609-494-5739 This awesome stretch of weather has anglers getting out and finding fish! More reports flowing in from both local waters as well as elsewhere in the state. The fishing is consistent and new arrivals are boosting the fishery setting the stage for a great spring.
School sized striped bass are active on lures (soft baits, jigs and select hard baits) as well as live bloodworms. The early season spots (like the Oyster Creek outflow as well as Great Bay, Graveling Point) offer great fishing opportunities for land based anglers and those “early birds” with their boat in the water. Both of these areas are some of the New Jersey’s most popular early season fishing spots. They are no secret and heavily fished. As with any fishing trip, please follow Fishing’s Two Golden Rules.
Fishing along the Island’s bayside was very good this past week. The action focused on the westside’s docks and bulkheads. More recent striped bass reports tell the linesiders are also stretched out along the bay with anglers beginning to catch from many different areas. Store staffer Dave caught some bass wade fishing off a local bank with lures. A few nights ago, store staffer Steve-o got three bass working a light line with soft plastics.
Rick Zane took a peek at the Barnegat Light House Jetty on Thursday. He reported, “Took some casts but no one was home. Water was 45 degrees.” It’s time to get out and try for some blues. They will invade the area any day.
Still no reports off the surf. We expect that to change very soon. It is our assumption fish are present but few are trying with much more productive areas to fish.
Some anglers opting to travel out of the local area found the spring’s best fishing with quality bass. Both the Raritan Bay and the Delaware River are prime time fishing areas in the month of April and May. Some areas of the Raritan Bay put out non stop action the past few days. Store staffer Dan D was in on the action. Here’s a photo of one beauty.
Here’s one photo from the Delaware River. South Philly Fred reported, “Five hours of fishing, one hit. OG River Rat Tim strikes again with a quality striped bass.”
Daniel from Arsenal Lures shared this report… “My son (photo below) stuck some really good fish Friday. I’m proud he did it all on his own!” Turns out those Peanut Gliders are hot! Those looking for one are gonna have to look really hard. You thought those guys at the winter shows waiting in line at 3am were nuts? They are but look who’s laughing now! Those Getting in line at the winter shows at hat anglers.
For those in need and not willing to sacrifice, we suggest these great substitutes… the Sebile Stick Shadd and the Nomad Madscad.
Fishing’s Two Golden Rules
Fishing’s Two Golden Rules go for all types of fishing and really hold merit with all types of outdoor activities.
- Pack out what you pack in. If there isn’t a public garbage can (or in the event a public receptacle is full) bring your garbage home.
- Treat others how you would want to be treated. Local residents demand the utmost respect. Be mindful and courteous when parking, gearing up or down at late hours. Treat access points like they were your own backyard. Don’t take them for granted because every year anglers around the country loose these precious pathways to fishing. Also falling into this Part 2 of the is… Don’t mob someone who got an early spot. It’s like showing up late to a standing room only concert, pushing to the front in reckless disregard. It’s respectful to give anglers space.
LBI Spring Surf Fishing Tournament
Tournament Registrations Have Begun! Check out our detailed post from mid March or for more details www.LBIFT.com
