Float Your Boat Finale!

Story by Tom Pagliaroli

Wow! If there were ever a time to peruse a wide selection of fishing, cruising, fish ‘n ski, pontoon and pleasure boats, and make that oft-discussed, oft-delayed purchase, this weekend is the time during the Jersey Shore Boat & Sale Expo being conducted today through Sunday at First Energy Park (2 Stadium Way) in Lakewood.

Touted as “The Most Convenient & Affordable Boat Show”, the long- running event includes nearly two dozen dealers that will be displaying pretty much all the name brands associated with quality vessels, including Cobia, Everglades, Bennington, Carolina, Crest, Avalon, Everglades, Formula, Parker, Northcoast...you name it, it will be there.

Can’t swing a new float even with the blowout prices and attractive financing packages available? No worries, as there will also be selections of pre-owned boats for sale at dealio prices, and rest assured these have been inspected and certified before the “For Sale” signs are affixed.

Marine accessories and fishing gear will also be showcased, and it’s a great opportunity to meet and talk fishing this afternoon and tomorrow with John DeBona from The Fisherman Magazine, and Sunday with Rich Dunne, at The Fisherman display under the tent.

The wildly popular Kids Cove offers myriad activities for budding mariners.

Hours are until 6 pm this evening, tomorrow 10 am-6 pm and Sunday 10 am-5 pm. Cost is $5 for adults, with youngsters 12 and under admitted free.

Fishin’, Not Wishin’: Okay, okay, already! The fluke season runs through tomorrow and then is shut until sometime next May, but “Suck it up Buttercup,” and quit complaining, as there is plenty of rod bending opportunities to be had. Porgies, triggerfish and tog (blackfish) are stacked and chomping on the reefs, with the latter pair in solid numbers along the jetties. As mentioned last week, blowfish are suicidal, and bluefish, from 8-12 inch “snappers” to 1 to 3-lb. “cocktails”, are thick in the bays, tidal rivers and along the beaches.

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