Perch, Pickerel and Bottom Fish
As of today, we are two weeks away from the first important date on the fishing calendar, the reopening of all waters (inside the three mile boundary) for striped bass. Any angler worth his salt knows that the best opportunities for taking a keeper fish this time of year is in the back where they are busy fattening up and getting ready for the annual spring spawn. A combination of warmer water, available food base and nature itself is undeniable urge that will draw both the linesiders and anglers to the back water in what has become an annual rite of the spring to come. There is fishing available if you can’t wait but now is the time to get your ”ducks in a row” so you can hit the ground (or water)running, so to speak. There is nothing worse than hitting the water for your first trip of the year and finding out that some of your equipment is letting you down. That being said, there is plenty of opportunity out there right now for those of you who can’t wait for the opening striper bell to ring. Let’s see what our scouts are seeing out there.
I ran into Dave Showell the other day down at the docks while he was harvesting some grass shrimp. Captain Dave, for those who don’t know is the chief cook and bottle washer at Absecon Bay Sportsmen’s Center. ABSC is one of, if not the, finest place for buying bait in all of South Jersey. If they don’t have it there, then chances are it’s not available anywhere. According to the cap, the best bets for inshore fishing are perch right now. The deeper wrecks are producing some tautog and further out, cod, black sea bass, ling and tile are all on the menu. Dave is slowly adding live baits to his own inventory and should be well stocked with clams, bloodworms and a variety of fresh and frozen enticements when the back bay opening bell rings in a few weeks.
If you are bored and looking for something fishing related in Red Bank, swing over the Pride Fishing Tackle on Front Street and check out some of owner Max’s hand painted fish art. The shop is open on winter hours still but should be going expanding come March. I would definitely call ahead. Max told me that those with patience fishing the local beachfronts are pulling in some keeper stripers using clam as bait. Water temperatures in the area are hovering close to forty and should start creeping upwards. Max also asked me to remind you about the Hi Mar Striper Club Flea market taking place this week at the VFW 2179 in East Port Monmouth this Saturday. Tell Max I sent you.
If you are looking for bait and tackle in the Toms River area, then the place to go is Captain Hippos on Atlantic City Boulevard. They are open and up since Sandy, with hours every day of the week except Wednesday and Thursday. I would still call ahead as winter hours are subject to change depending on the weather. Owner Lenny Hahn just got in some sweet looking Bob Hahn plugs, be sure to check them out.
With only two weeks left in the blackfish season (for now), you may want to consider getting out and putting some in the cooler. Most of the head boats in the area are running and the weather looks good for the next week. If I had to make a call as which one to use, I think I would opt for the New Big Mohawk and Captain Chris Hueth. Week after week they have been on the fish at a steady pace and I don’t see any signs that they are going to let up until the closing bell rings. Call ahead as with their record, the Big Mohawk is attracting quite a following and seating can be limited.
Looking to head out a little further for really deep water and really big fish? Consider chartering Big Kid Sports Fishing out of Brielle, Captained by Ken Gallop. This 44 foot Topaz is a nice ride out to deep water and the opportunity to catch ling, cod, tile or big black sea bass. If it’s sea bass you are looking for, act fast as there are only two weeks left in the current season. Black Sea bass closes on February 28th 2013. To my knowledge, new rules and season are still at the discussion level and have not been finalized.
The beaches of Cape May County start in the north in Ocean City and are a little quiet these days. Not from Sandy mind you, just in need of anglers. There have been some fish caught, all in the striper variety, most on fresh clam. The Corson’s Inlet area has been the most active. If you need any gear or bait while you are in Ocean City, Fin-Atics Marine Supply on West Ave is open and operating on reduced winter hours. The guys at the shop also tell me that there has been some perch action in the Patcong as well as the upper Riches of the GE River. Grass shrimp has been the best attractant.
No fishing report would be complete without a mention of freshwater action. And for me, I always turn to Tommy Pagliaroli of print, radio and advertising fame for the hot spots in the Garden State. Tom is also on the staff at the Sportsmens Center in Bordentown not a bad gathering point for a freshwater denizen. This week there have been strong reports in three areas. First, pickerel are active in the bogs at Brown’s Mills. Second, they are still taking trout in Sylvan Lake in Burlington County. Third, Tom tells me that the power plant down in Trenton has been pumping hot water and the small mouth bass action has been on ever since. In all three cases, shiners and or shiner imitators like Mepps Spinners have been the best way to fish them.
According to Mike Cunningham, owner of Sea Isle Bait and Tackle, fishing has remained decent since right after the Sandy came ashore. Anglers have been catching a fair amount of striped bass from the beaches on fresh clam with a decent amount of keeper fish in the mix. The local charter boats have also been doing well on the tautog and those venturing out to deep water for black sea bass have been rewarded with full coolers and fish up to 6 pounds. Several of the Cape May and Wildwood Head boats are operating as are a few in the Sea Isle area. Mike recommends you call ahead to your favorite party boat about the exact details as weather and availability could limit seating. Sea Isle Tackle is carrying a full line of baits to compliment local activity. This includes clam and crab. When available, they are one of the few in the area carrying white leggers. Mike recommends calling ahead for menu options as well as winter hours at the shop, which are also subject to change.
Best Bets for the Weekend.
Two weeks to get ready. If you haven’t taken the time to get your gear in order, now is the time to do it! Nothing can ruin an open day faster than faulty equipment and when you get down to it, fishing is ultimately about fun and relaxation. On that line, there are several flea markets this weekend that could assist you in replenishing your fishing ammo box. As previously mentioned, the Hi-Mar Striper Club has their annual market in Port Monmouth this weekend and there is also another one at Southern Regional High School this Saturday in Manahawkin. At either, you are likely to encounter some of your local B&T owners who are exhibiting their inventory at these venues because their shops are still under Sandy rehab. If it’s fishing itself and fishing alone that will float your boat, there are options available. Bass from the beaches using clam is your best and most economical possibility. And with only two weeks left in both black sea bass and blackfish, those species must be considered as a target. Ice isn’t a problem on the fresh and brackish water so check out perch, trout, bass and pickerel. Whichever decision you make, please stay safe out there. You only get so many days in the game, spend them wisely. See you on the incoming.
Can't wait to wet my line's! Geared up and ready for action! Fish on!