New Jersey Fishing Report
This will be quick.
Things were very quiet before the snow came, and it certainly hasn’t improved. Last weekend’s epic storm and continuing frigid temperatures have pretty much shut everything down.
Before the blow, white perch in the rivers, freshwater species in the lakes and ponds, and trout in stocked waters were about the only action reported. There was also the occasional tog. No word of anything caught since then.
On the plus side, there is ice to fish through for those willing to brave the chill.
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Rick Hebert at Tackle World in Rochelle Park had nothing to report as they are in the process of moving the shop to its new location. The Rochelle Park store is now closed, and opening day for the new shop has yet to be announced. Online shopping continues uninterrupted.
Gary Carr at Keyport Bait and Tackle said he’s open through the winter, but customers have been few and far between since the weekend. Carr, who says the shop is a part of the Fishing Flea Market Family, specializes in new and used inshore and offshore tackle and gear. Keyport Bait and Tackle will be at the Hi-Mar Flea Market and Seminar Series on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Middletown VFW Post 2179 in Port Monmouth. Doors open at 8 a.m.
Capt. Phil Sciorinto at The Tackle Box in Hazlet will have the shop open for its annual Super Sale on Saturday, Feb. 7. It’s also Back Bay Day when dozens of custom-made Back Bay Plugs will be available. There will be sales on throughout the shop, special guests, and more surprises.
Joe Julian Jr. at Julian’s Bait and Tackle in Atlantic Highlands will open the shop in the spring, but he did post a photo on his Facebook page of a frozen Raritan Bay. That hasn’t happened in quite a while.
Barnegat Bay is also freezing over.
Mike Gleason at Tak Waterman in Long Branch said he hasn’t received any fishing reports since the weekend. The shop is open every day except Tuesday, and Gleason said they still have a few Scabelly Plugs available from a recent shipment. He added that they are getting ready for show season and will be at Surf Day on Feb. 14 at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft and the 33rd Annual Asbury Park Fishing Show on Sunday, March 1, at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park.
Tim Rizzuto at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar said nothing was going on there with no boats leaving the dock since the snow arrived. He did say that now is a good time to bring in reels for servicing, as there is no backlog and the turnaround time is about two weeks or less.
Christian Caparra at Fishermen’s Supply in Point Pleasant Beach said he had a few reports of people ice fishing, but no word on whether they were successful. There’s been a trickle of customers, he said, but that’s been about it.
Capt. Kenny Namowitz on the Mimi VI out of Point Pleasant Beach will be sailing daily for blackfish, when the weather allows, and if there is enough interest, until Feb. 14. The spring schedule for the Mimi VI is posted on its Facebook page.
Capt. Tom Wolfe on the Norma K III out of Point Pleasant Beach is done for the season, but will be back out in April.
Bob at Grumpy’s Tackle in Seaside Park said they are busy getting ready for their Winter Sales Event this Saturday and Sunday with special sales on plugs, rods, reels, and tackle. Doors open at 7 a.m. He did add that if the coming storm hits hard, they will reschedule for the following weekend. Check the store’s Facebook page for updates.
Mike Frezza at Fishermen’s Headquarters on Long Beach Island said the white perch were biting in the rivers before the storm hit, and there was freshwater action on perch and pickerel as well. Trout fishing, he heard, was good up north on the Pequest River. Frezza said they will be at the Southern Regional High School Fishing Flea Market on Feb. 7 and Surf Day on Feb. 14. He added that now is the time to bring rods and reels into the shop for repairs and servicing.
Henry at Tight Lines Bait and Tackle in Somers Point said white perch fishing was good in the Tuckahoe, Middle, and Egg Harbor rivers before the storm. Bloodworms were getting the job done. Tight Lines is only open on the weekends until March, when regular hours resume.
Best Bets for the Weekend
Ice fishing is about your only option for the weekend. There should be safe ice, especially in the northern and western parts of the state. Just be sure to check the thickness before you step out there.
You can also check out local flea markets and special winter sales. Grumpy’s Tackle in Seaside Park is having its annual Winter Sales Event this Saturday and Sunday.
And you can also stay inside, keep warm, and dream of spring.
UPDATE: 1/22/2026
Winter fishing opportunities in New Jersey continue to be slim, but those who can’t wait for spring are still getting out when they can. With many areas free of ice (for now) shore and wading fishermen have had chances to cast to pickerel, bass, stocked trout and more. But with this incoming snow storm and cold front, freshwater lakes and ponds are bound to freeze over once again, limiting the options for anglers who prefer to sit out the ice fishing season.
Offshore, the blackfish bite continues to be spotty with mostly shorts and a few respectable keepers at times, but boats like the Mimi VI, the Ocean Explorer, and the Norma K III continue to grind it out whenever conditions are cooperative enough to sail. Meanwhile, light-tackle enthusiasts are hanging back and trying for tog along some of the inlet jetties, which continues to yield shorts. Expect most boats that are still sailing for tautog to pause for a bit, at least until this winter storm passes over the weekend.
White perch fishing in places like the Mullica, Middle, and Tuckahoe rivers proves to be worth the effort for those braving the cold, and bloodworms are doing the job.
By this time next week, freshwater enthusiasts will be back on the ice—which should remain thick enough for fishing into early February. However, with those freezing temps we may see skim ice form in the lower sections of rivers that are currently hosting steady white perch action.
UPDATE: 1/15/2026
So far this year, January has maintained its reputation as a lousy month for fishing.
For the handful of boats still trying, blackfishing has been up and down. Those fishing deep water are having the most success. And white perch anglers are catching some fish in the rivers.
Freshwater action has been about the best thing going on with good reports on trout, crappie and largemouth. But the cold reality is that, for most anglers, this time of year just has to be endured.
Everyone is in winter mode. Flea markets and fishing shows fill up the weekends until spring, and rod and reel maintenance becomes a favorite pastime.
Capt. Phil Sciortino at the Tackle Box in Hazlet said they will only be open on weekends until March, but he is getting the shop ready for Back Bay Day on Feb. 7, when there will be a wide assortment of Back Bay Plugs available. There will also be a storewide Super Sale with specials on rods, reels, and tackle.
Mike Pinto at Giglio’s Bait and Tackle in Sea Bright said they will be closed until March, except for Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. until noon.
Tak Waterman in Long Branch hasn’t made a big change in its hours for winter. It will be open every day except Tuesday. The shop recently received a plug drop from Scabelly Lures.
Tim Rizzuto at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar said it’s been very quiet there with a few anglers still trying for tog at the Shark River Inlet. He’s had reports of some shorts caught but no keepers. The Den has crabs in stock. Rizzuto said the Capt. Cal II has called it a season, while the Ocean Explorer will sail every day the weather allows.
The Reel Seat in Brielle is closed until this Friday for inventory, then will go to winter hours, which are Wednesday to Saturday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The shop is closed on Monday and Tuesday.
Kyle Tangen at Fishermen’s Supply in Point Pleasant Beach said the tog bite is good way offshore. Boats fishing in depths of around 130 feet are picking quality fish. For some reason, the deeper water is warmer, up to 45 degrees, while inshore the temps are in the mid-30s. Trout fishing has been very good in stocked waters and trout magnets and other small lures and flies like Woolly Buggers are doing the trick. Small plugs and lures have been effective for crappie and largemouth in local lakes and ponds as well. Tangen said Fishermen’s Supply will be at Surf Day, presented by the Jersey Shore Surfcasters, at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft on Feb. 14. Surf Day has become a much-anticipated annual event featuring dozens of vendors, plug builders, and a full schedule of seminars. Doors open at 8:30 a.m. Tangen also mentioned that Fishermen’s Supply will be holding a fishing seminar at the shop the weekend of Feb. 22. More details to follow.
Capt. Tom Wolfe on the Norma K III out of Point Pleasant Beach said between the weather and having enough anglers, he’s been able to sail two days out of the week. The offshore fishing has been decent, with the better anglers getting two or three keepers with fish up to 6 pounds. Wolfe also commented on the changes in water temperatures. On a recent trip, the water at the Klondike was 35 degrees while it was 10 degrees warmer on the offshore reefs that same day. The Norma K III will be sailing for tog through the end of the month. Wolfe added that they will be at the Saltwater Expo in March.
Capt. Kenny Namowitz on the Mimi VI out of Point Pleasant Beach plans on blackfishing through Valentine’s Day Weekend. He’s been finding some nice ones in deeper water when he can sail. He plans on getting out this weekend as the forecast looks favorable.
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Dennis Palmatier at the Hook House in Toms River said there is a pretty good white perch bite in the Toms River on bloodworms at night. Stripers are around there as well, but so are the game wardens. Inshore striped bass is closed until March 1. The Hook House has blood worms in stock. Palmatier added that the shop will have a table at the Lacey Township High School’s Fishing Flea Market at Lacey High School this Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tom at Dock Outfitters in Seaside Park said they are now closed for the winter but will reopen March 1.
Scott Thomas at Grumpy’s Tackle in Seaside Park said it’s been pretty quiet there. However, a crew from the shop, Ray Kerico, Jenni Ackerman and Sean Smida, had a memorable togging trip on Tuesday fishing in deep water. Ackerman caught and released two 10-pounders, and many keepers came over the rail for the rest of the gang. Thomas said the shop will be holding an Introduction to Rod Building seminar on Saturday, Jan. 24 at 5 p.m. The shop is also getting ready for its Big Winter Sale and Seminar Series on Jan. 31. There will be special sales and blowout tables along with seminars by Shell E. Caris, Nick Honachefsky and Grumpy’s own Scott Thomas. Grumpy’s will also be at the Lacey High School Flea Market this Saturday.
John Bushell at Betty and Nick’s in Seaside Park said there are perch in the Toms River, along with a lot of striped bass that are off limits until March 1.
Mike at Fishermen’s Headquarters on Long Beach Island said the only thing going on there is a pretty good perch bite in the Mullica River. Fishermen’s Headquarters is open 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day.
Andrew Montagna at Tackle Direct in Egg Harbor Township said the white perch bite in the Middle and Tuckahoe rivers is very good with bloodworms and sand fleas doing the job. There are plenty of bass in there as well, he said, but the game wardens are keeping a close eye on anglers.
Best Bets for the Weekend
Deepwater blackfish, white perch in the rivers and freshwater species hold the most promise for anglers this weekend.
For those willing to brave the elements, togging on the offshore reefs in deep water has been decent with some nice fish being landed.
The Toms, Mullica, Middle and Tuckahoe rivers are giving up white perch on bloodworms. Striped bass are in the rivers as well, but are off limits until March 1.
Trout fishing on small artificials has been productive in stocked waters, and largemouth and crappie are hitting small baits in local ponds and lakes.
Or you can stay indoors and head to the Lacey High School Fishing Flea Market this Saturday (1/17) from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. at Lacey High School.
UPDATE: 1/8/2026
While winter tog fishing has been very hit or miss for the party boats out of northern New Jersey, charters out of Cape May are heading further offshore—sometimes beyond 20 miles—in search of larger fish and more consistent results. Anglers have seen steady action on keeper tog ranging from 5 to 14 pounds; it’s a great time of year to book a charter, bundle up to brave the elements, and beat your personal best. New Jersey’s blackfish season carries through end of February, but the colder the water gets further offshore, the tougher the fishing, and the longer the run to productive grounds.
» Read Jimmy Fee’s Cape May Tog Fishing Report for more.
Back on the mainland, freshwater anglers enjoyed a short-lived ice fishing window that yielded largemouth bass, pickerel, panfish and trout.
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Meanwhile, white perch fishing in the Toms and Mullica rivers remains a reliable option now that some of the skim ice has melted away. Look to your local bass and pickerel ponds for open water to wet a line during this stretch of mild weather. Otherwise, consider booking a trophy tog charter out of southern New Jersey while the bite is good within reasonable range.
UPDATE: 1/1/2026
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.