Photo

The NJDEP Division of Fish and Wildlife has announced that Richard Englesbe of Lakewood made his way onto the state record fish list recently by landing a new state record blueline (gray) tilefish. Richard was fishing off a boat when he reeled in the 18 pound, 14 ounce fish, eclipsing the old record caught by Joseph Sanzone 7 years ago off Toms Canyon by 7 ounces.

Richard was fishing off the party boat, Voyager captained by Jeff Gutman out of Fisherman's Supply in Point Pleasant on September 2. The boat was fishing in the Wilmington Canyon when the fish hit while bottom fishing.

Richard was using a Jigging Master PE-8 reel spooled with 70-lb. test braided line and a Reelseat Custom rod. He used squid for bait. The new record blueline (gray) tilefish measured 35 inches in length and had a girth of 23.5 inches.

The Record Fish Program honors the largest species of fish/crustaceans caught in the state. It revolves around a specific list of eligible species, and is based on weight alone (there are no line classes). Scale certification documentation and a weighmaster’s signature are necessary. Other rules apply.

Please note that as of June 6, 2006, 103 species (31 freshwater and 72 saltwater) are eligible for entry in the Record Fish Program. Anglers are reminded that the objective of the Record Fish Program is to increase the awareness of fishing opportunities for species that are regularly sought after and routinely found in or off the coast of New Jersey.