Re: Mackerel?
 

Monday is gonna be 15 degrees for a high with a 20mph wind. Good luck if you go.

Hopefully you'll find the macks, if not you'll at least make ICE!

Re: Mackerel?
 

Ugh, that may change things. I wonder if they'll even sail that day. Of course the day before is forecasted in the low 40's and the day after is back up to the 30's. Always the worst weather when i have a day off :rolleyes: I guess i'll give the cap a call and see what he thinks.

Re: Mackerel?
 

Generally, how deep are the macks? I would consider going if I can use my trout gear lol

Re: Mackerel?
 

I have seen guys more than once using UL fresh water tackle for them, using small bucktails.. It pissed everyone on the boat off, but I have seen guys do it, and catch their share .. A more common sense approach would be a medium duty rig that could handle say 12-15 pound test, and 2 or 3 - one pound fish.. You could take a smaller outfit along with the more appropriate outfit for fun ,and use that if there's enough room on the boat I suppose .
Something like a 1 handed spinning or bait casting set up that you would use in the bay for fluke would be fine...

I have caught macks right on bottom in 70 feet,, and 2 feet under the boat, and anywhere in between..

The captain would let the fares know where to start jigging.


Problem with macks is they are lightening fast, and often don't stick around under the boat for long.. years ago, it wasn't a problem, because when the school left, another was right behind it.. Thats no longer the case... bob

Re: Mackerel?
 

Not sure what your looking at but if your gonna fish the ocean you should check a few things, especially in the winter. First the high temperature for Monday where you would be is 18 degrees with a wind out of the NW around 24 mph with gusts in the 30's. You do not want to be on a boat in that weather even if you are catching mackerel. I doubt the boat will sail anyway as its gonna be pretty rough. You should check windguru when you go fishing, you can see wind direction and wave height:

https://www.windguru.cz/264

good luck

Re: Mackerel?
 

Thanks for the tip! I'll have to check that site out. As for the boat, I emailed the Cap and he responded quickly saying as of now they are still sailing but to keep an eye on the website. Might be an ice day for me instead, we'll see!

Re: Mackerel?
 

That Sheepshead Bay boat just cancelled their trips due to the fish disappearing. Yet another flash in the pan NJ mack season.

Re: Mackerel?
 

yeah, that figures,,,,,

Re: Mackerel?
 

Hook there's the possibility of snow this weekend as well, depending on which site you read anywhere from 5" - 12" depending on track. Water coming out of Hudson will drop significantly impacting ocean temps. With conditions forecast and weather over the weekend, you might consider other options.

Re: Mackerel?
 

yep, like putting your feet up close to the wood stove...;), thats what I'll be doing up here in the frozen north.. They are talking high winds after all the heavy snow, and below zero temps to boot.. No fish for me for a while..
Hell with it, we loaded up on medium shrimp for $4.99 a pound.. who needs fish?:rolleyes:...bob