609-494-5739 With some free time yesterday I got out and fished. I thought about fishing locally, but ended up making the hour drive north to fish the Raritan Bay with fellow store staffer Blake. There were just too many good reports flowing to miss out.
Blake and I were greeted with the midday’s super low full moon tide. It made launching difficult but we managed. At the ramp we talked with an angler who was pulling out after fishing the morning. He reported good fishing, catching small bass both on the troll and casting lures. He said the bite got good as the tide dropped but had to cut the session short due to work.
We launched and headed out to the area he suggested. There were a couple gannets roaming around so we started casting. Within the first hour or so the only other boat in the area picked a pair of fish on the troll. No takers for us on poppers, soft baits or jigs. The wind kicked up and the tide started to flood. The water temp dropped from 50 to 48. We decided to make a run west looking for the warmer water and protection from the wind. After searching around trying different areas we finally settled in on the area off of Laurence Harbor and Cliffwood Beach. There were a couple gannets roaming and scattered marks on the sounder. Without luck on lures we were forced into trolling. It didn’t take long and we were into a steady pick of small bass trolling rubber shads right into sunset. There were some other boats that joined in on the area for the last couple hours and from the looks of it everyone was catching. It was a good day and a successful shake down trip.
Late this morning we received a nice bait delivery. We currently have surf clams (both live in the shell as well as shucked salted pints), green crabs and bloodworms. With the awesome weather we have been super busy so we aren’t confident our supply will last long. It’s best to call to confirm bait stock before making the drive.
Here’s some info on local fishing…
Store staffer Steve-o said, “Perch fishing is going in the evenings. Use small jigs, worms and/or shrimp. Winter flounder and schoolie bass are present in the mid-island bay. One customer said he got two small bass clamming the mid-island surf yesterday.” Steve reported a good four hour session fishing a bulkhead with worms. Store staffer Joe C. has been catching on the bayside too. He reported small bass going for bucktails in the mornings. The outgoing tide is best but with weather like this get out and enjoy it when you can.
Lots of questions about Inlet reports. Bluefish? Tog? While we have not received direct reports it’s that time! We should be seeing the spring’s first yellow eye soon. On the tog front, we know some customers are trying because we are selling green crabs; however, we have not heard back. With the positive reports from boats fishing the near shore reefs and wrecks we expect the white chins to be hanging around the Inlet Jetty soon if not already there.
Here’s a weekend report from one of our area’s local party boat, Carolyn Ann III out of Barnegat Light. They got out and and put their clients on fish.
The CA3 reported, “Saturday’s steady 20-25 mph north west wind all day, didn’t affect fishing. The bite was real good with a nice catch of blackfish and some cod. Several anglers had their limit and pretty much everyone caught keepers. Richard Wiesz (see photo) won the pool with a 7lb tog. Sunday was a beautiful day on the water, but the bite was slower. Still a great day with a mix of blackfish and cod. Mike Keane took the pool with a 6.5lb cod.”
The Carolyn Ann III is fishing every Saturday and Sunday though April; however, they are sailing on Good Friday and this upcoming Saturday. They are NOT sailing on Easter Sunday.
The Carolyn Ann mentioned, “Don’t forget about our charter service! Whether it’s a group fishing, birthday party, corporate event, memorial service or ocean cruise… We will do our best to fit all needs!” They can also arrange catering. Call Gina to discuss your needs and details 856-313-5493
