Living in South Jersey has its advantages during some seasons, but in the fall, it can be a killer for the die-hard striper seeker. And with a mild case of “Indian Summer” currently hitting us, it seems even more painful for this angling degenerate. The mullet are running but the linesiders just haven’t gotten the message yet. As a beach plugger who will wet a line at least 5 days a week (and that’s on a slow week), the anticipation is a killer. Yes, there are fish out there, but they are few and far between, and with few other species to throw in the mix, it can be a bit discouraging to say the least. But the bass are nearing, I can smell them. Or maybe that’s the smell of menhaden wafting off the beaches that is alerting my senses. I may just have to step up the pace to find some meat for the table before the real cool weather kicks in.
I know it’s about to heat up when I start getting solid reports from the gang at Fisherman’s Headquarters on Long Beach Island. And there have been some real lunkers weighed in there of late. Over the weekend, they weighed in some trophy-sized stripers, taken off both the beach and on the boat. Greg Naylor had his picture taken with a 41-pound mullet muncher on the opening day of the LBI Surf Classic. And for those of you that doubt the attraction of bunker, then talk to Pat Howley from Manahawkin, who landed a 43.13-pound striped bass heaving bunker chunks off the north end of the island. Now that’s a fish to be proud of! FHQ has a good supply of clams and bunker on hand so don’t forget to stop in to fuel up before you next run. And if you are looking for tautog, they are hitting as well, but call ahead if you are looking for greenies for bait. They are in short supply almost everywhere and you may want to check ahead to save on some gas.
A little farther south on the Patcong Creek, is one of my new favorite bait and tackle shops. 24-7 B and T is one for the books. Going offshore and looking for a big bait order? They will deliver it to your boat. And like their name suggests, they are available all day and night for your convenience. I had the chance to chat with Adam this week, and he told me that with the warm waters and the mullet run, there was a lot in play right now. Stripers along the sod banks behind both Ocean City and Absecon Island are producing on a regular basis at both first and last light. Out front, 1- to 2- pound bluefish are ruling the surf. More keeper stripers are starting to show up but the real run has yet to materialize. Offshore, the bite this week seems to be concentrated at the Spencer with many tuna being taken on the chunk and jigging metal. And the locals are still catching blowfish, porgies and the tog (reminder: blackfish bag limit is one fish until 11/16), in all the usual spots. White perch in the Patcong are still going strong, with shedders being the best bait. If you are around Somers Point, swing over to 24-7 and check them out. These guys are new, but they are building a winner.
The bunker has arrived in Island Beach State Park, and that is definitely a good thing. According to the guys at Grumpy’s in Seaside Park, The big bluefish are pushing them inshore and bringing the occasional flurry of stripers with them. Not steady yet, but definitely predictable. This weekend could be the motherlode, so get on over if you want to take advantage of the slaughter. Boaters have been reporting blues in the 15- to 17-pound range and that is unquestionably a good indicator that the fall run is in full swing. Bunker pods as far as the eye can see are also on the menu, so keep that snag hook handy for some live lining. For the latest and greatest reports, equipment or tackle repair, I highly recommend the folks at Grumpy’s. If they can’t straighten you out, you are in a world of trouble. And the plus is, there always seems to be a show going on in the shop. They could charge a cover if they wanted!
If offshore headboat action is what you are after, you may want to take a ride on the Gambler. Sailing out of Point Pleasant, it’s one of the most seaworthy, state-of-the-art headboats on the water in all of New Jersey. And they have been putting the fish in the coolers. Last weekend, the Spencer was the trip. This week – who knows? But Captains Bob and Mike will certainly make sure they put you in the right spot to catch them up. They have been on longfin and yellowfin in the 30- to 60-pound range for the last several trips with a sprinkling of tilefish when the opportunity presents itself. On one trip, the seas were absolutely lit up with mahi with almost the whole boat seeing some sort of action. And the latest reports indicate that the catch should continue for a couple of weeks at the very least. They also do some serious wreck fishing on the Gambler, so I recommend calling ahead to see about availability and fishing schedule. With sea bass set to reopen, and tautog limits going up soon, good catches are on the horizon. Yes sir, it bears repeating. If head boat fishing does it for you and you haven’t checked out the Gambler, do yourself a favor and schedule a run. You won’t be disappointed.
The rips of Cape May are somewhat of a holy ground for striper anglers in South Jersey. Each fall, along with the linesider migration, there is an annual right of passage for anyone looking to put a trophy in the fish box. This year is setting up for much of the same according to Jim Wallace at Jim’s in Cape May. And while they aren’t quite in the zone yet, now is the time to start planning your trip before all the good charter captains fill their dance cards. Boats like Adam Bomb, Fins and Grins and the Stalker are just a few that have intimate knowledge of that surf ride called the Cape May Rips. The mullet are near gone and now the real fun starts.
Best Bets for the Weekend.
By land or by sea, the big ones all seem to be up north still. The bunker are moving south, so be ready. From LBI north seems to be the best shot at getting a big fish. Brigantine south, you are going to need to work hard to earn your stripes. Bunker, clam and live mullet off the beach or boat are more than likely to attract blues, but the occasional striper will take the hook. Topwater plugs in the back bays will earn you a school-sized bass along the sod banks at first light. Tog, is still hot from the jetties. There are tons of small weakfish out front if you are looking for some fun with metal. Remember, you can only keep one weakfish per day. There is plenty of action available, and the beaches should turn on for bigger blues and stripers any moment. It’s definitely on, so get ready, get set – GO FISH!
Could you please include Sandy Hook N.J. in your fishing report. It is a great place to fish the beach . Thank You.