New Jersey Fishing Report for 4-23-2015

The saltwater fishing is breaking open in New Jersey as more stripers, and some other species, arrive on the scene.

First, a report from the freshwaters where trout fishing is excellent. Ken Lockwood Gorge and the Musconetcong are both producing trout. For a shot at a trophy-size trout, head for Round Valley Reservoir where the Round Valley Trout Association has stocked a number of 4- to 8-pounders reported Scott at Efinger’s Sporting Goods.

The shallow waters of Lake Hopatcong are producing big numbers of crappie and perch on fathead minnows, reported Laurie from Dow’s Boat Rentals. Trolling these areas with small spoons is working for trout and pickerel. Several trout around 3 pounds have been weighed in at Dow’s recently.

The shad run continues in the Delware River, but rains and high, off-color water have been hindering efforts lately. More stripers are being reported in the Delaware as egg-laden fish move in to spawn. Also, the smallmouth bass bite is picking up, with fishermen casting tube jigs scoring with the smallies.

Dave at Absecon Bay Sportsman put it best when it comes to the saltwater fishing lately: “The fish are here, but the weather ain’t beautiful.”

Despite the windy weather, striper fishing is picking up throughout the state. Raritan Bay remains the hot spot reported Ron at Fisherman’s Supply. Bass are hitting in the surf as well, reported Ron, who’d heard of several schoolie bass taken on plugs in Spring Lake.

Not all of the fish hitting the beach are small, however. Eric Bunz of the Reel Seat took a 27-pounder this week.

Boat fishermen are doing well in Raritan Bay by fishing clams and fresh bunker reported Scott at Efingers. Stripers are being caught in the Amboys as well, but that fishing will improve as the water warms.

Barnegat Bay is producing stripers as well, reported Dave at The Reel Seat. Mixed in with the bass in Barnegat have been bluefish up to 8 pounds.

Barnegat Bay has also given up a black drum, reported Ron at Fisherman’s Supply, who weighed in the fish this week.

Dave at Absecon Bay Sportsman said he expects to see more drum in the backwaters this season, and has already heard of a few taken, both in the bays and on the beaches.

The striper fishing in South Jersey is good, with small fish showing up on the beaches and in the bays. Clams are the best bait, but small plugs and jigs are working in the backwaters. Most fish are undersized—in fact Dave said the number of schoolies is the best he’s seen in years—but a few keepers are in the mix, mostly in the bay bays.

In addition to the blues caught in Barnegat Bay, Ron at Fisherman’s supply had heard of a few big blues in Raritan Bay as well, where big schools of bunker are stacked up.

Some bluefish are creeping into the backwaters of South Jersey, evidenced by the chopped up lures of striped bass fishermen. It won’t be long now until the inlets of Southern New Jersey are stuffed with 2- to 5-pound blues.

There has been no word of weakfish yet.

Bottom fishing is picking up. Dave at the Reel Seat reported good winter flounder fishing in the Manasquan River. Flounder are also being caught by anglers around the Mantoloking Bridge reported Ron at Fisherman’s Supply.

Cod fishing aboard the Voyager has been fair lately, with many shorts coming over the rails. The Voyager made its first tilefish trip of the year last weekend, and it was a good one with plenty of blueline and golden tiles. Tog fishing is decent reported Dave. It was very good for one angler out of South Jersey who hooked the new state record tog last Friday.

Best Bets for the Weekend

There’s a lot to choose from this weekend. First off, if you’re looking to learn to tie your own flies and teasers, swing by the Reel Seat on Sunday at 9:00 a.m., where Gerry Fabiano will be showing you how.

Striper fishing is good and getting better, and the hot spot continues to be the Raritan, especially for those looking for keeper-size and larger stripers. The surf from Cape May up to Sandy Hook is also producing fish, both on clams and plugs. In the southern half of the state, fishing clams will give you the outside shot of hooking a stray black drum.

Don’t forget about the freshwater fishing either. If you’re looking for your personal best trout, Round Valley is the place to be. And the shad run keeps getting better and better

The fishing I’m most excited about this weekend is tilefishing. I booked a spot aboard the Voyager for their trip leaving Sunday night, and can’t wait to get out and try for my first golden tilefish. There are still a few spots available, so if you’ve been wanting to try deep-drop fishing, give them a call.