New Jersey Fishing Report 1-3-2012

Black Sea Bass is Back On!

The way I see it, we have around 8 weeks of really slack time as it pertains to fishing in New Jersey.  Don’t be fooled, there is plenty of activity to take advantage of if you really must have a fishing fix.  We at On the Water haven’t given up yet, No sir! It will take a little more than cold and wind to stop us from our appointed rounds.  This is the time of year when a fishing report can serve you even more than the hot dog days of summer. In the summer, the fish are more than cooperative. Finding bait is also a no brainer. But at this time of year, when most anglers are more interested in football and more wood on the fire, we at OTW strive to make it just a little easier for those unwilling to call it a season. If we can make you adventure a little easier, than our job is done.  By the way, I hope every one of you has a great start to the New Year and a prosperous 2013. After the trials and tribulations of 12, complete with several major storms, it can only be better.

Let’s take care of some rule changes you need to be aware of with the change of new year. First and foremost, most if not all NJ licenses related to fishing expire effective 12/31/2012. That includes the Saltwater Registry.  Even though it is a free registration, you need to renew it each year. You can easily renew or apply for the first time by visiting the State web site http://www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry/  and following the instructions. Remember to print out a copy or three. I laminate them and store one in my tackle box for easy access if needed.  In other news, in case you haven’t heard, black sea bass has reopened effective 1/1/13 and remains open thru the last day of February. Minimum size is 12.5 inches and note that they have changed the creel limit from 25 to 15 per person. Additionally, Blackfish (aka tog, white chins, and slippery bass) see a reduction in the take home limits. Down to 4 from a cool half dozen.  And for those of you still looking to target striped bass, remember that doing so in the back bay is no-no from 1/1 through 2/28.

Captain Chris Hueth and the new Big Mohawk are still out there chasing those white chinned beauties and having a ball doing so. As is the norm this time of year, you need to pick your days but they are sailing whenever the weather opens a window. Recent trips have had catches of blackfish up to 9.5 pounds. If you’ve never fished on the Big Mohawk, I highly recommend you give it a shot.  You will not be disappointed.  Call ahead to make sure they have room for you and are planning a trip.

I recently got a message from Kevin at Bait Your Hook Tackle and Ice in Atlantic Highlands. They really got slammed by Sandy and are still trying to rebuild. Believe it or not, they only recently got power back to the shop but are now well under way with the recovery effort and they guarantee they will be back bigger and better than ever. Best of luck guys.

Finding bait this time of year can be an adventure in and of itself. Please do yourself a favor and don’t assume your local bait shop will have what you are looking for or is even open. This time of year the logical move would be to call ahead if you are unsure of their status.  Some shops move to winter hours and some are shut down for a winters rest. This year is even more of a challenge as shops that ordinarily stay open are closed to make some much needed repairs as a result of Sandy.  And to make it even more challenging, their providers have slowed down their operations for many of the same reasons.  Shops that I know are open along the coast but have reduced hours include:

• Absecon Bay Sportsmens Center -609-484-0409 ( Absecon Island and surrounding area)
• Jersey Hooker Outfitters –   732-903-6904 (Brick Area)
• Reel Life Bait and Tackle  732-899-3506 ( Point Pleasant Area)
• Pride Fishing Tackle – 732-383-8198 (Red Bank Area)
• Go Fish Bait and Tackle –  732-929-3474 (Toms River Area)
• Sea Isle Bait and Tackle – 609-263-6540 ( Sea Isle Area)
• Dows Boat Rental – 973-663-3826 (Lake Hopatcong area)
• Fishermens Supply Co. – 732-892-2058 (Point Pleasant Beach)
• Giglios Bait and Tackle –  -732-383-5375 (Sea Bright)
• Two Chums Bait and Tackle  – 609-263-2486 (Sea Isle Area)
• Tony’s Bait and Tackle – 609-597-7250 (Manahawkin/ LBI area)
• Fin-Atic’s Marine Supply – 609-398-2248 (Ocean City)
• Surfside Bait and Tackle  – 732-222-4436 ( Long Branch)
• The Reel Seat – 732-223-5353 (Brielle area)

The above listed shops are those I know for certain to have winter hours. My apologies if I missed anyone or was unable to contact them to verify that they do in fact have winter hours.  My point is that with the reduced angler participation this time of year, most shops cut back to several days per week.  If you are contemplating a fishing trip this time of year, a phone call should be the first task of your planning process.  There are plenty of stripers around off all the beaches. The waters are hovering in the mid-forties from the top to the bottom of the state so it goes without saying that their metabolism has slowed down to a crawl. Bait, preferably clam is your best bet. But be prepared to put your time in.  And once again, the ocean front is your only option this time of year as the bays and rivers closed effective 12/31.

Black sea bass opened again this week but with high winds early in the week, I haven’t really gotten any noteworthy reports to speak of yet. I do know that most of the big head boats will be sailing for the really deep water to target them. The Gambler, Jamaica and other favorites are all booking offshore trips for sea bass, cod and ling depending upon weather conditions. If you are thinking about a trip, I advise you to call as soon as possible because the reports I am getting indicate trips are filling up fast.

I spoke with Tom P. at the Sportsmens Center in Bordentown to catch up with the freshwater action this week.  According to Tom, the Delaware is giving up some real nice channel cats and carp on, wait for it, hot dogs. At least that is what one favored customer is using. Takes me back to my youth growing up on the river. In other news, Tom told me that most of the stocked rivers are still giving up some nice brown trout.  The bass bite is a little slow but there have been some nice reports on muskie in the local rivers as well as some torrid action in Lake Hopatcong.  With the warm spell we have been experiencing, ice fishing hasn’t had the opportunity to take root yet but Tom tells me there is some nice catches of perch being reported in the Bass River.

Best Bets for the Weekend.

Water temperatures are in the mid-forties all along the coast but there is still plenty of game out there to defeat the cabin fever that some may already be stricken with this new year. Stripers can be had for the price of some clams but stay beach front as the back and rivers are already closed. As previously mentioned, it’s time to renew those NJ Saltwater registries so take a few minutes before you head out to update yours. Call ahead if you need bait, most shops are running on winter schedules.  The tog/blackfish bite is good with many head boats reporting fish in excess of ten pounds on their daily trips, weather permitting.  Cod, ling and sea bass are all in play as well. We had reports of bluefin last week in the canyons but wind, weather and holidays make it difficult to ascertain if they are still in the area.  Such is winter in New Jersey. Fewer anglers pursuing fish make it more difficult to make accurate predictions as to what the best opportunities are and where they will take place.  The fishing flea markets and show will be starting any week now as well.  None to speak of this weekend but keep an eye out. If you can’t fish then buying new tackle is always a second option for any die hard angler.  And many of the shop owners who took a hit with Sandy will be at these shows.  So you have a good chance to show your appreciation for all the good times they have helped you with. Pay it forward.  Whichever option you decide on, please stay safe out there.  The water is cold and rough.  You only get so many days in the game, spend them wisely.  See you on the incoming.