Mud Hole BFT

We decided to try something off the beaten path and run out to the mud hole.

It was a nice ride out but one out there it was sporty. We had whales all over, several draggers, weed lines, pilings, and birds here and there. We figured at least we may find some mahi if no BFT were around. We marked several bait with nothing under or around them.

The 75 degree water on the charts was no where to be found, instead we had a 69/70.5 degree break and that was about it. Water was cold, green and dirty.

Trolled up and down Little Italy, across to Monster Ledge, up and down the Ledge, around the Lillian and Arundo.

We did hear of some action at the Oil Wreck but that turned out to be amber jacks...at least that is what was said on the radio. I personally have never caught one trolling and have always caught them wreck fishing.

There was a school of baby mahi between the west wall of Monster Ledge and the Shark River Reef that we release a few of...the biggest being about 14" all hit on either the purple/black jet or purple/black cedar plug.

Due to the terrible water conditions we decided to run back in early and do some fluking. About 8 miles off the water was much bluer but cold...68 degrees and no bait to be found.

Once we got over to the Axel Carlson we had pretty steady action with fluke and sea bass. Fished a couple wrecks and put a half dozen fluke and 8 sea bass in the box and headed in.

After speaking with a couple guys who fished the Southern end of the Axel Carlson one had 14 keepers between two guys and the other had their limit and came in early.

All in all it was a nice day on the water despite taking a slight beating in the beginning. My first two home-made spreader bars swam straight and looked good to us back in the spread. Hopefully soon we will get some better water to the North and have some fish move in.