609-494-5739 At this time of the year we all can’t help but dream about the upcoming season and also reflect on the past. The 2017 Fall Run didn’t shine here on the beaches of LBI but the local inshore fishing on the boats was off the charts (in my opinion). I recently posted a couple photos on Instagram.
“A rainy day to remember… November 13, 2017 – Quality Central Jersey striped bass fishing at its best. Fish from 15-45 pounds gorging on bunker and plugs in the pouring rain. For hours on end the action just kept getting better. We almost didn’t push off the dock. So happy we did because there were only a handful of boats in on the action.”
A comment came in and it got me thinking. I had to go back in my log and also review my phone’s photos. For me our fall fishing kicked into high gear right on time in mid November. For me the run’s biggest fish were here during the stretch of Nov 12-20th. I would have to say the 12th and 13th were the Fall’s best surface feeds. Seemed like hours on end with classy bass slapping on top… What Dreams Are Made Of!!! Lots of fish over thirty. Numerous over forty, but didn’t find a fifty this past fall. The only other day that I experiences close was the 17th night into the 18th but WOW did it get snotty fast! Anyone who fished the Stafford PBA must recall. It got extreme by 1pm. The next day had brutal westerly winds and to the best of my knowledge only one boat went out. The The 90′ catamaran, the Miss Barnegat Light, went and struggled all morning. After a long fish-less trip way up the beach and then back down again they found the mother load late in the day. Reports of epic fishing, quality fish and happy anglers. Those who went and stuck out the sporty conditions got the reward.
23rd Annual Berkeley Striper Club Fishing Flea Market
The Berkeley Striper Club’s 23rd Annual Fishermen’s Flea Market is this Sunday, March 4th. Doors open at 9AM. The location is at the Toms River Intermediate North School which is located at 150 Intermediate North Way, Toms River, NJ 08753. Be sure to stop by and be early. It is always a great show that has some of the best plug builders present. We’ll be there with an assortment of tackle. Stop by and say hi!
Large Storm Brewing
Can’t help but mention a big Nor’Easter is brewing. This morning the bay was a sheet of glass depicting the classic saying, the clam before the storm. The large low pressure system kicks off the month of March with a bang. From the look of things the ocean will be angry for a good stretch of time. Rain (tonight & Friday), LARGE swell (7-10′ on the beaches of LBI Sunday and Monday, 10-15′ once it hits the beaches of Puerto Rico) and some heavy winds (brunt of it will be Friday). Flooding more than likely will be a problem this weekend. Right now Saturday looks to be the worst with the morning’s high tide at 11:24 AM (the Causeway’s tide).
We are currently under a Storm Warning, High Wind Watch and Flood.
What else do you expect for March? Kinda happy this isn’t another blizzard.
Sorry to all of the anglers looking to get bait for opening day of striped bass and winter flounder. Due to the storm we have decided to not bring in live bait. Once things settle down we’ll stock up.
