Bottom fishing has been excellent out of Westport this spring. Ling cod and rockfish stocks are both healthy, and some recovering stocks have rebounded enough that some rules have been loosened.

Capt. Joe Bogan reported a great 14-hour wreck trip Saturday with Jamaica II from Brielle as lots of big ling were boated plus some cod, and blackfish -- and even a few whiting and released sea bass.

Winter fishing is not for the faint of heart but those willing to brave the cold and wind are finding fish aboard the boats. On the upside, a couple more days of the this cold and the hardwater ...