Fishing Friday

Local Anglers Finding Striped Bass

Both the party boat crowd and shore-based locals getting in on the action

As local anglers try their collective hands at spring fishing after a tough winter all around, the striped bass seem to be cooperating as water temperatures slowly rise. Starting in the northern reaches of this column's publication area, the crew of the Big Mohawk out of Belmar finished their blackfish season this week and decided to dabble in the bass fishery on Tuesday. The result: everyone on board got their limit of stripers. "I know that is what so many of you have been waiting to hear," Capt. Chris wrote on the boat's website. The boat, which sails 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, had a similarly good day Thursday after taking Wednesday off. Few reports came in from the suds in the Manasquan and Point Pleasant areas, but anecdotally, anglers …

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VIDEO: On LBI, Waves, Wind But Little Flooding From Nor'Easter

Heavy rain causes big puddles, but little in the way of tidal flooding on LBI

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Hurricane Sandy

LBI OPENED: Photo Gallery: Ship Bottom to South Beach Haven

Clean-up and restoration with a dose of humor all go hand in hand as Long Beach Island recovers from Sandy.

  Long Beach Island residents - except those from Holgate - returned to their homes Saturday morning, beginning at 6 a.m. During a Friday afternoon news conference in Seaside Heights on Friday, Governor Christie announced that the Route 72 causeway bridge will be open. Christie said the state will allow residents controlled access to assess damage, retrieve belongings and permit repopulation of the island for residents whose homes are safe and habitable. Here is a short photo tour before Saturday's reopening.  People should procede with caution as there is still a lot of work going on and dangerous conditions in many areas.

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Hurricane Sandy

VIDEO: Flooding, Heavy Surf Arrive on LBI

Surf City already being impacted by Sandy

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Fluke On The Bite at the Shore

Captains reporting better catches this week

The fluke bite is finally attracting the attention of more captains as the season gets into full swing for the tasty flatfish. On board the Jamaica II party boat out of Brielle, fluke are "getting in the chewing mood more and more each day," said Capt. Ryan. According to the captain's report, the best action has been seen off the beach, and anglers this week have been putting together a nice collection of keepers. Anecdotally, I've heard about steady fluke fishing all week in the Manasquan River. As usual, try the channel edges off Clark's Landing and the small channels just west of the Route 35 bridge. There's no huge secrets or tactical approaches required in the Manasquan. Pick your spot and fish! In Barnegat Bay, blues continued to be …

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SCENE: Murder Charge A Rarity In Long Beach Island

In the summer, Ship Bottom is busy; in the winter, it's usually silent

It is the first town you encounter as you come across the Causeway Bridge on Route 72 and onto Long Beach Island. In the summer, as the focal point of entry and exit, Ship Bottom is hopping every night of the week. In the months that frame the summer tourist season, it is far quieter. Summer homes that have been closed up for the winter line many of the streets here, including the one where James Hunsinger died on Wednesday night. Hunsinger, 73, died when he was struck by a vehicle driven by his neighbor, Terrance O'Brien, in front of the home on the 200 block of West 7th Street in Ship Bottom, one block over from where Route 72 becomes part of Long Beach Island. O'Brien, 63, lived downstairs in the same two-story building as Hunsinger, …

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Fishing Friday

Sea Bass Quota to be Cut, But Winter Flounder Bite Remains Strong

ASMFC decision will significantly cut back on sea bass harvest

I know some of you have probably been thinking in recent weeks, “geez, this is the most depressing fishing column I’ve ever read!” Well, get ready to have your point proven again. We’re about to lose 40 percent of our recreational sea bass quota. Don’t shoot me, hook me or gaff me – I’m just the messenger. A March 28 ruling from the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission has established new state shares for black sea bass that will see the overall recreational quota reduced. “The 2010 regulations resulted in a preliminary estimated harvest of 2.98 million pounds, approximately 1.15 million pounds above the 2010 target,” said ASMFC spokeswoman Tina Berger in a news release. “Given that the 2010 regulations were not effective in staying…

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Harvey Cedars: Bay and Ocean Views

Beach badge prices, lifeguard hours

Tucked away on the northern end of Long Beach Island, the small town of Harvey Cedars can provide a relaxing and quiet beach experience with both bay and ocean beaches to choose from. Seasonal passes are $30 in the preseason and $40 after June 15. Senior citizens, age 65 and older, may get a seasonal pass for $9. Weekly badges also are offered at a rate of $20. There is a day rate of $9.    Badges are currently on sale at Borough Hall, which is located at 7606 Long Beach Blvd. Hours are Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. After June 25, badges will be on sale at the beach badge checker booth at Sunset Park on West Salem Avenue. The hours run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. seven days a week. More …