You're allowed 1 here (atlantic side) .... so noone truly targets them (especially up here where you have to run 60 miles). Of course theyre open for commercial harvest
Just 1? That sucks. They got both ARS and Tile locked down for commercial fishing... Just your area I hope. Down in the Keys and in the GoM, its different.. (fingers crossed).
What I could probably do is give travel time and a possible heading to the top of Hudson Canyon. I don't think they actually go into the canyon like you Tuna Guys. They're looking mostly for mud bottom habitat. 500-1000ft probably is the range we're fishing.
Yes, the Tiles normally hang on the West Flats in 400 to 700' where the mud is. We have some numbers but always interested in good intel.
Next trip: 6/13 on a 2.5 day deep drop southern run. Can't wait. Will be bringing some heavier SPJ gear along with my bent butt DD gear just to be ready for another high current, deep drop trip. Goldens, Bluelines, Rosies and Sea Bass are the targets.
Sounds great. Believe or not I don’t use electric reels. Just my Tuna Jig Rod and a Fin Nor 20 conventional to bring those big boys up. I look like a fiddler crab after one of those trips. Biggest was 60 lb thus far. FYI you need a license for them now in NJ.
Wow... thought for hire boats had an excemption. I salute anybody that can hand crank those big boys up from 500ft. Saw an older Asian man do it with 5lb lead in 1000ft. He must have been pushing 70+ ( or lived a really hard life). I'll be breaking out my Shimano Beastmaster 9000B wifey got me at the last Fishing Expo in Edison. Being 68 does has its privileges.
Good fishing last 2 days. 32 Sea Bass, 5 Ling Friday. 8 huge Stripers yesterday. On eels, spoons, and mojo. One was 50 1/4”.
Sounds like your timing was perfect. I'm headed out this upcoming Saturday to get in on the Sea Bass run. Even Wifey is coming. Did you happen to see any Macks or Blues come over the rail? Also thinking about getting another small freezer to hold this year's catch.
No Mack’s had a big blue to the boat but came off. Bunker bit in half had to be a blue. we were Long Branch to Just south of the rocks 30 to 40’
Got my boat covered in Kingfish slime on thursday.... 5 solid ones 15-20lbs.... Friday we couldnt do anything right, from the moment I got out of bed (which I really didnt want to do) and went 0/4 (like the Mets hitters)