The only real change from last week’s report is that it got colder, which was good news for the hardwater anglers. Other than that, fishing is slow. There were a few days when the ocean calmed down and the tog boats got a window to sail. The blackfish continue to bite with reports indicating quality over quantity in most cases. Most of the activity at the local tackle shops centers around restocking inventory and spooling and repairing reels.
Fishing Report
Mark at Tackle World in Rochelle Park said the ice fishing has been very good, especially at Green Turtle Pond and Lake Hopatcong. He said anglers were getting trout and perch at Green Turtle Pond and hybrid stripers and perch at Lake Hopatcong. A friend of Mark’s also sent him a photo of a lone striper taken on the beach down by Tuckerton. The bass are still around.
The only thing Mike Pinto at Giglio’s Bait and Tackle in Sea Bright had to report was that the shop just received a new shipment of Outcast Plugs and Giglio’s is fully stocked with Ben Parker flutter spoons. The shop is open from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturdays only.
Mike Gleason at Tak Waterman in Long Branch there is nothing going on fishing wise but they’ve been busy rebuilding inventory. This week saw the arrival of another shipment of offshore spinning reels from Shimano. 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.
Bob Matthews at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar said blackfishing is all that’s happening right now and it’s been hit or miss. The togging was good on Monday but the water temperature dropped dramatically by Tuesday and the colder water shut the bite down.
The Big Mohawk and Ocean Explorer are still sailing for tog out of the marina when the weather permits and there is enough angler interest. The Big Mohawk is planning on sailing Friday but this weekend’s outlook doesn’t look very favorable. Conditions look like they might improve the following week. The Den is open until 6 p.m. every day.
Steve Thomas at the Reel Seat in Brielle said he’s heard of blackfish on the local reefs and a few white perch in Barnegat Bay on bloodworms, but that’s been about it.
Kyle Tanger at Fisherman’s Supply in Point Pleasant Beach said he hasn’t heard much in the way of blackfish or anything else for that matter. They’ve been busy spooling tuna reels and stocking new inventory.
Capt. Kenny Namowitz of the Mimi VI out of Point Pleasant Beach is still finding blackfish when the weather cooperates. He said there are still some nice fish around and Sunday’s pool winner was a 9-pounder. The fish was released. The Mimi VI is sailing every day for blackfish weather permitting. Check the Facebook page for details.
Jenni Ackerman at Grumpy’s Bait and Tackle said the fish have gone quiet there as the shop gets ready for its big winter sale scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 29 and 30.
John from Scabelly Plugs will be on hand with his much in-demand lures and there will be loads of deals on rods, reels and other tackle. The snow dates for the sale are the following Saturday and Sunday.
Liza from Creekside Outfitters in Waretown said the shop will open for the spring season on Saturday, Feb. 5. She said the shop is fully stocked with all your angling needs.
Capt. Dave Showell at Absecon Bay Sportsmen Center said white perch are being caught in the local rivers. The fish, he said, are in their winter holes where the water isn’t too fresh or too salty. He’s got bloodworms and suggests calling ahead just to make sure he’s there.
Fishing Forecast
Best bet for this weekend:
Let’s face it, it’s January. It’s cold and the weekend forecast is full of snow and wind. Now is a good time to tend to tackle and get ready for spring fishing.
You can also check out the On The Water 2022 Sportsmen’s Show Calendar listing events throughout the northeast on the magazine’s website. The Asbury Park Fishing Show on March 20 at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel is among the highlights.