The run is on! The bass hit Northern New Jersey big time this week and surf and boat fishermen are cashing in.
The crew at True World Bait and Tackle in Bayonne reported fishermen taking stripers to 43 inches on fresh bunker at Liberty State Park. Boat fishermen in the Bay have been using live bunker for big numbers of bass in the 35- to 38-inch range. There are lots of bunker around.
Scott at Effingers in Bound Brook reported that snagging and dropping bunker, trolling and jigging is accounting for big stripers off Monmouth County. Fishermen seeking jumbo bluefish should head to the west side of the Mud Hole with plenty of diamond jigs. Black sea bass fishing is going strong in 70 feet of water, and some platter-sized porgies are mixing in.
The bass fishing is fantastic reported Eric at the Reel Seat in Brielle. Fish into the upper 40-pound range are being caught on all methods from live-lining bunker, to trolling, to jigging. Most of the action has been off Sandy Hook and Long Branch, but big fish are being caught down to Seaside Heights. Surfcasters are doing well on Sandy Hook, and metal lip swimmers have been the hot lure. Stripers in the surf have been maxing out around 20 pounds.
Manasquan Inlet is also holding stripers, as is the canal. Most of these fish have been shorts, but are good fun on light tackle. Another reason to bust out the light gear is the big run of hickory shad right now. These fish will jump all over small jigs or flies, and they put up a fun fight on light tackle.
Sea bass fishing is still good according to the Reel Seat crew. Some triggerfish are still mixing in the the sea bass providing a little variety and some great fillets–provided you’re willing to clean the leathery-skinned fish back at the dock.
The fishing is as good as Phil at the Tackle Box in Hazlet has ever seen it in the fall. He’s weighed in stripers over 20 pounds this week, but heard reports of fish approaching 40. Both the Raritan Bay and the Ocean have been outstanding reported Phil, and trolling, live bunker and live eels are all producing.
Best Bet for the Weekend
Now for the bad news. We’re looking at high winds and big seas over the weekend, so the conditions might be difficult for surf and boat fishermen. Whatever you do, be safe if you head out this weekend. The fall run has just begun, and the bass will still be here after the storm. That said, Friday night should be the pick of the weekend, so skip the trick or treating and head right to the beach. Pack plenty of metal lip plugs, as the bass are looking for big bait right now. Chunking with bunker wouldn’t be a bad idea either.
If the weather shuts down the ocean bite, head to the backwaters with light tackle and have fun with the hickory shad and smaller stripers there.