Mad Gaffer blackfish report Sat.Nov.21

[Capt Ray Mad Gaffer]

We had a slow day blackfishing and so did everybody else Around here anyway, here is the reason why I think , most people do not understand that Blackfish eat other things, they don’t just eat crabs, as a matter fact , where you catch Blackfish on green crabs, there are not many green crabs to speak of , green crabs live in bays and river primarily , There are many different kinds of crabs that they eat and like them And they are good babe it And they are good bait. every fish that we cut open today was loaded with sand eels. For the last three weeks we’ve had an abundance of sand eels here , That accounts for the fabulous striped bass fishing we had, and all the dog fish that are around. The black fishing before the season opened for five fish, when you were only allowed to take one , was very good, this Influx of sand eels moved in here , and as soon as that happens, the black fishing fell off. There were boats today that were striped bass fishing, and boated several blackfish On diamond jigs nowhere near any structural bottom. The blackfish are just like any other fish they eat to live , and will consume other types of food besides crabs , Lobsters, and mussels that are of great abundance, and easily accessed ,yes they do eat sand eels ! The problem Is twofold, I feel that the blackfish are both feeding on the eels, And moving With the large clouds of sand eels , that would explain why you are catching some black fish away from their habitat . As far as the dog fish are concerned they will not give you a chance to get the blackfish going. Every day since the season opened when you anchor the boat , you’ll immediately catch a few blackfish, and then the dog fish take over. As you all know you usually don’t catch Blackfish Immediately when you anchor the boat, it takes time for them to gather under the boat, dogfish however when they find you they they are voracious feeders that is a problem they overwhelm the blackfish, and stop you from catching anything but dogfish . I feel that as the water gets a little bit colder and some of these sand eels , and dogfish thin out , the situation will rectify itself. The nights are getting colder, and this may Happen sooner than you think. Check out Open Boat page for availability and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for photos thanks hope to see you soon stay healthy RAY