Destroyer
God
February 16, 2012 Jimmy Fee
Forecast: New Jersey
Brought to you by "On the Water" fishing magazine. (www.onthewater.com) Please support their sponsors if you can.
“In 50 years of fishing, I’ve never seen anything like this.” That’s what Ron from Fisherman’s Supply Company in Point Pleasant told me in regards to the surf fishing for stripers that is still happening in Monmouth County. The fish, which have been at large as 15 pounds, are taking Tsunami sand eel imitations and Daiwa SP minnows fished slowly.
Jack at Surf Side Bait and Tackle in Long Branch has been finding the bass in the wee hours of the morning. On Valentine’s Day he caught a 15-pounder. Ron at Fisherman’s Supply heard a report of a 17-pounder, but of a different species. Frank Flior had a 17-pound blackfish this week! The fish was likely pulled off one of the deepwater wrecks where the biggest blackfish in the Northeast ride out the winter. The ling bite is still going strong, but with the mild weather, cod fishing just isn’t happening at the moment. There is still a chance a cold snap could drive some huge numbers of these groundfish within the range of the New Jersey party boat fleet, but time is growing short.
The pickerel are very active throughout New Jersey’s ponds. On sunny days, the fish are moving into shallow water and are eagerly taking shiners and lures – even topwaters! Perch and crappie are also biting well. The large members of both species form dense schools at this time of year, and once you locate them, the action can be on every cast. Fathead minnows will be the best bait, but small jigs will also work.
Best Bets for the Weekend
Get to Monmouth County, clip on a Tsunami Sand Eel or Daiwa SP Minnow and catch some February surf stripers. This kind of action at this time of year is unprecedented. Unlike a typical winter fishery, where one or two hits would be a good night, guys are racking up double-digit scores on the stripers. It won’t be long before these fish are running up their natal rivers to spawn, so the time to hit the surf is right now. Target the jetties after dark for the best odds of hooking up.
Some shiner-and-bobber fishing in freshwater also sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon. Use ultralight tackle so you can enjoy the fight of the panfish or pickerel.
Party boats are always an option as well. Ling are keeping anglers busy, and the shot at a cod or big blackfish exists on the deepwater wrecks. Friday and Saturday are looking like nice days to be on the water, so take advantage and take home some fillets.
Also, the Greater Philadelphia Fishing and Hunting Expo is this weekend. I’ll be there handing out special additions and giving away Hogy Lures Gift Packs with each subscription signed up at the show.
Forecast: New Jersey
Brought to you by "On the Water" fishing magazine. (www.onthewater.com) Please support their sponsors if you can.
“In 50 years of fishing, I’ve never seen anything like this.” That’s what Ron from Fisherman’s Supply Company in Point Pleasant told me in regards to the surf fishing for stripers that is still happening in Monmouth County. The fish, which have been at large as 15 pounds, are taking Tsunami sand eel imitations and Daiwa SP minnows fished slowly.
Jack at Surf Side Bait and Tackle in Long Branch has been finding the bass in the wee hours of the morning. On Valentine’s Day he caught a 15-pounder. Ron at Fisherman’s Supply heard a report of a 17-pounder, but of a different species. Frank Flior had a 17-pound blackfish this week! The fish was likely pulled off one of the deepwater wrecks where the biggest blackfish in the Northeast ride out the winter. The ling bite is still going strong, but with the mild weather, cod fishing just isn’t happening at the moment. There is still a chance a cold snap could drive some huge numbers of these groundfish within the range of the New Jersey party boat fleet, but time is growing short.
The pickerel are very active throughout New Jersey’s ponds. On sunny days, the fish are moving into shallow water and are eagerly taking shiners and lures – even topwaters! Perch and crappie are also biting well. The large members of both species form dense schools at this time of year, and once you locate them, the action can be on every cast. Fathead minnows will be the best bait, but small jigs will also work.
Best Bets for the Weekend
Get to Monmouth County, clip on a Tsunami Sand Eel or Daiwa SP Minnow and catch some February surf stripers. This kind of action at this time of year is unprecedented. Unlike a typical winter fishery, where one or two hits would be a good night, guys are racking up double-digit scores on the stripers. It won’t be long before these fish are running up their natal rivers to spawn, so the time to hit the surf is right now. Target the jetties after dark for the best odds of hooking up.
Some shiner-and-bobber fishing in freshwater also sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon. Use ultralight tackle so you can enjoy the fight of the panfish or pickerel.
Party boats are always an option as well. Ling are keeping anglers busy, and the shot at a cod or big blackfish exists on the deepwater wrecks. Friday and Saturday are looking like nice days to be on the water, so take advantage and take home some fillets.
Also, the Greater Philadelphia Fishing and Hunting Expo is this weekend. I’ll be there handing out special additions and giving away Hogy Lures Gift Packs with each subscription signed up at the show.