Catch a Blowfish Northern Puffer In Sea Isle City NJ

Blowfish on the Dock in Sea Isle

I know, I know, I lot of fisherman out there will read this and think this isn't much of a fish to catch at all.  I mean, blowfish are more infamous for stealing bait than for putting food on the table (the fish pictured was released safe and sound by the way :-)

That said, I was fishing off a dock in Sea Isle and landed a blowfish. It was fun to bring up because, quite honestly, I didn't know what it was.  I had to pull out one of those free marine manuals you pick up at the local bait shops to identify it.

The real tip-off though was when it 'blew up'   Not in the sense that it exploded but it swelled up like a balloon to the size of a softball then deflated.  I have to say that I'm sorry that I didn't get that picture but I did get a decent one showing it deflated on the dock.

I'd say it was about five inches long.  I caught it on a tiny kingfish rig with clams using a Penn spinning real and ugly stick rod.   Very easy to bring in ... he's just a little guy.

Not the best angle but the same blow fish :-)

Upon further research I found out that this guy is indeed a blow fish but specifically it is named a "Northern Puffer"

Great stuff fishing in Sea Isle big or small. Always fun .