Southern New Jersey Fishing Report - December 15, 2016

We are about a 10 day away from the holidays, so I would like to end on a positive note.  Unfortunately, as I write these reports over the last two days the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC) is proposing devastating cuts to the Fluke season for recreational fisherman, charter, and headboats in the state of New Jersey.  The commission is requiring a preliminary 41% reduction, which would could put our Fluke limits at two fish at 20 inches during a season of July 1st to August 31st.  My Christmas wish is for rational heads to prevail and more reasonable regulations for anglers in the state of New Jersey.  On the fishing side of things, Striped Bass continue to be great for anglers in extreme south Jersey, and the Blackfish bite.

So here is this week’s rundown:

Gates Bait and Tackle in Point Pleasant Beach had a lot of small Striped Bass off the surf mixed in with Herring.  Most of the Striped Bass are part of the “end of the run” class taping from 15 to 21 inches.  Smaller plugs and Tsunami Sand Eel soft plastics have been faring the best on these Bass.  Togging has been excellent with nice-sized 10- to 15-pounders being reported from a variety of wrecks and reef sites.  The Manasquan Inlet walls have had some action on Herring to keep angler’s rods bent.

Fisherman’s Supply in Point Pleasant reported small Striped Bass in the surf zone almost every day this past week.  Most of the fish are of the smaller variety with the maximum at about 20 inches, but they are still a blast on plugs and soft plastics.  The shop got some serious word of the December “ghosts” arriving and had a 70-pound Bluefin weighed in.  No specific area was mentioned or could be pried from the phone call, but they were in the 1- to 4-mile range.  Blackfish jigging has been exceptional with Tog weighing up to 15 pounds being boxed and the shop will be open through the New Year.

MIMI VI out of Point Pleasant has been hitting the “Toggy” areas in search of whitechins, and some days are better than others.  This past week some nice fish made it over the rail up to the 14-pound mark.  The weather has been a factor in running some of the open-boats, but the boat will be sailing through holidays for Open-Boat Blackfish with the following dates available next week: 12/20, 12/21, 12/22, 12/24.  Additionally, the boat will sail the 26th through the 30th.

The Gambler out of Point Pleasant will be busy running offshore Sea Bass trips through the end of December and they still have quite a few spots available for these quality fish.  It’s best to check the boat or their website for details.

Norma K III out of Point Pleasant did well this past week.  Although chilly at times, the fishing has been outstanding with quality fish making it over the rails.  Most of the fish have ranged from 5 to 12 pounds with some savvy anglers able to box a limit.  White-leggers have been working the best and anglers jigging for tog have done slightly better.

The boat will be running as long as the weather and sea conditions permit and it’s best to check the boat’s Facebook page or give them a ring.

Betty and Nick’s Bait & Tackle in Seaside Park has been busy with their annual gift certificate bonus deals for the holidays.  On a fishing note, it’s been a lot of small bass for anglers throwing plugs and soft plastics.  This past week has been on the chilly side, but very doable but it’s going to get cold as we approach the weekend.  The shop will be open through Christmas Eve, but they recommend calling ahead to make sure they are open.

Dock Outfitters in Seaside Park has been very fishable over the past few days and small swimmers with teasers in front have been picking at the small Striped Bass.  Small rubber shads and thin metals have also been working.  There hasn’t been a heavy bite, but a steady pick of Bass to 20 inches.  Blackfish has been steady in just about every wreck or reef site, and the bite is excellent right now.  The store has extra-value added gift certificates available.

Super Chic out of Barnegat Light has officially called it a season and the skipper will be back at it in the Spring of 2017.

The Carolyn Ann III out of Barnegat Light also has dry docked the vessel for the season with some maintenance scheduled, the crew looks to get back on the water in the Spring 2017.  Gina and the crew were going to make the trip to Baltimore to fight for better regulations for Fluke than what the ASMFC proposed.

Creekside Outfitters in Waretown had a few nice fish being caught from anglers fishing a variety of structured wrecks, both North and South of Barnegat Inlet.  Most have been caught on green crab with a few bigger fish on white leggers.  The store is running quite a few specials on gift certificates and lures such as the trolling Mojo lure, so it’s best to stop in and check them out.

Tony’s Bait & Tackle in Manahawkin reported small Striped Bass being had from the Long Beach Island beaches and from some of the “warmer” areas in Barnegat Bay.  Blackfish continue to be caught from the Garden State and Little Egg reef sites.  The store does have some deals, but you must stop in to check them out.

Riptide Bait & Tackle in Brigantine has some good topwater action reported by anglers who have been hitting some nice Striped Bass.  Unfortunately for surf anglers, it has been mostly a 3-mile boat thing.  It’s getting towards that time of the year when the shop is getting ready for the holiday shoppers. The boaters continue to put a beating on the bass out front, but the beach has had nothing.  The shops gift cards have been very popular so far as the shop adds 10% value to all cards purchased until Christmas Eve.

Absecon Bay Sportsman of Absecon Bay had good reports of Striped Bass being caught off Corson’s Inlet with some Striped Bass being trolled up to 30 pounds.  The key is working the 3-mile line and putting in your time.  It doesn’t not pay to work areas that are 3+ miles from shore as it’s illegal and will land you a nice citation.  Blackfish continue to be had in the 50 to 80 foot depths on both Green Crab and White Leggers.

One Stop Bait & Tackle in Atlantic City reported still a pick Tog with a nice, 11.5 pounder being weighed in which was caught in the Atlantic City area on live Green Crab.  The Striped Bass action remains off the beach with most boats being able to box Stripers on the 3-mile line.  The bite has moved South a bit, but if you dress warm and are willing to run, the Striped Bass are there.  Donate a toy and your automatically entered the shop’s Fishing for Toys December 17 and 18th tournament.  You must donate your toy at the shop, and the Striped Bass may be caught anywhere in Atlantic County waters.

Fin-Atics in Ocean City reported that the area from Ocean City to Cape May has literally lit up with like a Christmas tree with quality Striped Bass up to 30 pounds.  Bass were being trolled up around the 3-mile line and with good numbers of fish.  Some of the anglers reported 30 plus fish days on Mojo’s and Stretches.  Just be wary of the 3-mile line because the United States Coast Guard has been patrolling it actively.  There were quite a few anglers that witnessed others being bordered.

The Wildwood and Cape May area has been good on Striped Bass up to 35 pounds and most of these fish are being caught 2 to 3 miles from shore.  Mojo’s, Maja spoons, and Mann’s Stretches trolled in that range have been the ticket to Bass.  Tog are hitting at the wrecks and sticky bottoms from Wildwood to Cape May, with most in the 50 to 90 foot depths.

South Jersey Fishing Forecast

Unfortunately, this weekend looks like it may be a washout with snow, ice, and rain predicted in addition to higher sea conditions.  But if you do have a shot at getting out, fishing are northerly stretches will have better shots at good sized Tog while our southerly areas have good sized Striped Bass.  Slightly further offshore, there has been some Bluefin Tuna around from Asbury Park to Seaside Park, so be prepared as you never know when they will pop up.  It’s for good reason they call them the “ghosts of Fall”.  Be Safe, Good Luck, and Tight Lines!