Southern New Jersey Fishing Report - March 8, 2018

I hope everybody had a good winter and are looking forward to a great 2018 fishing season. I have been chomping at the bit to start writing the weekly South Jersey reports as it gets my fishing juices flowing. “Old-man winter” gave us another shot in the gut with back to back snowmakers this past week putting a slight damper on the start of the fishing season. But don’t worry as Spring should be around the corner with the days beginning to lengthen. There are fish to be had for anglers that are ready or who never put the rods away. Striped Bass are biting in our back bays and rivers, along with White Perch and Winter Flounder. The fisheries should only get better as the temperatures begin to slowly climb. March can be a tough month, I’m hoping we can get some 50 and 60 degree days as that will surely jumpstart the season.

South Jersey Fishing Report

Fishermen’s Supply Co in Point Pleasant reported that the Striped Bass fishing in the back bay is off to a good start with anglers hooking up on live bloodworms, small plugs, and soft plastics. Jason said there seems to be a healthy number of small Stripers around in the Manasquan River and bay. In addition, anglers are doing well off the bridges and docks bayside. The store has been busy selling and prepping there complete selection of Hobie kayaks, so stop in and see the 2018 inventory.

Norma K III in Point Pleasant Beach reported slow bottom fishing the last few weeks of February into March for Cod and Blackfish. The trips were producing keeper Cod, small Cod, and some small Blackfish in the mix. The boat has been in the boat yard this past week for their annual Spring spruce up and seasonal maintenance.

The MIMI VI out of Point Pleasant has been going through the usual spring-time maintenance procedures and getting the vessel and tackle ready for the 2018 season. It is best to call the boat or check their Facebook page for upcoming dates.

Grumpy’s Bait & Tackle in Seaside Park reported a few anglers have been targeting Striped Bass in the back bay and they have been catching. Bloodworms have been working the best, but some have been catching on small SP minnows and Rapala X-raps. A few Winter Flounder have been caught around the bridges and in the Toms River. Flounder fishing should only get better as the area waters start to warm. There have also been some good reports of small Striped Bass from the Oyster Creek outflow in Forked River. The shop has a fresh batch of bloodworms and they are open everyday 7am to 8pm.

Creekside Outfitters in Waretown will be re-opening towards the end of the 3rd week in March. I did speak to the owner, Liza, and she did tell me that they have been busy getting their Spring inventory in order. On the fishing front, the place to be is the Oyster Creek outflow where anglers have been playing catch and release with 16 to 24 inch Striped Bass. Fin-S soft plastics in the 4-inch Pink-Ice color or Kettle Creek plastics tipped on 1/2oz to 3/4oz jigheads have been working. There has been a trickle of anglers fishing for Winter Flounder towards the northern parts of Barnegat Bay and the Toms River.

Tony’s Bait & Tackle in Manahawkin reported a slower week with the unfavorable weather and extreme tides caused by the recent full moon and weekend Nor’easter. Yesterday’s storm didn’t help either. Anglers are picking up small Striped Bass near the Oyster Creek power-plant and some White Perch have been caught in the bayside lagoons on live grass shrimp or pieces of bloodworms. Storeowner Andy T. recommends getting your reels services as the winter months can do a number on them due to the accumulated saltwater corrosion.

Riptide Bait And Tackle in Brigantine reported slower fishing, but anglers are picking up some small Striped Bass in the backwaters on bloodworms and soft plastics. There has been some flooding with the two back to back Nor’easters, but the shop is open and does have bloodworms in stock. It’s best to give the shop a call, before stopping in.

Fin-Atics in Ocean City was at the Atlantic City Boat showing off a full line kayaks and paddle-boards. The shop is back to their full-time hours and the store does have lots of bait options. Anglers are picking up a few Striped Bass in the backwaters by drifting live bloodworms and by working small soft plastics around the 9th Street bridge. Most of the Striped Bass are only in the 15 to 21 inch range, but it does cure the cabin fever!

South Jersey Fishing Forecast

The best bet for this weekend is to fish areas with the warmest water as these will usually hold small baitfish, grass shrimp, and worms. Bridges, backwater lagoons, mud flats, and power-plant outflows are the most productive areas during this time of year. Small Striped Bass will hit grass shrimp or bloodworms on a weighted float, especially around bridges at night. Small 3 to 5 inch soft plastics would be the “go-to” if you were planning on fishing one of our warm-water outflows. With the colder bay temperatures, it is pivotal to work the soft plastics very slow. Depending on the forecast, Winter Flounder should be in play through the weekend especially with any afternoon sun. Mantaloking, Toms River, and Barnegat bay are good places to try for winter flattie action. If your still not ready to start off your 2018 season, then spend the time prepping gear such greasing reels, changing lines, or re-organizing your tackle containers.

Good Luck, Be Safe, and Tight Lines!