Growing up in Ohio and in a family of avid anglers, we were always going somewhere new and exciting. My dad was constantly watching a fishing show or reading the latest article on the subject of fishing. He must have seen or heard about the blue fish that was being caught off the coast of New Jersey, for it was not long before we were planning and packing for yet another great fishing excursion.
When we arrived in Atlantic City and located the local marina, we decided to come back after dinner and see who was catching the most fish. Most anglers were bringing in large numbers of blue fish, so Dad booked us on a party boat for that evening to see what kind of luck we would have. A party boat is a large fishing boat that takes anywhere from ten to thirty people out for an all day or half day fishing trip. On a party boat, the best place to fish is on the stern of the boat. If you choose these spots, you will have less trouble with tangles from your neighbor's fishing line. Wisely, Dad requested four spots on the stern.
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| Blue Fish |
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| Blue Fish |
As we boarded the boat, we saw a large variety of coolers, some exactly like the ones we had. We had big plans to fill these with fish.
We said hello and spoke to several people while waiting to cast off and leave the marina. You could feel the excitement and anticipation in the air. A couple of older men walked on board carrying two fifty-five gallon trash cans. Being a curious kid, I asked what they were going to do with those. They replied, "Son we're gonna fill these with fish!" With a smirk at my dad and a roll of my eyes, I thought man, where did these people come from.
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| Blue Fish |
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| Blue Fish |
On the way to our first fishing site, each group had a marking that would differentiate your fish from your neighbor's and everyone else's. Two slashes on the tail were some of the many distinguishing marks given. Our mark was half of a tail. Each fish we caught would be marked with the appropriate mark by slicing off half of the tail, and then it went into the fish box.
Eager to be underway, we cast off the lines and headed out. To me, it seemed like a lifetime before the Captain slowed down, came over the loud speaker, and said, "Drop your lines there are fish all over the place." We dropped our lines, and within just a few minutes, there were shouts coming from all over the boat, "Fish on! Got one, I've got one too". It was pure pandemonium and one of the best times of my life. What a frenzied spectacle this was. We had fish flopping all over the deck, lines were tangled, and people were shouting.
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| Blue Fish |
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| Blue Fish |
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| Blue Fish |
Not all fishing boats will allow this. It is usually first come, first served. If you are unable to reserve a spot here, just stay near the stern on your way to your fishing spot. When the Captain stops the boat, just grab your pole and take your spot. If you don't, someone else will!