NJtuna
10-01-2014, 10:42 PM
We had a large group (15 Total) of great guys aboard the Non Sponsor this Sunday,Monday. We made the 6 AM bridges leaving Manasquan and ran to our local canyon. Arriving short of the tip we came across a large weed line. While sliding along and throwing chunks, baits and jigs we pulled 14 Mahi before we reached the end of the line. Lines in and we run out to look for life. Spotted some small pods of Pilot whales and Porpoise but not much else going on. Captains Steve Vesseli and Steve King did a great job constantly searching, scanning and making moves to put the group on fish. We skipped the troll and went right on the chunk due to lots of scattered weeds and the day chunk being so productive. While chunking I grab my electric and make my way to the bow to drop in 900+ for Tiles, Rosies, Wreck Fish, Barrels, never knowing what you might be drifting over and test the bottom. About 20 minutes in, I get hit good, set the hook and my 8' Ugly Stick doubles over. I knew this was a big fatty. Up comes a 35 lb Golden followed by a 12 lb Golden by another angler. After the sun went down we had a slow, but steady pick of 4 YF and a handful of LF all on bait. Surprisingly with all the good reports on jigs, we didn't get any hits on them...and we put in some decent jigging time. Around 3 AM the Sword rod goes off and Barret made quick work to raise it to the surface (Est. 200 lbs), but then it saw the boat and realized he was hooked! Ripped off a bunch of line then pop! It's bill chafed through the 150 lb leader. After the sun came up we continued the chunk and boated 2 more LF. Around 11 AM we're ready to wrap it up and head for the barn, but Capt. Steve gets a call from Capt. Joe Gahrmann that they're having a good LF bite going on 1 mile west of us and invite us in (Huge thanks for that). While arriving we see a few boats trolling and hooking up. Since we're all set up with hooks and all the trolling gear stowed away, we go right on the chunk again (Capt. Steve never leaves the dock short of bait as we always load at least 16 Flats!). Within 10 minutes, fish on! Then they're swarming in our slick! We are hand pitching them chunks and everyone had a blast battling fish with up to 5 on at times! After short work and a quick estimated count, we all decide no more fish allowed on board! We call over other boats to take over our slick and we pack it in and head to the barn with sore arms. Another Epic trip 14 Mahi, 2 Golden Tiles, 4 YF 60-90 lbs, 34 LF 40-60 lbs.