It’s a slow time of the year for fishing in New Jersey, but there are options. Besides party boat trips for tog, ling and cod, the latest cold snap has put fishable ice on some fresh waters. Striper fishing is a wrap with the backwaters closed and the surf quiet.
At True World Tackle in Bayonne, there isn’t much fishing being reported other than trips for ling and some folks looking for herring from shore. The shop is open 9 to 7 and there will be several substantial sales over the next two months.
Fishermen who are able to find safe ice are experiencing very good fishing, reported the crew at Harry’s Army Navy in Robbinsville. More cold in the forecast should mean more ice and more opportunities for anglers to target crappies, pickerel and largemouth bass.
Contact Efinger’s Sporting Goods (Bound Brook) – the crew in the fishing department can certainly point you to the hot spots.
Captain Pete Sykes of Parker Pete’s Sportsfishing (Belmar) is still open to run blackfishing trips when the weather allows. Give Pete a call at (732) 496-5028 for more information. You can also catch Captain Pete at the Greater Philly Sportfishing Show and the Somerset Saltwater Show.
Ling fishing is on the slow side right now, reported the Reel Seat (Brielle) 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.
Fisherman’s Supply Company in Point Pleasant is offering sales on Gulp, Rapala and Super Strike lures. They also just got in the new Daiwa SP Bullet plugs.
The Gambler (Point Pleasant Beach) is running 7am-5pm trips for cod and ling. To see if there are still seats available on the Gambler or other info, call 732-295-7569.
The Dock Outfitters (Seaside Heights) shop and café are open Wednesday through Sunday. Stop in on the weekend to drop off rod and reel repairs.
Ed at Tackle Direct in Egg Harbor Township said the tog bite is really the only show in town in Southern New Jersey, and the weather hasn’t been cooperating. Some fishermen have been targeting white perch in the rivers with grass shrimp.
Noel Felciano at One Stop Bait and Tackle (Atlantic City) recommended the Mullica and Patcong for white perch action.
Fin-Atics Marine Supply (Ocean City) is open Friday-Sunday.
Fishing Forecast
Party boat tog fishing is your best shot at action this weekend unless you can find some safe ice. Some days have been better than others, 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. White-leggers are the key bait right now. Many boats offer white-leggers at a reasonable price on the trips.