Dirty Water Dampens Striper Bite, Blackfish Action Great
It’s now been just over three weeks since Sandy paid a visit to the Garden State and while conditions are improving, they are far from optimal. We now know for sure that the eye of the storm came directly over Atlantic City meaning that the worst damage, as is normal for this type of storm, would be north of center. Sandy, which was actually two storms rolled into one that was guided by a front from the west, proved this theory and then some. Striking at almost full high tide, the winds and surge combined to alter all aspects of the fishing grounds from Brigantine north through the barrier island off New York. And while anglers are slowly filtering back to the water, it’s much too early to make a call as to whether these changes affected fishing in a positive or negative light. Only time and more importantly experience will tell us the tale. All we can do is track the efforts and see how things turn out. Our goal with these fishing forecasts is to keep you on top of the situation with the best information we can gather from our sources. And while the final decision is yours, hopefully we can assist in your efforts.
At the top of the state, Atlantic Highlands was hit very hard by Sandy. But the gang at Bait Your Hook Tackle and Ice are fighting back. They are working hard at the cleanup and figure that they will be back online in time for the spring season. Most of the local hot spots are either closed or where you can get at the water, parking is almost impossible to accomplish. Kevin at the shop did ask that patrons try to patronize the “Hope for the Highlands Benefit Concert” on November 25th at the Seastreak Ferry Landing at Connors, 325 Shore Drive, Highlands NJ.
Having just taken delivery on his new boat, I was pretty sure the Captain Chris Hueth of the Big Mohawk wasn’t go to let a storm keep him from his appointed rounds. And the Big Mohawk is doing much more than fishing – they are catching. Mostly targeting blackfish and doing well with their aim from the pictures I have been seeing. Sailing out of Belmar, I would advise calling first to see if they are planning a trip. This time of year, that’s the best way to plan a trip. Not only is weather an important factor but with all the debris in the water, trips are subject to change.
As of November 5th, Surf Side Bait and Tackle in Long Branch was open. Losing power from the storm was their biggest issue as the shop escaped with relatively little damage. Coincidently that was owner Jack Montiero’s birthday. So if you are in the area, stop in and give him a head’s up. Fishing in the area is very limited but there are some spots that can be accessed. Parking is the biggest issue right now with beach erosion running a close second.
Still unable to contact anyone in the Sea Bright area. My understanding is they were hit especially hard. According to their web site, Giglios in Sea Bright took almost 3 feet of water in the shop. They are closed and rebuilding but shooting for a mid-December reopening. In the interim, they are able to fill orders through their email info@gigliosbaitandtackle.com .Best of luck to Ernie and Tom and the rest of the gang at the shop.
Bradley Beach and the close by Asbury Park area are open for fishing. Parking is somewhat of a problem but there are fish being caught in the area. If you need bait or equipment, I suggest you head over to The Bait Shop in Bradley Beach. Their inventory is complete and they have all the bait you might need for a day in the surf or on the water. They have clam, and bunker as well as green crabs for you blackfish enthusiasts. Waters are still a bit murky in the area according to the gang at the shop and the bait anglers have been having the best success on clam.
Morgan, NJ sits at the foot of Raritan Bay and is the home of Zubacks Marina. Family-owned for over 75 years, to say they took a big hit from Sandy would be the understatement of the year. The waters of the Raritan essentially funnel directly back to their marina and as such, leveled complete buildings on the property. I have seen pictures but have not been able to contact them since the storm. Everyone appears OK and they are busy in the cleanup and rebuilding phase like everyone else in the area. If anyone hears from the crew out at Zuback’s and they need anything at all, please email me and I will make sure I get the word out. Now is the time for fishermen to stand up and help others in the industry.
In Red Bank, Max at Pride Fishing Tackle has his eyes focused on blackfish this time of year and from what I have been seeing, he is right on the target. The shop is open and they are well stocked to meet all your needs. Cloudy waters in the area seem to be limiting the striper bite but the blackfish are more than making up the difference. With the limit at 6 again and many of the local charter boats back in operation, it just may be the ticket to a successful outing. Clam and green crab have been the most effective baits for tautog and clam has also been the top producer in the striped bass arena.
Spoke with Eric at the Reel Seat in Brielle, and he confirmed most of the information I have been getting of late. There are fish around but getting at them is the problem. No beaches north of Brigantine are allowing vehicle traffic. And those beaches that have access seem to be plagued with parking issues. So What I am saying is do your homework before driving a long way. The blackfish and stripers off charter and head boats are doing a slow pick but with the northeast blow we have had for the last ten days, getting out has also been hit or miss. Dave and the guys at The Reel Seat are almost back to speed, but bait has been an issue due to lack of refrigeration lost during the storm. Still, a great place to do some early Christmas shopping if you feel the need.
Tom P. resident guru at the Sportsmens Center in Bordentown is the man to talk to if you are looking for freshwater action. Check out his article in the current issue of OTW on muskie (not musky) action in New Jersey. Very informative. If you need to fish and your best saltwater beaches are closed, then break out the light tackle and head inland according to Tom. The state’s fall/winter trout stocking program is in full force as we speak, check out their web site for a location near you. In Lake Hopatcong, the walleye bite is on at Chestnut Point. Anglers using a #9 Rapala Ice Jig are slamming them! For Pickerel, Tom recommends Cranberry Lake and live shiners. And finally, the Salem Canal has had a good largemouth bass bite recently.
Captain Steve Spinelli of the Skylarker has been doing well with the striped bass and blue fish, heading south off the Governor’s Mansion. When weather permits they have also be targeting blackfish with keepers up to 7 pounds fishing the reefs off of Sea Bright. The Skylarker berths in Belmar.
In other charter and head boat news, the action since the storm has been the hardest sector of our industry to get information on since the storm. Most of the reports I have received are second hand in the north so it goes without saying that you need to call ahead. As previously mentioned, the Big Mohawk has been going out when the weather lets them. I also hear many of the Bogan fleet in and around Brielle have been sailing as well. My sources tell me that the Gambler has been fishing as well Some other I hear are running but could not contact include:
- Captain Ken Gallop – Big Kid Sports fishing – Belmar – 732-261-0606
- Captain Mick – Ol Salty II – Belmar – 732-681-6650
- Captain Rob Ferreira – Last One Charters – Belmar – 732-556-7136
- Captain Jody Distasio – XTC Sports fishing – Belmar – 732-616-3763
- Captain Mike Schneider –Katie H – Oceanport – 908-600-6413
As previously mentioned, all my information is second hand on any of these boats but I would recommend calling ahead if you are looking for a trip. Better safe than sorry.
Best Bets for the weekend
The wind is projected to spin around northwest any day now. Should that happen, it’s not unlikely that the bite will spin with it as the water clears. Bait is the best option for a keeper striper if the waters stay murky, clam and fresh bunker are available all over, but some shops aren’t carrying large quantities so you may want to call ahead. Beach access is a whole different playground. No beaches in the northern part of the state are permitting vehicle access at this time and I wouldn’t expect any until the spring season. Island Beach State Park is closed until at least February. That being said, there is access at various points but you will need to carry in your gear and bait. Many anglers are fleeing south to Long Beach Island where there has been a slow pick of both stripers and blues. On the water, the swell has kept those wanting to troll from putting out any lines. Once again, a change in the wind could resolve that problem.
With the blackfish limit back at 6, you now have alternatives. Bait at most shops is no longer an issue but owners are carrying big inventories so you might want to call ahead to insure availability. Things are getting back to normal but it’s going to take time. If you and your family were spared the catastrophe that was Sandy, take a minute this Thanksgiving to note that. Many in the fishing industry were not so blessed. If you are out and about, stop in a see if they need any help. And if you are planning on making any fishing related purchases, I urge you to try and buy local. It is going to take a lot to come back from this and every little bit helps it happen that much faster. Whatever you choose to do this long weekend, stay safe out there. You only get so many days in the game, don’t waste them. Have a great Thanksgiving. I will see you on the incoming.