With only weeks to go before the true start of the fall run in New Jersey and water temperatures slowly coming down, it’s time to start your preparation. This time of year, bait abounds in the back bays, and I always start to adjust my habits to take advantage of the forthcoming change of seasons. The end of summer typically slows down some angling efforts, what with high heat, and for most of Jersey, torrential rains that plagued us for the past five days. Just like the beginning of the spring season, now is the time to review your tackle box, adding and subtracting items you may or may not need in the near future. It’s also time to start scouting your favorite haunts for changes that may affect your catch this year. Take advantage of your down time now and you may find that the time you spend on the water when the fishing turns on will be much more productive.
One of my favorite fish for the table has long been sea bass. And to get keeper sea bass, you need deep water. With the price of fuel today, a head boat is probably your best chance for getting not only keeper sea bass, but great fluking and hard-fighting bluefish. With that being said, I highly recommend the crew on the Gambler out of Point Pleasant. Not only is their new 90-foot headboat state of the art, but its captains seem to have some inside information on where to find the best fishing grounds. With two trips each and every day and night trips four days a week, the Gambler’s schedule can accommodate even the most time-restricted of anglers. They have been on the fish all season and there doesn’t appear to be any signs of a let up. So if you are hankering to get to some deep water and big fluke and sea bass, head up to the Gambler in Point Pleasant. No reservations necessary, equipment available if you want to travel light.
Flat seas off the beaches combined with near perfect temperatures means that conditions at Island Beach State Park are pretty good. At least that’s what the staff at Betty and Nick’s in Seaside relayed to me this week. Fluking is good and getting better. And here is something that is very encouraging. Blowfish are back! That is definitely a good thing. The stock seems to be in a rebuilding mode and John asked me to remind you to be prudent and take only what you plan on eating. Let’s keep it a strong blowfish fishery. Remember, small chesterfield hook rigs work best and use a chum log to draw them in. Stop by the shop for logs, they are expecting a new shipment in this week.
Barnegat Bay and the surrounding areas of Long Beach Island have been good all season and according to the team at Fisherman’s Headquarters, that trend will continue for the rest of the summer. Bait is abundant and the catch has been steady. But the flatfish are also hot for the Berkely Gulp. In the back, the fish are still active with daily catches of 70 fish not uncommon. But the keeper ratio in the back has gone up to around 30-1. Not good if you are looking for table fare. Head out front for some bigger keeper flounder and you may be rewarded. Kingfish are also keeping the beaches alive with activity. The full moon that recently passed has somewhat slowed the crabbing catch but that should change any day now. First and last light have been producing some stripers in the back on topwater plugs, but size has been somewhat on the short side. Blowfish are biting again, stop by Fisherman’s HQ for some of their special rigs to assist you on your quest for these puffed delicacies.
According to Dave Showell, owner and top bay rat at Absecon Bay Sportsmen Center, the waters of Absecon Bay and surrounding areas are “literally exploding” with baits of all different kinds. Finger mullet have been schooling up around most of the sod banks in the bay making morning and night plugging a little challenging right now. The stripers are simply eating too well. Peanut bunker is also crowding the menu along with spearing and a healthy spawn of crabs. Big flatties are still being caught in the back but it would seem that the best catch is now at the mouth of the inlets and inshore around the reefs. The kingfish bite is still active along the coast with bloodworms and Fishbytes being the best bet for attracting these tasty treats.
As the summer draws to a close, I find myself hitting beaches and inlets that I tend to ignore during the peak season. One of my favorites is Townsends Inlet and the beaches of Avalon and Stone Harbor. Dave at Avalon Hodgepodge tells me that right now, kingfish rule the beaches. There are some nice flounder around but with high water temperatures, people are heading for deep water to get the real doormats. Baitwise, plenty of really small blues, spearing and some hints of mullet all throughout the back bay. Crabbing has been mixed this year but Dave expects it to pick up as we head into the fall. Offshore, the Wilmington has been the place to go for tuna. Most are being taken on the troll using ballyhoo or blue-and-white islanders. A little closer in, the Cigar has been lit up with mahi and there are some bigger bluefish at the Sea Isle Ridge.
Once upon a time, weakfish ruled the Delaware Bay and Fortescue was their capital. These days, the spotted terrors have declined and a relative assumes the throne. The croakers, a relative of weakfish move into the bay each year around this time and provide anglers with all the action they can handle. And Flounder. And Blues. And if you are really persistent, the Delaware Bay will occasionally sacrifice the big striper this time of year. And from Fortescue on a boat like Salt Talk, you have the opportunity to put some or all in your creel. Who knows, maybe captain Howard can even put you on to a weakie. Wouldn’t that be special?
Best Bets for the weekend.
The bait is in full bloom up and down the coast. All you need to do is match the hatch and use it to determine what species you want to catch. The farther north you go, the better the chance for a nice striper. The beaches from LBI southwards are holding plenty of kingfish. Croakers are migrating along the coast and bays. And flounder (or fluke depending on your location) are pretty much everywhere. Keeper ratios are best in the front but some big ones can still be found in the back waters. You just have to work a little harder for your meal. Fresh water angling is a little iffy this week with many areas of the state receiving in excess of five inches of rain. Makes for a messy outing. And even if you aren’t catching, keep your eyes open. The fall run is coming and this is the perfect time for scouting. So what are you waiting for? Get ready, Get Set – Go Fish!