Since my last report, the ranks have thinned considerably. That is not to say that the beaches and waters are completely devoid of anglers. I last wet a line a few days ago in Brigantine and the sand was still crowded for this time of year. No question about it, this year has been one of the best many anglers could remember. But recent drops in both air and water temperatures have reduced the numbers drastically. And with the holidays upon us, only the real die-hards are pushing the limits. Don’t mistake the lack of numbers for a lack of fish. Nice stripers are still being caught up and down the coast. Bait is a little harder to come by and artificial lures don’t seem to hold the interest of the fish like they did in warmer water, but the fish are still moving and hungry. So if you have the time and energy, there is still a game to be played.
At this time of the year, writing a fishing report can be a real challenge. Many of my “Go-To” sources have packed it in for the season. I’m not criticizing them, mind you. These folks put plenty of hours in during the prime seasons. And God knows its tough for them. What with season restrictions and a tough economy, they spend countless hours serving to our needs. So when the law of large numbers makes it difficult to remain open and still turn a profit, I have no problem when they cut hours or even shut down their shops for a well deserved breather. Fair is fair.
Long Beach Island is still one of the hot spots in the state if you are searching for striped bass for your holiday table. The gang at Fisherman’s Headquarters’ informed me that the bite, while not as strong or long, is still there. Bunker, if you can get it (the netters are pretty much done from what I hear) and clam are the best ticket for a keeper. The water temperatures are still hovering right around 50 degrees but that, as you probably know, is subject to change on a whim this time of year. If you are looking for some variety, tautog is really catching up fast and heavy on the wrecks out front and there are still some inshore white-chins to be had. Bruce DeRites of Pittstown weighed in an 18.3-pound tog that was over 30 inches long earlier this week. Bruce was aboard the six-pack charter with Captain Wayne Eble. According to my sources, there were many nice tog taken on that trip. And many of the charter captains up and down the coast have been working them hard while the limit is still six. Think about that as an option.
The inlets in the from Atlantic City south have been the hot spots for the last three weeks or so according to Captain Dave Showell of Absecon Bay Sportsmen’s center. Water temps have been right around the 50 mark and the change of tides have been giving anglers the opportunity to pick up some nice fish. Dave also told me that his bunker supplies are low and it doesn’t look like there is more on the way but he still has a nice supply of eels and fresh clams. Dave packs up his show and moves it far south to Guatemala (I guess that’s why he is known as Guatemala Dave) soon, so get to the shop and stock up. If you are thinking about a trip down that way, be sure to contact Captain Dave for info about his guide services. I recently saw some pics of sailfish taken off his boat and they were spectacular. Definitely on my bucket list.
As I mentioned previously, the slippery bass (aka tautog) bite has been red hot lately. And if you are within striking distance of Point Pleasant, I heartedly endorse the Gambler for a ride to the deep. The new 90 foot Gambler is about as well equipped a vessel you can find to take you out for tog, huge sea bass cod and Pollock. One word of advice, spots are limited so call ahead for availability. You won’t be disappointed!
The water temperatures in the lower Delaware Bay have been consistently around 41 degrees lately, so I would write those areas off my angling list until March. But the Rips of Cape May are still giving up their gifts if the wind lies down long enough to get out there. The beaches from Ocean City south are still giving up fish but you need some patience and fresh bait to take advantage of the situation. Stripers are the only game in town but there seems to be some life in the bite yet.
If you need a fix and want some great table fare, might I suggest giving white perch a shot this time of year? From what I have been hearing, they are in full bloom right now. Grass shrimp are your best option for bait and can be had for the cost of a fine mesh net attached to an extension pole. Actually a member of the striped bass family, you would be hard pressed to find a better eating fish. I know for a fact that the brackish streams from Mystic Islands south have been doing just fine for the past several weeks. Just a thought for those of you battling cabin fever fury. If fresh water is close enough, I recently saw some huge rainbow trout taken in a local pond that was stocked by the state. And when I say huge, I mean gigantic! Nothing like smoked trout to get you through a long winters night.
This is my last report for the season. It has been one interesting year. The bite has been nothing short of phenomenal for those plying their sport north of Atlantic City. And while not as spectacular for the southern section of the state, it was still very productive. We had a somewhat abbreviated summer season primarily due to that evil Irene. But all in all, it was a great season. Do I have concerns? Most certainly! The bluefish never really showed up in the numbers I expected, and in my estimation, that has been a three year cycle. Weakfish were a non factor this year although I did find some nice speckled trout in late September. The offshore bite was red hot for a good period as well. If you forced me to give the 2011 season a grade, I would have to go with a B+. Maybe I just have high standards but there was definitely room for improvement.
A big thank you to all the bait and tackle shop owners, marinas and charter boat captains who took time from their busy schedule to supply me with information. Without you guys, there would be no fishing reports. If there is one thing I enjoy as much as actually wetting a line, its reliving the adventure. Hopefully, I have been able to relay that feeling in my reports. At least that was my intention. Have a great holiday, and a prosperous New Year. See you all in the spring.