Gale winds and frigid temperatures finally put an end to January striper bite.
The bad weather also kept the blackfish boats at the dock for the several days.
It is winter after all, and unfortunately, there’s just not a lot going on.
Rick Hebert at Tackle World in Rochelle Park said the cold brought ice and ice anglers to the lakes and ponds in his neck of the woods. He heard of trout and crappie caught at Green Turtle Pond.
And that’s all he heard.
It was the same for Mike Pinto at Giglio’s Bait and Tackle in Sea Bright. Aside from a few shop regulars giving it a shot, there’s not much to report. There are bunker and herring still hanging around Sandy Hook.
He did say that shop is now carrying Outcast Plugs and is open every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon and by appointment.
Mike Gleason at Tak Waterman in Long Branch said it was the quietest week around there in a long time. The only thing he had to report was that they got a new shipment of Shimano Saragosa offshore spinning reels. Gleason said it may be the last shipment before summer.
Tak Waterman is open every day except Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.
The Big Mohawk and Ocean Explorer are sailing for blackfish out of the Belmar Marina when the weather permits. The Big Mohawk reported a good day of togging at the end of last week but has been stuck at the dock since.
The plan is to sail again this Sunday, Monday and Tuesday.
The Ocean Explorer found some nice blackfish on its last trip with a few limits around the boat. The boat will sail again as soon as the weather cooperates.
Steve Thomas at the Reel Seat in Brielle said a few small bass are still being pulled from the surf and the blackfishing has been good, especially at the Sea Girt Reef, when the boats can sail.
Kyle Tanger at Fisherman’s Supply in Point Pleasant Beach also reported solid blackfishing, hampered only by the weather. But while the fishing is slow, he’s been busy spooling tuna reels for those who want to be ready when the bite starts.
Capt. Kenny Namowitz of the Mimi VI out of Point Pleasant Beach said his most recent trip was last Sunday when there was a good catch of tog. The day ended with a few limits and most other anglers with one or two.
Capt. Namowitz said there were very few boats out and, all in all, it was a very productive day. He plans on sailing through January and into February as long as there’s interest and favorable weather.
Pete Kupper at Charlie’s Bait and Tackle in Normandy Beach said a handful of anglers are picking small bass at the top of the tide, but the surf bite is pretty much done there. The shop will be closing this Saturday and reopening on March 1.
Ray Kerico at Grumpy’s Bait and Tackle in Seaside Park said fishing has gone quiet there. The shop, however, has been very busy getting ready for its big winter sale Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 29 and 30.
Scabelly Plugs will be in the store and there will be tables and tables of rods, reels and tackle at special sale prices.
Capt. Dave Showell at Absecon Bay Sportsmen in Absecon Bay said it’s been very quiet there as well. There’re a few die-hards around but nothing much is happening. He said it’s still too early for cabin fever so most folks are staying warm at home.
Fishing Forecast for New Jersey
Blackfishing is about the only game in town right now as long as there is a weather window to get out.
The other option is to make your schedule for the spring fishing shows and flea markets. Don’t forget to include the Asbury Park Fishing Club’s 29th Annual Fishing Show on March 20 at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park. It’s one of the premier plug shows in the country.