609-494-5739 What an awesome couple of days to break into the spring season. I was stoked to enjoy both yesterday and today scoring some awesome surf. I mention this on a fishing blog because I observed some things while in the water. There’s lots of life! I surfed with a seal (I think harbor seal) and a bunch of sea ducks. Nothing special, right? Just the usual cold water critters on LBI. While most surfers enjoy getting away from the “crowd” these animals entertained when waiting for the set waves. I was happy to see they were on the feed. While not an active flogging, they were in a steady pick mode. I tried to see what they were eating but could not determine the bait. It looked like finger mullet but that can’t possibly be! My best description is slender 3-5″ predominantly silver fish. My best guess is baby herring. My other observation is the ocean water felt a tad bit warmer than it has been all winter. It should only tick up from here.
The 10 day shows lots of good spring like weather with lows in the 40’s and number of days with highs in the mid to upper 50’s possibly 60! Long range guidance currently suggest a warmer than average April. Let’s hope this help the fishing!
I’m happy to report (after that quick return from Ole Man Winter ) things are back on track with a positive progression. The early season spots are still the best area to target however soon (if not already) other areas will light up.
Just a day or two ago we got word on the first quality bass from the Delaware River! While the river rats have been chewing worms in good numbers for awhile, this was the first good one. At least that we have heard about. It’s only getting better from here!!! Here’s the photo of Steve Polidoro with one of the first quality striped bass on the 2017 spring run. Congrats Steve you deserve it after all those long hours worming the cold!
Locally anglers are finding fish too. Most anglers are focused on the striped bass fishery. That’s by far the most popular but don’t over look flounder as a fun fishing target in late March and April. Sunny days are prime! The photo below is a recent catch from Adrift Sportfishing who found ’em! Another report came in from store staffer Steve-o. He was fishing with a friend a number of days back and they did good. Steve reported, “We limited out then kept going catch and release. Got 8 total.” For those looking for the info the NJ Saltwater Recreational Limit is 2 fish at 12″ (per person). For land based anglers, winter flounder can be caught a numerous easy public access spots. Stop by the shop and ask for guidance.
Speaking of the shop… Currently we have frozen baits and soon we’ll have the fresh and live treats. Plans were to stock up awhile back but the demand wasn’t there. Then the cold set back in. Now that it broke we’ll be “baited up” up as soon as possible. The shop is fully stocked with all the tackle you can ask for. If there is something new that you want to check out chances are we have it. If we don’t let us know about it and we’ll try our best to get it for you. Chances are others are interested too.
