Southern New Jersey Fishing Report
The daily weather swings continue to play havoc for anglers targeting striped bass and tautog along the inlets and bays. West is best in terms of locations, with better action on the warmer side of the bays where there is much less ocean influence. Ocean temperatures outside of Barnegat Inlet averaged in the low 40s this past week, which has made the tautog bite pretty slow.
Striped bass are starting to move up the coast in far-south Jersey. Some areas are showing better signs of life, especially in the backyards of Ocean City and Cape May, while other areas have been stone dead in terms of striped bass. Barnegat and Great bays have been slow and the drop in temperatures made it a one-two punch; it’s been 3 steps forward, 2 steps back. Worms continue to be the bait of choice for striper anglers, while soft-bodied clam baits are working for tautog.
Here is this week’s rundown:
Hook House Bait & Tackle in Toms River said the river saw a slower bite this past week with the dips in temperatures and weather. Bloodworm baits are still working, but you have to put your time in. The Bayville and Berkley areas around some of the lagoons or tidal creek outflows are seeing better striped bass action. The ocean water has been cold, although a few anglers said there was some bass action on the northern beaches.
Creekside Outfitters in Waretown said it was a much slower week with the occasional striped bass caught, but they did get a solid report on striped bass chewing on the Raritan during the 1 to 3 a.m. time frame for shore anglers. The mid-island LBI bridges have been very slow this past week due to the wind and lower temperatures.
Reel Reaction Sportfishing out of Waretown was out early in the week on a charter, but striped bass were not biting even as the crew worked a ton of spots. Water temperatures were a huge factor for the ultra slow bite, but the skipper is hoping for a weather rebound later in the week. Togging was also slow; the incoming turned them completely off as inlet water temperatures dipped to 43F.
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The Super Chic out of Barnegat Light should have the boat ready to go for sea bass in another month as the crew are finishing their remaining maintenance.
Tackle Direct in Egg Harbor City had spotty reports of striped bass from the Mullica to Great Bay and Graveling Point as the water has been fairly cold. Anglers looking to fish for tog are finding some cooperative ones along the jetties, but it’s been a tough go with slower bites and few fish close to keeper size.
Tight Lines Bait & Tackle in Somers Point weighed in a nice 7-pound tautog this past week that was caught off one of the reef sites. Green crab, clam, and even sand worms have been working. The striped bass bite has been slower and the fish were only hitting on the warmest parts of the tide. Bridges and warmer sod banks are still the best spots to target striped bass. Bay temperatures have been hovering around the lower 60’s with the ocean at 48°F. The shop is well stocked with green crabs, clam baits, and bloodworms.
Waterfront Marine in Somers Point reported that the tautog bite is starting to get better on clams and even a few have been hitting green crabs. The inside has been better for quicker bites, while deeper spots in the ocean are producing some nice-sized keepers.
Badfish Charters in Ocean City said it was a slower week and he is noticing a decline in year classes showing up. Capt. Brian did see some new fish beginning to show, but the real news has been the amount of bunker. Bay togging started off slow, but the bite started to come alive prior to the recent temperature drop. The bay temperatures have been as warm as 63°F on the far western side and the ocean is hovering around 48.
Jersey Cape Charters in Sea Isle City is finishing up his last week in Florida, but intends to hit the Jersey shore hard once he gets back to the Garden state.
The Cape May and Fortescue area is the place to be if you’re looking for striped bass from 35 to 44 inches, with Salem County producing excellent numbers of big bass. It’s been a bloodworm bite as the water is still rather cold. Considering all of the reports, this continues to be the best bite for striped bass since last week. Tog fishing has been slower along the jetties, but boat anglers are picking off a few at the deep water wrecks along with some cod and throwback sea bass.
South Jersey Fishing Forecast
The best bet for the weekend if you’re after striped bass is to hit the Raritan with artificials, or the Fortescue area with bloodworms, as both locations have been producing steady bites. The rivers dumping into Delaware Bay have also been pretty solid for white perch, so don’t forget to cut your bloodworms or bring some grass shrimp.
Tog fishing should only get better as we move further into the season. Southern Jersey still gets the nod this weekend for bona fide toggers looking for success—green crab and clams tipped on rigs or jigs should have you pulling a few white chins! Good luck, be safe, and tight lines!