spring blackfish

[psant]

hi, I am going on Sunday on a 23ft cc targeting blackfish. we are new to blackfishing. what depth should we target? is axel and sea girt reefs good places to start?

[hartattack]

Gerry says: "Lets move on to choosing and getting set up on a piece. Just like the real estate business, the 3 most important things in blackfishing are location, location and location. You need to anchor the boat on a good piece of rock, rubble or snag or you are not going to catch fish. In fact a foot or 2 either way can mean the difference between fishing and catching. Best way I have found to set up is to search the bottom with your fish finder and hone in on the rockiest lump you can find. Once you find that spot, drop a marker buoy over. Pull the boat up along side the marker and let your boat drift 20 feet or so, so you can see which way the current and wind will eventually make you lie on anchor. Take a straight line back to the maker buoy and continue on that line past your maker, Drop your anchor so that when it comes tight you are on or near your marker. Many sharpies use 2 anchors, one in the 10 o'clock position and another in the 2 o'clock position... This does 2 things, it keeps the boat from swinging off the piece and it allows you to adjust your position over the piece by letting out or taking in scope from one anchor or the other. "

http://www.njfishing.com/NJ_Blackfish_Fishing.php

[psant]

thank you. I understand the importance of anchoring. my question is what depth to target this time of year? 30ft?50ft? 70ft? 90ft?

[bulletbob]

You might want to start at 70-90.. Still early for 30 feet, but that could change in a hurry .. I would start on the deeper end of your "depth chart".
you can always try 50 or less, but they could be more active in 100 feet plus... Since blackfish are hit so hard these days, states have opened the seasons when the fish are less active.. May and june are much better months for tog than april is, but you have to fish when its legal.

the water is still cold.. i would go deeper rather than shallower... bob

[irishc]

Ive hit em pretty good at 60 ft this time of year but your safer bet is 90-120