Southern New Jersey Fishing Report
Tautog season has arrived following opening day on Wednesday of this week, but temperature swings continue to make fishing difficult or “spotty” for New Jersey anglers. Bay temperatures have been hovering in the low 40s, making for slower striped bass fishing, but if you can sneak far west and find warmer water, active bass will probably be at your feet. White perch are still finding cut bloodworms and grass shrimp in the tidal creeks of our large bay systems. April is usually a good time to try drifting or working sea worms for large tide-runner weakfish, especially around the stronger moon tides. But with tog season in full swing, most anglers will have white-chins on their mind. Forego the crabs early on and use softer baits like clams, mussels, or shrimp.
Here is this week’s rundown:
Hook House Bait & Tackle in Toms River said the store is stocked with trolling tackle with a nice 50% off sale through Saturday. On the fishing front, striped bass continue to bite along the Toms River on bloodworms, and the outgoing tide remains the best time to target them. Fish are being caught in the morning and at night during the ebb.
Creekside Outfitters in Waretown said fishing has been spotty in the bay with some days producing a few striped bass while other days are much slower. The swings in weather patterns are not helping. Bloodworms have produced most of the action on bass and perch, but over the past few days, anglers have been gearing up for tautog. The shop should get some tog reports by the weekend. They also mentioned that they are holding a Pure Fishing sponsored event with a Free Fishing Class for kids on April 28th—call the shop for details.
Reel Reaction Sportfishing out of Waretown wasn’t able to get out over the weekend due to the weather, but the crew has a few charters this upcoming week as long as the weather holds. The ocean vessel will be splashed this weekend and will be sailing for tautog charters the second half of the month. Unfortunately, all of April, May, and June are booked out, but there are a few remaining dates in July and August for our summer species.
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The Super Chic out of Barnegat Light said they will begin targeting sea bass on opening day, which is May 15th. Capt. Ted advised to book through the website or give him a ring on his cell to secure your dates.
Tackle Direct in Egg Harbor City had some reports of striped bass caught far up the Mullica and mentioned that Graveling Point has held some schoolie striped bass. Bloodworms, bloodworms, and more bloodworms have been the bait of choice for most of the cooperative bass since water temps are still in the mid to upper 40s. White perch fishing has been hit or miss depending on the day. Peak high tide through the outgoing has produced the best bites, and grass shrimp is the way to go. The jetties and bridges should have some tautog around, but the shop advises to use soft baits throughout the first half of the month.
Tight Lines Bait & Tackle in Somers Point has been extremely busy stocking the shelves with bottom fishing and tile-fishing gear over the past week. Tog fishing tends get better as the month goes on, but the shop said anglers have already caught some along the bridges and bulkheads on the outgoing, which is a good sign. Striped bass fishing remains a pick when the outgoing is lined up with lower light conditions (morning/night). The shop has fresh bunker and green crabs available, so swing by for bait this week.
Waterfront Marine in Somers Point reported some striped bass being landed along the “usual” back bay channels and the bridges at night. A few anglers tried for tog on the season opener but had a slower bite with only a handful of fish. Warmer weather has been heating up the bay and with the mercury now touching the 50s, the bite should improve on all fronts.
Badfish Charters in Ocean City saw an influx of bunker push into the bay over the past week, which actually made it a tad more challenging to find cooperative fish. Captain Brian said he has been finding feeding fish away from the bait and crowds. The good news is the uptick in bay temperatures, which finally hit the 50s, while the incoming ocean water is in the mid/upper 40s.
The Cape May and Fortescue area has seen an uptick in throwback striped bass caught on soaked bloodworms, with anglers catching them off the Delaware Bay beaches from Fortescue Beach and west. A few larger fish up to 43 inches have been caught around the Delaware River.
White perch fishing remains status quo in most of the tidal creeks and rivers dumping into the bay. Bloodworms and even light inline spinners are working for these fish. There has been an uptick of anglers buying fresh and frozen clams to use on the jetties for tautog so hopefully we get some positive reports through the weekend.
South Jersey Fishing Forecast
The best bet for the weekend will be to pick up some soft baits from your local tackle shop and try dropping down along the any of our rock-lined structures. With the water still cold, be patient with the bite—it may take some time for the fish to get going. If you do get them chewing, try to slowly mix green crab into the bait rotation find some larger fish. Striped bass fishermen should continue to soak bloodworms for the best shots at fish—it seems that Cape May (west) is starting to see some migratory bass. Good luck, be safe, and tight lines!