip with you was my worst catch day of the season but also was one of my most enjoyable as I got to spend time with friends Tropics and Finreaper as well as meet new friends that fished that day with you. Also watching you fishing lighter leader and getting bit while others were not also added to my tog arsenal. Seeing the passion you bring after 80 years on this earth only emphasized what is really important. Family, Friends, having passion in what you do and giving back. Another example was trip with my good friend Stephen on his boat the Legacy. Caught very well that trip but the highlight for me was watching his son John catch his first keeper blackfish all by himself and being right by his side in coaching him through it. As you can see from picture his father could not have been prouder. This is what it is all about for me now. Sharing a day on the water with good friends and passing along the passion we have for fishing to the next generation. Speaking of sharpies this kid will be out fishing all of us by the time he is 13

[jlrotary]

As far as NJ blackfish goes

Nov 16 last lady II 3 keepers
Nov 29 Fishstix 8+ keepers
Dec 8 ocean explorer 1 keeper
Dec 16 ocean explorer 5 keepers
Dec 27 FishTank 6 keepers
Dec 31 Monger 2 keepers


Outside NJ

Nov 2 private boat in DE 4 keepers
Jan 2 Morningstar in MD 5 keepers

[Blackfish Doug]

One word terrible the best day I had in NJ was 4 keepers on the Mimi. But the one trip I did up in RI I got enough Blackfish to keep me happy for the rest of 2013. Started this year with my first & only keeper on New years day on the Mimi so at least I didn't start it off with the skunk.

[hookset]

This being only my 3 rd year blackfishing I feel it has been an ok year! Made so changes with my gear that I feel have helped hook more fish but I have had less hits this year then prev! I am lucky enough to get out at least 1 time a week almost always on the Mimi!
I got the skunk two trips opening day and PUOSU! I got my 6 fish limit twice 4 fish one time and 2-3 all the rest! One day I got a pair of 8 pounders which is my PB! agree with everyone on the picky bite this year where several times I would be hit once and they never finish the bait!

[hartattack]

Too bad I didn't get out much this season :mad: Even worse is my not attending PUOSU VI day 2 tomorrow :o

11/22, Golden Touch 4 Keepers, 10+ shorts (Riverbassfishing Will had his limit)

12/8, PUOSU on OE, 2 keepers, 4 shorts (Will kicked butt again, that kid can Tog ! )

Hoping PUOSU day 2 on Mimi is one for the books :)

[frugalfisherman]

3,4,1,0,4 and 5. The 5 was on the Angler. Very few bites. I felt 3 of the fish and let them chew 'til they stopped, lifted and voila 3 nice keepers to 7 pounds so I can see how deadsticking would work. Can't tell you how I got the zero(thread would be errased).

[reefsquater]

Three trips,
Sea Horse-dec 7th, slow bite, 3 keepers, 8 lbs pool winner
Mimi-dec 27, slow around the boat but not for us, small fish, 3 keeps
Mimi-dec 30, slow for most guys, 6 keepers, 12 lb pool winner.


Wish I could've fished more. Hope for another blackfish trip this month.

[rumster]

11 trips
They all sucked
Nuff said
Have to laugh steve. We have never met personally, but from what I hear your a great guy and a very good fisherman. That`s why they call it fishing and not catching there`s no guarantee of results other than a nice day on the water and meeting nice people.
I only fished for tog only 4 times this year on a site sponsered boat as a result of having knee surgery.
Worst day 4 keeps and alot of shorts. The other 3 trips were great, catching limits and then some only keeping 6 with loads of shorts. Great thread!

[bassnbucks]

8-10 trips so far, average 4 keepers per trip.We have had some very good days along with a few slow days of late.We did get a 12lb, and a 15lb.

[Fishin Polski]

Five trips, three party boat and two open boat/charter, total was 25 throwbacks and FOUR keepers!!! that blows!!!

[Gerry Zagorski]

Seems like the quantity of fish this year is off but the quality has been good. Lots of big fish caught in NJ waters this year.

As for me 2 words sum it up.... "I sucked".

Prior to this year we were treated to some lights out T shirt togging in the shallows in late Sept early October while the 1 fish limit was in place. Even a hack like me could catch 30 plus fish. This year we opted to fish more for Stripers during that time and did not target the Blackfish as much... I think we did 2 or 3 trips but never really got them going like we had in the past.

[tautog]

I had three good pvt boat trips, but too many blowouts. Fished more for sea bass because of the season closure and the winds. Would rather be offshore on a 100 footer in 5-7 foot than further inshore on a 30 footer in 4 to 6.

[HDMarc]

I've only begun fishing for blackfish over the last couple of years and have lots to learn. I knew the first time I went that I was going to be addicted to it as it is one of the most challenging fish to catch. I haven't kept a log of my trips but will probably start doing so now. I have averaged 2 to 3 fish on each trip and have gotten the skunk only twice. My biggest to date took the pool on the Mimi at 8 pounds but I'm working on getting a ten+ pounder under my belt (one of the items in my bucket list:rolleyes:). On one of my first blackfish trips an old salt described blackfishermen as a "cult-like group of guys", which makes sense being that it takes a certain type of person to bundle up and fish in freezing cold temps in search of the elusive tog.

[Fishfish]

Hey Marc! PUOSU fishing not so great?...great time though, for a great cause.
For me, opening day this year, only one keeper and very few fish on the boat. Next four trips, limits plus and lots of shorts. Nothing over five pounds so far this year. Next trip, only one keeper with shorts and missed swings...too many misses! Next trip not many bites and only one keeper. Thought I lost it, but the few bites were scratchy, no commitment, and waited too long. And then there was a real slob I lost last trip..and that sucks most of all! So far last year was much better, and for me, caught more and larger fish of 7's, an 8, and 11 plus lber. I still plan on fishing , but am wondering if it's over? ...fewer fish, but maybe that large one?

[Dollar Bill]

Seemed to be a good fall but I think I saw bigger fish last fall and the beginning of 2013. Not that they weren't caught this fall but I didn't see any.

10/5 Friend's boat 10 to 17" in a couple of hours. Great fishing in shorts and tee shirts

11/9 Friend's boat 1 @ 16.5" very slow bite

11/16 Opener Friend's boat 19 keepers to 4 lbs for 3 guys

12/1 Friend's boat 10 keepers to 19" lots of shorts for 3 guys

12/8 PUOSU first round 2 keepers to 6.7 lb plus shorts slow bite

1/5 PUOSU second round 1 keeper to about 5 lbs 1 short Very slow bite

[tropics]

My worst year I did not get out that much but I could not hook my arse if I sat on a chair of treble hooks this year.:(
Good thread Alex and it was nice to get out with you,Fin,Capt Tommy

[joshpio]

Fished all sponsor boats this year, but only got out 3 times :mad:. Still fairly new and only been out about 16-20 trips total. My grand total for 2013 was:

Monger 12/17 : 3 keepers but the rest of the gang did fairly well with Jerry putting on a clinic

Mimi 11/25 (i think): 1 keeper very slow

Capt Cal 12/8 (i think): 1 keeper also very slow

Every trip the fish were very picky and almost no aggressive bites. 2013 was very disappointing for blackfish, but I had many limits fluking this year when others said it was rough. So go figure:confused:.

[Jay F]

Fished all sponsor boat.

11/16 NorthStar = 4 keepers
11/22 Ocean Explorer = 2 keepers
12/21 Mimi = 5 keepers
12/29 Mimi = 11 keepers
12/30 Mimi = 6 keepers

[mickrazz]

I never kept a log and don't plan to start. I'm not trying to be a dick but what you guys are doing is keeping a "tally".
A log is a record of things like:
1. Date
2. Moon phase
3. wind direction and speed
4. time of day
5. depth where fishing
6. Water temp
7. tide condition etc. etc.
I had some good days and I had some bad days, same as everyone else. I'm getting to old to remember many details but this I know, Shrimpman Steve is bad luck for me. I fished with him once this season so far and got the big stinkeroo.

[jmurr711]

I never kept a log and don't plan to start. I'm not trying to be a dick but what you guys are doing is keeping a "tally".
A log is a record of things like:
1. Date
2. Moon phase
3. wind direction and speed
4. time of day
5. depth where fishing
6. Water temp
7. tide condition etc. etc.
I had some good days and I had some bad days, same as everyone else. I'm getting to old to remember many details but this I know, Shrimpman Steve is bad luck for me. I fished with him once this season so far and got the big stinkeroo.

stop lying! :p

[Scotty]

I never kept a log and don't plan to start. I'm not trying to be a dick but what you guys are doing is keeping a "tally".
A log is a record of things like:
1. Date
2. Moon phase
3. wind direction and speed
4. time of day
5. depth where fishing
6. Water temp
7. tide condition etc. etc.
I had some good days and I had some bad days, same as everyone else. I'm getting to old to remember many details but this I know, Shrimpman Steve is bad luck for me. I fished with him once this season so far and got the big stinkeroo.

I think date, depth/location fished,and which boat would mean the most for when I look back.

I am not scared by moon phase or tide, because in a full day trip - you will definitely go thru at least one tide change

one thing I don't recommend is fishing within 2 or 3 days after a snow meltdown like we saw this past weekend...

[fin_s_guy]

I think date, depth/location fished,and which boat would mean the most for when I look back.

I am not scared by moon phase or tide, because in a full day trip - you will definitely go thru at least one tide change

one thing I don't recommend is fishing within 2 or 3 days after a snow meltdown like we saw this past weekend...

Both good points Mick and Scotty....but we all NO what's really important. Which way is the sun coming up and what side of the boat is going to be in the shade?!? :rolleyes:

[MVP]

Looks like that Fat Lady has sung. With current conditions and cold spell looks like our NJ blackfishing is done for the winter.

Fishing was much slower for keepers this winter vs. past years. Many trip of scratchy and limited bites. Mixed things up during slow bite days to put catches together to end up with some decent numbers considering conditions.

Was able to get in 15 trips from Nov 17 to Jan 17, Best trip was 13 keepers worst trip 1 keeper. No double digits this winter with biggest going 8.10 lbs.

Total count 88 keepers
Trip Ave: 5.8666 keepers.