As the saying goes, “Tis the Season”. In this case I am referring to getting in some final shots at fishing before we go full blast into winter and the Holidays. It takes some real commitment to put a line in the water this time of year and especially with the weather patterns we have be experiencing of late. There are still fish to be caught but waters temperatures have slipped to level that makes patience truly a virtue. The party boats are still out hunting blackfish and striped bass if you are looking for a ride. The beaches are still an option, an even better one if you have a pass and can take your vehicle for a sanctuary against the ever present winds. This is also the time of year it becomes difficult to find bait or gear if you are headed out for a day. And don’t forget to thanks those who serve you all year. Many shops and head spend 7 days a week helping us find the fish. And for the most part, it is a labor of love. God knows that only a select few get rich in this business. So let them know. Believe me when I say it is appreciated. It’s a hard life and most that choose to do so are committed to it, heart and soul. It’s a tight circle but one they let you in, you won’t find a better friend anywhere.
Based on this weekends projected weather, the Carolyn Ann III (Barnegat Light)is looking to put out for blackfish and sea bass this Saturday and Sunday. Good way to put some fish in the box for your “feast of the Seven Fishes”.
Captain David Showell of Absecon Bay Sportsmen’s Center (Absecon) tells us that he is well stocked with all fresh and frozen baits including live eels. His plans include staying open through the Christmas season so be sure to stop in and check out his deals if you are looking for some fishing related stocking stuffers.
John Yak at The Dock Outfitters (Seaside Heights) informs us that the surf has laid down on Island Beach State Park and it may be time to set out some salted clams in hope of some straggler striped bass action. The Dock Outfitters still has some great deals available to fill out the needs on your Christmas shopping list.
Captain Bob Bogan of The Gambler (Point Pleasant) has checked his logs and noticed that past years have held some decent striper fishing around this time so that is where he is setting his anchor for the next few trips. After that, he plans on shifting his sights a little deeper and switching over to bottom fishing trips. Don’t forget to get your reservations in now if you are looking for some offshore Jumbo sea bass action. Trips are limited seating and start on or around the 20th of December. Check the Gambler’s web site for a complete listing. Looking for some last minute Christmas gifts for that angler in your life? You may want to grab a few of their gift certificates.
If you are in Atlantic City and looking for some gear or bait, then you need to lay a few chips down at One Stop Bait and Tackle (AC) before you put a line in the water. Owner Noel Felciano tells me that there is still a slow pick off the beaches and inlets for bass and that the local charter guys are doing well on blackfish at the inshore wrecks and reefs. BTW, Congrats to Tito Ontero who weighed in the biggest bass (57lbs.) at One Stop earlier in the year and was recently awarded the yearly award for largest striper taken in the Beach and Boat Tourney this year. Way to go Guys!
I put a call in to Ronnie at Fishermen’s Supply (Point Pleasant) to see what was happening in that area. He told me that the best game in town right now is blackfishing when the weather lets you get untied from the dock. There is still a slow pick on the bass but water temperatures have really put a damper on things. Fishermen’s Supply is open year round so if you need anything or just want to check out the latest, stop in. They are having some sweet deals on AVET and VS reels right now if anyone is wondering what I want under the tree.
According to Nick at Hand’s Too Bait and Tackle, there is still (or at least was before the Nor’easter) some life left in the southern reaches of the Garden State. Most of the action has been on the lumps from Sea Isle and south but there were some nice fish being caught on the troll. Name your poison when trolling, all options seem to be working. Sea bass have move further out to the really deep waters. Tautog anglers are doing well on the inshore wrecks. The beaches in the area have been strangely silent.
Big Ed at Team Tackle Direct told me that the Absecon Island told me that the area is quickly moving into stealth mode. Best options from there is to be tog fishing at the inshore wrecks. 60 feet and deeper are holding some nice fish on green crabs. If you are in the Egg Harbor Township area, make sure you swing by the Tackle Direct Store to finish up that Christmas Shopping. Ordering on line is great but holding that new rod or reel in cannot be replaced. At least that is how I see it.
Lenny and Sandy Hahn at Capt’n Hippos (Toms River) first and most of all, asked me to wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season. The shop will remain open until just after the Christmas Break. If you do stop there, be sure to check out the Capt’n Hippo 10-10 club for 2015. Pay a ten dollar initiation fee and you are eligible for a ten percent discount on all non-sale or specials for the entire year. If you fish or buy half as much as I do, during the year that is one sweet deal.
I missed my chance this year, never found the time to Jump on the Stray Cat (Longport/ EHT) for some great bottom or striper fishing. The Stray Cat, a custom 50’ Down East Hilled boat is one sweet ride and Captain Mike O’Neil is one of the top local captains. I called Mike this week to and he is doing several open Boat trips next week on Tuesday and Thursday. They will be going after blackfish and or striped bass if the opportunity shows itself. This may be it for the season so if you are in Atlantic County and looking to get out one more time, I highly recommend the Cat. You would be hard pressed to find a better ride or captain, especially this time of year when it can get a little snotty out there.
I want to finish up this week’s report with a little sad news. On Monday, we lost Joanie Barrett of Dolfin Dock of Somers Point. For those of you who fished the Oc/Absecon Island area, Dolfin Dock was the place to go for pretty much everything from bait to gear to fish stories. Especially the fish stories. Rob and Joanie sold Dolfin last spring and it was truly a sad time. For years, their striper tournament was the highlight of the year for many anglers. This was supposed to be their “time to kick back and relax” but I guess some higher power had other plans for Joan. There is a fund set up for Joan and her family, check it out if you get the chance. You can find it at http://www.gofundme.com/joanbarrett . Keep the faith Rob and tight lines Joan.
Best Bets for the Weekend
As I mentioned at the beginning of this forecast, we are at that time of year when it takes some real love and a dash of intestinal fortitude to hit the water one last time. Weather on most days is “iffy” at best. We have already been through several minor Nor’easters and I am sure there are more off the horizon. But rough waters do churn up the clam and mussel beds, putting bait in the water for our striped adversaries. So if you are going to fish, get yourself some clam and soak them for a while. Blackfish love this weather and most of the party and charter guys are hitting them full bore right through the end. And if you are not going to fish, finish up your Christmas Shopping at one of the shops that put out for you all season long. Yeah, you may pay a few cents more but it’s worth it. Stay safe out there, the waters are cold. And have fun. Fishing is supposed to be fun not a chore. See you on the incoming.