A blizzard after a week of frigid, windy weather was just what we needed. So as the big dig got underway at the beginning of the week, it was understandable that there was little happening on the fishing front.
Still, the folks fishing through the ice managed to catch some fish and the few boats sailing for tog put a few in the box along with some cod.
Mark Fuduli at Tackle World in Rochelle Park said the ice fishing has been spectacular. He and three friends fished Lake Hopatcong on Monday and had more than 130 perch between them, all on jigs.
Fuduli said it’s been very good at Greenwood Lake and Green Turtle Pond as well. There was also a salmon caught through the ice at Merrill Creek Reservoir. There’s not a lot of folks still fishing for tog, but Fuduli did hear of a few caught on a private boat in 120 feet of water.
The Tackle Box in Hazlet has been on winter hours but is holding a striped bass sale on Feb. 12 with 30 percent off all Mojo and shad rigs and 20 percent off rods, reels and braid.
Mike Gleason at Tak Waterman in Long Branch said there’s little going on there when it comes to fishing but they’re busy reloading the shop with new inventory.
Bob Matthews at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar said it’s been equally quiet there as it took a few days to dig out from the blizzard. The Ocean Explorer is still sailing for blackfish and boated a 14-pounder last week before the storm quit.
Greg Hueth of the Big Mohawk said they’ve called it a season but will be ready for spring stripers in April.
In the meantime, Hueth and the rest of the Shark River Surf Anglers will be getting ready for the club’s annual Trout Contest for Kids returning to Spring Lake on April 9 after a break due to Covid. Open to kids 14 and under, the contest is free and a great way to introduce youngsters to fishing.
Jeff at the Reel Seat in Brielle said there has been absolutely no fishing going on since the snow hit. They are getting in new inventory daily and Jeff said the shop now carries Sterling Tackle spreader and tracker bars.
Kyle Tanger at Fishermen’s Supply in Point Pleasant Beach said it’s mostly freshwater fishing right now with trout in the Manasquan River and a few folks ice fishing. Anglers are traveling north to get to better ice. He’s been doing well in the Manasquan River but you have to find open water.”It’s winter”, he said, “and you really have to want it.” The shop is loading up on tuna gear and Tanger advises to get it now because he’s pretty sure tackle will be scarce once the season starts.
Capt. Kenny Namowitz on the Mimi VI out of Point Pleasant Beach said there are still some nice blackfish around and he’s going to be sailing for them through Feb. 13. A 12-pound tog was caught by his mate, Brendan, on Monday and Capt. Namowitz said there are cod in the mix along with the blackfish.
Jenni Ackerman at Grumpy’s Bait and Tackle in Seaside Park said it was fortunate they postponed their big winter sale until this weekend as 21 inches of snow fell there last Saturday. She said the shop is all set with great deals on loads of rods, reels and tackle. They will also have John from Scabelly Lures on hand with his famous plugs. The Winter Sale runs Saturday and Sunday, Feb. 5 and 6 and doors open at 7 a.m.
Capt. Dave Showell at Absecon Bay Sportsman Center said he’s still digging out from the storm but he has bloodworms for those interested in fishing for perch. Conditions aren’t ideal but they’re in the rivers. It’s a just a matter of finding the right holes, he said.
Tara at Tight Lines Bait and Tackle in Somers Point said there have been a few reports of white perch in the local rivers and the shop has blood worms available for the weekend.
Your Best Bets for the Weekend:
There’s more February weather coming for the weekend, so options are limited. Hardwater anglers are seeing the most action, but with the thawing and freezing of the last week, make sure conditions are safe before stepping out on the ice. You can also head down to Grumpy’s Bait and Tackle Winter Sale in Seaside Park to stock up for the coming season.