Northern New Jersey Fishing Report
We went from feast to famine. Last week’s plentiful stripers seem to have disappeared. There were just a few bass reports from the boats and practically none from the beach.
Yet, it wasn’t all bad news on the striper front. At its meeting last Monday, the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission elected to keep the status quo regarding management measures for striped bass in 2025.
The fishery was facing some drastic changes that would have had a negative impact on anglers and all the fishing-related businesses. Public comment against the proposed measures is believed to have been a significant factor in the decision to delay any action. The Commission will take a year to collect more data on the fishery.
Back on the water, offshore sea bass fishing is getting rave reviews while solid blackfishing awaits toggers when the boats can get out. And bluefin tuna are still around.
Mark Fuduli at Tackle World in Rochelle Park said fishing slowed way down with no reports on stripers. Blackfishing is a bit up and down. He did say walleye fishing was good at Lake Hopatcong but he heard nothing when it came to trout. Tackle World is offering discounts on gift cards online for Christmas and selected merchandise is 30 percent off in the store.
Capt. Phil Sciortino at the Tackle Box in Hazlet said the striper season is pretty much over but he’s been getting good reports on blackfish. He said the Prowler V out of Atlantic Highlands reported a 10½ pounder caught on a recent trip. Sciortino said he’s keeping busy making Christmas gift baskets and Back Bay Day is on the calendar for Feb. 1. There will be a big selection of Back Bay Plugs available and a 30 percent off storewide sale.
Joe Julian Jr. at Julian’s Bait and Tackle in Atlantic Highlands said he heard of a few stripers caught, but not many. He’s had decent reports on blackfishing, mostly out of Belmar. Julian said he has some nice rod and reel combos on sale as well a special on Stradic reels for Christmas.
Mike Pinto at Giglio’s Bait and Tackle in Sea Bright said all he heard of this week was one 20-inch striper caught in Long Branch. Giglio’s will be going to winter hours after Christmas, open every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon and by appointment.
Mike Gleason at TAK Waterman in Long Branch said it was a quiet week but bluefin were still around. He did say the shop has a new heavy-duty sweatshirt with the distinctive Tak Waterman striped bass logo on the back just in time for Christmas. There are other Christmas specials on selected clothing and items as well.
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Tim Rizzuto at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar said the boats out of the marina are done with striper fishing. He’s getting mixed reports on blackfishing with some days better than others. This time of year, the weather is always a factor. Rizzuto said he’s also hearing of bluefin still in close but not a lot of people are chasing them. Reports have been very good on offshore sea bass, Rizzuto added, and party boats out of the marina have added trips to their schedule.
Capt. Rich Falcone on the Golden Eagle out of Belmar went offshore for sea bass last Sunday and reported excellent fishing. He said the fish were biting right from the start and kept at it all night long. He said the boat was limited out by 8 a.m. and then everyone was in catch-and release mode. The sea bass were between 4- and 6-pounds with the pool winner around 7 pounds. The trip also saw weakfish, bluefish and porgies come over the rail. Capt. Falcone has a few more offshore trips in December. Check the website for dates.
Capt. Steve Spinelli on the Skylarker out of Belmar said the blackfishing has been pretty good with a number of limits and near limits on recent trips. An 8-pound tog came over the rail on Sunday’s trip. He said white leggers have been working, and for some reason, they are easier to get right now.
Stanley S. at the Reel Seat in Brielle said only the hardcore anglers are still at it right now. He hasn’t heard much except bluefin remain in the area but there’s not a lot of participation. The Reel Seat is now offering special deals on selected rods, reels and tackle for Christmas.
Brian Flanagan at Captain Bill’s Landing in Point Pleasant Beach told a similar tale with bluefin still lurking about. He had good reports on blackfishing on spots to the north of the Manasquan Inlet. Flanagan said Captain Bill’s will be closing after New Years and will open again in late March.
Capt. Danny Gregory on the Norma K III out of Point Pleasant Beach said the blackfishing has been really good when he gets out. There have been lots of limits with fish up to 8 pounds. The Norma K III is sailing for blackfish on weekends and Mondays which are marathon trips. Weekend sailing time is 7:30 a.m. and 6:30 a.m. on Monday. Capt. Gregory said they are done sailing Jan. 1.
Kyle Tangen at Fishermen’s Supply in Point Pleasant Beach said things are pretty quiet but there are stripers to be caught around the jetties on 4-inch shads if you put the time in. He also reported incredible offshore sea bass fishing with jigs and bait both working. The sea bass are big and boat limits come quickly. Blackfishing is solid, he said, on local reefs and bluefin remain in the area. He heard of one caught earlier this week on a popper.
Frank Giacalone at Gabriel Tackle Co. in Brick reported stripers are still biting in the back of Barnegat Bay. He also reported good blackfishing at the Axel Carlson and Sea Girt reefs. Gabriel Tackle is running a Christmas Sale with discounts on gift cards, selected rods and reels and clothing.
Pete Kupper at Charlie’s Bait and Tackle in Normandy Beach said it’s dead quiet on the beach but folks are still catching bass in Barnegat Bay and the Toms River.
Scott Thomas at Grumpy’s Bait and Tackle in Seaside Park said he’s had reports of stripers up to 40 inches in the bay behind Island Beach State Park hitting Mag Darters and Twitch baits. He also reported good blackfishing on the near-shore spots. Thomas said the Grumpy’s Santa fundraiser last weekend for St. Jude Children’s Hospital was a big success and raised the most money for the charity since the event began.
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Best Bets for the Weekend
It’s getting to be that time of year when only die-hard anglers will be out on the water. Blackfish and offshore sea bass are biting best with sea bass fishing getting very high marks. Weekend weather looks chilly so bundle up and get out there. Or, head to your local bait and tackle store and do some Christmas shopping for your favorite angler. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.