Options are dwindling with back-bay stripers and black sea bass closed as of January 1st, but blackfish, ling and freshwater fish are all viable options for catching the first fish of the New Year.
Party boat tog fishing has been consistently good reported the crew at the Reel Seat in Brielle. Some days have been better than others, cautioned John, but overall fishermen heading out on a headboat stand a fair shot at coming home with a couple keepers. Most pool winners are weighing in the 7- to 10-pound range.
For the blackfish, white-leggers are the key bait right now. Many boats offer white-leggers at a reasonable price on the trips. Green crabs are also catching a few tog, and these baits are included on all headboat trips.
Most tog are being caught in 50- to 60-foot depths, but fishermen trying deeper water, especially in the southern half of the state, may stand a better chance at catching a monster tog. Farther north, the wrecks and rubble of the Axel Carlson and Sea Girt Reefs are producing well.
Ling fishing is on the slow side right now, reported the Reel Seat crew. Dogfish have been frustrating ling fishermen, as have ocean pout. A few cod are being caught on each ling trip. Only a handful per boat, but enough for fishermen to have a reasonable expectation of adding a bonus codfish to their catch.
The herring are running in Manasquan Inlet, and fishermen are catching them on Sabiki Rigs. The bite has been very tide-specific, with the last of the incoming and high tide bringing in the fish.
Brian at Tackle Direct in Egg Harbor Township said the tog bite is the only show in town in Southern New Jersey.
Though striper season is closed in the back bays and inlets, the surf and ocean waters are still open. According to the report from Fisherman’s Supply Company in Point Pleasant, during last week’s warm spell, some small stripers moved into the surf, providing action on swim shads and small soft-plastic jigs. They also mentioned that the new Voyager will be arriving by late January.
In freshwater, the largemouth bite has been okay at Assunpink and Mercer lakes. Use coldwater tactics like suspending jerkbaits and lipless crankbaits. Live shiners are tough to beat any time of year, especially in cold water, when lures sometimes fail to trigger a strike.
Best Bets for the Weekend
Tog are the top option in saltwater this weekend. If you’re planning on hitting a headboat, check out my recent report from my trip aboard the Norma K III, for a few pointers on party boat tog fishing that I learned the hard way. The new fishing season starts Thursday, so don’t wait too long to get it started! Happy New Year.