Although Mother Nature has one last cold blast to give us, I’m so glad April is finally here. And boy does it feel good to be talking about fishing again. The week prior had some fishing really starting to pop with the warmer temperatures, but it has cooled off in some areas. This should start to rebound again once the temperatures start to rise, but as from what many of the shops said, “We definitely have some fish here.” On a personal note, I did have a chance to make it out a few times and get my son on a bunch of white perch. If you can get your little one to brave the temperatures or winds, it is the perfect fishery for kids as it’s simple, fun, and generally provide a lot of action.
Gates Bait and Tackle of Point Pleasant Beach recommends fishing for winter flounder as the reports have been solid in the Manasquan River and in Barnegat Bay. Clam chum is the way to go and make sure you chum a lot at first to get them in the slick. There has been a pick of Striped Bass in the Point Pleasant Canal and Route 37 Bridge.
Jason from Fisherman’s Supply gave a great report on the start of blackfish in the canal. He said it has been “kickass” on sandworms with fish to 20 inches. There are some winter flounder around, especially around the Mantaloking Bridge and Point Pleasant canal. The Striped Bass have been very cooperative around the Route 37 Bridge, but you have to fish they have some current. There has been spearing, grass shrimp, and some bunker around so either through soft plastics mimicking baitfish or use bloodworms as this has been the ticket. There are alot of shorts around, but some of the keepers have been up to 33 inches in length.
The MIMI VI is putting the last finishing touches to be primed for their first trips occurring April 8th, 9th, and 10th. They are fishing for Blackfish/Tautog with a 7 a.m. departure time so call ahead as they have limited spots available.
The Gambler is ready to go, but unfortunately the weather has kept them at the dock for part of this week. They were able to make it out prior to the blow and had some cod during the latter part of the trip. Anglers using bait have been scoring a higher percentage of cod compared to dogfish. There were a couple of keepers jigged on rubber tails to 10 pounds. With the temperamental weather, it is best to call ahead to make sure the boat is sailing.
The Norma K III is raring to go as the start of Blackfish season has come, but the only issue has been the lack of participation by Mother Nature. Capt. Matt advises to call ahead and check with the boat.
Brian from Betty and Nicks Bait and Tackle said the bay and ocean fishing has been slow on the reports side due to lack of anglers participating. The weather has been temporary damper on the fishing, but it should rebound as the temperatures bounce back. The Striped Bass should be on the dark-muddy bottom areas and along the Powerplant outflow. The shop heard on some winter flounder taken in Barnegat Bay.
Phil from Dock Outfitters reiterated the weather issues, but optimistically reported on anglers getting into Striped Bass around the Mantaloking Bridge and Oyster Creek outflow in Barnegat Bay. The flats worked plugs or soft plastics around the outflow should be producing some fish.
Meanwhile, the fleet from Barnegat Light has been prepping for another season. Capt. Ted from the Super Chic said he will be at the slip by May 1st, but remarked they may get in earlier.
Gina from the Carolyn Ann III had a productive offseason and will be targeting Blackfish and Cod starting this weekend, so call ahead to check for the best time to get there.
Moving across Barnegat Bay to Creekside Outfitters, Liza said the Oyster Creek outflow has been producing short Striped Bass with some keepers in the mix. Most of the action has been coming on live bloodworms or pink or white finesse plastics worked slow. Blue crabs have starting making their way out of the mud as of late. There has been some small blues and short Striped Bass off the Long Beach Island surf. She also heard of some weakies being caught south of the store.
The staff at Tony’s Bait and Tackle reported windy, but fishable conditions. You want to definitely dress warm out there. There have been some Striped Bass around the local bridges on bloodworms fished on rigs. The White Perch have been the real hot ticket with good catches in the Beach Haven West area on grass shrimp. The store recommends calling ahead for grass shrimp. They have had a few anglers buying green crabs for Tautog/Blackfish but haven’t received any reports.
The Brigantine surf had some Striped Bass, mainly shorts, prior to the recent blow according to Riptide Bait and Tackle. The shop is still waiting for the first official keeper Striped Bass caught off the beach in which they give a $50 gift card. In addition, they are offering a $50 gift card to the first keeper Striped Bass caught in the back by either boat or kayak. Andy wanted me to pass along an important message to our nation’s Veterans. Brigantine is giving out FREE 4×4 beach permits to Veterans (in-state or out-of-state).
Dave from Absecon Bay Sportsman said it has been relatively slow since all of this wind. The Striped Bass started to pick up with small shorts in both the inlet and Mullica River. White Perch has been a pick in the Egg Harbor area and Mullica River. It seems it is a much better pick on the branches of the Tuckahoe on grass shrimp. The shop is fully stocked and the Green Crabs are ready to go.
It has been Striped Bass and Blackfish for the Atlantic City area remarks Nowell from One Stop Bait and Tackle. Lots of schoolie action on bloodworms, clam, and swimming plugs. The main locations have been around the Revel Casino (Massachusetts Avenue) jetty and towards the T-jetty. Anglers have also been getting Blackfish on green crabs which the store is fully stocked.
Fin-Atics of Ocean City recommends fishing with bloodworms from the 9th Street Bridge area along with the Tuckahoe and Great Egg areas for Striped Bass. Perch fishing has been better in the Tuckahoe River. Areas south from Sea Isle City to Wildwood have reported some weakfish action in the back.
Fishing Forecast for Southern New Jersey
The weekends weather doesn’t look great, but one of the two days should be fishable. Striped bass are around so make sure your fishing a moving tide with either bloodworm, soft plastics, or plugs reeled very slowly. If you can get your hands on grass shrimp, White Perch is almost a sure thing as long as you fish a few hours around dusk. With most headboats starting their season out, checking out a blackfish trip may be an option if you want to get on the water. Remember, the season has just started so hopefully you have your gear in shape and ready. Good luck, Be Safe, and Tight Lines.
Great info thank u