T’was the week before Christmas and all through the shore, nary a creature was stirring let’s see if we can get more. Yes it has gotten cold and yes it has even snowed, but that does not mean the lights have gone out on the fishing season. There are still migrating fish out there; you simply need to adjust your hunting techniques. Recent water temperatures have dipped into the low 40s and that means most fish metabolisms have slowed down commensurately. Slow down your retrieve no matter what species you are targeting. Some shops and boats have shut it down for the season but others are hanging in there until the final season bell rings. Almost all have shortened their hours. Bait can be difficult to find this time of year as it becomes a matter of having enough of a call for it to warrant the expense. I would recommend calling ahead to your favorite provider to insure availability.
Brick Fishing Report
I put a call in to Tom Wolfe at Jersey Tackle in Brick to wish him a Merry Christmas but missed him by a whisker. I did speak with Tony at the shop and as always the conversation, after talking about the local fishing conditions, escalated into rod building. Tom and Tony build some sweet jigging rods at Jersey Tackle. You have to check them out. In regards to the local bite, Tony informed me that it has been a little slow. Tony has been hoping that there would be some news on whiting in the area but hasn’t heard much yet. That’s a fishery I haven’t thought about in years. If anyone hears anything, drop me a line, I would love to give it a shot. Anyway, there are still some striped bass around, most on the slow troll. Pulling umbrella rigs like Niners is a good tactic. Tony tells me that some of the patrons of the shop have been doing well with the blackfish on both private boats and head boats. Green crabs are working well but white legged crabs are doing even better.
Toms River Fishing Report
Lenny Hahn of Capt’n Hippos Bait and Tackle in South Toms River also asked me to pass along his holiday wishes and thanks for a great season at the shop. Lenny is playing it by ear through the end of the year and the start of the New Year, so a call ahead is a must if you are looking for tackle or bait. The striper bite has been very slow off the beaches, better on the water. Blackfish has been a prime target for many boaters. There have also been some nice reports of perch in the Toms. Last heard from, they were grouped up in the Oyster.
Absecon Bay Fishing Report
If you plan on fishing in the Absecon Island or Brigantine area and want bait to accomplish your goals, I suggest you head over to Absecon Bay Sportsmen’s Center and talk to Captain David Showell. If he does not have the specific bait you are looking for, then chances are it isn’t available. This time of year, demand is always down and that limits what the bait men set their sights on going after. Locally, it’s been tough fishing lately but there are still some options available. The Mullica River is starting to give up some nice white perch. Anglers using grass shrimp are having the best success rates. Blood worms are also an option. There has been some nice tautog reported off of the local AC and GE reefs when weather has allowed anglers to take a run at them. Not much action on the local rocks or at the Brigantine Bridge. Kurt at the shop believes they have moved to deeper waters. There is still the occasional striped bass. Try trolling south of Absecon inlet using a Stretch Lure. A quick reminder for you fresh water anglers – Birch Grove Park was stocked several weeks ago and local anglers have been taking some nice two year olds from there. Even an old bay man like Captain Showell trims his hours back this time of year so call first if you are looking for bait.
Ocean City Fishing Report
Ocean City, Americas First Family Resort, schedules a lot of actives to keep everyone in the holiday spirit this time of year. If you happen to be over there and are looking to do a little last Minute Christmas shopping for that special angler in your life, stop in Fin-Atics Marine Supply on West Ave and check out some of their line. I called over there and spoke with Justin at the shop who told me that last week had stripers in the back in nice numbers but the recent snow “cooled” things off a bit. Justin told me they were catching around the Beasley’s Point and Ninth street Bridges. Some keepers but there was a nice spurt of action. The tog bite has moved to the inshore wrecks signaling the real start of winter. Ed Bronstein and the gang at Fin-Atics made sure to tell me to wish all of the OTW readers thanks for a great season and they wish you all a Happy Holiday Season.
Sea Isle City Fishing Report
Mike Cunningham is still open at Sea Isle Bait and Tackle but his hours are reduced. Definitely a call first proposition if you are looking for bait. Mike still has green crabs, eels and live clams in stock for the time being. And of course, they have a full cache of frozen baits. There is still some nice striper action south of Townsends Inlet, most of it coming on the troll. There have even been a few bass taken off the sand recently. Tog fishermen have been having some decent trips but weather has kept many in port. Gren crabs are working just fine on the tautog. Mike asked me to remind you guys that they have some great gift sales going on right now. And if you have an angler on your list that is difficult to shop for, they have gift certificates available. Call the shop and they can ship them out to you. Mike asked me to pass along his holiday wishes to all of you guys out there.
Cape May Fishing Report
Down at the bottom of the state, in the Cape, there is still some life to be found. At least that is what I have heard from the gang at Hand’s Too Bait and Tackle in Cape May. The Rips had some nice Bucktailing activity recently which tells me that there are still migratory fish in the area. Live bait in the area is scarce; you might have to call around. Anglers chunking in the lower and middle Delaware bay are still doing pretty good. The beaches have even shown some striper activity. And there is a strong rumor going around that there was a redfish caught off the Wildwood Beaches last week. Almost all surf anglers have pared down the plug bags to mostly metal and the occasional slim profile swimmer like the Daiwa SW Minnow. Several local charter boats have been running the deep water for big sea bass before the season closes come December 31st. The Adam Bomb out of Cape May went out last week and limited out on big blue back sea bass. They had one in excess of 7 pounds. Inshore reefs are giving up some nice tog on green crab. The crew at Hand’s Too asked me to convey a warm Christmas Greeting to all of our readers. Done!
Best Bets for the Weekend
Preparing a fishing forecast this time of year is a challenge to say the least. Waters as well as air temperatures have dropped into the low 40’s which slows everything down. Early weather reports don’t look to be the most promising as I write this report. Rain, snow and wind look to be the highlights of Saturdays forecast. Sunday may open up a window to jump on a headboat or charter for some inshore tog or offshore sea bass. Another option would be to his some freshwater for some recently stocked trout or some cedar water for a batch of white perch. Or you could stay home and check out the OTW on-line store and finish your Christmas list. Whichever option you choose, please stay safe out there. And for those of you who I don’t get a chance to speak with on a regular basis, have a very merry Christmas. See you on the incoming.