Southern New Jersey Fishing Report | December 18-30, 2014

It seems like it was only a week or two ago that I was starting our first fishing forecast for 2014, harping everyone to get their act together in anticipation of the spring opportunities. Our ultimate goal with these fishing forecasts is to work with our frontline scouts and anticipate upcoming action. Or to state it differently, put you in a position to catch fish. It would be much easier to just put some names of anglers who had some success in the column but truthfully, will that make you a better angler? We look for patterns and trends that will help you this week, a proactive approach to fishing.  At times, it can be trying. If the fish aren’t there, then we have to make an educated guess as to where the best prospects lie. But the individuals we work with to gather our information are professionals and they make the job that much easier. To a man or woman, they love what they do and do it well. I can’t think of a one who doesn’t go out of their way to help put you guys and gals on the fish. As we approach the end of the year and the holidays, take time to let them know you appreciate their efforts. They have earned it.

I was out on the gift buying trail yesterday and stopped in the massive Tackle Direct store on Tilton Road in Egg Harbor Township to check some angling related items off my list. I made sure to drag Captain Ed Berger out of his office to give me a personal tour of the facilities and of course, the best deals to be had.  Ed is not only one of those responsible for keeping Team Tackle Direct on course but one of the anglers I know in the area. His boat, FMTUNA, rarely comes into port smelling of skunk. Ed tells me that the best game in town right now is blackfish on the inshore reefs and offshore sea bass hunting.  Ed tells me that this has been a great year for the south with striped bass parking down here this year for a strong six week period. Most of the action was on the troll but still a good time.

John Yak at the Dock Outfitters (Seaside Heights) is reporting that there are still school sized bass being taken around the Rte. 37 bridge and some slow picks on the beach on clam. If you are looking to close out your Christmas Shopping list, the shop will continue its sale right through the 24^th.  Stop in and fill out your list.

The Sea Tiger II (Atlantic Highlands) has been out of action recently but will resume sailing with ¾ day black fish trips come Saturday. Fishing has been great and the Sea Tiger has been right in the thick of it.

Captain Pete Sykes of Parker Pete’s Sportsfishing (Belmar) is looking for a few good anglers. He has some dates through the end of the year which could use a fisherman or two to fill out a crew.  Give Pete a call at (732) 496-5028 for more information. These are black fishing trips on a very nice ride.  And Captain Pete always works to put fish in the box.

As previously mentioned, one of the best games in town right now is jumbo sea bass in the deep water. The question is how you can get there. Well, one of the best options is to hop on a party boat and fish in comfort. And one of the best options in NJ is the Gambler (Point Pleasant Beach) Deep Sea Fishing boat.   The Gambler has limited seating trips scheduled for the period after Christmas Holiday. Remember, sea bass closes at the end of the year so this is your last shot at them for a while. To see if there are still seats available on the Gambler or other info, call 732-295-7569. Leave a message for Lee Anne and she will get back to you.

Looking for an exotic out of the country fishing adventure? Captain David Showell of Absecon Bay Sportsmen’s Center (Absecon) has a mirror operation in Guatemala that could give you all that you want and more.  And if you stop by the shop, Dave has some great sales going right now for last minute holiday shoppers.  If you are still fishing, ABSC is one of the best in the area for live bait, even now.  If Dave doesn’t have the bait you are looking for, chances are it cannot be had.

If you are like me and a habitually late holiday shopper, then you want a place that can meet all your needs and have fishing tackle as well. Well Efinger’s Sporting Goods (Bound Brook) is just the place to get it all done in one fell swoop. The NJDEP recently finished up it’s fall trout stocking program and there is plenty of local action up in that area. The crew in the fishing department can certainly point you to the hot spots.

Noel Felciano at One Stop Bait and Tackle (Atlantic City) asked me to wish all of you out there a Merry Christmas and a healthy and prosperous New Year.  He also told me that while it has slowed down considerably in the area, there are still fish being taken off the beaches and especially in the inlet. For blackfish, one has to move to the inshore wrecks but the trip has been well worth the effort to get there. Noel also recommended the Mullica and Patcong for those of you looking for some white perch action.

Looking for a gift that tells that angler in your life just how much you really care? Swing over to Jersey Coast Bait and Tackle (Brick) and tell owner Tom Wolfe that I sent you and you are interested in one of their custom Jigging rods. One of the most versatile custom rods on the market, these rods are hand crafted by Tom and his staff and about as versatile a rod you can find today. Check them out, you will not be disappointed.

The fish may not be biting in the surf of Island Beach State park but that does not mean there isn’t a good reason to head up to Seaside.  John Bushell Jr of Betty and Nicks there is running some off the wall end of year/holiday sales that will make it well worth the travel.

If you are around Harry’s Army and Navy (Robbinsville)before the weekend, stop in a purchase a raffle ticket for their “Toys for Tots” Drive. Or you can get a ticket by bringing a new and unwrapped toy  as a donation in lieu of buy a ticket. Either way, it is a good deal for a good cause.  I have seen some of the raffle gifts and wouldn’t mind picking one up myself. Especially the surf package, it’s a doozy! Even if they don’t pull your ticket for a prize, you will still be a winner in some kids’ eyes.  So you have that going for you on Santa’s list.

I spoke with John at the Reel Seat (Brielle) this week to see what was going on in that neck of the woods.  He told me that while the sand eels have finally made an appearance, there is little left in the inshore zones to deplete the numbers. The head and charter boats are all doing well on blackfish. And the bigger boats have been heading out to the deep trenches for humpback sea bass and filling up the coolers.  The Reel Seat will be open daily through the end of the year and will go to a reduced schedule come 2015. If you have a tile fisherman in your life and are looking for a special gift, Reel Seat owner Dave Arbeitman, a tile fishing expert, makes a mean custom rod for that species. Stop in the new shop and give them the once over. They make for a very special gift.

If you are in Ocean City checking out the city-wide Christmas displays, you just may want to shoot over to West Ave and stop by Fin-Atics Marine Supply and check out some of the deals that they are running through the end of the year. When I spoke with Bill Wiggins he told me that “everything” in the store, with the exception of the 2015 Kayaks is 20% off. And Fin-Atics is a big place with mucho inventory.  Bill also told me that the off shore sea bass bite is good and the inshore tog catch has been a-one as well.  Anglers trolling stretches, umbrellas and mojos are still picking up the occasional bass but it has slowed considerably.  The beaches are a bit barren.  So as I see it, the best option is to take advantage of the deals at the shop. But that is just my opinion.

Looking for some small stocking stuffer ideas? Two of my favorite new lures this year are S&S Rattletails and Jetty Ghost lures. Either is a fine gift idea and will be an appreciated gift for the angler in your life.  Both are available at many of the local tackle shops listed in this forecast.  Buy local when you can.

Fishing Forecast

There is little doubt that we have reached the end of the fishing year but there are still some decent opportunities out there.  But it’s the holiday week and as far as I am concerned, the best bet for this weekend is to make sure you have all your last minute preparations done or at least underway. The holidays are about friends and family. Even the most hardcore angler needs to set their priorities this weekend.  Fishing is fun but at least this week, friends and family come first.  Have a great holiday and stay safe out there. See you on the incoming in 2015.