Spring Raritan Bay Blackfish.

[Pietro]

Fishing on a small boat. Not looking for numbers or anything just general info. Is it worth while to anchor up and blackfish rocks in Raritan bay early April? Old Orchard, Roamer Shoal Etc? How have you guys done there? Thanks!

[Captain Rich]

absolutely, I used to go up there, anchor and clam for stripers and catch Blackfish when we used smaller hooks. In the spring they will eat clams, don't know why but they do.

[Pietro]

Yea we get em on clams and greenies in the deeper water. Some say they're lethargic in the spring. Truthfully I think they're just gavones and want to eat anything after a long winter!

[bulletbob]

Years ago we did well there.. Guys would throw a heavy chunk of metal or piece of 2x4 with a rope attached and get the object tightly wedged in the rocks, and simply tie the boat off, and then untie when done fishing so others could use the rope.. not sure its still done that way but it worked well at the time... The current is intense at those rockpiles at times and can make fishing difficult.. Thats why we used the rope trick. The rockpile itself broke the current and you fished in the current break.. Only problem is you are fishing a small area and can't really move around it much until the tide starts to slack,, There were always fish there back when I fished there, and so they should be there these days as well...

[Detour66]

There is structure in the bay that holds Blackfish and other species. Not much though. Buying a good chart is a good way to start! Tight Lines!

[Detour66]

There is structure and small wrecks in the bay that holds Blackfish and other species. But not that many. I've tried the rock wall in front of the Highlands with no luck but you think they would be there. Maybe worth another shot? Buying a good chart is a good way to start! Good luck and Tight Lines!

[torchee]

Anchor off of Hoffman island and cast towards the rocks