Pictured above: Reports of bigger striped bass have been trickling in.
The word this week remains: Bluefish. It’s been another solid week of Bluefish action up and down the coast as they have provided ample angling opportunities for boaters and land fisherman. Poppers, swimming plugs, and metals are the way to go if you desire targeting them with artificials, otherwise it’s chunked bunker and mackerel for the bait heavers. We starting to get reports of some bigger Striped Bass, but it has definitely been a slow trickle. The New Jersey DEP’s Division of Fish and Wildlife has it’s regulations posted, http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/pdf/2017/maregsum17.pdf, but currently has Summer Flounder under review. Hopefully, the state of New Jersey makes their decision on Summer Flounder/Fluke in the coming days as many shops, party boats, charters, and anglers are awaiting a confirmation on regulations.
The Norma K III in Point Pleasant Beach reported Bluefish ranging from 2 to 10 pounds being boxed by anglers jigging A-47 and A-47 jigs with red teasers. Striped Bass were a little fickle, but there was excellent marks on bait. They should start chewing any day and the stage is set for it to break wide open. The boat is sailing every day for Striped Bass and Bluefish from 730am to 230pm.
Fisherman’s Supply in Point Pleasant reported that Bluefish have been everywhere. If the location has saltwater, they are there! Bluefish are stretched throughout the Manasquan Inlet and Point Pleasant Canal. There are lots of big Bluefish being caught in the shallows on poppers and plugs and also some “not-confirmed” rumors of Weakfish being caught in the “wee-hours” of the morning on soft plastics. Striped Bass have yet to get here in mass as far as trophy fish, but the Point Pleasant and surrounding areas have a ton of 12-18 inch Stripers. Most have been caught in the back, around bridges, and along the jetties on soft plastics such as Fin-S or Tsunami swim-shads. The shop has received some word of 30-40 pound fish being caught along the 3 mile line from Long Branch to Seaside. Spoons and Mojo rigs are the best bet for these fish.
MIMI IV in Point Pleasant Beach has some Open Boat trips available for Cod, Ling, and Winter Flounder from 7am to 3pm occurring from May 15th to May 19th, and on May 22nd and May 24th. The boat will also be sailing for Stripers during those same dates leaving at 3:30pm and returning at Dark. Capt. Ken recommends calling the boat for details.
Betty and Nick’s Bait & Tackle in Seaside Park reported fishing is still improving and has been more consistent than the prior week. Big Blues, big Blues, and more big Bluefish have been caught on both sides of Barnegat Bay and along Barnegat inlet. Striped Bass have been sporadic, but interestingly one of the NJ State Park Rangers stopped by the shop to mention that he saw a Striped Bass, “Every bit of 50 pounds,” landed on the Island Beach State Park surf.
Creekside Outfitters in Waretown had more big Bluefish in the backwaters of Barnegat Bay from the BB buoy to Little Egg Inlet. The trick has been to fish the warmer, shallower areas with poppers and shallow-diving plugs. Crabbing has picked up and also a few anglers have stopped by the shop to let them know that the breeder Blowfish have made their appearance in the bay. Boaters fishing off Island Beach State Park have been dragging spoons and mojos, but the word on the water has been “lots of marks, not a lot of takers”. The shop has a couple of seminars coming up in the near future, Sharking techniques on May 19th, and Fishing the Conditions on June 9th.. Seating is limited for these seminars, so it is recommended to call the shop to reserve your spot.
Riptide Bait & Tackle in Brigantine saw more of the same this week: BLUEFISH. It’s been blues out front and in the backwaters. Poppers in shallow water and just off the shallows has been the best play of the week. In terms of Striped Bass, the shop is still on the wait for Striped Bass weigh-ins. Storeowner Capt. Andy said that there some Striped Bass around, but a lot this past week have been undersized. There hasn’t been a lot of boats fishing, but there has been some birds working on bait out of casting range over the past few days. The shop’s annual Striper Derby is still waiting it’s first Striper and the competition ends May 21st.
FinAtics in Ocean City had another solid week of Striped Bass and Bluefish for the oceanfront and bays. The Bluefish have been easily targeted in the back and in the inlets on artficial lures. The area bridges are still holding Striped Bass under the lights and Zoom baits continue to be the lures of choice. There has been a few throwback flounder/fluke around, but unfortunately the season is not opened for a few weeks.
South Jersey Fishing Forecast
The weather this weekend looks a little iffy especially for boaters as a low pressure system looks to develop bringing anticipated wind and rain off the coast. The best bet for fishing would probably be the area’s jetties, inlets, and sheltered backwaters. Most bridges from Point Pleasant to Cape May have life around them, especially at night, and anglers can easily catch Bluefish and Striped Bass on artificials. Working the shadow-light line and fishing on the moving tide will increase your chances of hooking up as Striped Bass and Bluefish ambush baitfish. Sunday looks like it might be part rain and sun, but be sure to celebrate Mother’s Day with Mom before heading the water. Good Luck, Be Safe, and Tight Lines!