What to fish for? (Newbie)

[shizzoizzo7]

Hey, I went out a few times this summer for Fluke and am looking to go out on Saturday on a party boat out of the Highlands. I have no experience beyond the small amount of fluking I did, am I better off going for Stripers/Blues or Blackfish? There seems to be boats that offer either currently.

Is there a specific party boat you'd recommend? I am just looking to have some fun and catch some fish.

Thank you

[bulletbob]

You might get frustrated with blackfish.. For some, they don't come easy... Others [like me!] find them a piece of cake... Stripers and blues on the other hand if they are biting are pretty easy.. Basically you can catch them by dropping a jig to the bottom and reeling back, or casting out and reeling back.. At times a slower jigging motion might be the key, but observing guys near you and asking a question or two will get you in the zone,,,If I didn't have a whole lot of experience, personally I would go for stripers and blues right now.. Its not like blackfish at all.. Typically if they aren't hitting, no one is catching many.. Blackfish on the other hand can be maddening... You can be between 2 guys catching one after another and never get a hit, or your side of the boat catches nothing, but the other side has a several limit catches... OR, you might have your limit by 10 am on your first try... Best advice is this.. Choose a target species,Pick a boat, get on the boat, ask questions, watch guys that are catching,, fish hard and give it hell... bob

[Joey Dah Fish]

I would consider Belmar or Point Pleasant as a better port to leave out of for blues and stripers. Seems the larger bodies of fish have head out of Raritan bay. But if I were going out of ATLANTIC Highlands I would go on The Fisherman

[Gerry Zagorski]

Good advice above.... There is a much steeper learning curve with Blackfish then with Stripers and Blues.

If you are in the mood to concentrate and learn then Blackfishing is something worth trying. If not you are better off Striper and Bluefishing.

Look up above under "Articles" and click on "Fishing Tips" and take a read through, it may help you.

Good luck and please be sure to support our sponsor boats here.

[Man Workin]

If you sail on the Ocean Explorer, they are bottom fishing. Mikey or even Bobby himself will show you how to rig up and you shouldn't have a prob. Toggin is nice all you need is your pole, hooks, leader, weight and bait. Just make sure your gear is stout enough. Plus you will prob become hooked like the rest of us. Lots of other good boats to, just thought I would help. If you have any questions text the Capt. he will text you back.

[shizzoizzo7]

Thanks all, we are planning stripers/Blues thanks to the recommendations. I will certainly support a site sponsor (Fisherman or Cock Robin if we do PP seem to be top choices)

[JBird]

Yes, this is shameless self promotion but give us a try!
Capt. Kevin and I will do our best to make your trip enjoyable and help you learn how to catch bass on a party boat.
Hopefully we see you down there!

-J

[bulletbob]

Yes, this is shameless self promotion but give us a try!
Capt. Kevin and I will do our best to make your trip enjoyable and help you learn how to catch bass on a party boat.
Hopefully we see you down there!

-J

yep, I have been on the DB, and I can vouch for the accuracy of this post!

[RussH]

I'm going out for Blackfish on Sunday and taking 3 guys who haven't really done it before. What I like about to is that there's not a lot of tangling with everyone else even though you might snag up a lot. I also like that there's no hardware involved. No jigs no clasps no slides just line, weights and hooks. It's minimalistic fishing and a heck of a lot of fun despite the frustration. Any of the sponsor boats here will learn you right. I personally go on the Angler or the Prowler.

[MohawkJD]

Striped bass seasons seem to be hit or miss. This fall season seems to be a good one, so it's good to take advantage. If you go for black fish, go a few times this fall. You'll learn something each time, especially the first time. Then next year you'll be well prepared.

Right now, the biggest difference between summer fluke and autumn fishing is how you dress. Don't be afraid to bring too much clothing, you can always take it off. Subtract at least 20° off the anticipated days temperature. Wear warm shoes and don't forget rain gear. The mates will help you with the fishing, but they can't keep you warm and dry.

Dress properly and the rest will fall into place! Now go have fun.