Fisherman's Headquarters

The Coast Guard on Friday warned boaters that they will now have to transit Little Egg Inlet at the south end of Long Beach Island “at their own risk.”  Let’s hope this situation improves and doesn’t get any worse!

Read more here at Philly.com

The spring fishing run is here and the biggins will be in soon. Now is the time to prepare and remove weak links that were not addressed over the winter. While rod and reel service and new line is important don’t over look the simple task of upgrading hooks and split rings. Don’t cheap out! Your trophy is on the line. 

Reports from yesterday’s official opening day were positive. The hot spots hold fish all winter so the great catching there is not news. What is news?  We received info from a couple different anglers at the shop all with positive reports. A number of of them were in on the action at a famous early season spot. We also got great news from anglers fishing the Delaware River.  The season is off to a great start so if you want to fish gear up and go.

Greg O’Connell took his two sons and reported, “Rain and blowing 30 out of the south… no problem! My kids had a great time. We blew through bloods catching 3-4 dozen short stripers. The largest was about 26″. The bay temperature was 52 degrees!” Now that is awesome news! 52 degrees in the bay is crazy for this time of year. With out a doubt, the bluefish will be here soon if not already!

Here’s Ryan O’Connell (age 14) with one of many bass he caught on opening day.

Maybe you saw Hutch Jr’s post at the Fisherman Magazine today. If not check it out on their site. He shared info on the season’s first keeper bass which came from the Mullica River. The keeper bass was caught in the mix of numerous shorts. He also mentioned perch.
Expect congested fishing at the early season spots. Please into it with a friendly attitude with respect for the locations, the people and have fun! It’s finally officially striped bass fishing season! Let’s go fishing. 

Look at these three pretty ones just in for service! Need to have your reel serviced in prep for the spring run? We are NJ’s exclusive Van Staal factory authorized service and warranty center.

After rounding up some minnows, or killies for you N jerzy boys, I went west of Long Beach Island to see what I could catch. My first stop was a disappointment after 30 or so minutes I did not find any love. Second spot was different though. First cast and it was fish on! Ended landing 4 small chain pickerel to end the day.Screaming drags, Capt. Alex Lighthouse Sportfishing 609-548-2511

Most all are happy that the end of the month is here. But none more than the crew here at Fisherman’s Headquarters! We are stoked for the official opener tomorrow March 1st. The recent action (and all through out the winter months) has been great. So… We expect anglers to quickly get into small school sized striped bass at the early season hot spots.

While we have not heard reports on perch or winter flounder we expect anglers will find them soon.

Currently we do not have fresh or live bait. We suggest those looking for live bloodworms to check out our worm selection from DynaBait. DynaBait offers an amazing product, the only all natural freeze dried bloodworm and sandworm. We’ve sold these for about five years now and all reviews have been positive. DynaBait worms effectively catch striped bass, winter flounder, perch, kingfish as well as many other species. Best of all they are less than half the price of live worms and can be used on separate fishing outings without worry Stop in and check them out!

It was great seeing a sold out crowd Saturday for the Saltwater Sportsmen National Seminar Series. I’m almost dead center, back row, in the below picture. Hope I shared some helpful tips. If you missed it I said “lets make sandworms great again” 😉 in talking about a go to striper bait through the seasons. Don’t know why bloods became more popular around Barnegat Bay. In the old days……….we would not go bass fishing if we only could get bloodworms. Waz up wit dat?

Tried perch fishing Sunday at dusk at a local hole. Using live shrimp I did not move a fish but I fished during blowout conditions. I know the fish will be there when I come back. Hoping for another world class spring run of monster blues in the bay. Ten pound + blues in 2 feet of water crashing poppers or flies was a blast the past two years. I will be ready if you are. just give me a call. 609-548-2511 Screaming drags, Capt. Alex Lighthouse Sportfishing

Although there are still a few weeks before spring arrives at the New Jersey shore, the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association have been busy readying their boats and gear while also re-charging their own batteries.

Captain Raymond Lopez of “Miss Liane Sportfishing Charters” has been busy refurbishing the props, preforming routine engine maintenance, and upgrading the audio system on his boat. In addition, the vessel also passed the voluntary UPV inspection through the USCG. Any rods and reels in need of refurbishing have been taken care of by professionals.

Captain Pete Doran of “Mud Duck Sportfishing” is a new member of the BHCFA. The “Mud Duck” is a 48′ Garlington docked in Morrison’s Marina and will be running mostly offshore trips. Besides sandblasting the bottom, Captain Peter outfitted the boat with new outriggers and refrigeration.

Captain Lindsay Fuller had his usual maintenance work done on the “June Bug” at her winter home in Manteo, NC. He plans to do some fishing there before bringing the boat north. Captain Lindsay has had his rods and reels professionally serviced along with making some improvements on the reel seats.

Captain Carl Sheppard reports the “Star Fish” is getting its “usual spring TLC.” He is planning on splashing the boat in early April with Coast Guard inspections coming shortly after. By the middle of April he expects to be fishing. The inspections include engines, lights, steering, navigation, lifesaving, medical supplies, and much more including a “man overboard” drill.

Captain John Lewis of the “Insatiable” and his wife spent a month in Islamorada in the Florida Keys. Captain John says he did quite a bit of fishing including landing his first ever sailfish. He also had several good days of yellowtail fishing. He has several boat deliveries lined up and is looking forward to a successful fishing season in Beach Haven.

Captains from the association have been joined at several fishing flea markets and shows by members of their Junior Mates program spreading news of the BHCFA. The junior mates will be at Booth 726 this weekend at the Atlantic City Boat Show. The teens invite all to stop by and say hello.

Information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.net.

~ Jim Hutchinson Sr.