Has anyone seen Spring? Our snow shovels were supposed to be put away for the season, but Mother Nature had other plans dumping over a foot of snow in coastal South Jersey. It has hampered fishing in most places, except the warm water outflows which have been hot on early Stripers. We have been hearing of exceptional bites on soft plastics at some of the area’s hotwater areas in the backbay. This upcoming week looks like the air temperatures will finally hit the 50s and this should help the Perch, Winter Flounder, and Striped Bass bite.
Here is this week’s rundown:
Fisherman’s Supply in Point Pleasant reported a continued bite in the backwaters of Barnegat Bay, Toms River, and the Manasquan. Anglers are picking at short Striped Bass on Bloodworms and small 3 to 5-inch soft plastics tipped on 1/2- to 3/4-oz jig heads. The most affected has been the Winter Flounder bite which has been stuck in a rut with the consistent cloudy and below-average temperatures. Although it has been slow, Island Heights and the Mantaloking bridge have had some bites on Winter Flounder. An increase in sunshine and temperatures should produce some feeding fish, especially off any muddy flats and adjacent channels.
Norma K III in Point Pleasant Beach reported that the boat was finished and is back at the dock. The crew will sure up a few odds and ends, but they will be sailing this upcoming Saturday and Sunday for Cod and Ling starting at 730 a.m. The boat will be sailing for a 1/2 day Blackfish trip on April 1st for the start of the season, leaving the dock promptly at 730 a.m.
The MIMI VI out of Point Pleasant are finishing up work on the boat and they will be ready to sail for the start of the season. It is best to call the boat for details on upcoming open-boat trips.
Grumpy’s Bait & Tackle in Seaside Park had good reports of Striped Bass on Bloodworms and artificials, with more bass started to hit artificial baits. The shop did receive some reports of Bunker in the rivers and bays which is a good sign for the season. They will be open every day and have a full line of fresh and frozen baits for Bass and Winter Flounder.
Super Chic in Barnegat Light has been busy prepping the boat and look to start targeting Striped Bass and Bluefish in the next few weeks. They are currently booking trips starting mid-April for shots at Bass, Blues, or Blackfish.
Creekside Outfitters in Waretown looks to open the shop this upcoming weekend and will have fresh and live baits on hand. Anglers have been bailing Striped Bass at the Powerplant outflow on artificials and Bloodworms. Most of the Striped Bass are 12 to 20 inches, with some bigger ones in the mix. Winter Flounder are around and some anglers have caught them near the outflow, but the bite has been hampered by the temperatures and weekly Nor’Easters. Anglers are catching the Striped Bass throughout the day due to the cloudy days, but it has been better early morning or late evening. There also was some reports of White Perch in the Toms River on Bloodworms.
Tony’s Bait & Tackle in Manahawkin didn’t receive too many different reports this week with Striped Bass still hitting at the Lacey Power-plant. Some anglers have been attempting Winter Perch action in Beach Haven West, but it has been a little slow as of late. The recent storm has produced strong winds and tide heights 2-feet above normal.
Riptide Bait & Tackle in Brigantine reported slow fishing, but anglers are picking at Striped Bass and Winter Flounder in the back and around the Absecon Inlet. There are short Striped Bass in the backwaters for anglers throwing Bloodworms or soft plastic Zoom baits and White Perch have been found up the Mullica on Bloodworm or Grass Shrimp.
Fin-Atics in Ocean City reported a rather slow week especially with the latest Nor’Easter which dirtied up the water. There have been some anglers slowly picking at Striped Bass and White Perch, but most of that action has been further up the rivers. The shop does have Bloodworms stocked and is open Monday through Sunday.
South Jersey Fishing Forecast
The best bet for this weekend will be to find clean, warmer water as the snow-melt and recent nor’easter will have a negative effect on water temperature and clarity. It’s been one tough March, but the temperatures look to rebound in the 50’s which will help the fishing. The warm water areas, especially the Oyster Creek outflow, continue to be the hottest places to find Striped Bass action. Winter Flounder should be within the same area, especially around areas that have muddy bottoms. If you’re still prepping, this week is a good week to get your Tog gear in order, sinkers poured, and rigs made in time for the start of the season next week.
Good Luck, Be Safe, and Tight Lines!
Nasty March this year. Can,t wait to start this season. I am sure we all are looking forward to a good year. Good luck everyone and hopefully this will be the best in a long time.