Well, here we go again with a very active September in terms of both fishing and tropical systems. Before Hurricane Jose, most boats were reporting good quantities of Porgies and released Sea Bass on the inshore reefs and the inlets areas have been producing small Striped Bass and Bluefish. Weakfish have also been caught on the night tides with soft plastics and live-lined Peanut Bunker from most southern Jersey locations. The fishing has relatively been shut down the last few days with Jose’s effects impacting all of coastal New Jersey. Most charter and headboats have been chomping at the bit to get back on the water, but took advantage of the last few days doing necessary maintenance and gearing up for the Fall Striped Bass run.
The Golden Eagle out of Belmar will return to its normal schedule starting today after being held at the dock by Hurricane/Tropical Storm Jose. Just prior to the coastal blow, fishing was very good for Bonito, Bluefish, False Albacore, and Mackerel on baits and jigs.
Fishermans Supply Co in Point Pleasant reported good Bonito and Albacore fishing from Manasquan Ridge to Barnegat Ridge with most catching them trolling spoons and feathers. There has been some Striped Bass around the bridges and in the Point Pleasant Canal at night. The dayshift has been catching Tog on green crabs. Boats fishing inshore have been doing well on Porgies and on keeper Blackfish though it’s only one per person. With a recent break in action due to Hurricane Jose, the shop took the time to stock shelves for the fall run with some of the newest tackle and wet weather gear.
Norma K III in Point Pleasant Beach reported good fishing this past weekend with plenty of action on keeper Porgies and a few Blackfish. The weather kept the boat at the dock the past few days, but the boat is hoping to make it out Thursday or Friday. The Friday and Saturday night Bluefish trips have been action-packed on 2- to 4-pound Bluefish with an occasional slammer up to 20 pounds.
MIMI IV in Point Pleasant Beach has been busy booking for the Fall Sea Bass opener in October and has a few spots available for its Hudson Canyon Tuna trips. It is best to call the skipper for details.
The Gambler in Point Pleasant reported Bluefish and Mackerel were tearing up the chum on the night Bluefish and Wreck fish trips. The boat will be back out this Friday and Saturday sailing at 7:30 p.m. and the skipper recommends calling the boat for details.
Betty and Nicks Bait and Tackle in Seaside Park reported small Bluefish and some short stripers in the Island Beach State Park surf, especially around Barnegat Inlet prior to the kicked-up surf due to Hurricane Jose. It’s been a slower week due to the ocean conditions, but it has already started to lay down. The shop is loaded with Fall Striped Bass gear, so stop by and check it out.
Carolyn Ann III in Barnegat Light was out early in the week boating some nice size Porgies and threw back a ton of Sea Bass which should bode well when the season opens back up in October. The last few days the boat has been at the dock due to hazardous sea conditions, but Gina and crew will be back out this weekend.
Creekside Outfitters in Waretown reported Weakfish being caught at night from the Barnegat docks on the mainland. Most have been caught using live Peanut Bunker. There remains good sized Bluefish in Oyster Creek close to Route 9 on Bunker chunk. There has been some Blowfish boated on the West side of Barnegat bay. The Barnegat Ridge to the Fingers had lots of Bonito and False Albacore prior to Hurricane Jose’s arrival.
Tony’s Bait And Tackle in Manahawkin reported Bluefish still being caught around the bridges with consistent big Bluefish being caught on bunker chunks on the South side of the old draw-bridge (last bridge going into Long Beach Island). Snapper Bluefish and larger Blues up to two pounds have been terrorizing the juvenile bunker in proximity to all the bridges. Snapper Blues have also been abundant in the LBI surf prior to the storm offshore. There have been some reports of Blowfish off Waretown and Forked River in Barnegat Bay, but you have to chum heavy and put in your time.
Riptide Bait And Tackle in Brigantine reported some Weakfish in the back with bigger fish finally starting to show in the back-bays and inlets. Anglers have been getting them up to 3 pounds on both artificial and live baits. Live Peanut Bunker is the way to go. There also has been some Bluefish and Flounder caught with these same baits. Anglers should be able to get back to catching once the water clears up from the most recent tropical blow.
Fin-Atics in Ocean City reported Kingfish in the surf on Bloodworms along with lots of Bluefish on metals and fresh bait. Most of the bridges and rockpiles have enough Tog to be able to find a keeper and there has been some larger fish caught to 5 pounds. The backwaters of Longport, Ocean City, and Somers Point have been hot on Weakfish up to 6 pounds. Most have been caught on Bloodworms and Shedder crab, but live Peanut Bunker or fresh Mullet will work too. Most offshore boats opted to stay at the dock due to the recent swell and hazardous sea conditions caused by Jose. In terms of bait, the shop is loaded with fresh Mullet for the fall fishery.
The Avalon, Stone Harbor, and North Wildwood areas reported some Weakfish in the deeper channels and around the “lit” areas at night. Striped Bass are picking up slowly worked soft plastics and fresh and live baits in the back bays. There has been a lot of snapper Bluefish around which can be easily caught on spearing, Mackerel pieces, and metals. Kingfish are still taking Fishbites or Bloodworms in the surf.
The Wildwood and Cape May areas had some decent amounts of Bluefish and Weakfish being caught in the Cape May rips along with an occasional Drum to 40 pounds based on local charter and headboats. There has been Kingfish and Croakers caught off the surf with a few mandatory-release Flounder in the mix. The jetties along Cape May and the ferry terminal have had small Striped Bass and a few Weakfish caught on Bloodworms and artificials.
South Jersey Fishing Forecast
If you’re not out there fishing, this weekend may be a good time to get the fall gear in order and on the “ready” for Bluefish, Weakfish, and Striped Bass. Our estuaries from Barnegat Bay southward are seeing a fair amount of good sized Weakfish and the bite should get back to normal as the water clears up this weekend. Cast net and live-line the juvenile Bunker for your best bet at 5-plus pounders. The beachfront may take a little time to subside, but there should be lots of Bluefish and Kingfish in the mix as the waters are still pretty warm as we near the last week of September. If you’re a night-owl, then fish the area bridges with soft plastics to find both Weakfish and Striped Bass. These same areas have been holding some bigger Bluefish during the day on the Bunker chunk. I’m not sure how the ocean conditions will be, but if it’s doable working the Ridges for Bonito and False Albacore may be in play. Good Luck, Be Safe, and Tight Lines!