Tog fishing is holding on in the Garden State reported John at the Reel Seat in Brielle. The blackfish bite is running a little hot and cold, but double-digit fish are still falling to anglers aboard party boards.
As the winter wears on, the blackfish have moved to deeper water, reported Brayden of Efinger’s in Bound Brook. Most of the action now is coming from depths of 80 to 130 feet.
The cold water has brought some cod within striking distance of New Jersey boats. Brayden reported one Raritan-Bay-based charter boat has gotten on the cod in a big way, catching more than 60 on a recent trip. Most were undersized, but Brayden believes if the temperature drops another click or two, more keepers could show up.
Brayden wasn’t sure where the cod were being caught, but he said ling and tog were also being caught, suggesting the boats are fishing depths of less than 130 feet.
Freshwater fishing is a viable option right now as well. Many lakes have frozen over enough to allow for ice-fishing, and Brayden said anglers hitting the ice are catching panfish, pickerel and the occasional pike or walleye. Walleye can be found at Hopatcong and Greenwood, and for the best odds of getting one, hit the ice after dark. For pike, Budd Lake is the place to be. Musconetcong and Hopatcong are giving up perch and bluegills through the ice, along with pickerel.
Matt at Harry’s said the stream trout fishing has been consistent, as long as the streams are ice free. Ken Lockwood Gorge is giving up decent trout to fly fishermen.
Best Bets for the Weekend
On the salt, the best bet continues to be party boat tog, although the recent cod catches are worth looking into as well.
In freshwater, grabbing some shiners and hitting the ice is a good bet right now. Be extra careful when venturing onto the ice. Check and double-check the thickness, and make sure you have a rope and ice picks and other ice-fishing safety equipment.