The early season action has been good. About one month into the “season” it’s safe to say it’s going good. Early season bass, winter flounder, perch and a couple bluefish. Soon we’ll see real fish migrating move into our waters.
Reports from the river rats are good! Bass are chewing live bloods. Further up shad fishing is in full swing.
Anyone looking to get their rods and reels serviced for the spring run should bring them in ASAP. We were caught up; however, recently lots of tackle in need of service has flooded in. First in first out so if you want your gear repaired in time for the first showing of real deal fishing now is the time!!!
Today’s open boat witnessed the season continued progression with slightly larger striped bass , bald eagles, ospreys, and even the first laughing gulls!! Presently our bay is also full of adult bunker that will soon be welcoming our newly arriving game fish into our home waters. The abundant bait that we have on hand could possibly be a real game changer for our Spring run!!
Although we are only 2 days earlier than last year with the arriving laughing gulls it’s still the earliest that I have ever seen them. Over the years I have always looked forward to their arrival as they usually will herald the migration of soon to be arriving stripers and blues within 10-14 days, they have yet to fail me in their prognostication .
Today 3/30 was an on boat with regulars who were joined by The Fishermen Magazine’s Jim Hutchinson Jr. hoping to tag some bass for research purposes . Not only did we succeed in our goal in tagging striped bass but we used up all the tags that were brought aboard! Regular Jay Simmons once again earned Bass Master honors scoring 15 striped bass before trips end. Hutch not to be out done scored the biggest bass of the day at the buzzer.
I have 1 spot open for tomorrow morning 8am -12pm and a couple of spots open for Friday afternoon 1pm-5pm targeting striped bass with light spinning tackle. Weather looks great with temp into the upper fifties low sixties forecasted [ only 50% chance of precip] . $120.00pp.
Here’s a quick update on the early season fishing.
Yesterday (Tuesday) store staffer Dan D reported that fishing was good. “Almost every worm got a bass. They were on the chew.” A couple bluefish were caught too. But the winter flounder fishing was slow. Maybe the cloudy day had something to do with it?
Today (Wednesday) Dylan Fisher stopped in the shop before heading over to the warm fishy water. He just shared this report and photo. “Fishing is good. At times it’s every cast.” He’s catching on top water, pencil popping them up. Dylan also put some bucktails to work and they did the trick too.
Here’s one small bass Dylan caught on a Magic Tail Bucktail.
Another report today came from Vince (@invinceable-vr) “Nice action at the Plant! Plenty of small schoolies and some fat flatties!”
What a great weekend! So many of us have waited for the dewinterization process to begin! Turning on the water and opening seasonal homes as well as pulling the shrink wrap or boat cover, the Island was lively and the shop was buzzing. After a snowy, cold, windy winter, it was great to see all the familiar faces.
Some anglers got out and fished. A couple guys hit the surf, but no report rebound. One can only assume, no report is bad news. For the most part local fishing is still concentrated to the winter hold over locations. Soon the early season hot spots will kick into gear.
In terms of one hold over location, Oyster Creek, there’s been lots of action but with that comes lots of fishing pressure. The traffic can be tough but fun fishing is there to be had.
Striped bass and winter flounder are the two main target species. Some small blues(hold overs or new arrivals?) were recently caught and bunker have been in there too. Guys catching bass are fishing with small bucktails, jigs and soft plastics. Baits like live blood worms and clam are also getting bites for the crew posted up on the bridge. Winter flounder are also chewing live bloods there too.
One customer reported, “Caught a handful of fishing today (Saturday). Yesterday was was much better!” Another report came from Finn Krokus of Little Egg. He fished this weekend and caught both bass and winter flounder. Here’s a photo of one winter flounder.
Here’s Finn Krokus with a winter flounder that he caught on March 24th fishing Oyster Creek.
Just a heads up… For the time being we are still on winter hours (7am to 6pm). Soon we’ll extend. It all dependent on the weather, fishing and in store traffic.
Upcoming Fishing Tournaments
— Save The Dates —
The 15th Annual 2018 Berkeley Striper Club Spring Striped Bass Catch & Release Tournament starts May 24th. For More Info
The 17th Annual LBI Spring Surf Fishing Tournament starts April 21st. This year a bluefish division was added. For More Info
Today’s open boat proved challenging with wind chills into the twenties [ dock departure air temp 30 degrees] . Although we read fish through out the morning the bass seemed to be off the bite that I was expecting [ I hate when they don’t follow my plan or expectations ]. We did managed to boat 2 striped bass [ along with some random snagged bunker] along with a flurry of short strikes through out the morning before calling it early quits .
Hoping and looking forward to the promise warming temps that our extended weather forecast has foretold. There is definitely fish to be caught and rod bending fun to be had in our home waters on light tackle. This upcoming week is ours to conquer!
Friday and Sunday mornings [8am-12pm] and afternoons [1pm-5pm] are available for private or open boat charters. I have 2 spots open for this Friday morning available with the afternoon open.
Join us [ like us] on Facebook and Instagram for latest fishing reports and photos.
With heavy snow fall and NE winds tipping 40mph I wasn’t sure how the stripers would react afterwards but apparently it hasn’t effected them at all!
These are resident fish that have wintered up in our home waters and generally are running from 10-24″ but utilizing light spinning tackle maximizes the sport and fun for these feisty bass.
I have this Sunday 8am-12pm for any looking to have some fun on with catch and release bass for either open or private charter.
Although these bass are on the smaller side they are tons of fun!
The New Jersey Beach Buggy Association needs your help this weekend. Please share and spread the word. The more hands the better!
On Saturday, March 24th the NJBBA will have their annual Holgate Beach Clean Up. At 8am meet at the buggy entrance, the very south end of Long Beach Island (LBI). Dress accordingly to the weather, bring a 5 gallon bucket and gloves. Coffee and donuts will be served. Hope to see lots of surf anglers there.
Thanks to all of our followers and customers on Instagram. We are stoked to have hit the 10k milestone yesterday. What started out in September of 2013 as a suggestion from South Philly Fred (“Hey Fish Heads, Get On Ig!”) as a way to share store news has turned into a vital information stream. It’s amazing to see how the platform has grown into what it is today.
If you aren’t on Instagram… you should be! There’s just too much to miss.
Check out our Daiwa Lure Giveaway ASAP. We have three separate photos each showing a separate lot (two lures and a hat or visor). Three winners will be chosen on 3/22 by the end of the day.
Despite cold and windy conditions, anglers aboard the Reel Fantasea forged full speed ahead into the 2018 fishing season and were rewarded with cabin fever curing fun from schoolie striped bass while employing light spinning tackle tactics.
Our maiden trip of the season was met with wind chills dipping well into the polar zone and bay temps well below my “interpretation of ideal” water temps [38 degrees] I must admit my on optimistic hope for the new season was on shaky grounds.
Within minutes of throwing the dock lines, all doubt of the unseasonably cold temps effecting our catches were erased as the rods were once again arched with smiling anglers on one end and feisty striped bass on the other end.
All trips saw double digit catches with high catch seeing over 20+ striped bass!
Weekly Bass Master Kudo’s goes out to regular Jay Simmons who single handedly scored 10 bass on our “Sunday Brunch Special” [ 10am-2pm].
I’ll be running more open and private charter trips as we progress into the season so be sure to call/text/email to get in on our list if interested in trip availability.
Remember, these trips are strictly a catch and release affair with most fish ranging in size between 10- 18″ + or – but an absolute blast on light spinning tackle.
I have this Friday morning 8am-12pm and afternoon 1pm-5pm and a Sunday with the same timeline available for both open or private charter.
