Keyport (Monmouth County) report 6-3-12

[Alp110305]

We hit the Keyport pier today around 4:30 to catch the incoming tide.  Baited two traps with some bunker, we let them soak for 20 minute intervals.  It was a quality over quantity type of day.  We hung out for about 3 hours, brought up 15 or so.  We kept 6 total, all males, one of which was a very nice 6 1/2" PTP'er with an impressive set of claws.  The throwbacks were all either shorts or females.  The real bonus of the day was when my brother in law was trying for blues and landed a brand new trap that someone had lost only very recently. 
The weather was nice for the most part, dealt with a storm that passed in about 30 minutes.  The water became choppy after that and we only landed 1 the rest of the trip.
All told, a good day.

[tattoo]

thanks for the report.

[nadapesca]

I was out on the Sea Hawk out of Perth Amboy when that storm it. Those winds must have been 50 MPH out there with nothing to slow 'em down. 3-4 foot waves on that bay is something you don't see often. 

[Alp110305]

It was indeed a nasty one.  We were on the pier, and about 200 yards off you could see the wall of rain falling.  It was a pretty neat sight.  Of course 10 minutes later it hit us and it wasn't so cool anymore.  Afterwards, off to the west was a double rainbow.  That was quite a sight.

[crabster1]

love keyport crabbing thanks for update

[BirdsNestKing]

Love the small fish shack near the bridge even more!!! 

[BirdsNestKing]

Matawan Creek under the 35 bridge used to be a killer spot also.

[Ronster]

Thanks for the report.

[jason22]

Good to hear you catching them in Keyport, thanks for the report..  If your from that area I know a great book for you to read.  It's called The Fisheries of Raritan Bay.  Very informative information on the area since the 1800 to present on everything from clams, crabs, fin fishing,, etc.. 

[CRABBASS]

Just keep in mind Gents, if you're crabbing from the pier in Keyport, its one trap per person... Not something i agree to, being its Green Acres property. But they have so called pier wardens that sign radios out from the PD. So if you go with alot of gear hit it early then move down towards the Ye' Cottage Inn. They will not let you crab along the bulkhead as of last year. Not sure about this year...

Good Luck!

[Alp110305]

Just keep in mind Gents, if you're crabbing from the pier in Keyport, its one trap per person... Not something i agree to, being its Green Acres property. But they have so called pier wardens that sign radios out from the PD. So if you go with alot of gear hit it early then move down towards the Ye' Cottage Inn. They will not let you crab along the bulkhead as of last year. Not sure about this year...

Good Luck!

Unfortunately this is correct.  These so called "pier wardens" are supposedly washed-up local police who should have retired years ago but haven't for whatever reason.  They have never given me a hard time and the one who smokes like a chimney seems to be a very cordial fellow, but the fact that they carry radios is reason enough to be wary of them.  There is definitely no crabbing or fishing allowed of any kind between the Pier and the Capt. John charter, not sure about the other side, I've never taken notice.

[CRABBASS]

None of them are , or neve were cops. I know them all. Even the chimney... They're just a bunch of retired people with nothing better to do. But they do clean the pier once in a while.
And No you are Not supposed to fish or crab between the the pier and Capt. John.