March 2023 Fishing Reports

[GeoffT]

When I used to fish jetties I never used a gaff either.  I would muscle fish to a section of the jetty where I could climb down, grab the leader (usually up to 4 ft long) and pull the fish up.  Or let the waves push the fish up until I could grab the leader to pull it up.  

Edited March 4 by GeoffT

[Duff]

Great to hear gaffs are prohibited - After the the moratorium was over, I took a boat out off Sandy Hook. Lots of short bass back then. I watched a charter boat next to us gaff every fish in the gut, slam it down on a large cooler to measure, then push it over the transom. Not knocking charters here. Just couldn't believe what I was watching.

[bill cunnane]

I never used a gaff on the sand.  When on my boat I used a tailer to haul large fish inside.  It has a 6' handle and wire rope tailer section.  Worked like a charm once you get the hang of using it.  Never damaged a single fish using it. 

Edited March 4 by bill cunnane
misspell

[Trentoncaster]

1 hour ago, GeoffT said:

When I used to fish jetties I never used a gaff either.  I would muscle fish to a section of the jetty where I could climb down, grab the leader (usually up to 4 ft long) and pull the fish up.  Or let the waves push the fish up until I could grab the leader to pull it up.  

that's the way to do it

[JimK]

3 hours ago, GeoffT said:

When I used to fish jetties I never used a gaff either.  I would muscle fish to a section of the jetty where I could climb down, grab the leader (usually up to 4 ft long) and pull the fish up.  Or let the waves push the fish up until I could grab the leader to pull it up.  

I've never owned a gaff and have always landed fish exactly as Geoff describes. Also if I have a big fish on I try early on in the fight to position myself to walk the fish back to the beach and land it on the sand.

[Fishit 2]

5 hours ago, Duff said:

Great to hear gaffs are prohibited - After the the moratorium was over, I took a boat out off Sandy Hook. Lots of short bass back then. I watched a charter boat next to us gaff every fish in the gut, slam it down on a large cooler to measure, then push it over the transom. Not knocking charters here. Just couldn't believe what I was watching.

There was charter captain out of Brielle years ago we used to call Capt Gaff an Release

[Goldy]

There’s enough internet hero’s out here anyways.   The social media game is real.  Maybe one day people will put the cameras down.  
 

anyways I have not been out yet. It’s still early for me.  I don’t know about the rest but I’m still in preparation mode.  

[Mr.Belmar]

I’m in late “I shoulda done this a month ago” preparation! But I am ready to go, just not organized.
 

As far as this report page and too much info… I think this is just the tip of the iceberg. Compared to some things I have heard of on social media- and even videos on YouTube that I have seen- this forum is probably the safest place as far as spot burning.
 

 I wound suggest having one on one conversations in person (at said fishing spot) with the guys who are suspect of posting on social media. Just explain why you shouldn’t spot burn. sure, if you must, post a pic- just make sure the background doesn’t give it away. And don’t tell your 10 closest friends about said spot…. 

[RiverCommando215]

Fresh outta the looney bin!  Doctors said I was having a bad effect on others sanity, so they kicked me to the curb.  
I’m Hornier & Crazier than ever before!

SIC34 compliant report:
Water Temp: Cold
Water Clarity: Crap

Fish Caught: Zero

 

Considering this thread is used by so many different breeds of anglers there should be no surprise some despise it, others enjoy it socially, and some need it to catch.  Common sense should be exercised by all parties as to not educate the lazy while reporting.
You want a report?  Go fishing….

You want to cry and moan go to the tavern.  
When we stop caring about what “Joe Blow” says on the reports we realize how infantile the drama really was.  Go fish and be happy.  

Just my .02

Tight lines!

RC

[EricDice]

On 3/4/2023 at 11:14 AM, GeoffT said:

When I used to fish jetties I never used a gaff either.  I would muscle fish to a section of the jetty where I could climb down, grab the leader (usually up to 4 ft long) and pull the fish up.  Or let the waves push the fish up until I could grab the leader to pull it up.  

This ^. 
 

And if I owned a gaff it would drive my wife crazy. 

[rastley420]

I really don't understand the obsession with "spot burning" here. If someone wants to post a picture and there's a house in the background that you can use to triangulate the exact location on Google maps, is that really a big deal?

 

This is New Jersey. Theres several books filled with spots in them. There's dozens and dozens of articles about each part of the state. There's a weekly video forecast with reports from tackle shops all over the state. The spots are burnt to ashes already. Who cares about posting a picture where all you get is confirmation of the information you already knew? 

 

I get why someone wouldn't want to burn their own spot, but who cares if they do? It really doesn't matter to me anyway as I have my own spots I'm not burning, but really don't understand the need to ban it altogether. 

[adams54]

18 mins ago, rastley420 said:

I really don't understand the obsession with "spot burning" here. If someone wants to post a picture and there's a house in the background that you can use to triangulate the exact location on Google maps, is that really a big deal?

 

This is New Jersey. Theres several books filled with spots in them. There's dozens and dozens of articles about each part of the state. There's a weekly video forecast with reports from tackle shops all over the state. The spots are burnt to ashes already. Who cares about posting a picture where all you get is confirmation of the information you already knew? 

 

I get why someone wouldn't want to burn their own spot, but who cares if they do? It really doesn't matter to me anyway as I have my own spots I'm not burning, but really don't understand the need to ban it altogether. 

 

Because spot burns and the subsequent report chasers ruin things. Brings riff raff, garbage, closes down access, crowds people out of their own spots, etc. And yes spot burning and report chasers run rampant in this sport and that's not gonna change any time soon. But if you're not part of the solution you're part of the problem. 

Edited March 5 by adams54

[Foureel]

16 mins ago, rastley420 said:

I really don't understand the obsession with "spot burning" here. If someone wants to post a picture and there's a house in the background that you can use to triangulate the exact location on Google maps, is that really a big deal?

 

This is New Jersey. Theres several books filled with spots in them. There's dozens and dozens of articles about each part of the state. There's a weekly video forecast with reports from tackle shops all over the state. The spots are burnt to ashes already. Who cares about posting a picture where all you get is confirmation of the information you already knew? 

 

I get why someone wouldn't want to burn their own spot, but who cares if they do? It really doesn't matter to me anyway as I have my own spots I'm not burning, but really don't understand the need to ban it altogether. 

I get your point but just think about if you are in one of "your "spots and the guy next to you takes a picture with that same house in the background and brags he is bailing fish.  If you then return the next day and there are 50 guys in your spot, wouldn't that get you a little upset.  

If you think it doesn't happen then you have been VERY lucky

[R.O.G]

Fished today. Lots of participation, no fish. Also checked a Ford forum online today, and no one talking about Dodge Rams... Disappointing day!

[adobo]

Nice and cold out the last few days. Thought today would be warm but nope. Water was dirty. Wind was howling. 3 consecutive skunks for me. Where I was, Bait guys = 0 Adobo = A Dave’s Double with fries.