There’s no sugarcoating this. Winter’s here – when only the hardiest and most dedicated anglers will venture out.
Tending to tackle, repairing rods and some reel maintenance will likely be the most action fishermen will see this weekend.
A major winter storm is barreling this way and even if it isn’t as bad as predicted, it will still be a lousy weekend to be outside.
Capt. George Bachert on the Angler out of Atlantic Highlands said today, Thursday, will be his last trip until the end of next week. Only the Angler and the Prowler 5 are still sailing out of the Atlantic Highlands marina.
Capt. Bachert’s last trip was Sunday when he fished in three different spots and found tog on all of them. The deeper water held the bigger fish while shallower water offered plenty of short action, along with some legal fish.
High hook had seven keepers and the pool winner was a 7-pound tog. Capt. Bachert said the trip also produced a bunch of pout, a couple of ling, a cod and a mackerel. He’s getting reports from other boats of more mackerel being caught farther east.
The Prowler took about a dozen anglers out last Sunday as well and had a mix of keepers and shorts. Capt. Scott Hilliard said he will be staying at the dock this weekend.
The boats out of Belmar, the ones that are still sailing, are catching tog as well but will remain tied up until the weather improves. Capt. Pete Sykes on Parker Pete’s Fishing Charters fished last Friday and Sunday, with the latter offering the best fishing.
Capt. Sykes said the pool fish went 8 pounds and some limits were taken.
One boat that continues to find the big blackfish is the Osprey V out of Atlantic City.
Capt. Andy at Rip Tide Bait and Tackle in Brigantine said he got a call from the Osprey last Friday asking if he could open up for a weigh in. A tog that looked to be in excess of 12 pounds was caught and Capt. James wanted to put in on a reliable scale.
Between the time of the call and the Osprey stopped fishing, the 12 pounder had been eclipsed by a monster caught by Mike Pyzik of Tabernacle, N.J. That fish weighed in at 22 pounds, 15 ounces. The Osprey had a tog close to 24 pounds just a week earlier
The fish behind the call in the first place belonged to Matt McGlone and came in at 13 pounds, 10 ounces. Another angler, Paul Tomaski, landed two nice fish up to 10 pounds.
And that’s the good news.
Between the cold and wind and dearth of anglers, the bass front has gone quiet.
The folks at Fin-atics in Ocean City said they last report of bass being caught was Friday, Jan. 15 on the troll close to three miles off Sea Isle City. Since then, nothing.
The beaches at Island Beach State Park have been empty and Betty and Nick’s in Seaside Park said there has been zero activity.
The only action reported by Fisherman’s Supply in Point Pleasant Beach was the daily shipments of new rods, reels and tackle. I guess there are worse ways to spend a winter’s day than browsing among the latest equipment.
That is not to say the bass are all gone.
When the weather clears, bass can still be found in the surf. John at Dock Outfitters in Seaside Heights recalled a February when he found a school of stripers feasting on sardines in the suds.
These bass are mostly schoolie-sized fish. Soft plastics and swimming plugs retrieved slowly are a good choice. Jointed Red Fins in silver and black are a personal favorite.
Best Bets for the Weekend
If your urge to fish won’t be denied, look for a boat that’s still sailing and give blackfish a try. To be honest, though, it’s highly unlikely anyone will be sailing until later next week. The beaches are another option. However, those will be pretty inhospitable until warmer weather returns after the weekend. You just might have to be content with a comfortable couch and the divisional playoff games.