By now, you should be done with the bulk of your Holiday chores. And Mom Nature looks to be giving us a nice window to give it one last shout before the curtain comes down on 2013. The boat may be pulled and wrapped and some of the tackle put up for their much needed off season maintenance but the fish don’t know that. There is still plenty of life left in the water. All you need is the right target and a plan for attaining those goals. To help you achieve success, I will try and give you the best options available this time of year. While some bait and tackle shops and boats may have settled in for a much deserved winter respite, there are still plenty out there to help you in your efforts. Let’s see if we can find some that meet your needs.
Belmar Fishing Report
Probably the best option this time of year is to hop on a head boat and take a shot at blackfish. In Belmar, there are more than a few options to get you out to the fish. One of my favorites is the New Big Mohawk and Captain Chris Hueth. They are bottom fishing pros and always find a way to put their fares on the fish. Recent trips have had anglers weigh in tog up to 13 pounds. They have white leggers available. If you can’t get out and are still looking for some last minute gift ideas, why not consider a Mohawk gift certificate. They can be purchased on website at http://www.njpartyboat.com/gift-certificates.shtml
Another great option for fishing in the Belmar area is the Ocean Explorer and Captain Bobby Quinn. This boat specializes in blackfish and it certainly shows in their recent reports to us. Limits are not uncommon on the OE and most go home with at least a few fish. Considering the amount of dog sharks around lately, that is no small accomplishment. The Ocean Explorer offers group discounts if you want to get the gang out for a winter get together and some fishing. Call ahead for details.
The Miss Belmar Princess is still sailing everyday mainly for striped bass but will be making the switch over to mackerel come the beginning of the New Year. They also have some great gift certificate packages available right now for that special someone (or yourself) in your life. Lock in now and save some change in 2014. The Belmar Princess departs daily at 7:30 am.
Brielle Fishing Report
The Reel Seat and Owner Dave Arbietman are on the move come the New Year but until then, remain open at their current location. Hours through next week will remain regular winter hours but I would recommend calling ahead after that as I am sure they will be packing up for the move to the new store at 707 Union Ave (Rte. 71) in Brielle. Dave tell me that the new shop will be three times the size of the old one with a dedicated room for their famous fishing seminars. I have heard from a few of those who attended his sessions on tile fishing and they gave them rave reviews. For those of you who don’t know, Dave is one of the top tile fish anglers in NJ. There is nothing like learning from the best. As for the local fishing now, Dave tells me that the black fishing in the area has been great of late and anglers are still taking schoolie bass off the local beaches. And while David didn’t specifically mention it, I’m thinking there might be some good deals to be at the Reel Seat with the move and the holidays coming up. And I am always looking for a good deal.
Point Pleasant Fishing Report
Captain Kenny Namowitz of the MIMI VI in Point Pleasant has announced he will be sailing open boat on Thursday and Friday next week (26th and 27th) as well as the following Sunday. They will be targeting blackfish. Fare price is $65.00 per angler. Still some open seats but you need to call asap to reserve a spot. You can contact them at 732-370-8019.
Seaside Park Fishing Report
John Bushell Jr. of Betty and Nicks in Seaside Park tells me that people are still fishing and more importantly, catching at Island Beach State Park. Mostly metals are being thrown for striped bass and those catching aren’t lighting up the beaches. The fish being caught are definitely smaller, school sized bass but hey, its fishing. John has put together some awesome package deals to clear the shelves at years end. If you are in the area, stop in and check them out.
Robbinsville Fishing Report
Call it sweet water or salt free, there is some nice action taking place in the fresh water department these cold winter days. That’s what Tackle Box Joe Loretti of Harrys Outdoor Outfitters in Robbinsville told me when I reached out to him. With the NJDEP stocking finished and the crowds thinned out. Check the stockings at http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/news/2013/wntrtrt13.htm. There are some beautiful two year old rainbows in the mix. Harry’s is having some great sales for you last minute shoppers. Be sure to check them out as well.
Best Bets for the Weekend
As I mentioned at the start of this forecast, it looks as if Mother Nature is going to cut us a break this weekend with the weather. Higher temperatures for those of you who despise the cold blustery winter means the window is open the bit. Most boaters have pulled their rides for the season but there are plenty of party boats willing to fill the gap. Most of the reports I have been seeing show decent action even with the strong influx of dog sharks pestering the patrons. There was a 23-pound blackfish caught recently off Cape May and I have seen more than a few big tog at all coastal points. Striper activity is down to the smaller school sized fish but they are still around. A pop up in the air temperatures could spur the activity even more. White perch should be grouping up for the winter in the back waters. If I get a chance this weekend, that’s where I’m headed.
In the sweet fresh water, there are some nice big trout waiting for you. I hear there are a few boats running out to the really deep water and filling up on black sea bass. I hear that they won’t be opening that season back up come January so if purple back sea bass are on your Christmas List, this may be the best shot for a while. One more thing, I have been trying to locate someone who has tried putting some winter whiting in the cooler. If you are or have hit them, please give me a heads up. I have a sneaky suspicion there may be a little be of resurgence. And if you still have some items to fill on your gift list, consider hitting your local bait and tackle or picking up some gift certificates at your favorite party boat.
Whatever you plan to do, have fun and stay safe out there. The waters are cold now and a little mistake can mean a long recovery. You only get so many days in the game so spend them wisely. I won’t be back until the start of the New Year so please allow me to offer my Christmas greetings and wish you all a great 2014.
See you on the incoming.