NJ Fishing Offshore Sea Bass trip !!!

[howarda780]

It's that time of year! Jumbo Offshore Sea Bass Trips!

In the past few years, this has been some of the finest fishing ever. Come and join your fellow NJF'ers on a great trip.


By Reservation only: Fare $160.00. Date: Sun, Dec 21st

OFFSHORE SEA BASS TRIPS LEAVE 3AM and RETURN 6 or 7 PM SAME DAY. ALL BAIT INCLUDED

CALL 732-295-7569 TO MAKE A RESERVATION. LEAVE A MESSAGE FOR LEE ANNE

Rod and Reel Rental are Available on board. Tackle, Ice, Food and Drink are Available on board.

[ALS Mako]

sounds good...always a blast

[Sea Soda Sport Fishing]

Howard! We've always got them on this trip!! Id love to join but I have a prior engaugment that day! You guys are gonna get em!

[howarda780]

These pics are from last years trip. I community coolered with Chad (SeaSoda) and Jon (Fish Pedaler ) Mueller.

Here is a pic of our cooler. ( 45 ) jumbos and a surprise.

[Ahab123]

Im in Howard....

[Jay]

Always a good trip with the NJFishing crew! Unfortunately, can't do 21st. I'm already on another Offshore trip the 22nd. Hopefully, on the Gambler on the 27th offshore trip. Catch em up fellas! Should be an epic trip as usual.

[reefsquater]

Would be all over this but booked a blackfish trip same day already.

[captbogan]

Great. Thanks Howie. I love those trips. Then again, what type of fishing don't I like? Looking forward to it. As always, don't worry about the time frame: the Gambler is fast and I do not see much sense in fishing until sun up.

[italianfisherman]

this trip sounds more like an open boat trip. charters surply rods & reels & tackle.

[howarda780]

It's an NJF group trip. It gives us all the opportunity to fish with guys from the site and put the names and faces together.

We've had a blast in the past and would love to see your smiling face.

[Leif]

Sea Bass Story

Here's a story I wrote about my son's first Sea Bass trip on the Gambler!!

Make your own story and go get 'em!


"Nothing better happen to him" Judy angrily whined. "Nothing’s going to happen".... "The weather looks good and it’s a big boat." I replied. “You better not let him out of his sight!", she cried as I scurried around the house stuffing last minute "necessities" for the trip in our bags. The necessities were comprised of gear, food, and clothing for a week. In actuality, it was an eighteen hour fishing trip.

It was December 27th 2006. Part of my son Leif’s Christmas present was an offshore Giant Sea Bass trip on the Gambler Party boat. It was his first "overnighter" and he couldn’t wait. Trying to get him to sleep a little before we left was a useless battle. The boat was leaving the dock at 12:00 am and I figured Leif, who was 10 at the time could use a few hours of rest before we left. "I’m not tired he said" and after asking," Can we go now?" for the billionth time, I decided to head out a little early. I figured Leif could hit the bunk room and sleep as soon as we got on the boat.

The funny this was, I was just as excited. Having just built a new Giant Sea Bass rod, couldn’t wait to try it out. It was an eight foot rod built with a Gator Glass blank, Batson turbo guides, Fuji graphite hooded reel seat. The wrappings were red, black, pink and silver accents. The new custom Penn 4/0 with Tiburon frame, aluminum spool and oversized Tiburon handle balanced the rod out nicely. Before we left I stared at it like a proud father, stupidly gazing at his new born child through the window of the nursery.

The computer like scan in my head doing "the final check" was interrupted with a viral verbal assault. "I really don’t like this idea and you never told me it was over-night and you better watch him....Is he wearing a life jacket?? What time will you be home??" The virus was intercepted by, "He’ll be fine... I’ll watch him like a hawk; yes he’ll wear a life jacket and around five o’clock tomorrow." Leif kissed his mom, she reciprocated, I got a dirty look we were off.

Leif and I hopped in the blue overloaded Jeep Cherokee. We had coolers for fish, food, tackle bags filled with rigs in every color of the rainbow, a hundred pounds of sinkers, rain gear, extra clothes, boots, rods and reels, cameras, sleeping bags and pillows. “Are we picking up Bill?” Leif asked in his tired nasal voice. “Bill’s meeting us at the boat” I grunted while pulling away and trying not to spill the coffee I was balancing on the arm rest.

Bill was driving down from North Jersey where he lives and works. We did most of the preparation for the trip and we didn’t mind because Bill has always been a good friend to us. He is the kind of guy that will show up with a cup of coffee at the perfect time without asking. He never forgets to bring your kid “a little something” when he visits and if he goes fishing without you because you couldn’t go; there is a cooler of fish on your door step when the day is done. Good fisherman and great friend.

We pulled into the Gambler parking after a twenty minute drive. The headlight beams announced our arrival, bouncing and blinding a few eager fishermen in the stern.

Before I could put the car in park Leif was out and headed for the boat. I jumped out just as quick and yelled, “How about some help with all this junk?” I gave Leif three rods and a small bag. I told him to put the rods in the port stern corner and the bag on one of the tables in the cabin. Leif looked back at me from the stern of the boat as if to ask “is this OK?”” I nodded, and after putting the rods in the holders he scampered around the boat like a hyper dog sniffing out his new environment.

He quickly circled the deck, eyes peering up from his downward stance. Next he inspected the cabin and back to the stern. “Can I see the bunks he asked? “Hold on I said”, “first we have to get situated and there is still stuff in the car.” Just as I said that, Bill pulled up and I told Leif to take a look at the bunks if he wanted but to be careful. Bill would help me unload the rest of the equipment.

Even though Leif and I had gotten most of the equipment ready for the trip, Bill still had a car load. “Jesus Christ!” “Did you bring enough crap with you?” “Do you really need that cod rod?” “Why don’t you leave some of this junk in the car?” I said. “Go f*** yourself!” was his reply and I laughed as we began unloading. The ball busting had begun.

It was now 11:00pm. Capt. Bob and mate John (now Capt. John) were in the stern of the boat getting ready to give the bunk assignments. Capt. Bob and John were always nice to Leif today was no different. The names were called in order of reservation and since we called in early, we were at the top of the list. Leif, Bill and I grabbed our sleeping bags and set up our bunks for the trip out. The engines started with a ringing roar and Leif slipped into his sleeping bag like he’s done this a hundred times before. “Alright, get some sleep. I’ll wake you up when we get there.” Bill and I went back up to have something to eat before we settled in ourselves.

The slowing of the engines was like reverse alarm. I awoke and glanced over at Leif who was still asleep. It was around 4:30am. As I maneuvered out of the bunk he popped his head up and I told him to say here for a while until we anchor as it will be a while longer.

He nodded and plopped his head back down. Bill and I headed up the stairs and directly toward the thermos of coffee and assorted Entenmanns donuts. I never had a problem eating on a boat the donuts were just an appetizer to the many egg bacon and cheese biscuits and bologna sandwiched that would follow. Bill, on the other hand always looked one step away from chumming although it never deterred him from venturing off shore.

It was not bad outside for the end of December. It was cold but not freezing. The light cold wind felt good on my face and you could see it was getting light through the thin cloud cover. Leif appeared as we were attaching sinkers and clam baits to our double and triple hook sea bass rigs. To me he looked like a little Knight after taking off his armor. His head was covered with a black ski mask. The part that was meant to cover your mouth and nose was down around his chin, framing his round rosy face. He wore a red sweat shirt that bore an emblem, enhancing his royal stature even further. “Sir L’il Leif” of Oakhurst, NJ, I thought.

We all dropped our rigs down into the depths. The sinker seemed to fall forever and I figured we were in about 200 feet or more. I was wondering if there might be a Cod but from past experience I knew those fish preferred shallower depths when on structure. Several anglers on the port side had hits and were bringing in fish. Leif’s head seemed as if it was on a swivel, checking out what was happening and asking, “Why aren’t we getting any?” “Be patient”, I said. They are just waking up and it should get better as it gets lighter. Sure enough the bites began. First it was me then Bill. We reeled and reeled until the fish came to the surface. “Double header knuckleheads”, I yelled as Bill brought in a six pounder with a big purple knot on its head. The fish, with its black and purple iridescence, lavender chin and tattered tail seems almost fake to me. “That’s a nice one”, I said as Capt. Bob came running down the stairs to take a few pictures. He had me hold up the two biggest ones for the picture. Capt. Bob always seems to take a good shot and that one turned out to be a “classic”.

Next it was Leif’s turn. “I got em!” he yelled as I was unhooking another double header. “Bring em up!” I said, and he did. This was indeed “drop and reel fishing” and all the fish were keepers. Leif was all business at this point and was keeping up with the best of them. One at a time, two at a time and three at a time, he couldn’t get the bait down quick enough. The 124 qt. cooler over flowed with fish. The action slowed toward the end of the day and Leif caught a big ling. It was his first ling. He proudly smiled as I took a picture of him holding it up in all his glory. The day was almost over.

Now he will be spoiled, I thought. This is was too easy. I was glad to see him catching those fish though. He was no stranger to fishing at ten years old but this was his first offshore trip for giant sea bass. I was glad to have him with me and I wished my dad could see how proud I was of him but he had passed in 1993, three years before Leif was born. Then I thought, maybe he could see us and maybe he had something to do with this. It just seemed too much of a coincidence that we could have so many great trips.

Bill, Leif and I caught many Sea Bass that day. We filled our coolers and then some. I asked Leif what was the best part of the trip he said it was catching that big ling. I thought that was kind of funny since he caught so many big Sea Bass but he had never caught a ling before and I guess he thought it was the best.

I enjoyed fishing that day with my son and good friend Bill. It was a great trip with great memories.


Leif

[howarda780]

Great story!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I know you will be under the weather for this trip but, send Leif I'll make sure he has his life jacket on.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Great story and a fun read. Felt like I was was right there with you Leif.

[captnvinny]

Is the trip full yet? Left a msg for LeeAnne and waiting to hear back

[howarda780]

Is the trip full yet? Left a msg for LeeAnne and waiting to hear back

Vinny:

I don't think that its sold out. I'll give her a call now.

[Strat11]

Does anyone know how many people they usually take on the trip?

[kickstart]

Hoping to get on board. Hope it is not all booked. I left 2 messages for reservation but have not heard yet. I have never fished the deep wreck trip before and could use some advice.What weights should I bring? I tie my own rigs and need some advice for a productive design for all the species available. Thanks

[howarda780]

There is plenty of room.

The Gamber is 90' long and for this trip will carry a max of (40). 40 people on this boat is very comfortable. There are 24 bunks for the first fisherman registered.

For fishing in 150-200' of water, I'll fish with 14-20oz. If everyone did that it would eliminate a lot of tangles.

Leanne will get back to you. Just leave your name and phone number and relax. She will call you back. The place you leave your message will hold your place. If you have any questions, feel free to message me and I'll get back to you.

Howie

[howarda780]

As of Nov.24th

I just got off the phone wth Mrs. Bogan. There are curently 3-4 bunks left and still plenty of room. If you want a bunk, now is the time to make the call.

[Mikey topaz]

Hey bob i called lee ann still waiting to hear back....thanks!

[snapperbluefish101]

Hey Howie, I have decided to try to get on. My dad called Lee Ann for the trip, have not heard back. I am assuming though that there is room left.

I will be representing Leif, getting him his Giant Sea Bass and Porgies.

Ben

[howarda780]

Ben, That's great. We'll get 'em.

There is room. Once you leave your voice mail, that will hold your spot. LeeAnn will get back to you.

[Madman9132]

I'm hoping to make this trip again this year. It all depends if we're still running on the Fishermen. Work comes first :-) Gonna call the boat today to book a spot , Just in case.
Tight lines, Jimmy

[snapperbluefish101]

Ben, That's great. We'll get 'me.

There is room. Once you leave your voice mail, that will hold your spot. LeeAnn will get back to you.

Thank you Howie! I am psyched!

[arat]

How many spots are left?

[Grateful Dad]

I'm in! got the call from LeAnn last night. Looking forward to it!

[Madman9132]

Count me in Howard!!!!!! The Fishermen is tied up for the season...I called the office twice and left a message. i'm sure ill hear back any day now. I can't wait :-)

[howarda780]

Jim, we have a great crew already. Looking forward to seeing yoiu guys again.

About 1 week before we sail. Don't wait for the last minute, make the call to LeeAnne now.

[snapperbluefish101]

We called about 2 weeks ago and LeAnne has not called back yet.... Again I am still good right? Haha, I do not want to take a chance!

Ben

[Madman9132]

Howard, I'm gonna be on the following weeks trip for the 27th. i waited too long. No biggie I'll still get mine :-) I got a couple of friends that are on the second trip as well. Have a great trip guys and don't forget to put up some pics. Have a Merry Christmas

[howarda780]

Madman Jim, We will miss you. Hope to see you soon.

[howarda780]

NJF'rs:

The 12/21 trip is sold out.

Capt Bob has added these dates and all have some room. Don't wait or you'll miss out on these as well.

12/27
12/28
12/30

If you have any questions PM me.

[gwl2oneida]

Trying to get in on the 28th trip. Left 2 messages but haven't heard back. Whats up?
Seth

[howarda780]

December 21st trip:

NJF Sea Bass Trip will meet at 2:15AM and board the order of reservation. We will depart at 3:00AM

The weather looks perfect. There are still openings for the other trips.

[captnvinny]

who bringing beers? whats the pool? biggest edible or biggest SB?

[howarda780]

Everything has lined up nice. We're going to get 'em!!!!!


See you at the boat!

[howarda780]

Another outstanding NJF - Gambler offshore SeaBass trip.

Limits-Limits-Limits

Our crew of solid fisherman loaded coolers with jumbo bass.

Bobby's first stop was just fantastic. Drop and reel, crazy fishing. He made a few wiggles and we had some dogs.

The second stop was just as good. Both stops were almost pure SB. There was 1 porgy, 2 bluefish and a silver eel.

Most of us easily caught out limits.
Only keeping our legal limit
Frank Qui had 30+
Ben Green 28
The Malpass brothers 25+
Steve's Mako 25
Andy & Joe had 25

I am guessing we had close to a full boat limit.

The crew of the Gambler was great. Todd, Alex, Jill, Craig and Tim never stopped hustling all day. Making sure bait was at your fingertips and everyone's lines were cleared of tangles.

Gerry Z., thanks for allowing us to put these trips together.
Pics to follow, just inside the line and should be at the dock around 615.
Sent from my iPhone

[billfish16]

Nice!!!!!!!!

[ALS Mako]

Always a blast fishing on the gambler. Great fishing with you Howie. Good to see you Frank. As howie said it was almost all seabass. Lots of jumbos. Great time. The crew workshard as always. See you next time.

[howarda780]

Pics:

http://photobucket.com/albums/ee117/howarda780/gambler

http://http://photobucket.com/albums/ee117/howarda780/gambler

http:// http://photobucket.com/albums/ee117/howarda780/gambler/gambler1


http://photobucket.com/albums/ee117/howarda780/gambler/gambler1

[Grateful Dad]

Thanks to Howie for putting this together. Great trip- Capt. Bob kept us on the fish, and the mates hustled their collective asses off. Pete and I had our limits, and I missed taking the pool by just a few ounces. We brought home a LOT of quality fish.
My arms are sore today from all the crankin'

Merry Christmas, everybody!

[Gerry Zagorski]

Another outstanding NJF - Gambler offshore SeaBass trip.

Limits-Limits-Limits

Our crew of solid fisherman loaded coolers with jumbo bass.

Bobby's first stop was just fantastic. Drop and reel, crazy fishing. He made a few wiggles and we had some dogs.

The second stop was just as good. Both stops were almost pure SB. There was 1 porgy, 2 bluefish and a silver eel.

Most of us easily caught out limits.
Only keeping our legal limit
Frank Qui had 30+
Ben Green 28
The Malpass brothers 25+
Steve's Mako 25
Andy & Joe had 25

I am guessing we had close to a full boat limit.

The crew of the Gambler was great. Todd, Alex, Jill, Craig and Tim never stopped hustling all day. Making sure bait was at your fingertips and everyone's lines were cleared of tangles.

Gerry Z., thanks for allowing us to put these trips together.
Pics to follow, just inside the line and should be at the dock around 615.
Sent from my iPhone

Sounds like you all had a great trip Howie... And thank you for running trips like this... I know it's not easy but the rewards are everlasting memories and new friendships. Well done!!

[snapperbluefish101]

Great day offshore! Thank you Howie for making the trip and letting me borrow a sinker and your bunk! We both had our limits as well as Frank.

Thanks to Bobby and the crew as always. Looking foward to the next trip with them.

Ben

[ALS Mako]

Both stops were almost pure SB. There was 1 porgy, 2 bluefish and a silver eel.



Howie, you forgot to mention the nice tasty sea raven that caught as well;)