I was certain I misheard when Chris at Harry’s Adventure Outfitters in Robbinsville told me that there were still stripers being taken from the surf. I heard right, however. Just like I heard right when Chris mentioned the bluefin tuna cruising just off the beach and the lights out crappie and trout bite taking place throughout the state.
More and more, this is proving to be the season that never ends for the Garden State. Starting with the saltwater report, the jetties along the Northern Jersey Coast are still giving up stripers. Sand eel imitations are the ticket. Chris recommended the Daiwa SP Minnow and needlefish. A teaser probably wouldn’t hurt either.
As for the tuna, they’ve been spotted just off the beach as they harass the sand eels (and maybe even the stripers) on their way south. Chasing shallow water bluefin can be extremely challenging as these fish rarely stay on the surface for long, and getting a cast in front of them can be next to impossible.
Bottom fishing is good as big blackfish continue to chow on crab baits at deepwater structures. This time of year, more anglers are going forth on party boats than their own vessels. On of the regular customers at Harry’s Adventure Outfitters recently pulled down the pool money after decking a 13-pound tog. The codfish bite is picking up as well, and if last year’s bite was any indication, the cod fishing should keep anglers going right through the winter.
In freshwater, the Lake Hopatcong walleye bite has been good for angler vertical jigging these toothy perch. I saw one report of anglers venturing out on 2- and 3-inch thick ice, but let me make this clear – it’s not worth it. There’s no 10-inch perch on the planet worth risking your safety on questionable ice.
Chris at Harry’s said the crappie bite has been phenomenal lately. At this time of year, these paper-mouthed panfish school up, and when you can find them, the action can be exceptional. Live minnows and small jigs like Trout Magnets fished under a float have been the best bet according to Chris.
Trout fishing is lights out at the Musconetcong and Pequest lately Chris says, but he’s unsure whether or not the good fishing will hold on after the storm passes
Best Bets for the Weekend
The seas look a little bouncy until Sunday, so if I had two days to fish this weekend, I would concentrate on freshwater trout or crappies on Saturday and hop on a headboat for some bottom fishing on Sunday – maybe with a nighttime trip to see what stripers are still lingering at the jetties in-between