Almost…. almost…..
Two quick notes at the top.
First, click this link and get your registration over with. If not now, when?
http://www.nj.gov/dep/saltwaterregistry
Next, and I really have been waiting for this, don’t forget to set your clocks ahead this Sunday. Yes, you survived at least as far as Daylight Savings Time!
I guess I don’t have to remind you that although striper season officially opened this week in New Jersey, the only thing that anyone is catching is a cold.
Depending on your Garden State location, opening day heralded either a another winter storm with 8 inches or so of snow dumped on top a nice couple of inches of ice, or, just simply another rainy day with another overnight freeze over. Who is having more fun than us?
I am pleased to report, however, that if frying up perch is on your list of things to do that the bite in South Jersey has been nothing short of amazing.
If you still have the ocean bug, you might just be out of luck as many of the head boats are laying up for a couple weeks to get ready for the beginning of the season. The Ocean Explorer out of Belmar did some exploring yesterday (March 5) and in between doggies had some nice cod come over the rail. There were also some ling in the cooler. Clam was the bait of choice but one of the angler did cod-connect on a jig. Good news is that the seas were flat calm, and everyone on board whet home with dinner. Capt. Bobby Quinn is looking forward to the weekend, as of now it is game on but please call to check first. 848-565-0519.
The Somerset Saltwater Expo is right around the corner for anglers of all types next week. I’ve driven from South Jersey up to the show even when I was not working it and have never been disappointed in the variety of gear that was on display. March 14 to 16, Garden State Exhibition Center. Great place to not only interrogate major manufacturers reps on their products but to get some face time with regionally known Charter Captains, Guides and world famous NJ Fishing journalists… OK, maybe notorious NJ Fishing journalists. Either way, hit the cash stash that your spouse knows nothing about and boogie on up or down the GSP.
If you are in North Jersey and don’t want to wait for the show, scoot over to Efingers in Bound Brook. They are having their Annual Spring Fishing Festival Sale March 6 to 16 blowing 25% off thousands of fishing rods. Big deals on tackle, reels and clothing too. Manufacturers reps, give-aways, sounds like fun!
If you are looking to launch near Keyport, the Keyport Marine Basin is scheduled to open up their ramp starting March 15, weather permitting. Their gas dock is ready and all the new docks are in the water.
Word from Brielle is that the brand new Reel Seat, with twice the space and more new gear than ever, is rocking and ready for you to swing by. Dave, Eric and crew want to remind you that the new address is 707 Union Ave (Rt 71). Surf stuff, offshore stuff…. and always great advice.
Joey’s Bait Shack in Keyport is also getting ready to swing a new look your way when they open on March 17th. Just walking in the door an looking around will let you know how much hard work went into the place in the off season. New counters, new gear… really sweet.
Our dialed in fishing brother Dave Showell at Absecon Bay Sportsman’s Center in Absecon is cranking bait for you hardcore guys looking to score either that first striper of the year or a cooler-load of perch. Call ahead at 609-484-0409.
Word from Team TackleDirect on Tilton Rd in Egg Harbor Township is simply “Thanks”. Last weekend’s Clearance Canyon Sale brought lots of new anglers in to the showroom to take advantage of the crazy deals. It is always fun to watch someone’s face when they walk in there the first time… it’s like kids walking into Disneyworld. Big “Wow” factor.
If you are pushing a little further South and Sea Isle is on your radar, check with Mike Cunningham at Sea Isle Bait & Tackle. Mike has really started stocking up for the season and is another one of those guys that is totally dialed in to not only what happened, but to what is happening… big difference.
Best Bet for this Weekend
For fresh, get some grass shrimp and beat the perch like a rented mule. Find the right bend in the river and you could catch hundreds of them. For salt, I’m going with 2 options. Grab some bloodworms and soak them on a nice black mudflat near the mouth of a river or call one of the head boats that may be cod running.
I know, nobody is jumping up and screaming “We made it through the worst winter I can remember in years” yet, but it is ever so close….so close.
STAY TUNA-ED!