Only 9 more days and the fluke season comes to a close. But don’t worry, the action up and down the coast shows promise for a nice fall run. The wind, cooler air and the moon all play a hand in getting our favorite bait fish to start their migration. I have heard many reports of mullet showing up in the surf. Hopefully you are seeing it firsthand. The bluefish are starting to crowd the beaches and bays and there is also the occasional striped bass spotting. Water temperatures still need to come down a bit but the northern reaches of the state are showing signs of cooling and that can only mean one thing. The striped bass are heading your way so you better get ready. Let’s see if I am just wishful thinking or if our scouts up north are reading the same signals.
If it is bluefish you are looking to stock the freezer with for winter, look no further than the Belmar Princess and your dreams will be fulfilled. The reports I have been getting this week are showing tons of 8-14 pound yellow eyed monsters from out around the Mud Hole. There have also been some decent albies in the mix. The Captain tells us that both jigs and bait fishing are producing. The Princess sails daily from its berth in Belmar at 7am. It also has Friday and Saturday evening trips leaving at 7:30pm.
In Atlantic Highlands, The Sea Tiger II is not going out quietly, that’s for certain. I am seeing monster fluke coming across their railings. I’m talking 6-8 pound fish on just about every trip. Captain Hal is still doing two a day trips and will continue to do so tight up until the end. The Sea Tiger leaves port a 8am every day. No reservations necessary.
The 100’ Golden Eagle out of Belmar is accepting reservations for its offshore tuna trips that take place on October 5th and the 16th. If you are a tuna hound that loves doing it from a party boat, this is one of the top vessels to board. Visit their website and fill out an online form. If you are looking to stay inshore, the Eagle has been on the blues. Daily rips have produced fish up to twelve pounds on a regular basis. Check out www.goldeneaglefishing.com/tuna-reservation.html for more information.
If you are looking for a party boat fishing where most of the anglers are in the upper level of experience and the captain works hard to put you on the fish, then I have to put a vote in for the Big Mohawk in Belmar. Captain Chris Hueth is a master at finding the fish on sandy bottoms and most of the passengers are using lighter tackle and know what they are doing. Lately, they have been on the fluke using mostly big pink or white Gulp baits on bucktails. As the old saying goes, Big bait equals big fish. The Mohawk is one of the best bottom fishing vessels in the area and once fluke season ends, I am sure they will be retooling for some other opportunities until blackfish and sea bass seasons expand.
Laurie Murphy at Dow’s Boat Rentals on Lake Hopatcong is reporting that customers are still catching hybrid bass on chicken livers or herring. The perch (white and yellow) bite is getting better along with walleye. If you are looking for pickerel, Laurie suggests prowling the weed line with spinner baits. Dow’s will remain open until November depending on weather conditions. Don’t forget that the Knee Deep Group will be holding their walleye tourney this weekend, call (973) 663 3826 to sign up.
Joey’s Bait Shack in Keyport is reporting that nice sized bluefish have moved into the area in good numbers. If you are looking for fluke, it’s essential to find the deep water. Gulp baits and spearing are still the best baits for fluking. Bass hunters are having the best success at Sandy Point. Joey’s will start stocking live eels come Friday. Beach anglers in Keyport and Cliffwood are having some success with both fluke and weakfish. Crabbing is still good in the area.
If you live on the western side of the Garden State, Harry’s Army and Navy in Robbinsville is one of your “go to” stops for all fishing. Fresh, salt or deep water, they cover all the bases. From the Delaware River to the Shrewsbury Rocks, they have the gear and more importantly (at least from this writers perspective) the information on what is working and what isn’t. When I spoke to John at the shop this week, catfish and bass were active on the Delaware River. Recommended bait for catfish was the Gulp Bait Balls and for bass, shiners seem to be working best. For Pike, the Passaic River is the place to be. Using any bait with a big shiny spoon seems to be the tried and tested technique of late. Crappies remain the staple at most of the landlocked lakes and ponds with shiners and worms being the best producers. Plenty of sunnies and bluegills in the mix as well.
For just about any type of fishing I look to the pros for advice when I am in a slump. One of my top resources in NJ is Dave Arbietman from the Reel Seat in Brielle. Surf, inshore or offshore, Dave is the man. And for deep water fishing (golden tile and the like), few can match his experience. The Reel Seat’s custom rigs for offshore are second to none as is their inventory and custom rod line. When I spoke to Dave this week I specifically asked him about the offshore bite. Dave responded with two words. Fishtail Canyon. He said that the other northern spots were almost unfishable due to the amount of weeds. That could change quickly with the storm going through but the Hudson and other areas have been mahi heaven of late. He also told me that the Voyager and the Jamaica II both hit the Fishtail hard this weekend and both beat them good. There were plenty of long fin and yellow fin tuna for everyone. Inshore, bonito and blues are still going very strong outside of the Mudhole. On the beaches, its blues, albies and the occasional keeper striper. Most of the reefs and wrecks in the area are producing great fluke. Dave asked me to remind everyone out there about their upcoming Shimano Seminar (October 2 at 7pm) on the new Aero Technium Line of long cast reels and rods. Roy Leva, Shimano Pro Staffer will be on hand to demonstrate the system and answer any questions.
Cleaning the Table
We are getting to that time of year when you need to start thinking about booking that big striper trip. There are more than a few good options in the northern part of the state. Below are a few along with their phone numbers. Don’t wait until the last minute or when you hear the bite is hot. Be a leader, not a follower. Any of these come with my recommendation for a good day:
• Last One! 35’ custom Sea Hawk – up to six passengers. Inshore and wreck fishing. (732) 556-7156
• XTC Sportfishing 44’ Henriques . Up to six passengers. Inshore and offshore. (732) 616-3763
• Parker Pete Sportsfishing – 36’ Custom Donelle. Inshore and offshore. (732) 496-5028
• Ol’ Salty II 62’ Custom — up to 40 passengers. Also does dive trips. (732) 681-6650
Best Bets for the Weekend
Winds from an offshore storm could throw the proverbial “monkey wrench” into the start of the weekend but it looks like clear sailing after Saturday. Since this is the last week for fluke, I feel compelled to recommend that option as my “best bet”. You won’t get another chance at them in NJ until next spring and that is a long way off. But the mullet are moving and that means the possibility of a joust with a nice striper or big blue. So there is merit in that arena as well. And depending where you are, there are some nice false albacore’s around and if you are looking for a fight, they will give it to you. So I guess what I am saying is just get out there and fish. Soon you will have other reasons to blow it off but now is the prime time. Great weather. Good conditions and plenty of options. Just stay safe out there. Fishing is supposed to be fun not dangerous. See you on the incoming.