Fishing Report: Barnegat Bay to Delaware Bay
Blowfish and Bluefish Arrive
There is on old fisherman’s adage that says “20 percent of the anglers catch 80 percent of the fish.” I don’t know if it’s true but I do know that those that do catch consistently, accomplish this because they put their time in. Not only time spent on or near the water but also in scouting and preparation. At OTW, we will gladly assist you with an important piece of that formula, namely scouting reports. It’s up to you to do the rest. Waiting until the night before a fishing outing won’t get it done. Taking care of the two P’s (planning and preparation) in advance will put you one step closer to membership in the 20-percent club.
Dave Showell, owner and operator of Absecon Bay Sportsmen’s Center is my local go-to guy when I am looking for a personal scouting report. This year, with herring closed, Dave has some extra time on his hands and is the king of the back bays in Absecon. According to Captain Dave, the storm didn’t have too bad of an effect on the fishing in the back. Water is clean and the temperature stable. Activity has been light, but the tautog catch has been good around the old Brigantine Bridge, so get after them before the seasons goes on hiatus at the end of the month. The striped bass bite has been active, more so in the far back of the Mullica River, where they are still chasing the herring. The shop is having its annual “customer appreciation sale” this Friday, so if you are in the area, stop in and check it out. I can personally attest to the fact that he has some great deals.
The beaches and back bays of Ocean City have long been one of my favorite areas in South Jersey to wet a line. And before I go out, I always try to get the latest info on the bite from Ed Bronstein and the staff at Fin-atics Marine Supply. Ed has been at it for a long time and always provides the best recommendations. Spoke with John for a while this week and as expected, the striper bite has been consistent on the OC Beaches. The south end has been a little better than the north, with the old piers seeing nice action down toward Corson’s Inlet. Your choice of bait, as long as its clam or fresh bunker, will be a winner. Pluggers are having some success around the jetties. For you tog hunters, there have been some nice fish taken around the jetties as well. Also give the fishing pier off of Longport Boulevard a look as the bite there has been decent. Bluefish are in the back, nothing large, but those 15-inchers are perfect for the smoker.
The striped bass bite in Long Beach Island never really turned off this winter, and it does not seem that spring has changed that direction at all. In the gospel according to Val this week, the striper bite is still going strong on the island. Not the biggest fish in the world but keepers are there on clam and fresh bunker. The rocks have been producing some tog on green crab. Oceanside Bait and Tackle had it first entrant in their annual spring tourney with David Iacono weighing in a 13-pound, 33-inch linesider. They also have had some reports of blowfish in the area. Seems real early to me but with everything else ahead of schedule, why not?
Two Chums Bait and Tackle in Sea Isle is proudly open for its second season serving the residents and visitors to the area. They are one of the premier bait venders in the area and also have a line of rental boats for the back bay angler. Owner John asked me to inform our readers (that’s you guys) that reservations for Opening Day of summer flounder next week are quickly filling up, so call ahead if you are planning on renting one of their skiffs for May 5. The striper bite has been a little light this week, what with the wind and the storm over the weekend. He expects it to pick up later in the week. Some scattered reports of bluefish in the back and good action from the rocks on blackfish. Stop in and checkout this shop, it’s well stocked with some of the freshest bait in the area.
Perhaps you have heard of Tackle Direct. As one of the premier online sellers of fishing tackle worldwide, they are the big players in the angling community. And their flagship store newly opened in Egg Harbor Township is a must stop for every angler when they are in the area. If they don’t stock it, chances are it has been discontinued by the manufacturer. They are also a great source of fishing information. The workforce there lives, eats and breathes fishing. This week, the bite has been in the back bay according to Ed at Tackle Direct. Sod banks for stripers hiding in the deep pools and look for activity on the top water during the day if you are chasing blues. The tog bite has been fair with plenty of fish being caught, but few in the keeper range. Remember, tautog closes at the end of April, so it is imperative to get out now if you are looking to put some on the menu.
Well, it’s now been verified. I got a second confirmation of blowfish in the usual spots around Long Beach Island from Tony’s Bait and Tackle in Manahawkin. So if you are looking for something different, there is blowfish and winter flounder available for the taking. Two of the better eating fish in my book. And yes, there are striped bass in the area. Clam and fresh bunker will get you a ticket on the ride. The wind knocked the bite down a bit but they are still around along with some medium-sized blues. You are going to need to work for them. Tony’s has all the fresh bait and most of the rigs and lures you need to get ready for the upcoming season. If you tie your own, make sure you check at that section in the shop. They have all the fixing’s to meet even the most demanding rig maker. If you are in the area, stop in to the shop. You will not be disappointed.
This time of the year can be difficult if you aren’t looking for striped bass action. The end of April now also means the effective end of tog until fall. But down in the Cape May area there is an air of excitement at Off the Hook Marina. Chuck and Mary are busy getting the shop ready for the upcoming summer flounder season. And more importantly, the arrival of the migratory black drum that invade Delaware Bay annually. There have been a few sightings of puppy drum, but the real action is right around the corner for these bottom lurkers. Fresh whole clam is the only bait I have ever used for drumming and Off the Hook, in the middle of clam row on the Ocean Drive in Cape May certainly will be loaded up. So if you need it, head on over.
Fishing Forecast for Southern New Jersey
It looks like we are going to have little weather this weekend. Nothing like last week, but dank and dark nonetheless. Even if it comes down sideways, there is plenty to do this week. There are plenty of striped bass in the area. Blues and tog are there but you will need to work a little bit harder to put them in the cooler. White perch are another option. Remember, summer flounder opens next Saturday and you have been fairly warned. The size limit is 17.5 inches with a position limit of 5 fish. It’s time to get your gear in working order. Most of the shops in the area are ready and waiting to assist you. It’s especially important to make sure your boat is safe and fully operational. Don’t be the one blocking the boat ramp on Saturday morning; you will never hear the end of it. And most important of all, please make sure you are safe out there, whether from the shore or water. Many anglers have taken the winter off and may be a little rusty. Be aware of your surroundings and conditions. Try thinking like a fish, then what would you do?