Spring Weather…Finally
Looking at the extended forecast, it would appear that we could finally catch a little bit of a break in the next week or so. If our esteemed weather prognosticators are correct, the snows may, and that’s a big may, have finally turned tail and run from the Garden State. The stocking trucks from the Peaquest Hatcheries are rolling across the state, getting our streams and lakes ready for the opening of trout season which commences on April 6. I understand that they are putting up to 6000 breeder trout (3 to 8 pounds) in this year along with their regular stocking program. You can check out the schedule for the state at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/trtstk13.htm. Please be sure to update your fresh water license and include a trout stamp if you are planning on partaking of the festivities. I predict a great trout season thanks once again to a stalwart effort form the gang at NJ Fish and Game.
Spoke with Big Ed at Fin-Atics Marine Supply in Ocean City this week to get the low down on local fishing conditions. The beach is somewhat slow but there has been the occasional striper caught at the south end by anglers using clam as bait. More productive have been the new fishing piers along the Ninth Street causeway as well as the areas around the power plant in Beasley’s Point. Drag Island is usually a go to place this time of year but there have been few reports and its viability as a fishing spot is still in question. You can help out in the efforts by going to http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/s…island-access/ and signing the petition. In other news, white perch have been hitting well on the tide change in the Patcong. Blood worms are the best bait or grass shrimp if you can find them. I am also hearing about good results on Mepps-like lures.
According to the crew at Tony’s Bait and Tackle in Manahawkin, it gets a little better every week. Some winter flounder have been caught in the local waters (remember 2 fish at 12 inches) and the striper bite at the power plant has been good, but not so much in the keeper category. Bloodworms are the best producers but white shad tails are also giving them a run for the money. Perch are showing up in the Mullica and Graveling Point area. Tony’s is operating on spring hours and has all the fresh baits and tackle you will need for a day of angling. The beaches on LBI are accessible but there is still a ton of Sandy work going on so access to your favorite spot may be a little iffy.
Tom at Team Tackle Direct tells me that the shallows in Risley Channel behind Margate is a good place to start in your hunt for striped bass this time of year. Water temperatures tend to heat up faster there and the bait will migrate to it with hungry stripers not far away. I was also reminded by the gang at TD that tautog reopens next week (April 1) and stays open for the month at four fish per angler. If you haven’t stopped in there new facility on Tilton Road in EHT, I recommend you give it a look see. You will not be disappointed!
Contrary to some of the rumors right after Sandy, Fishermens Supply Company in Point Pleasant is alive and well and running full bore into the new season. Had a nice chat with Ron at the shop this week and he informed me that this week, the flounder bite is the best in the area. The best results have been anglers using chum pots loaded with clam in the Barnegat Bay. Cleanup is progressing in the bay and that may even be helping to stir up the toothless flatties. Striper action has been a little muted but Ron said the has been some decent activity by the 37th street bridge. He also asked me to remind our readers that they are having a seminar at the shop on Thursday April 4th at 7 pm. Chris Buchta will be presenting techniques for catching rooster fish in Mexico. I have seen some video of Chris in action, you just may want to add this to your schedule.
Just got an email from a valued reader, Steve Kasprzak of the Villas, who was at the Ponderlodge Fishing area in Cape May when they were stocking trout the other day. He informed me the state loaded the lake with some beautiful brown beauties up to 8 pounds. Remember, no chasing them until April 6at 8am. And get those licenses in order!
This time of year, fishing can be tough. We are between seasons for some species and between migrations for others. When that’s the case, I like to speak with Dave Arbeitman of the Reel Seat in Brielle for some options. Dave told me that he heard some netters in the Manasquan Area came across some schools of mackerel. Good to hear. I have fond memories of Good Friday trips to load up the bait locker for summer fluking but that fishery seems to have ebbed. It just might be worth testing the waters if you are really looking for some action. Dave also asked me to mention his “Beginners Only” tile fish trip aboard the Voyager this June. Breaking port on Tuesday evening, June 4 for deep water action on June 5 it comes with a pre-trip free seminar at the shop on the Joys of Tile Fishing, host by Dave. For those of you interested, there isn’t another person on the coast with as much experience on this type of fishing. Dave also designs and sells one of the finest Tile fishing rods that I have ever seen. The trip is limited to 21 anglers and is half-booked now so if you want in, I would contact the shop and get a reservation ASAP.
If you are a fresh water denizen and have been looking for some pike action, I would suggest you head over to Meltzers Sporting Goods in Garfield and load up on shiners. From there, it’s a hop skip and jump to the Passaic River and some great pike action. At least that is the information passed along to me from Mark at Meltzer’s. Panfish action for yellow perch and crappies has been good at both Lake Hopatcong and Greenwood. Once again, live shiners and fat heads seems to be the key with the cool water making artificial baits a reel work effort. If you are looking to upgrade your freshwater tackle box, you are going to need to head over to the shop. They have been stocking up in anticipation of opening day of trout with everything from a full line of Berkley Power Baits to Mepp’s spinners. And everything in between. Including fishing licenses. Definitely the one stop shop when it comes to fresh water angling.
The Boys are Back In Town! That’s the news from Carmen at Two Chums Bait and Tackle in Sea Isle City this week. The shop officially opens for the season this week and almost all of Sandy’s handy work has been reversed according to Carmen. The rental boats aren’t in yet but the new freezers and some additional shop space have been added and the bait is ready and waiting for you. Fishing has been a little slow in the area with some keepers coming from the back and lighter action beach front. Winter flounder can be had in the back around Paddy’s Hole and can be mixed up with some white perch fishing to put a little extra on the plate. Two Chums should have some crabs available for the reopening of blackfish on the first. Call ahead to make sure they have the baits you are looking for. The guys at Two Chums are usually on top of their game but this time of the year, better safe than sorry. JMO.
Best Bets for the Weekend
As I mentioned at the top of this report, it looks like the weather may finally cut us a break for a change. At the very least, it does not look like snow and that is a good thing. Hopefully, we can get some stretches of sunshine which combined with the higher angle of the sun could give us a little warmer water. Best hope for catching is in the back waters at drop offs against shallow areas in my opinion. This goes for most any species you might be chasing. We are between seasons for many fishing opportunities so your choices are somewhat limited. In the freshwater, arm yourself with some shiners or fatheads and target pike, crappies other pan fish at your favorite spots. The water is hovering in the low forties so fish slow. In the briny waters, striped bass are almost the only game in town right now. And the best options for a keeper is in the back waters where you can find skinny water holding both heat and bait. White perch are also an opportunity so remember to pack some light gear. Blackfish remains closed until the first of April but there have been some good reports on winter flounder. Chum buckets are almost an essential for attracting these tasty treats so load up with clam. From this weekend on, fishing does nothing but get better. Longer days, warmer water and stronger baits all start to make a foothold in the local waters. Whatever you choose to do, please stay safe out there. The water is still cool and a little slip can make for a dangerous fall. You only get so many days in the game, spend them wisely. See you on the incoming.