In talking with Nick Cicero of Folsom this week, I learned that there are still stripers in the surf, being caught on a nightly basis, by anglers in New Jersey. Jetty tips have been the ticket and lures like Bombers, Tsunami Sand Eels and teasers are working. But, excellent fishing options existed both east and west of the New Jersey surf this week.
To the east, the party boats have been putting a hurting on ling on the inshore wrecks and structures. Though these fish are a little wimpy when it comes to fighting, they are available in big numbers and make for a delicious fish dinner. For a more spirited fighter, blackfish are biting well on the deepwater wrecks, often the same places as the ling. Anglers can target the blackfish by fishing crabs instead of clams. Fish north of the 10-pound mark have been taking the pool money on a number of trips. Still sailing is the Norma K III, the Jamaica, the Gambler, the Voyager and the Ocean Explorer. Call ahead for the trip schedule and reservations. Mackerel are an option on a few party boats a well if you are looking to stock up on your fluke, sea bass or shark baits for 2012.
Cod fishing inshore is a little tough, reported Eric from Harry’s Adventure Outfitter in Robbinsville. But, 30 to 40 miles off, the bite is phenomenal. So, fishermen willing to go the extra distance are doing well with the brown bombers of winter.
Freshwater fishing has been good or non-existent, depending on where you’re fishing. Skim ice has make Lake Hopatcong unfishable for at least a week now, according to Dow’s Boat Rental. But, one angler found an ice-free stretch of shoreline on New Jersey’s largest lake and hammered the perch and crappie. Hopefully the incoming rain and winds will wipe the skim ice off the lake, and open more shoreline to fishing.
In fully open lakes, the crappie fishing with shiners and fatheads is excellent according to Eric at Harry’s. Anglers dunking shiners are also finding good luck with largemouth bass. The walleye bite is heating up in the Delaware River, Eric reported. Things are just getting started he said, but it’s pretty good, and a few very nice ‘eyes have been taken already.
Best Bets for the Weekend
Since walleye still seem like somewhat of an “exotic” species to me, the Delaware River walleye bite would be my top big. Trenton, north has been the best stretch according to Eric. With live bait being the best option for just about all freshwater species this time of year, shiners would be my go-to, but a curly-tail grub dragged along the bottom would be close at hand.
If you’re near the coast, why not hit the beach for stripers. Fish smaller lures and remember to use a teaser. Afternoons or evenings would be my pick.
A mixed bag of cod and ling is more than enough reason to hop aboard a boat this week. If you want to catch some codfish, look for boats sailing farther offshore.
Also, stop by the Fly Fishing Show at the Garden State Convention Center in Somerset this weekend. I’ll be manning the booth and signing up subscriptions. We have a great subscription gift from Hogy lures this year, so make sure to come by and set up, renew or extend your subscription to On The Water magazine.