New Jersey Fishing Report
Winter has us in its grip.
High winds and low temperatures are keeping most anglers at home and boats tied to the docks. The only folks welcoming this weather are those hoping to fish through some ice. All of this should come as no surprise. January is upon us.
The one winter highlight has been offshore sea bass, when the boats were able to sail. Tog fishing has been inconsistent at best. And, there has been no word on anything being caught on the beaches.
One bit of good news in the last week is that a 20 percent increase in the recreational harvest of black sea bass was approved for next year at the December meeting of the Mid-Atlantic Fisheries Management Council.
Rick Hebert at Tackle World in Rochelle Park said the offshore sea bass bite has been the bright spot, but the foul weather made it impossible for boats targeting them to make the final trips of the season. Sea bass closes on Dec. 31. Blackfishing has been up and down for the party and charter boats that are still sailing. Lake and ponds are starting to freeze over, he said, but added a note of caution to be on the safe side when venturing out on the ice.
Capt. Phil Sciortino at the Tackle Box in Hazlet said they’ll be heading to the Philadelphia Fishing Show this weekend, where he will be doing a seminar on catching monster bass on planer boards. The shop is closed for vacation.
Mike Pinto at Giglio’s Bait and Tackle in Sea Bright said nothing is going on there and the shop is closed, except for Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. to noon or by appointment. Come spring, he said the shop will be carrying TYG Glide Baits and Malosi Studio Lures.
Mike Gleason at Tak Waterman in Long Branch said there’s not much happening on the fishing front, but he is expecting a Scabelly plug drop in the next couple of weeks.
Tim Rizzuto at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar said it’s pretty quiet, but there are still a few blackfish being caught at the Shark River Inlet. Party boats sailing for tog are doing fair when they can get out. The Captain Cal II out of Belmar is one of those boats, and Capt. Ron Kish reported a good day last Sunday with some nice roasters in the 5- to 7-pound range and the big fish of the day tipping the scale at 12½ pounds. The Capt. Cal II is sailing for tog whenever the weather allows.
Capt. Steve Spinelli on the Skylarker out of Belmar said the weather has been making it tough lately, but he plans on fishing through January.
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Ted Imfeld at the Reel Seat in Brielle also reported decent togging for the boats that are still sailing. He said the shop is still offering special deals on select rods while supplies last.
Spencer Rodrick at Fishermen’s Supply in Point Pleasant Beach said the Voyager had a good offshore sea bass trip last Saturday with limit catches and a few pollock. Blackfishing is fair, he said, and the action on schoolie bass in the Toms River has been good. Striper fishing in bays and rivers closes on Dec. 31. Fishermen’s Supply is offering sale prices on select rods as well, including St. Croix models.
Brian Flanagan at Captain Bill’s Landing in Point Pleasant Beach said it’s been quiet around there, and they are now closed until early April.
Capt. Bob Bogan on the Gambler out of Point Pleasant Beach said his last sea bass trip of the year was pretty good, fishing 65 miles offshore in about 200 feet of water. It wasn’t easy fishing but the more seasoned anglers got their limits while those with less experience still managed to put some fish in the coolers. Capt. Bogan said they will be sailing again in April, and he’s already scheduled several Golden tilefish trips for May. Reservations are available on the website.
Dennis Palmatier at Hook House Bait and Tackle in Toms River said the striper bite in the Toms River has been hot on bloodworms and small artificials. The only problem is that the fishery closes on Wednesday, Dec. 31 at midnight. The perch fishing has also been good at night on bloodworms, he said. Palmatier said the shop will have several tables at the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association Fishing Flea Market this Saturday, Jan. 10, at the Toms River Elks Club from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. He added that the shop is now open three days a week from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Just call ahead to confirm someone is there since he hasn’t decided which days those will be.
Ray Kerico at Grumpy’s Tackle in Seaside Park said there wasn’t much to report. They are still waiting for the first striper to be weighed in for the Polar Striper Plunge contest scheduled to end on Wednesday. The deadline may be extended. Togging has been tough, he said, and he suspects the sudden drop in water temperature might be the reason. Fishing deeper water might be the answer. Kerico said the shop is getting ready for a big winter sale on the last weekend of January. Grumpy’s new winter hours are 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. every day.
John Bushell at Betty and Nick’s in Seaside Park said the striper bite in the Toms River was about the only fishing report he’s received lately, and that is about to end. He said the shop will be at the NJBBA Fishing Flea Market in Toms River on Saturday.
Paul Lindsay at Fishermen’s Headquarters on Long Beach Island said there is an epic perch bite going on in the Mullica River. Bloodworms, grass shrimp, Mr. Twisters, and Gotcha Plugs are all working.
Dave Willard at Tight Lines Bait and Tackle in Somers Point said that perch fishing in the local rivers is all that is going on around there right now.
New Jersey Fishing Forecast
As you may have gathered, things are slow.
Blackfishing has been somewhat inconsistent, with party boats now heading to deeper water. White perch fishing has been good at night in the Toms River and excellent in the Mullica River.
If you prefer your fishing activities on the warmer side, head to the New Jersey Beach Buggy Association’s Flea Market at the Toms River Elks Club on Saturday.
Happy New Year.