1st NJ AJ

[tinboat]

I went out on the SH Reef this morning with some snappers to try and find a legal Fluke. I was surprised to catch my first NJ Amberjack on my first drift. This fish was not very big, but I would love to have more of these guys in our waters to put a bend in some rods. Do they come up here every summer? Are there NJ restrictions on them?

Thanks - John

[Reel Class]

Did you take a pic? I'm gonna bet you caught a rudderfish!

[tautog]

Probably a rudder, but I did get an 8lb AJ off Seaside once in August.

[tinboat]

114364
Amberjack

114365
Banded Rudderfish

You guys are right, Rudderfish

Thanks for the help!

[tautog]

Rudders are up every summer. Usually they are scattered around wrecks and rough bottom. One time though we found a wreck full of them on the Paramount. For two weeks it was all the 1 1/2 to 2 1/2lbers you could handle from surface to bottom.

[tinboat]

This guy was 24inches, 5-1/2 lbs. with a good attitude. I wish that I could have found a few more.