2013 Blackfish results

[bassnbucks]

8-10 trips so far, average 4 keepers per trip.We have had some very good days along with a few slow days of late.We did get a 12lb, and a 15lb.

[Fishin Polski]

Five trips, three party boat and two open boat/charter, total was 25 throwbacks and FOUR keepers!!! that blows!!!

[Gerry Zagorski]

Seems like the quantity of fish this year is off but the quality has been good. Lots of big fish caught in NJ waters this year.

As for me 2 words sum it up.... "I sucked".

Prior to this year we were treated to some lights out T shirt togging in the shallows in late Sept early October while the 1 fish limit was in place. Even a hack like me could catch 30 plus fish. This year we opted to fish more for Stripers during that time and did not target the Blackfish as much... I think we did 2 or 3 trips but never really got them going like we had in the past.

[tautog]

I had three good pvt boat trips, but too many blowouts. Fished more for sea bass because of the season closure and the winds. Would rather be offshore on a 100 footer in 5-7 foot than further inshore on a 30 footer in 4 to 6.

[HDMarc]

I've only begun fishing for blackfish over the last couple of years and have lots to learn. I knew the first time I went that I was going to be addicted to it as it is one of the most challenging fish to catch. I haven't kept a log of my trips but will probably start doing so now. I have averaged 2 to 3 fish on each trip and have gotten the skunk only twice. My biggest to date took the pool on the Mimi at 8 pounds but I'm working on getting a ten+ pounder under my belt (one of the items in my bucket list). On one of my first blackfish trips an old salt described blackfishermen as a "cult-like group of guys", which makes sense being that it takes a certain type of person to bundle up and fish in freezing cold temps in search of the elusive tog.

[Fishfish]

Hey Marc! PUOSU fishing not so great?...great time though, for a great cause.
For me, opening day this year, only one keeper and very few fish on the boat. Next four trips, limits plus and lots of shorts. Nothing over five pounds so far this year. Next trip, only one keeper with shorts and missed swings...too many misses! Next trip not many bites and only one keeper. Thought I lost it, but the few bites were scratchy, no commitment, and waited too long. And then there was a real slob I lost last trip..and that sucks most of all! So far last year was much better, and for me, caught more and larger fish of 7's, an 8, and 11 plus lber. I still plan on fishing , but am wondering if it's over? ...fewer fish, but maybe that large one?

[Dollar Bill]

Seemed to be a good fall but I think I saw bigger fish last fall and the beginning of 2013. Not that they weren't caught this fall but I didn't see any.

10/5 Friend's boat 10 to 17" in a couple of hours. Great fishing in shorts and tee shirts

11/9 Friend's boat 1 @ 16.5" very slow bite

11/16 Opener Friend's boat 19 keepers to 4 lbs for 3 guys

12/1 Friend's boat 10 keepers to 19" lots of shorts for 3 guys

12/8 PUOSU first round 2 keepers to 6.7 lb plus shorts slow bite

1/5 PUOSU second round 1 keeper to about 5 lbs 1 short Very slow bite

[tropics]

My worst year I did not get out that much but I could not hook my arse if I sat on a chair of treble hooks this year.
Good thread Alex and it was nice to get out with you,Fin,Capt Tommy

[joshpio]

Fished all sponsor boats this year, but only got out 3 times . Still fairly new and only been out about 16-20 trips total. My grand total for 2013 was:

Monger 12/17 : 3 keepers but the rest of the gang did fairly well with Jerry putting on a clinic

Mimi 11/25 (i think): 1 keeper very slow

Capt Cal 12/8 (i think): 1 keeper also very slow

Every trip the fish were very picky and almost no aggressive bites. 2013 was very disappointing for blackfish, but I had many limits fluking this year when others said it was rough. So go figure.

[Jay F]

Fished all sponsor boat.

11/16 NorthStar = 4 keepers
11/22 Ocean Explorer = 2 keepers
12/21 Mimi = 5 keepers
12/29 Mimi = 11 keepers
12/30 Mimi = 6 keepers