New Jersey Fishing Report
As Tom Petty so aptly put it, the waiting is the hardest part. Hang on, striper season is just about two weeks away.
In the meantime, there are white perch and freshwater species to be caught for those itching to fish. There are even blackfish biting for the few anglers still making the effort. We’re also in the middle of show season so anglers suffering from cabin fever have a place to go.
In addition, many shops are holding special pre-season sales and seminars to keep folks occupied.
Rick Hebert at Tackle World in Rochelle Park said there was a report of lake trout being caught at Round Valley during a winter tournament over the weekend. But that was it in the way of fishing reports. The three live seminars set for the store on Feb. 24 on fluking, striped bass and blackfish are full but Hebert said the in-store screens will carry the presentations. Details are available on the shop’s Facebook page.
Capt. Phil Sciortino at The Tackle Box in Hazlet said they are now stocking bloodworms for white perch anglers and the 24-hour live bait machine outside the store is now in operation. He’s heading to the Philadelphia Fishing Show taking place this weekend at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks. The show runs Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
» Click to learn more about the Philadelphia Fishing Show this weekend.
Mike Gleason at TAK Waterman in Long Branch said all the fishing he’s hearing about is taking place in freshwater. Panfish, bass and pickerel are the main targets. He’s been busy getting ready for Surf Day taking place this Saturday at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft. Gleason said they will be bringing a wide variety of plugs to the event, including two builders new to the store. There will also be rods, reels and clothing available. TAK Waterman will also be heading to the Asbury Park Fishing Show on March 3 and the Saltwater Expo in Edison, March 15 to 17.
Tom Palmisano at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar said it’s been very quiet there with the Ocean Explorer the only boat still sailing out of the marina. He reported they have been getting out for blackfish when the weather permits. The Shark River is normally a good spot for winter flounder and that season opens on March 1.
The Reel Seat in Brielle will be holding a special class on how to rig ballyhoo with wire on March 2. A seat can be reserved for $10 which includes a rig, ballyhoo and special giveaways. There is no charge to just watch. Classes will be at 11 a.m. and at 1 and 3 p.m.
Kyle Tanger at Fishermen’s Supply in Point Pleasant Beach said they will be bringing the best the shop has to offer over to Surf Day at Brookdale Community College this Saturday. Among the many offerings will be Simms waders and jackets, ODM rods, selected reels, and assorted plugs, jigs and tackle.
The Norma K III out of Point Pleasant Beach is undergoing some maintenance at the moment but will be sailing a limited capacity tilefish trip on March 8. Complete details and reservations are available online.
Capt. Kenny Namowitz on the Mimi VI out of Point Pleasant Beach reported that when they have been able to sail, they’re finding a few keeper blackfish along with a number of shorts. The Mimi VI will be sailing for blackfish through Feb. 28, weather permitting.
Dennis Palmatier at the Hook House in Toms River said there are white perch in the Toms River but the bite has been on the slow side. Freshwater anglers are doing better with pickerel in the local ponds. The hottest action taking place is the ticket writing by fish and game wardens for striped bass being caught out of season. That will change come March 1 when bass fishing opens in rivers and bays. Palmatier said that the shop is now open full time and there are bloodworms in stock.
Scott Thomas at Grumpy’s Bait and Tackle also reported white perch biting in the back of Barnegat Bay and the local rivers. He, too, said the wardens are doing an excellent job curbing illegal striper fishing. Thomas and the Grumpy’s gang will be at Surf Day this Saturday with a full line of rods, reels, tackle, lures and surf bags. He also said the shop has been getting a good response to the early spring backwater bass fishing seminar set for Feb. 24 at 3 p.m.
Paul at Fishermen’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom on Long Beach Island said the white perch bite in the back of Barnegat Bay and in the Mullica River is about the only thing going on right now. He did say a number of stripers have been caught as bycatch.
Garrett at Tackle Direct in Egg Harbor Township said it’s been pretty slow there as well with just a few reports of white perch and out-of-season stripers. There’s been some freshwater action but not many people are fishing these days.
Tara at Tight Lines Bait and Tackle in Somers Point said white perch in the local rivers and creeks is the sum of the action right now and the shop has both regular and jumbo bloodworms in stock. Tight Lines will be at the Philadelphia Fishing Show over the weekend.
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Best Bets for the Weekend
Sunday offers the better forecast for anglers in search of white perch. Freshwater fishing is also an option as pickerel and panfish have been biting in local ponds and lakes.
Then there is indoor fishing fun at Surf Day at Brookdale Community College and the Philadelphia Fishing Show. Surf Day doors open at 8:30 a.m. and admission is $10. The Philadelphia Fishing Show runs all weekend at the Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks.