Survived another one!
Next to a couple of really big stripers and tuna that have popped off or flipped me the fin at the last moment, the thing that I truly would like to forget the most is this past winter. Right up until last week it was biting at our afts, and now I can throw back the curtains, stick my head out the window and shout “I made it through, and I don’t have to take it anymore!”
You see, this Saturday in the world of NJ angling, is the official first day of the beginning. Opening day of trout season in our Garden State brings with it all the excitement that fresh water anglers can muster. Even though there was a little fish scare with the whole Furunculosis issue at the Pequest Trout hatchery, I am happy to remind you that there our friends at the Division of Fish and Wildlife confirm that there are no human health risks whatsoever from the bacterium that causes it. Bust out your cast iron skillets and get ready for chow down.
Big increases in both the numbers of trout being stocked for opening day. Over a quarter of a million trout (up over 60,000 from last year) are being dropped. Rainbows and Browns will be stocked where mostly brookies were in the past and four new river sections have been added to the program for this year. Just to make life even easier for you guys that are going to be staking out your slice of bank, pons, canoe launch or kayak zone early, I’m attaching a couple of links for you to help figure out where to go, courtesty of the NJ Fish & Wildlife Division.
First, the chart of what is being stocked where, and when:
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2014/trout_allocation14-sched.pdf
Now that you decided where the most fish are nearest you, here are the access points by county:
http://www.njfishandwildlife.com/pdf/2014/trout_access14_county.pdf
There, what could be easier than that. Like an armchair Charter Captain, I practically baited your hook for you. The gun goes off at 8:00 AM sharp!
If you choose not to join in what is at many locations, more a party than a fishing outing and don’t want to stand shoulder to shoulder with other anglers just like.. opening day of trout season, there are still plenty of other options for what looks to be a nice weekend.
Up the rivers in south Jersey has seen one of the best perch season in recent memory in both size and numbers. However, guys doing the perchy thing have been kept good company for the last week or so by striper anglers looking for their first bang of the season. The new moon this week will bring the first big push of herring upstream, and along with it come big mama stripers looking to snack while they swim to their breeding zones. I hate to remind you (I truly do) that all herring are off limits to us and the way things are going, probably will be until my grandchildren have grandchildren. I know a couple spots I am going to sneak into break out my herring call, made by the next door neighbors of the guys that make the Duck Commander, and start chuckin’ my big 7” chrome Redfin. Slow rollin that baby across the surface throws a real subtle v-wake that looks just like herring on the surface. If plugging is not your preference, grab some circle hooks, bloodworms and/or clam and head to the major rivers for a soak. They should be there this weekend.
Don’t cross off the chance of actually getting some ocean under your feet Saturday and Sunday (Sunday looks better wind-wise). Many of our Jersey boats are taking advantage of the mid-50 degree temperatures to fire up the diesels and head to hit the bottom fish. Blackfish reports are pretty good right now from 120’ of water and although the cod have not been real big, they and the ling have been cooperating.
The Gambler out of Point Pleasant will be running with Captain Bob Bogan at the helm every day except Saturdays in April for Blackfish, Cod & Ling. Every Saturday this month they are hauling long for the canyons to beat up on Golden Tiles. Call 732-295-7569 for the full scoop.
The Big Mohawk out of Belmar is starting her season right after this weekend. First trip is Monday, April 7 with a 7:00AM departure. Call 732-974-9606.
The Mimi VI in Pt. Pleasant Beach has moved over to 405 Channel Drive. Better parking and better access for you guys looking for a bottom fishing trip trip this weekend. He has been sailing for a while now and has had some really impressive days early this season. Call Capt. Kenny at 732-370-8019 for details.
A vast majority of your favorite tackle shops should be showing signs of life this weekend. Lots hang thru the winter, but the first week in April is usually a pretty good time to start making the rounds.
Up North, Efingers in Bound Brook, Meltzer’s in Garfield, and Harrys in Robbinsville are must stops if you are looking for early freshwater info. Along the coast you can always bet on getting dialed in at The Reel Seat in Brielle, Giglio’s in Sea Bright, Fisherman’s Supply in Point Pleasant Beach, the Tackle Box in Hazlet and of course, Zuback’s in Morgan.
Speaking of The Reel Seat in Brielle, the Grand Opening of their new shop at 707 Union Ave (Rt 71) is this Saturday, April 5th from 6am till 5pm. There will free door prizes given out every hour from 8am till 5pm and tons of in-store specials. Meet tackle reps and pro staffers from Penn, Shimano, Okuma and Daiwa, and enjoy free coffee and donuts in the morning and refreshments through out the day!
Once you cross the NJ Blackfish/Tog border (which is not far from the Fluke/Flounder line or the Scup/Porgy line), full time outfits like TackleDirect in Egg Harbor Township, Absecon Bay Sportsman’s Center in Absecon and Fin-Atics in Ocean City should be on your must stop list for early info. I know that Lenny is in at Capt. Hippos in South Tom’s River if you want to get dialed in as are Mike at Sea Isle bait & Tackle and Chuck and Mary down at Off The Hook in Cape May.
You will start seeing weekly, targeting information from all of these shops as well as the many more we have added to our information network in the next week or so as more anglers shake the winter off, rip the shrink wrap, and fire up those outboards for the first time.
Best Bets for the Weekend
Break out the ultra-lights and get into opening day of trout season. It really is a spectacle with generations busting out together to celebrate the first morning. Bring the grill, a couple coolers, a few beach chairs, a couple good cigars, and get in the Spring of things.