Fishing Report for New Jersey
Don’t blame the messenger, but there is not much happening on the fishing front. Things are quiet, unless you’re heading out for blackfish, offshore porgies, ling, or cod.
Getting out has been a problem. High winds and frigid temps have kept boats at the dock for most of the week. On the plus side, the colder weather created some ice so the fans of hard water fishing are having some fun.
Bob Matthews at Fisherman’s Den said there are still a couple of boats sailing out of the Belmar Marina when the weather allows.
Capt. Bobby Quinn on the Ocean Explorer out of Belmar sailed last Saturday and again on Wednesday and found fish on both trips.
Capt. Quinn said the tog were chewing on Saturday and several guys had their limits. On Wednesday’s trip, he reported fairly decent weather with a good tog bite in the early part of the day. Once the tide turned, the water temperature dropped, and things slowed down. At the end of the day, a few anglers had three keepers, others had one or two while others just got shorts. There were also some perch in the mix along with a few keeper cod.
John Vafiadis at the Reel Seat in Brielle said all that he’s heard of lately is the togging and offshore wreck trips for porgies, ling and cod.
The Big Jamaica headed to the wrecks last Saturday and Capt. Howard Bogan reported excellent fishing for jumbo porgies and ling. There were a few mackerel and hake caught as well.
The Big Jamaica will be sailing again this Saturday as will the Jamaica II out of Bogan’s Basin in Brielle.
Capt. Matt Sosnowski on the Norma K III out of Point Pleasant Beach hasn’t sailed since Saturday due to the weather. He reported that the blackfishing is still a bit sluggish but they found a few keepers on some spots with the pool fish going about 7-pounds.
Capt. Sosnowski is planning on sailing again this Saturday.
Capt. Kenny Namowitz of the Mimi VI out of Point Pleasant Beach has been sailing an open boat every day he can get out. He’s been picking some nice blackfish in 80 to 90 feet of water. He’ll be sailing his special Friday trip this week which is limited to 12 passengers and leaves the dock at 6:30 a.m. and returns at 4:30 p.m. There’s a private tournament on Saturday, but he plans on sailing again on Sunday with a 25-person limit and a 7 a.m. departure. Check the Mimi VI website for details.
As for the surf, there’s nothing going on there right now.
Ray at Grumpy’s Bait and Tackle in Seaside Park said nobody has been giving it a try in the cold and wind. The shop is still busy, however, getting ready for this weekend’s big winter sale where everything in the shop is 10 percent off. Ray said there are great deals on SP Minnows, Gulp!, and other popular items. The sale runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.
Pete at Charlies Bait and Tackle in Lavallette said it’s quiet there with rod and reel repairs taking up most of his time. He did mention that while the Oyster Creek Power Plant has shut down, it is still generating some warm water and he’s waiting to see if it will have any impact on the bass fishing.
Max at Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom reported that with the exception of tog fishing, there’s nothing going on down there right now except rod and reel repairs.
Rick Hebert at Tackle World in Rochelle Park didn’t have much to add on the saltwater front but said there was some ice in the area and where it was thick enough, you could find ice fishermen. Crappie and pickerel were making up most of the catch.
Farther north, Dino at Garden State Bait and Tackle in Stockholm said the ice fishing really took off last weekend on the local ponds and lakes. His is one of the few shops that has mousies in stock and he said they have been deadly for crappie right now. He also said Power Bait has been working for trout under the ice and anglers have been getting trout on nymphs in the streams. The weather will be turning colder this weekend and Dino expects the ice to be around for weeks to come.
On a sad note, the Jersey Shore fishing community lost a great friend this week with the passing of Ronny Bala, a much loved and admired presence at Fisherman’s Supply in Point Pleasant Beach. Our condolences to his family and many, many friends.
Fishing Forecast for New Jersey
The forecast for the weekend looks fairly good, considering its January. The boats that are sailing for blackfish, porgies, ling, and cod should be able to sail.
Temperatures will be heading back down so there should be enough ice in the northern part of the state for all you hardwater fans. Crappie, pike, trout and bass are all biting. You can also check out the big weekend sale at Grumpy’s Bait and Tackle in Seaside Park.