The good news is that I’m still hearing of huge schools of Striped Bass up in Long Island, but it remains to be seen if they push down the coast or offshore in the next few weeks. The Mid-Atlantic is getting a blast of cold temperatures which should get them moving. Striped Bass are still hitting jigs and trolled lures North of Shark River Inlet, but from Manasquan to Little Egg Inlet it’s been spotty. Sea Isle to Wildwood having been seeing some nice Stripers caught on the troll and some snag-n-drop opportunities. Most of South Jersey should be seeing bass and birdplay by now, but we are just not there yet. Tog fishing is on fire from Little Egg to Cape May as many limits of whitechins have been boxed. As you move up the coast, it’s been a little tougher bite. There are some reports of Bluefin being caught 6 to 15 miles out. If you choose to run for them make sure you have your Tuna permit and a good set of binoculars, there is a reason why they call them the “ghosts” of Fall.
Fishing Report Southern New Jersey
Fisherman’s Supply in Point Pleasant had a rather spotty report of quality 30-pound Striped Bass to 24 inchers being caught on jigs and from trolling Mojos and Spoons. Jason said it’s been as very tough Fall as it’s been off and on for Striped Bass. Tog fishing has been the same with headboats working 6 hours for a dozen fish. It’s been a very tough year to say the least and the most consistent action has occurred under the bridges along the Manasquan River. Swim shads, plugs, and soft plastics have been the lures to go with under the bridges. Sea Bass and Cod have been caught, but be prepared to run 40 to 60 miles for them as most deep sea headboats have been running that distance.
Capt. Bill’s Landing in Point Pleasant Beach reported better Striped Bass fishing north of Manasquan Inlet with most boats running to Asbury Park to find jigging Stripers. Anglers fishing south of Manasquan are finding them, but it’s mostly a troll bite and it’s been very sporadic. The beaches have been relatively quiet with a few small birdplays on 20-inch fish. The shop is still hearing of mega schools of bass in Long Island, so it should continue through December.
Norma K III in Point Pleasant Beach has been out for Blackfish every day, but fishing has been picky. There are seeing some life, but most are just shy of being keepers. The keepers have been hitting equally on white-leggers and greenies. Anglers that casted around to work different parts of the structure did the best.
The Gambler out of Point Pleasant Beach has been fishing north to find steady action on mixed sized Striped Bass. The boat had Stripers up to 35 inches and the fish have been on Sand Eels with 4oz AVA’s working best. Color didn’t seem to matter.
The MIMI VI out of Point Pleasant ran a couple of Blackfish trips, but the bite has been a tough one with shorts and some nice keepers in the mix. Capt Ken does have a few dates remaining for Blackfish so give them a call.
Jersey Hooker Outfitter in Brick reported some action off the beaches of Seaside on 18- to 24-inch fish for anglers working metals in the suds. There have been some keeper sized Stripers caught on chunked Bunker, but it’s been rather spotty. Boats are doing better trolling the 3-mile lines with Mojo’s and Spoons.
Grumpy’s Bait & Tackle in Seaside Park had reports of small bass on metals and teasers and one of the shop regulars had some Stripers to 36 inches on chunked Bunker. Alex Gelpke had a nice 37” which he caught on Island Beach State Park using Bunker.
Lacey Marine in Forked River reported anglers trolling Mojos and Spoons in 60 feet of water were picking at Stripers to 40 inches. Togging has been tough, but much better south of Barnegat Inlet. The back bays have some short Stripers, but there are not too many to go around.
Super Chic in Barnegat Light has been fishing for Striped Bass and has been able to jig a few up, but it’s been very slow. Blackfish has been better, especially on the wrecks south of Barnegat Inlet.
Creekside Outfitters in Waretown had good reports of Blackfish being caught from the Little Egg Reef and Garden State North reef sites on Green Crabs. The Barnegat Light reef has been slow with few keepers and mostly short fish. Striped Bass fishing has been a pick and it’s a trolling only game from Barnegat Inlet to Manasquan. Most of the fish are being caught on white or green Bunker spoons.
Tony’s Bait & Tackle in Manahawkin reported a decent troll bite on Striped Bass south of Little Egg Inlet with boats working the 3-mile line off Brigantine and Atlantic City. Togging has been very good at the Little Egg Reef site and some of the surrounding wrecks. Barnegat Inlet has been very slow on Stripers which historically should be loaded with bass, especially the North jetty.
Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom reported a spotty troll bite from Barnegat Inlet to Lavallette, but most hookups have been around the 3-mile line. Anglers venturing further out have been finding Bluefin 7 to 15 miles off Mantoloking south to Seaside. There have also been some major Striped Bass schools out there which are unfortunately off limits to anglers as they are in federal waters. The Tog bite has been good, but much better from the Garden State North and South reef sites. The Causeway bridges are still holding a fair number of schoolie bass which can be targeted by boat or from land.
Riptide Bait & Tackle in Brigantine said it’s been relatively quiet off the Brigantine beaches with an occasional schoolie Striper caught. The boats have been doing better trolling the 3-mile line with Mojos and Bunker spoons. Tog fishing has been very good for anglers fishing the local reef sites.
Fin-Atics in Ocean City reported good Blackfish action from the Ocean City Reef and Wildwood reef sites. The bite of the jetties has slowed up as the fish have pushed to most of the inshore snags. Striped Bass action has been better for boats trolling Mojos and Spoons as a school has pushed south off Sea Isle and Wildwood. The beachfront has been spotty, but some Stripers have been caught up to 30 inches.
Peace Token Fishing Tackle in Cape May reported very good Tog fishing from most of the wrecks in 45 to 65 feet with Green crabs producing the best. Sea Bass fishing has been excellent, but anglers are having to run to the 140-foot wrecks. Striped Bass fishing has been very spotty off the beaches, but better for the boats.
Hands Too Bait & Tackle in Cape May reported trolling action south of Sea Isle to Wildwood on Bunker Spoons and Mojos. The Wildwood and Cape May beachfronts have been very slow as there are just not that many fish around. Tog fishing has been on fire at the Wildwood and Cape May reef sites and the local jetties still have a fair number of Tog around. Anglers are running to the deep for Sea Bass as most have been in the 125- to 130-foot depths, but there are some closer in if you can find snags that have not been touched.
South Jersey Fishing Forecast
The best bet for Thanksgiving through the weekend would be to either fish north for striped bass, south for blackfish, or hit up some of the Black Friday specials at the local tackle shops. Since the Stripers are not in distributed along our coasts, anglers must be willing to run 20+ miles to get in on the action depending on your ports. If you own a trailer-able boat, then I would suggest launching out of Shark River and running North to find schools of jigging bass. Tog fisherman should work the reef sites from Garden State North to Cape May Reef depending on your inlet. The weather will be the biggest factor as we are forecasted to have very cold temperature and blustery winds, so definitely dress warm and be smart out there. Good Luck, Be Safe, and Tight Lines!