The best thing about this week was that its passing brought us that much closer to spring.
Ice anglers and those still sailing for blackfish, ling and cod are about the only people seeing any action. Everybody else is anxiously awaiting better weather.
Mark Fuduli at Tackle World in Rochelle Park said the ice is holding up well despite this week’s warmer weather. It was a little sloppy but fishable.
He said the trout fishing has been very good through the ice at Lake Hopatcong and Green Turtle Pond while Greenwood Lake has given up a few tiger musky. There are hybrid stripers being caught at Lake Hopatcong as well and perch are being taken at all locations.
He added that folks still blackfishing are going deep, fishing in about 120 feet of water.
Capt. Phil Sciortino at the Tackle Box in Hazlet hasn’t heard much fishing news but he’s spending his time getting ready for the shop’s Super Sale on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. There will be discounts up to 30 percent on all kinds of rods, reels and tackle.
Sciortino said it’s time to stock up for the spring striper run with deals on Mojos, plugs, umbrella rigs and bunker spoons.
The big sale coincides with the Hi-Mar Striper Club’s annual Flea Market and Seminar Series, also on Saturday, at VFW Post 2179, 1 Veteran’s Lane in Port Monmouth. Admission is $5 and doors open at 8 a.m.
Mike Gleason at Tak Waterman in Long Branch said it’s been quiet but the ponds and lakes are starting to open up for freshwater anglers.
He also said they’ve been busy stocking the store as new shipments of rods, reels and lures come in daily.
Bob Matthews at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar said there been very little action on the water with tough weather conditions all month.
The Ocean Explorer out of Belmar is the only party boat sailing right now but it has been making good use of its time on the water with a 15.9-pound tog coming over the rail on Monday. There was a 14-pounder caught last week.
Matthews reported hearing rumors of white perch and small stripers being caught in the backwaters of Ocean County. He added that the law states it’s illegal to target bass out of season but catching and releasing stripers while fishing for another species, such as white perch, occupies a gray area.
His advice to anglers is just to hang in there and check out the upcoming fishing shows and flea markets. February is about half over and winter flounder season opens on March 1 as does the backwater striper season.
Kyle Tanger at Fishermens Supply Co in Point Pleasant Beach said if you’re a trout angler, the fishing has been great in the local rivers. He’s been doing very well with his fly rod.
He also reported good ice fishing up north but there’s some warm weather ahead so conditions may be changing.
Tanger said the shop has been getting new shipments daily and a lot of it is for tuna. The new tackle is going out the door as fast as it comes in, so he strongly suggests gearing up before what you need is no longer available.
Capt. Kenny Namowitz on the MIMI VI out of Point Pleasant Beach said there was plenty of action on Wednesday’s blackfish trip with approximately 120 tog coming over the rail for 16 people. Capt. Namowitz called it a good day with lots of bites even though just nine of the fish were keepers.
The MIMI VI is sailing open boat through Sunday and the forecast is for favorable weather.
Liza at Creekside Outfitters in Waretown said the white perch bite is just getting started in the Mullica River. Creekside Outfitters is now open on weekends from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Capt. Dave Showell at Absecon Bay Sportsman in Absecon said he got a new delivery of blood worms on Wednesday and there are folks trying for white perch in the local rivers. The fish are there, he said, and expects some positive reports.
New Jersey Fishing Forecast
There’s not a whole lot happening right now but if you’re anxious to wet a line, ponds and lakes are opening up. There were also good reports of trout in the Manasquan River.
There is also the Hi-Mar Striper Club’s Flea Market and Seminar Series this Saturday in Port Monmouth.
Next Friday, from February 18 to Sunday, February 20- the Philadelphia Fishing Show is being held at The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA. Check out On The Water’s website for a complete listing of the 2022 fishing shows.