Barnegat Municipal Dock 5-4-24

[NOREAST]

12 ring traps baited with c/n's
2 hrs into out going tide
Water temperature 54.3 - 60.0 degrees
Culled at 5"
With plans to fish opening day for fluke, we checked the marine forecast (10-15 mph) and loaded the boat. 4 am wake up, checked the forecast and they change it to 10-15, gusting to 20 mph. Made the decision to see if we could get in a couple hours of fishing before the winds kicked in. Hit the ramp and it wasn't pretty, called my buddy to let him know that we're going to pass when he said, once you get to double creek you'll be fine. Made it to the fishing grounds with a cold and steady winds. After 2 hrs of having an enjoyable day without a bite, it was time to head home. On the way back I asked the Captain what about some crabbing and she said let's do it. Crabbed for about 2 hrs in some crappy conditions with limited success. 5 keepers ( that went to our neighbor for a little snack) and about 2 dozen throwbacks. Kudos to the Captain who didn't have one miss on retrieving trap with the winds ripping at 15-20 mph to end the day. Mother Nature hasn't been very kind this spring so I can only hope it changes soon. The photo of the flag pole is not what you want to see back at the dock.