Reports of eyeless creatures caught in fisherman’s nets, fish with tumors you can visibly see from the outside and crabs with no claws found in Gulf Of Mexico near popular shrimping grounds which also happened to be one of the highest impacted zones of the BP oil spill. What NEXT???
BP Oil Spill mutating sea life???
There were notable days, and single notable catches. Each were spectacular in their own way due to the uniqueness of how the catch was made. What I find most intriguing about these mentionable catches is that it was what the FISH did that made it most exciting. Other times a particular catch stood out among the rest because of how much effort which can require not only a high physical level of endurance but also a mental endurance of epic proportions… Thus why the catch took the “blue ribbon”. The striped bass shown below blessed my father by giving him the privilege to battle this glorious specimen and it brings me pride knowing that my Pops had a chance to catch, battle, admire and release such a marvelous creature…
The striped bass pictured above was caught and released on live menhaden during late June in the NY Bight vicinity. Because this fish bottomed-out a 30lb Boga, we only took her measurements (length & girth) and after using several different online calculators the estimated weight for all the calculators (including the online, IGFA calculator) came in at over 40lbs. I am so happy to know that this fish was released very lively, because returning the freedom of life that it had earned by surviving the ocean long enough to grow this big shows how life is resilient. This valiant effort that took place between fish and man can teach us all important lessons and the lesson is that any fish that is killed just so it can be “certified” as a record is a true waste! Letting a fish like this live so it can continue to contribute to the resource is most invaluable! I am certain that our future generations of children and their children would agree!
Keeping the hooks sharp Captain Ken Jones [email protected] 361-500-2552
The Fly Fishing Show is coming to Somerset NJ and it couldn’t have come at a better time!!! Luckily, it really hasn’t been all that cold. Nonetheless, the winter-time blues are here for sure because it has been at least three weeks since I last wet a hook…
One thing that makes this event so great is because of the venue. All under a single roof one could expect to run into many prominent names in the industry. My personal favorites are the kind folks at TroutHunter, Hatch Outdoors, Yellow Dog & Turneffe Flats
The grizzly guys at Bear’s Den have such an abundance of fly tying materials, it is completely overwhelming. If you find something you like, buy it immediately because if you set it down it is certain that the person behind you is going to snatch it right up the second you let go!
Another fantastic aspect of this event is that there are so many great journalists there such as Phil Shook, and conservation authors such as Carl Safina, you are certain to hear about some great fishing adventures! There is nothing like hanging out with fellow fly-fisherman telling each other outrageous and exagerated fish stories! It is truly entertaining and amazing at how many truths are stretched during an event like this! But of course, that is part of the thrill and excitement of fly fishing!
But most of all, I look forward to seeing the people that I have had the pleasure to meet, and those that I have had the good fortune to fish with. If you haven’t visited this event before, don’t let anything stand in your way, this year is a special one because of how many great deals these vendors are offering to customers! See you there!
Keeping the hooks sharp, Captain Ken Jones Kenjo Fly Fishing
Rockaway Striper caught in July
As the weather warms the water and the gulf stream continues to push its warm currents closer to shore, the fishing is heating up more than ever! Any given day, there have been opportunities to head out early and get on some really big bass, which are hanging around the remaining schools of bunker that are still present in NY Bight and Lower NY Harbor. This particular activity seems to be winding down as the water temperature begins to rise past the 70 degree mark.
These dolphinfish were very aggressive!
These Mahi-mahi came into the spread completely covered in solid blue neon colors! She hit the shotgun rigger and she put on a spectacular show! These fish are aggressive and travel in packs…
We will be hunting these beauties through the summer along with some school bluefin… Plan to use some hookless teasers to get’em on the fly!
With over 7 species of baitfish in the water and more on the way, there are great chances to have a fantastic summer run of spanish mackerel, bonito, skipjack tunas and certainly the false albacore.
Give me a call asap if you want to get out on the water!
It is never too early!
Should have been there yesterday! Better be there tomorrow!
It is never easy to coordinate a NY lifestyle to accommodate a little fish action, but with a little bit of effort and spontaneity you can find yourself in a situation like this.
Have fun out there this Memorial Day weekend and remember to thank a serviceman or servicewoman for their dedication in keeping our country safe!