NJ fishermen catch striped bass and bluefish in the rain, wind

The weather keeps blowing in but at least the bluefish and striped bass have not stopped biting in the rain and churned up surf.

The wind will likely be a factor heading into the weekend for the boats, especially those trying to fluke. NOAA was calling for 25 knot gusts out of the northeast on Thursday night and the seas might still might be a bit much for the small boats or kayaks to handle. However, forecasts have been known to be wrong.

Manasquan Inlet was pretty turbulent Wednesday as was the surf but fishermen were out casting for the run on bluefish. Grumpy's Tackle in Seaside Park reported catches of blues and bass on their stretch of beach. Angler Troy Corson put the foul weather gear on and had a day of it, using bait.

Jingles Bait & Tackle said the Long Beach Island surf was rough and windy but there were fishermen out and they found the fish. One shop patron Chuck Kortman weighed in a nice striped bass just under 10 pounds he caught in Surf City using bunker. He also had three bluefish.

The Gambler party boat returned from the deep water canyon slopes with another good haul of golden tilefish. Capt. Bob Bogan said they had three fish over 50 pounds hauled up from the deep. It was not always easy fishing — fishing in those depths is always a challenge no matter how well the fish are biting — but those who stuck to it had a great trip.

Bill Bryne, who had one over 40 pound last week came back for more and landed a 52 pounder. That wasn't the biggest fish on board. They had a 55 pounder reeled in. Matt Brown was high hook with seven fish, two of which were over 40 pounds..

Meet 'Coastie'

This Saturday begins National Boating Safety Week and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary Manasquan Flotilla 16-07 will have a special guest,"Coastie the Safety Boat," at Jenkinson's Aquarium from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday.

Coastie is an animated robotic cartoon character and is very mobile. He has navigation and searchlights, a rotating beacon, a siren, an air horn, and eyes that move meaningfully. He talks, plays music, and interacts with the instructor and the children during the presentation.

Coastie will be there to hep the Auxiliary teach boating safety to kids. One of the main goals is to show kids and parents how to properly wear a lifejacket. All children 12 and under must wear a properly fitted United States Coast Guard approved Personal Flotation Device (PFD) when the vessel is underway.

When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel is not reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him @danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; dradel@gannettnj.com.