Deepwater Action Hot, Stripers Still Around
According to the calendar, we have reached the last day of January which means we are that much closer to the end of the winter doldrums. Not that there isn’t action out there but a recent arctic blast has kept all but the hardiest of anglers under the blankets and off of the water. I suspect that is all about to change. Recent reports indicate that there are still bass along the beaches and a short heat wave could open up the fresh water for those on a salt-free diet. But for you ice anglers, the news is not so good. As of the date of this report, even with the recent cold snap we experienced, finding safe ice in NJ has been almost impossible. And if you don’t want to brave the elements, there is plenty to do. The Show and flea market circuit is in full bloom giving you the opportunity to replace or upgrade all that equipment that took a beating in the last cycle. Keep reading and we will try to give your some options that hopefully reduce the stress of the cabin fever so many are prone to experience this time of year.
Last Friday we received word that Island Beach State Park was officially reopened for business. No word as to whether the curfew on the island is still in effect but overall it was a landmark day for the post Sandy recovery effort. If you are planning on soaking some bait in the area, please be aware that the beach, by all reports, still has some issues. Soft sand is prevalent so make sure your dune buggies have all the proper safety equipment. As most of you know, the island was one of the harder hit spot along the coast and as such, many of the local bait and tackle purveyors are still in rebuilding mode. I recommend you call ahead for availability. Betty and Nicks is the process of an almost total rebuild. As is the Dock Outfitters. Grumpy’s, while less hurt by the storm, is operating on reduced hours from the latest information I have been able to gather I was told that Captain Hook on the causeway had some bait available. All that being said, there have been reports of striped bass being taken from the beach, mostly on salted clam. Some keepers, mostly in the low range but keeper fish none the less.
There is exactly one (short) month left if you are looking to put some black sea bass or tautog in the cooler. The good news is that most of the party boats that ordinarily target them are going full speed and having good trips almost every time out. Be aware that weather and space on board could restrict your efforts so we advise calling ahead to book your trips. Big cod fish, ling and tile are also going strong but they require a longer ride to get at the really deep waters. Check with your favorite head boat for trip schedules.
Chris Hueth, captain of the Big Mohawk has been on the blackfish all year. Even with the reduced creel limit of 4, his customers are definitely walking away happy. Call in advance as the new Big Mohawk is a hot ride this year and books up fast. Tell them OTW sent you. Won’t get you a discount but might get you a seat.
This time of year, bait is king and those that have it are emperors. Dave Showell of Absecon Bay Sportsmen’s Center fits that description. Winter hours apply but know this, if there is bait available in the area, Dave has access to it. This week he is pushing grass shrimp along with a full line of salted and frozen baits. So if you are targeting perch and not willing to harvest your own, head to to Natalie Terrace in Absecon and load up.
In Point Pleasant, Alexs Bait and Tackle has been digging out of the hole Sandy put them in three months ago. The gang there has been steadily rebuilding and should be back open come March. If you are in the area and have some free time, stop in and see if they need a hand. I am certain they would appreciate it. Fishermen helping fishermen is always a good thing.
We received a brief message from Jack Montiero, owner of Surf Side Bait and Tackle in Long Branch indicating that prior to the cold snap, there was a nice run on linesiders in the area. Bait of preference was fresh clams if you can get them or salted as an alternative. The frigid temepratures knocked the bite down a bit but Jack expects it to turn back on with the warmer weather and more anglers to test the waters.
Speaking of Sandy, there is a group of guys associated with the NJ Beach Buggy Association who have been out there on the front lines from the minute Sandy exited the coastline. They are calling themselves Surf Fisherman for Recovery and you can check them out at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/surffishermanforrecovery/
Or contact Jim Hill at surffishermenforrecovery@yahoo.com
These guys are doing a yeoman’s job of assisting in any they can with the recovery effort and can always use additional support, be it financial or sweat. Check them out if you get a chance, there is plenty of work left to be done before the fishing season kicks in.
Looking to the south, we have received more than a few reports of stripers being taken in the Sea Isle City area. Mike Cunningham of Sea Isle Bait and Tackle has had anglers with fish up to thirty two inches in the shop. All were taken using salted clams. Blackfish, are still the best bet in town with several of the local party boats sailing when conditions permit. Mike is still carrying green crabs and when his suppliers have them, he gets white leggers. Sea Isle B and T is on Winter hours so I would suggest calling ahead for availability.
Whenever I need a laugh, I make it a point to give Tom P. at The Sportsmens Center in Bordentown a call. The man is the Howard Stern of the outdoor scene. But seriously folks, Tommy know his fishing and hunting. Especially freshwater, and this is why he is always on my call list. Tommy explained to me that this has been a crazy winter for the fresh water anglers. Those wishing to drill through the ice have been disappointed as the cold spells just haven’t been long enough to produce the blue ice you need for ice fishing. But, the northern pike fishing has still been good, ice or not. Budd Lake has been his go to spot. Trout, of all varieties are still on the menu at the Peaquest. And the Patcong has been giving up tons of white and yellow perch. Grass shrimp are abundant around the docks and bulkheads and can be caught for the price of a small holed net.
If you’re fishing Long Beach Island, as far as I can tell, your best bet for bait and equipment right now is Tonys Bait and Tackle just off the causeway in Manahawkin. Fishing reports on the island have been spotty but there are fish being caught. Mostly small striped bass with a few keeper size in the mix. Lots of construction going on there still and there will be for quite some time to come, so it’s anyone’s best guess as to the “hot spot”. Holgate and Bradley beach were two of the hardest hit areas by Sandy so I would guess that is also where beach access would be toughest. Let me know if you hear anything different. Tony’s has most of the baits you will need including clam, shrimp green crab and an assortment of salted and frozen baits.
Fishing reports from Brigantine through Ocean City have been sketchy at best which is normal for this time of year. In as much as we have had reports of bass taken both north and south of the area, I would suspect there are some to be found in those areas. Finding bait may be a little tougher. Fin-Atics Marine in Ocean City has winter hours and may be able to accommodate yours needs. Or you might try 24-7 Bait and Tackle on Ocean Heights Ave in EHT. In Brigantine, Captain Andy’s is keeping winter hours. On Absecon Island in Atlantic City, One stop Bait and Tackle is the place to go for all fishing supplies. I would suggest calling ahead to any of these shops.
After trying with no success for some weeks after Sandy hit the area, I finally received word that Giglios in Sea Bright is coming along just fine in their rebuilding efforts. I still have been able to get in touch with Tom but I understand they are open for business on winter hours and should be good to go come March. That’s great news for all the surf casters in the area as it is a shop that certainly has all that is important to that venue. I know it has long been one of my favorites and I’m glad to hear they are on the way to recovery.
Down in Cape May, the pickings are slim this time of year on the bayside with most of the fishable areas considered back bay and therefore closed to the one viable option, striped bass, for another month. But if you are looking for action, I hear the beaches in North Wildwood have some activity. Chuck Hinchcliffe at Off the Hook Marina is open on the Ocean Drive And should be able to assist you in prime spots as well as some baits. Most of the party boats in the area are heading out in search of tog including but not limited to the Miss Chris, Porgy II and Atlantic Star. Once again, I would advise that you call ahead for availability.
According to the calendar, we have reached the last day of January which means we are that much closer to the end of the winter doldrums. Not that there isn’t action out there but a recent arctic blast has kept all but the hardiest of anglers under the blankets and off of the water. I suspect that is all about to change. Recent reports indicate that there are still bass along the beaches and a short heat wave could open up the fresh water for those on a salt-free diet. But for you ice anglers, the news is not so good. As of the date of this report, even with the recent cold snap we experienced, finding safe ice in NJ has been almost impossible. And if you don’t want to brave the elements, there is plenty to do. The Show and flea market circuit is in full bloom giving you the opportunity to replace or upgrade all that equipment that took a beating in the last cycle. Keep reading and we will try to give your some options that hopefully reduce the stress of the cabin fever so many are prone to experience this time of year.
Last Friday we received word that Island Beach State Park was officially reopened for business. No word as to whether the curfew on the island is still in effect but overall it was a landmark day for the post Sandy recovery effort. If you are planning on soaking some bait in the area, please be aware that the beach, by all reports, still has some issues. Soft sand is prevalent so make sure your dune buggies have all the proper safety equipment. As most of you know, the island was one of the harder hit spot along the coast and as such, many of the local bait and tackle purveyors are still in rebuilding mode. I recommend you call ahead for availability. Betty and Nicks is the process of an almost total rebuild. As is the Dock Outfitters. Grumpy’s, while less hurt by the storm, is operating on reduced hours from the latest information I have been able to gather I was told that Captain Hook on the causeway had some bait available. All that being said, there have been reports of striped bass being taken from the beach, mostly on salted clam. Some keepers, mostly in the low range but keeper fish none the less.
There is exactly one (short) month left if you are looking to put some black sea bass or tautog in the cooler. The good news is that most of the party boats that ordinarily target them are going full speed and having good trips almost every time out. Be aware that weather and space on board could restrict your efforts so we advise calling ahead to book your trips. Big cod fish, ling and tile are also going strong but they require a longer ride to get at the really deep waters. Check with your favorite head boat for trip schedules.
Chris Hueth, captain of the Big Mohawk has been on the blackfish all year. Even with the reduced creel limit of 4, his customers are definitely walking away happy. Call in advance as the new Big Mohawk is a hot ride this year and books up fast. Tell them OTW sent you. Won’t get you a discount but might get you a seat.
This time of year, bait is king and those that have it are emperors. Dave Showell of Absecon Bay Sportsmen’s Center fits that description. Winter hours apply but know this, if there is bait available in the area, Dave has access to it. This week he is pushing grass shrimp along with a full line of salted and frozen baits. So if you are targeting perch and not willing to harvest your own, head to to Natalie Terrace in Absecon and load up.
In Point Pleasant, Alexs Bait and Tackle has been digging out of the hole Sandy put them in three months ago. The gang there has been steadily rebuilding and should be back open come March. If you are in the area and have some free time, stop in and see if they need a hand. I am certain they would appreciate it. Fishermen helping fishermen is always a good thing.
We received a brief message from Jack Montiero, owner of Surf Side Bait and Tackle in Long Branch indicating that prior to the cold snap, there was a nice run on linesiders in the area. Bait of preference was fresh clams if you can get them or salted as an alternative. The frigid temepratures knocked the bite down a bit but Jack expects it to turn back on with the warmer weather and more anglers to test the waters.
Speaking of Sandy, there is a group of guys associated with the NJ Beach Buggy Association who have been out there on the front lines from the minute Sandy exited the coastline. They are calling themselves Surf Fisherman for Recovery and you can check them out at:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/surffishermanforrecovery/
Or contact Jim Hill at surffishermenforrecovery@yahoo.com
These guys are doing a yeoman’s job of assisting in any they can with the recovery effort and can always use additional support, be it financial or sweat. Check them out if you get a chance, there is plenty of work left to be done before the fishing season kicks in.
Looking to the south, we have received more than a few reports of stripers being taken in the Sea Isle City area. Mike Cunningham of Sea Isle Bait and Tackle has had anglers with fish up to thirty two inches in the shop. All were taken using salted clams. Blackfish, are still the best bet in town with several of the local party boats sailing when conditions permit. Mike is still carrying green crabs and when his suppliers have them, he gets white leggers. Sea Isle B and T is on Winter hours so I would suggest calling ahead for availability.
Whenever I need a laugh, I make it a point to give Tom P. at The Sportsmens Center in Bordentown a call. The man is the Howard Stern of the outdoor scene. But seriously folks, Tommy know his fishing and hunting. Especially freshwater, and this is why he is always on my call list. Tommy explained to me that this has been a crazy winter for the fresh water anglers. Those wishing to drill through the ice have been disappointed as the cold spells just haven’t been long enough to produce the blue ice you need for ice fishing. But, the northern pike fishing has still been good, ice or not. Budd Lake has been his go to spot. Trout, of all varieties are still on the menu at the Peaquest. And the Patcong has been giving up tons of white and yellow perch. Grass shrimp are abundant around the docks and bulkheads and can be caught for the price of a small holed net.
If you’re fishing Long Beach Island, as far as I can tell, your best bet for bait and equipment right now is Tonys Bait and Tackle just off the causeway in Manahawkin. Fishing reports on the island have been spotty but there are fish being caught. Mostly small striped bass with a few keeper size in the mix. Lots of construction going on there still and there will be for quite some time to come, so it’s anyone’s best guess as to the “hot spot”. Holgate and Bradley beach were two of the hardest hit areas by Sandy so I would guess that is also where beach access would be toughest. Let me know if you hear anything different. Tony’s has most of the baits you will need including clam, shrimp green crab and an assortment of salted and frozen baits.
Fishing reports from Brigantine through Ocean City have been sketchy at best which is normal for this time of year. In as much as we have had reports of bass taken both north and south of the area, I would suspect there are some to be found in those areas. Finding bait may be a little tougher. Fin-Atics Marine in Ocean City has winter hours and may be able to accommodate yours needs. Or you might try 24-7 Bait and Tackle on Ocean Heights Ave in EHT. In Brigantine, Captain Andy’s is keeping winter hours. On Absecon Island in Atlantic City, One stop Bait and Tackle is the place to go for all fishing supplies. I would suggest calling ahead to any of these shops.
After trying with no success for some weeks after Sandy hit the area, I finally received word that Giglios in Sea Bright is coming along just fine in their rebuilding efforts. I still have been able to get in touch with Tom but I understand they are open for business on winter hours and should be good to go come March. That’s great news for all the surf casters in the area as it is a shop that certainly has all that is important to that venue. I know it has long been one of my favorites and I’m glad to hear they are on the way to recovery.
Down in Cape May, the pickings are slim this time of year on the bayside with most of the fishable areas considered back bay and therefore closed to the one viable option, striped bass, for another month. But if you are looking for action, I hear the beaches in North Wildwood have some activity. Chuck Hinchcliffe at Off the Hook Marina is open on the Ocean Drive And should be able to assist you in prime spots as well as some baits. Most of the party boats in the area are heading out in search of tog including but not limited to the Miss Chris, Porgy II and Atlantic Star. Once again, I would advise that you call ahead for availability.