Mackerel?

[Hookmanski]

thanks for all the tips! I didn't realize this was a drop and jig type of fishery. I'm really considering doing this trip.

Has anyone gone on one recently? From reading past threads it seems like people have done very well with them this time of year, but in recent years not so much. Just wondering if the risk will be worth the reward. Might go either way just to get out on the water for a day!

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by Hookmanski

thanks for all the tips! I didn't realize this was a drop and jig type of fishery. I'm really considering doing this trip.

Has anyone gone on one recently? From reading past threads it seems like people have done very well with them this time of year, but in recent years not so much. Just wondering if the risk will be worth the reward. Might go either way just to get out on the water for a day!

A few Sheepshead Bay boats got into them a few days ago, so they are in the area, and certainly within reach of the central NJ boats.. however, these days its a crap shoot and they may or may not be around when the fishing starts.. Just don't have the massive schools anymore, that we had for so many decades.
However, if they are around , the captain will find them... bob

[courbeco]

A 3 or 4 teaser mackerel rig with a Bridgeport diamond jig (4/5oz.) should work well for you. Don't be afraid to move around the boat, sometimes they catch only on one side of the boat.....

[olbarneybasser]

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!

[Hookmanski]

Originally Posted by olbarneybasser

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!

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 I guess i'll give the cap a call and see what he thinks.

[Adrenalinerush]

Originally Posted by Hookmanski

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 I guess i'll give the cap a call and see what he thinks.

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

[Hookmanski]

Originally Posted by Adrenalinerush

Not sure what your looking at but if your gonna fish the ocean you should check a few thing, 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

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!

[tombanjo]

Originally Posted by bulletbob

A few Sheepshead Bay boats got into them a few days ago, so they are in the area, and certainly within reach of the central NJ boats.. however, these days its a crap shoot and they may or may not be around when the fishing starts.. Just don't have the massive schools anymore, that we had for so many decades.
However, if they are around , the captain will find them... bob

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

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by tombanjo

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

yeah, that figures,,,,,

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.