08.18.11 Witnessed my first "flash mob" this morning in Deal...

 South of Brighton

"Flash mob" in Deal 

                    
     After having breakfast with Al yesterday I had to get up for an early morning trip to the beach. It was good practice for the upcoming fall run. I left my house around 530 am and was in Deal a few minutes later. As I made the turn on Philips Avenue I was surprised to see several cars and two buses parked at the end. I got a spot and grabbed my rod and stripping basket and away I went. As I got closer I was thinking to myself that I just might be in the middle of my first "flash mob". Most followers to this blog may not know what a flash mob is, I may not either, but here it goes. In today's world of social media someone comes up with an idea, ie: "Let's all meet at the beach at 6 o'clock, and get naked and go swimming." They send that message out to say thousands of people and then at that time they all meet and have a "flash mob." They do it at convience stores and then rob them blind, and since there's so many people, everyone gets away. Or they meet at a mall and dance for a few minutes and leave. I guess whatever gets you excited.





     So my plan was to fish north of the Philips groin, but, the crowd was concentrated on the beach and in the surf there. So I walked south towards Brighton and fished the wash with no results. I did have a few snappers take a swipe at my popper but that was it. As I got closer to the groin the sun broke the horizon, and the activity of the "mob" increased. Two guys ran past me towards the rocks. As they approached them they started to undress, down to bare assed naked and went out into the water. I turned my head and more guys north of me were doing the same. It was then I realized this was surely a "flash mob." I passed on joining the fun and snapped a few pictures. After a few minutes they emerged from the water and got dressed, dress pants, shiny shoes and all!
     I continued down to the hump and then walked back to Philips where the crowd continued to get dressed, and then slowly board the buses and cars and disperse.



I should Tweet, " Flash mob in Deal this morning was great, fishing, well, not so great!"

08.17.11 Good words from Al this morning...

Al this spring in Deal, one of three he caught and released in 45 mins

Went to breakfast with my striper buddy Al this morning. He went out before we met and got a short in the wash at dawn. Fall run is just around the corner!

08.15.11 Got my new Sumo car top rod carrier up on the truck and hit the surf!

     I got my Sumo rod rack in the mail from Orvis and put it on the truck and gave the Helios a ride down to the beach this evening. It was about time I got some type of rod rack to keep my rods safe while driving. This evening I took a quick drive down to Avon and threw a popper in the wash starting from the Avon Pavilion down to the Shark River Inlet. There have been reports of stripers late in the day in the Bradley Beach area so I thought I'd give it a go, but I had no luck. 

08.14.11 Back from the Adirondacks and Old Montreal...lotsa' fun, little fishing

     Well, well, well. Where do I begin. Just getting settled back from a week away with the family and in-laws which included the Adirondacks and three days in Old Montreal. Kids were great...and kids were not so great. Teenagers paintballing and able to unload on their dad as he runs through the woods...they're great. Teenagers walking through the historic streets of Old Montreal and seeing how people in another country live....they suck. Only fished for about 15 minutes below the house. The water was skinny, but luckily cool. I would have had to travel to find better water. All in all we had a great time and I can't wait to do it again, alone! 

08.05.11 Pending new world record striped bass caught in Long Island Sound

     There are several reports that a new world record striped bass was caught last night by Greg Myerson during the "On the Water Striper Cup". It weighed in at over 81 pounds. That would be out the current World Record caught in 1982 in Atlantic City by three pounds. No official determination has been made by the IGFA. 

08.05.11 Heading up to the Adirondacks and Old Montreal with the fan damily.

      Taking the gang for our annual summer family vacation. This time it's up to Ausable Forks and then into Old Montreal. I can't wait to eat about a pound of foie gras on a toasted baguette!

When I get back I have a few trips for the Upper Delaware planned, some end of summer photo work, then it's fall foliage fishing in the Catskills and Adirondacks, then it's the fall striper run, and albies too!

Coming soon! 

08.02.11 Sandy Hook's a bad place to be when lightnings around

From the Star-Ledger,  

Passaic man struck by lightning in Sandy Hook is in serious condition

By Richard Khavkine/The Star-Ledger 

MIDDLETOWN — A 32-year-old Passaic man was revived after being struck by lightning on a Sandy Hook beach in a brief but fierce thunderstorm Monday evening.

The man, who was not identified, had come ashore from an ocean swim when he was hit just before 6 p.m., said John Warren, spokesman at Gateway National Recreation Area.

He had no pulse when reached by relatives, who tried CPR, but it did not revive him, Warren said.

Firefighters, park rangers and emergency personnel used a defibrillator and revived him, Warren said. He was taken to Monmouth Medical Center and had been listed in serious condition, Warren said. He remained in intensive care this afternoon, but his condition was not available.

The area where the man was struck, South Beach’s Area B on the peninsula’s southern end, does not have lifeguards, a park official said.

Although park staff monitor the National Weather Service for storm warnings and clear beaches as necessary, no such alerts came through for that part of the state this evening, Warren said.

The storm began shortly before 5:45 p.m. and may have been caused by a weak cold front, said Valerie Meola of the weather service. It escalated quickly, with nine reported lightning strikes in the five minutes before 5:45 p.m., and 22 strikes in the minutes leading to 6 p.m., she said.

Twelve people have been killed by lighting in New Jersey since 2001, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the weather service. including an Elizabeth man who was killed by lightning on the same beach in July 2008.

Last month, a 54-year-old Hammonton man was struck and killed at a family picnic in that town, according to the weather service.

The NWS estimates about 400 people are hurt by lightning each year in the United States.

07.30.11 Oyster Creek incident kills hundreds of stripers and the clean up continues

     While I was up north the Oyster Creek Nuclear Generating Station suffered a power outage knocking out the dilution pumps which caused excessively warm water to be discharged into the Oyster Creek, killing "hundreds" of striped bass. I first read about this this morning in Bob Vosseller's story in the Asbury Park Press. I jumped in my truck and headed south on the Garden State Parkway to Exit 74. When I got to the Oyster Creek there was a pickup and boat trailer from Normandeau Associates at the boat ramp on the west side of Route 9. Upriver, closer to the plant another crew was in a small boat scooping dead fish out of a bermed area in the creek. I looked for signs of dead fish and found several in the wooden pilings of bridge west of the Route 9 bridge. I drove over to Dock Avenue which parallels the creek and found the above team scooping fish out of the water and putting them in plastic bags.
     The discharge side of the plant and subsequent Oyster Creek holds a large population of striped bass year round. The water remains warm in the winter and cool in the summer, except when there is a problem. I covered a story here myself in 2008 for the Asbury Park Press when thousands of bluefish were killed in a similiar incident. This recent incident happened Thursday around 8pm and dead fish are still collected, 40 hours later.

07.27-29.11 What a trip to the Adirondacks...hit a deer, did some work, dog sisters met, had a great dinner in Saranac Lake with sis and her man

     It was horrible. I was in the middle lane on the New York State Thruway driving with traffic on both sides of me when a doe ran out into traffic. The doe slowed in the fast lane and a buck followed. I couldn't go right or left, so I just kept my speed and hoped to freeze the deer, and then maybe the guy in the slow lane could swerve. Forget it. The buck hit my truck right in the front quarter panel above the wheel and then hit all along my passenger side and even rear bumper. Thank God no other vehicles were involved and no humans got hurt, although it sucks for the deer. After looking at the surprisingly heavy damage along my truck I walked back to see if I could drag the deer off the road. As I got closer I could see the deer was still alive. I stood on the shoulder waiting for a break in the traffic when all of a sudden a tractor trailer ran over the deer, killing it and really making a mess. As I turned to walk back to my truck a DOT pick up pulled up and the driver dragged the deer to the side. I waited for the State Police to come so I could get a report started for the insurance company. I was on my way in about 30 mins and Lola and I continued up to Ausable Forks.

     Both houses looked good and I tightened up the yards and did some painting on the porch. We are taking a family vacation up there next week so I spruced everything up. I took Lola down to the Junction Pool below my house to introduce her to the West Branch. I was also able to reunite my dog Lola with her sister Lily. My sisters boyfriend drove down to the Forks for some beer and dinner at Mad River Pizza. The dogs had a blast wrestling and biting each other for hours while we sat and shot the shit. Remember the house is available for weekly or weekend rentals year round- the fall and winters are a great time to visit. Call 732.261.7291 for availability.

     Two other quick things about this quick trip. I was able to fish for about 10 mins. I drove over to my sisters in Saranac Lake and before getting there I hit Sumner Brook, which always gives up a brookie or two. Well not today. I was only to catch what I thought was a emerald shiner. The other thing to mention was a fantastic place to eat, fantastic. My sister and her boyfriend have been talking up this place and I finally got to go. If you are in the Saranac Lake- Lake Placid area hit the Eat and Meet Grill on Broadway in Saranac Lake. It was that good. You can check more on it HERE 

Sumner Brook, NY

07.27.11 Headin' up to the North Country for a quick two days

     I am taking Lola and heading up to the Adirondacks for two days. I will be sprucing up the house that is for sale and checking in on the lodge. Hopefully while I am there I'll be able to find some time to visit a small, cool brook trout stream and wet a line.

07.25.11 Das Boot goes to the mechanic for a diagnosis

     Here was the scene outside Monmouth Marine Engines in Neptune City this afternoon. Ryan, Erin and I dropped off the boat for an estimate to get it going again. Some would say I should have just continued on to Mazza where they could have crushed it. But I think it's worth the look from a professional. My guess is the kids will be tubing off the back of it before Labor Day and I'll be chasing stripers in it in the fall!

07.24.11 I guess she wants to be a bird dog!

     I know nothing of hunting, birds, bird dogs, or training bird dogs. But today our cat brought home this still alive bird in it's mouth and dropped it in front of out 3 month old yellow lab. Lola's natural instincts licked in and it was all she wrote for the bird.

07.22.11 Just a tad hot here in Monmouth County...and brought the boat home

    I'm sure it was hotter in other places- the center of the earth, hell, Newark- but it was this hot, if not hotter here along the New Jersey coast. Part of today's work was unloading about a ton of red brick from the pick up and then getting the boat out of my fathers construction yard. It has been bounced around as the workers move to access other equipment they use for building and bridge erection. I have busy with a major landscape project at the house and next week will be traveling on assignment in Cape May so today was day to do it. I'm sure some of you know the boat story. I purchased it on a whime in 2003 when my life was in a tangled mess. I put it in the water that sumer at Tradewinds Marina in Sea Bright. I may have taken it out a half a dozen times. I winterized it and then it sat, for the next 7 years. Covered sometimes, most times not. I have seen three feet of water in it, and 10 feet of snow over it. There have been snakes and bees and skunks living about it. BUT, now is the time. I first have to figure out if she'll even start. So I started out this new journey at the do it yourself car wash in Neptune. Then I drove it home, well towed it home, and parked it out front of the house. My wife and a few neighbors laughed. One guy thought it was nicer and had all the confidence that I would get her going. Most think I should burn it or bring it to a salvage yard. It's a 1996 Marathon cuddy with a Mercruiser I/O. Any thoughts or tips let me know. Thanks

At the yard

At home !

07.22.11 Summer issue of Cooking Wild magazine is out...inside is the bluefish cake story

     I recently got the summer issue of Cooking Wild magazine.  Inside is the story I did in the spring with local Chef and CIA graduate Matt Cosenza. When he told me he was doing a story on bluefish I figured I would stop at a local deli and bring lunch with me. As the shoot progressed the bluefish cakes were left to sit there, waiting for me to taste it. Matt assured me it was edible so I gave it a try. After the two hour shoot I must have cleaned off six plates  of the stuff, which included a slaw and sweet potatoe fries. It was really good, so good that I'm going to keep a few blues next time and give it a shot myself. 

07.19.11 A little bit on upwelling

This explanation on upwelling came from Rutgers- more HERE

During the summer months, the surface of the ocean near our coast is heated by the sun. This warming causes stratification (warm surface/cold bottom). Typically, winds during our summer months are from the southwest, bringing all that hot humid air up from the Gulf of Mexico. These winds do not blow that surface layer to the northeast, but to the southeast. This 90 degree difference in wind and water current direction is due to the spin put on the water by the earth's coriolis force (earth's spin).

When the warm surface water is blown offshore, the cold buttom water rises, like a conveyor belt, and hits the beach. This cold water also brings sediment up from the bottom. Phytoplankton (microscopic plants) which float along the surface, used this sediment as food and bloom, causing the water to become green and murky. The figure below demonstrates what happens at the surface and below the water when winds blow from the southwest along the New Jersey coast. Now you know why the beaches can be so cold and "dirty" on the warmest days of the year. 

07.19.11 Aahhhh...back in the New Jersey salt

      I got up before the dog did so I took a ride down to Avon. I was on the beach around 515am and threw a popper in the wash from the Avon Pavilion down to the Shark River Inlet. I fished along both sides of the rocks but had to get in and out of the frigid water because my toes started to hurt from the cold. Surface temps are 72 degrees but down under must be around 60. The water has been cool for a few days now. 

     I fished around the jetty at the inlet but came up empty. There were guys throwing plugs, metal and plastic for schoolies, blues, and fluke but I didn't see any sign of fish in and out of the water. It was nice to get out even for a short while. 

07.17.11 More fun with the sunnies

Lake Tranquility, Andover, New Jersey

07.16.11 Told you things in Asbury Park would change

8th Ave Asbury Park

     Earlier this week I wrote about the proposed changes to the northern beachfront in Asbury Park. It used to be a section of the waterfront that was looked over by folks other than fisherman, dog owners, and surfers. This morning I brought Lola, that's her official name now after a family vote, down to the ocean for the first time. I wasn't surprised to see curbing, signage and parking meters throughout the once moon like terrain parking lot. It's almost over guys. Next they will pave it. Then they will park construction trailers there. Then shut down the dog and surfers beaches. Maybe we can get the guys who prowl that area at night contact the local law office and file a lawsuit on their behalf, it might be the only way to save that area for those who've used it for years.

Lola's first taste of the salt

07.15.11 A day with my old fishing partner Tom

  
 My friend Tom and I used to fish more together than we do now. Each year we would take a five day trip up to the West Branch Anglers where we would hope to catch the Hendrickson and Blue Quill hatch. However we haven't made that trip for the last three years. He always gave me a hard time in going, and then we would have a great time while there.
     Tom retired last week from the Post Office after 41 years as a carrier. I told him I wanted to take him fishing. I suggested a float trip on the lower West Branch and upper Main Stem of the Delaware. He hemmed and hawed and said he just wanted to fish in New Jersey. Trout fishing in New Jersey in July. Mmmm. It wasn't the trip I had in mind but it would be a day away with my friend. We started out in Nutley around noon and hit Route 80 and 15. We stopped and looked at the Paulinskill River in Lafayette and fished a small pond there. I was using my daughters 6 foot two weight sight casting to sunnies and small bass. It was fun to watch the fish follow the fly and explode on it right before my eyes, well bite it. It wasn't bonefishing on the flats in the Bahamas, but it was fun.

                                    
                                


   Later in the afternoon we made our way to the Big Flat Brook. We drove above Route 206 and checked out crystal clear skinny water there before heading downstream to check out crystal clear water there. Out final stop for the evening was near the USGS gauging station near Old Mine Road. We found a dozen or so fish taking nymhs and an occasion emerger. We saw a few white flies come off but that was it. I caught two fish and they released easily on hooks without barbs. Tom didn't catch or see anything where he fished. On the way home I asked him in a Delaware trip in the fall would be in order and he said, "Definitely!'

                                        

Tom on the Paulinskill