The opening of the Blackfish season has been a long wait as the popular reefs filled up over the weekend. The fishing was decent with some ice fish taken. Green crabs are the best bait. Our local party boat captain sent me this email:

"Opening day of the Blackfish season was outstanding with limit catches. Mike Naipawer Glen Rock NJ was the pool winner with a 8.5lb Blackfish and a limit catch, those that didn't catch their limit had 5 to 7 keepers apiece.

Capt. Stan
Elaine B II

Captain Stan is a specialist at Blackfish. His boat fills up early this time of year so get down by 6:30 a.m. to find a good spot on board. The Elaine B is Docked at Bahrs Landing.

Stripers are abundant along the beaches with daily blitzes from the tip to Asbury Park. I heard of some more nice size keepers up river in Oceanport. Large size bunkers were spotted trapped close into shore near North Long Branch launch ramp.

The charter boats have been having fun jigging stripers of varying sizes including decent keepers from inside the hook down towards Sea Bright. The morning bite provides all you want. Look for the birds. The schools are getting thicker by the day. It should be crazy by Thanksgiving weekend!

I f you like to drift Eels, try on the New York Side of the range finders in between the Channels. Sam Boulmetis had 3 keepers up to 21lbs on Monday in one hour. If you like to clam try chumming the Chapel Hill Channel. If you like to troll try in front of the Ammo Pier and the Shrewsbury Rocks.