New Jersey Fishing Forecast
It is the time of the year when even the most hardcore angler struggles to find some open water or a target species to have some fun with. And if you think that is a challenge, try finding some newsworthy items to write about that entices people to head out and wet a line. The back bays are still showing signs of skim ice, not thick enough for ice fishing but too perilous for bank casting. Striped bass, as you probably know, are closed in the back water this time of year but there is still some action, light as it may be, on the ocean side. Water temperatures are fluctuating between the high 30’s and low 40’s, so bait is probably the best option. Finding said bait is a totally different story. Frozen clam is probably you best option this time of year. And even if you can’t fish, there are other ways you can keep in the game. Let’s see what we can dig up.
Living around the corner from your local bait and tackle shop has its advantages. I ran into Captain Dave Showell of Absecon Bay Sportsmen’s Center the other day as he was harvesting grass shrimp down by the boat ramp. Dave tells me that he is manning the register but fishing has been slow. He suggested the Mullica River as an opportunity for some white perch. As far as bait goes, grass shrimp are plentiful this time of year and as previously mentioned, he can help you out with a supply. Dave also has a full freezer of frozen bait like spearing, clam and cut baits for those of you needing to give the beach a shot for bass. Don’t hesitate to knock on the door if the shop appears closed. And if you are looking for some getaway advice, be sure to talk to Dave about his operation in Guatemala.
Looking to restock in the Lacey area this week? There are several options. Lacey Marine is open and has some nice sales going on for you boaters out there. And the LTHS Fishing Club will be holding its 5th annual fishing flea market this Saturday at the Lacey Township High School on Haines Street. The doors open at 8a.m. and there is a three dollar admission fee.
Looking to replace those fish in the fridge that you used up feasting over the holidays? The best option right now is blackfish (tog, for you southern guys) and I would recommend the Big Mohawk out of Belmar. Captain Chris Hueth has been sailing daily at 7 and from the reports I have been seeing, doing quite well. Weather permitting of course. Even with the daily limit dropping to four fish per, it still a great way to load up on some meat and get out on a first class boat for some bottom fishing.
For those of you stuck in Pennsylvania this weekend, the Delaware Valley Surf Anglers Club is holding their annual fishing flea market this Saturday. The event will take place at the VE German Club on Davisville Road in Warminster. Doors open at 9 a.m. and there is a three dollar admission fee. There are always plenty of good bargains to be had on new and used fresh and salt water gear.
If the offshore grounds are your ball of fun, this time of year can be a bit frustrating. Short of heading out to the really deep water for cod or pollock, the options are definitely limited. But now is a good time to check out some new gear for those offshore runs. Tom Wolfe at Jersey Tackle in Brick has been using this down time to go through his inventory and showcase some of the new stuff they have been accumulating. Tom is a big believer in UV painted lures and has one of the biggest inventories of them in the state. Stop in and check them out. I was especially impressed with the Peter Pakula Magic Lure line. While you are there, check out Jersey Tackles line of Custom Jigging Rods. Or talk to Tom about one of their Rod building classes. See, there is always plenty to do if you look in the right places.
I checked in with Joe Loreti at Harry’s Army and Navy in Robbinsville to see if anyone has been chasing the freshwater angle these days. Joe told me that some of the locals have been doing well with Yellow perch when the ice got thick enough in the farther northern reaches and even pickerel and crappies. Other than that, even the non-saline waters have been quiet. Joe has been busy revamping inventory at the store and promises some great lines in the near future. Check it out if you are in the area.
The Mimi IV is sailing daily (weather permitting) out of Point Pleasant for blackfish. According to the reports I have been seeing from Captain Kenny, they have been doing well with fishermen having no problems getting their limit on nice tog. The Mimi is open boat during the week and on weekends when they aren’t booked private. Captain Kenny recommends calling ahead to reserve a seat as they like to limit their crew for more comfortable fishing. There is no fee for reservations, just the normal rate. You can book a ride by calling 732-370-8019 to reserve a spot.
The last reports I received from Dave Arbietman and the gang at The Reel Seat in Brielle, they were packing up the stock and moving everything up the road to the new store. Look for more shelf space and even some meeting rooms. Dave tells me they are planning to use that space to expand their series of seminars, especially for tile fishing. We will definitely keep you in the loop on that schedule as it develops. The new Reel Seat is located at 707 Union Ave (Rt. 71), Brielle, NJ 08730. Look for a Feb 15th Reopening. I am sure there will be some deals to be had.
In Manahawkin, just outside of Long Beach Island, Tony’s Bait and Tackle on East Bay Avenue is open daily on winter hours. And yes they have bait. Live grass shrimp, salted clams and green crabs are just a few of the options on the current menu. Locally, the best fishing options are perch and the best area has been the area by Oyster Creek. Blackfishing off the reefs has been consistent when wind and weather opens a window. Not much action off the local beaches.
If you are thinking of wetting a line on Absecon Island or the surrounding area, there is only one Bait shop available to accommodate you this time of year. One Stop Bait and Tackle on Atlantic Ave in AC is your best bet for finding live bait this time of year. Tell owner Noel Feliciano that I sent you.
For tog or blackfish, the highest concentration of party boats this time of year is definitely up north but there are possibilities available if the southern end of the state is your stomping grounds. Personally, I enjoy a nice party boat like the Porgy IV in Cape May or the Northstar in OC. Both are running now and from what I have been hearing, do very well. I would recommend calling ahead to find out which days they are sailing before driving over.
Best Bets for the Weekend
The weather looks to be good statewide for fishing and the best possibility in my view would be blackfish. It may be a little windy so I would call ahead to any boats to make sure they will be sailing. White perch in the back waters is also a fine option. Or freshwater activity is a possibility for those that must wet a line. There are a couple of nice flea markets if you need to reload the arsenal. I will be taking some time to do some house cleaning. I need to renew my Saltwater Registry so I will be heading to http://www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry/index.html to get legal for the upcoming year. I have most of my gear maintenance about done but need to start organizing my spring arsenal. Going to be tying some rigs and replacing some hooks as time permits. The fishing and boating exhibition swill kick into high gear in a few weeks along with more fishing flea markets. Before you know it, the back waters will open up to striped bass and the first reports of weakies will surface. I want to be ready this year. Whatever route you choose to take this weekend, please be careful out there. The water is really colder than you think. It’s good to be back, see you on the incoming.