1st NJ AJ - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

tinboat · #1 08-02-2017, 10:10 PM

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 · #2 08-03-2017, 06:17 AM

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

tautog · #3 08-03-2017, 07:32 AM

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

tinboat · #4 08-03-2017, 07:47 AM

Amberjack

Click image for larger version

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Banded Rudderfish

You guys are right, Rudderfish

Thanks for the help!

tautog · #5 08-03-2017, 11:08 AM

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 · #6 08-03-2017, 12:35 PM

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

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