Pictured above: The Gambler out of Point Pleasant has had some good offshore Tuna trips as of late.
The big news of the week will happen this weekend as the long anticipated opening of Sea Bass finally arrives on Saturday (October 22nd). It’s 15 fish per person @ 13 inches for the state of New Jersey. Most of the local party and charter boat captains have been saying most of the inshore wrecks have lots of life on them, so it should be a good start as long as the winds, seas, and waves hold. Our big girls from the North have finally made it to our fishing areas as some anglers were able to catch Striped Bass up to 40 pounds. These fish are mostly bee-lining south for the start of the migration, but it is looking good for the upcoming weeks as South Jersey should start to see waves of Striped Bass as the water temperatures and moon phases align.
So here is this week’s rundown:
Gates Bait and Tackle in Point Pleasant Beach reported Blackfishing remaining “hot” at the Manasquan Inlet and also good Striped Bass fishing in the inlet and Point Pleasant Canal on swimming plugs and bucktails. The Stripers have been hitting best the 1st hour of outgoing and the size has ranged anywhere from schoolies to keepers. Bluefish have also been in the mix with 3 to 4 pounders consistent. A “bigger” Striper invasion has come from our northernly neighbors with 20 to 35 pound fish hitting both trolled Mojo and Maja setups from Asbury Park to Sea Girt. The reports from some of the local captains have most of our wrecks peppered with Sea Bass.
Fisherman’s Supply in Point Pleasant reported good first of the season Striped Bass action around the Shrewsbury Rocks on trolled mojos, spoons, and deep-diving plugs. Most of the fish have been in the 20 to 30 pound range. There have been a few reports of fish over 45 pounds, but this is not confirmed as of yet. There has been consistent Blackfish from the end of the Manasquan Inlet to the Point Pleasant Canal.
MIMI VI out of Point Pleasant has been busy both offshore Tuna fishing and bottom-fishing over the past week. Capt. Ken is scheduled to be out over the next two days for an Open-Boat offshore tuna trip at the Hudson Canyon.
The Gambler out of Point Pleasant has had some good offshore Tuna trips as of late. Most of the Yellowfin have been between 30 to 70 pounds while the Longfin have ranged from 30 to 40 pounds. There have been a few big Tilefish taken on some of the drifts. The skipper feels that the canyon fishing should only get better over the next couple of weeks.
Norma K III out of Point Pleasant has been picking away at the Porgy’s the last couple of trips. Some of the regular anglers tried Green Crabs for Tog and landed several keepers (1 per person). The crew is excited that Sea Bass opens this weekend and will begin to target these fish starting on Saturday.
Betty and Nick’s Bait and Tackle in Seaside Park reported some False Albacore, small Blues, and keeper Bass invading the sands of Island Beach State Park. Most of the Stripers have been in the 26 to 30 inch range, but it is definitely a good sign of things to come. Mullet, Metals, and Clam have accounted for the majority of Stripers caught.
Dock Outfitters in Seaside Park also had good reports from IBSP with surfcasters getting Striped Bass in the 28 to 30 inch range. Most of the bass have been caught before daybreak, so you will need to fish early and time the tides. 15 to 18 inch schoolies have been hitting plugs around Mathis Island and Pelican Bridge at night. Some nights you are able to catch up to 20 fish, there not keepable, but there “fun”.
Capt. Hippos in Toms River had snapper and some bigger Bluefish at Huddy Park, Mathis Park, and Oceangate. There are still some keeper sized Blueclaws around with pretty decent October numbers.
Super Chic out of Barnegat Light has been hitting schools of 8 to 18 pound Bluefish offshore for clients. Capt. Ted says there have been excellent numbers of them around at the usual offshore spots. The boat has some upcoming trips for Sea Bass as the season reopens this Saturday, and in November will be concentrating on Striped Bass and Blackfish.
The Carolyn Ann III out of Barnegat Light is still chomping at the bit from it’s couple of week hiatus due to regulatory closures. But with the Sea Bass season just days away from opening, the crew is primed and ready to put their fares on quality fish. The boat will be running this weekend and through the week, but it’s best to call the boat for details.
Creekside Outfitters in Waretown reported Bluefish along the surf, jetties, and backwaters as they have been hitting anything that moves. Striped Bass have been taken on eels along the sedges of Island Beach State Park and in the main channels. Blowfish have been a little slower, but are still available if anglers willing to put in the time and chum. Tog have been hitting green crabs pretty good around Barnegat Inlet and some of the inshore wrecks.
Tony’s Bait And Tackle in Manahawkin reported small Striped Bass still very active around the Causeway bridges. Barnegat Inlet has been a pick on Striped Bass depending on the tide, but Bluefish have been pretty thick. Blowfish are still hanging in there from Waretown to Holgate and crabbing still very good.
Riptide Bait And Tackle in Brigantine has had patrons enjoying our mini-heat wave and Bluefish are all over the place. The Blues are mostly cocktail size, but make great for grilling. The water temperatures have jumped back to just shy of 67 which make it a little unpleasant for Striped Bass. The shop has fresh Clams, live Eels, and Mullet is still the choice of bait if you are looking to have some fun with the Blues. The Elks Striper tournament is coming up on November 11th through 13th. Entry forms can be picked up at Riptide or at the Brigantine Elks, stop by the shop for more information.
Absecon Bay Sportsman of Absecon Bay has been getting solid reports of Striped Bass action in the Mullica and Great Egg rivers mostly on soft plastics and Mullet. There are still a few few Fluke around as they have been picked up as by-catch for anglers jigging slow, but the season is closed. The shop is hearing that some of the wrecks outside Atlantic City are loaded with Sea Bass which should make the season opener a good one.
One Stop Bait And Tackle in Atlantic City said it has been “hot” on Kingfish and Tog off of the Atlantic City’s jetties. Most of the Kingfish have been hitting bloodworm, Fishbites, or clam. The Blackfish are devouring the Green Crabs, and the shop is fully stocked with both baits. There has been some Striped Bass action, but it is a little sporadic and only between dusk and dawn.
Fin-Atics in Ocean City had reports of Bluefish and Striped Bass from the Bridges to Corson’s and Townsend’s inlets on soft plastics and swim shads. Blackfish are still biting with authority around the area’s rocks and there have been some nice Triggerfish caught off of Sea Isle City. Some of the reef sites are “loaded” with Sea Bass, but the shop reminds make sure they are 13 inches or above for the season opener this weekend.
Matt from Jim’s Bait and Tackle in Cape May reported that they are starting to see a few nice Striped Bass starting to show up on the surf. Kyle Corbin of Spring Lake NJ weighed in a nice 18 pound Bass he caught on a piece of fresh Bunker by the Philadelphia Avenue jetty. Kira Stanwick of Moorestown caught a 9 pound Bass on a Gulp 4″ chartreuse swimming mullet at Cape May Point. There are also some small Blues still hanging around the beaches and the Tog are on the rockpiles in good numbers. Anglers fishing the Cape May reef have had great luck on Porgys and some really nice Sea Bass which will be able to be kept when the season opens this Saturday. There are still boats running to the canyons, when weather permits, with varying success on Yellowfin Tuna, Longfin Tuna, and Mahi. The Yellowfin have been in the Wilmington canyon on the cold side of the temperature break. There are also some Swordfish being caught in the Wilmington overnight.
South Jersey Fishing Forecast
The best bet this weekend might be to jump aboard a headboat for the season opening of Sea Bass as the weather conditions may keep most recreational boats tied to the dock. It doesn’t look that good to at least Monday or Tuesday in terms of winds and sea conditions, so you feel a “bad cold” coming on for a day or two out of work. Striped Bass are still providing solid action in most backwaters around jetties, piers, and bridges, so work the soft plastics. If your looking for a 30 to 50 pound class Striper, troll the 3 mile line with Mojo’s and Maja’s. It is not all out action, but you may get a few shots at some big fish. Good Luck, Be Safe, and Tight Lines!