July 23rd: The
guys fishing eels at night continue to catch striped bass in the 10-20 pound range; the crab fishermen also continue to catch
bass; but, must waste a lot of hard earned baits on trash fish. Fluke fishing continues to hold up in the rivers and ocean.
Although the amount of throw backs far out number the amount of keepers. The guys fishing the surf seem to be catching
a greater number of keepers; as was the case last year. The crabbing has been excellent in the rivers and bays; with
Shark River being the exception; the crabbing there has been below par.
***
July 18th: Fluke fishing remains the in thing to do for most of the anglers
fishing through the summer doldrums. Although, there are still enough striped bass around to keep things interesting. The
dedicated souls bass fishing can expect to catch one bass in the twenty to thirty pound range for every 30-40 hours they invest
of their time. The crabbing is excellent and I am surprised there has not been more interest. The snappers are starting to
make a substantial appearance and that fishery should be in full swing next month...............
***
July 13th: The guys fishing
early and late in the day for striped bass; continue to catch some impressive fluke as an added bonus; small metal, needlefish,
etc. seem to be working well. The sharpies who specialize in fluke fishing from the beach mostly all use a bead chain sinker,
leader and hook; with gulp being the preferred bait............
***
July 11th: Sorry, about the lack of reports and the store being closed a few
mornings this past week. But, sometimes life deals us other priorities..........
***
There are still plenty of
small striped bass around and the guys fishing metal; such as the Ava 007's have been doing a number on them. Also, there
are some larger resident fish in the 10-25 pound range being caught, with "Calico Crabs" being the preferred bait
and "Eels" running a close second. It is surprising to see the amount of fishermen trying crabs this year; newcomers
and older guys alike...............
***
The crabbing has been red hot in the Shrewsbury and Navesink Rivers; many of our customers are making
the trip north...........
***
July
6th: It has not been fit for man or beast on the beaches during daylight hours............
***
Although,
you could bring the wife down if you are mad at her; she could walk in sand that is so hot it burns the skin on your
feet........
The green head flies could have
their way with her; putting silver dollar size welts all over her exposed body parts............
Perhaps she would like the smell of rotting sea life; lofting on the hot summer breeze................
Anyway you get the picture, the choice is yours........
Thousands of people are here
and seem to be enjoying themselves.........
Ahhhhh, summers at the shore........
***
There are still bass being caught in the
wee hours, although this has even slowed down dramatically.
***
July 4th: Fluke are in tight to the beaches this morning; because the water
temps dropped dramatically overnight. Fishermen are having a blast catching these flatties which are mostly short fish in
the 16"-17 1/2" range. Quite a few bass were caught during the wee hours; even the plug fishermen did well.
***
July 2nd: The guys fishing
eels and calico crabs have an advantage right now. Personally, I would stay away from blue-claw crabs for bass bait.
They are great though on a nice toasted roll. Gulp crabs work better and are cheaper............
***
Striped bass have also
been taken on clams, bunker, plug's, fly's, gulp crabs, etc. over the past few days. The guys chasing the bunker pods
have also seen a little action this week. If memory serves me well; we had some major blitz's this time last year. It
is the down side of the full moon; I am sure some lucky soul will catch a decent fish somewhere along the "Jersey Shoreline".
***
June 27th: For those of
you thinking the bass have disappeared; think again....... over the course of the last few days our talks with the local surfers,
skin divers and beach goer's have revealed that there are numerous schools of striped bass feeding around the jetties
and close to the beaches. Some beach goer's have been more than a little startled to see striped bass swimming between
and around their legs. Yes, with the full moon the calico crabs are shedding and the bass are feeding heavily on them........
"BASS CANDY"
***
June
25th: There are still plenty of striped bass around and it is not to late for that fish of your dreams.........
***
June
24th: The fluke fishing remains excellent in Shark River; this small piece of water is really shining
this year; out producing the Manasquan River, Navesink River, Shrewsbury River, etc. The ocean
at this time seems to be the last place to fish for flatties. Crabbing should hit high gear after this weeks full moon..........
***
June 23rd: Well, it almost
happened last night in Monmouth County; it is a shame that a few boats put an end to the blitz; before it had a
chance to materialize. What is surprising, is that there are not more guys
fishing, there are still plenty of bass around. Anyway, this has been a pretty good spring; fishing and weather wise.
***
Did you know that striped bass have a preferred temperature range
of from 55° F to 68° F ???
***
June 22nd: The amount of bunker still around is unbelievable; can you imagine
what it was like in the 1600's when they said striped bass were so thick you could walk on them? The bass fishing remains
excellent; with the fish still taking a wide variety of baits; it really doesn't get any better!
***
June 21st: The striped
bass are still around and feeding on just about anything that swims or crawls ....... isn't life grand? The "Unknown
Bass Guy" was back again this morning to say he just loves fishing eels. Mr. Unknown said he did better size wise last
night; but stresses the bass he is catching are no where near the size of the fish on those bunker schools.
We had a few guys stop by the store yesterday afternoon and the talk soon focused on fishing calico crabs, etc..... Bobby
Matthews was one of the first to say he is going to give crabs a shot; a hint for those of you who do not know Bobby;
when he talks you listen!
***
June
20th: The "Unknown Bass Guy" stopped in the store this morning after fishing last night with
eels and said fish were cooperating everywhere he went; but they were lacking in size. Billy Riker also stopped in to
weigh a striped bass; that fish pulled the scale down to 39.2 lb's. Billy's fish is now the leader in the stores spring striped
bass tournament. While there is still bunker everywhere; the guys fishing with calico crabs are having the most success;
with consistent catches of striper's up to twenty pounds. If you would like to learn a little more about fishing calico crabs;
please follow this link.............
***
***
June 19th: There are bunker everywhere; But, where are the bass? After
taking a ride up and down the Monmouth County coastline this morning; the only place we witnessed any action was in the
Spring Lake area; where a few bass and bluefish were being caught by the boat crowd. The bluefish at times were also within
casting range of the beach. We haven't heard about anything going on in Ocean County so far today; as a matter of fact there
were some Ocean County fisherman up this way looking around..............
***
We have had a few serious freshwater fishermen come into the store lately.
They have been talking about the hy-bred striper's and muskies that inhabit one of the best kept secrets in New Jersey; the
Manasquan Reservoir. It seems one of them came within ounces of breaking the freshwater striper record recently. Also, the
state did some hydro shock surveys and has said the impoundment holds record book muskies! When things slow down on the beach
next month, all of you saltwater guys that live-line for striped bass should head out there and live-line perch, sunfish,
etc. for these 50-60 pound fish!
***
June 18th: It is solid bunker from Manasquan Inlet to Shark River Inlet this morning
and the boats are getting a few fish.......... Yesterday the bass were on bunker; just about all day long in "both counties";
the boat guys as well as the surf fishing crowd had a ball!!! Lot's of striped bass in the 20-40 pound range were caught.
We fished in northern Ocean County and were really impressed with the amount of large fish released un-harmed by the anglers
fishing near us........
***
June
17th: Bunker, Bunker and more Bunker........ The out of state and local bait boats were hammering the
menhaden in the Belmar / Spring Lake area yesterday. According to the "Unknown Bass Guy" the bait-fish
were just out of casting range for most of the day. While there was not a tremendous amount of striped bass on them; there
were enough to keep things interesting for the boat crowd. This seems to be the norm during the past few days throughout Monmouth
and Ocean Counties. The beach guys have also been scoring. Mickey
Albert of the Spring Lake Live Liners has been into some nice fish during the past few days with striped bass weighing 42
and 36 pounds.
***
Update:
Big striper's have moved into most of the usual haunts along the Monmouth and Ocean County coastline!!!!!
Some really big fish have been taken today; Get out there!!!!!
***
June 16th: Well, one thing is for sure there have been fewer and fewer
"bass" fishermen on the beaches during the last couple of years. The younger and some older guys
are just plain spoiled fishing those bunker schools and that is the only kind of fishing they want to know. What I find really
surprising though is the amount of women getting into surf fishing; this in my opinion is a wonderful thing and I wish all
of you ladies well; feel free to stop in the store anytime if you have any questions. Now, if I could only find a good
female fishing partner; I'm getting tired of looking at Joe, Dennis and Bobby on those cold fall nights............
***
June 15th: It was a beautiful
night to be out fishing; although I must be one of the few that thought so; the beaches were deserted. Well, at least
one other fisherman was out and that was Chris Bellini. Chris was chunking and managed to beach a 26.5 lb.
striped bass..............
***
June 14th: Well, the two weeks in June I cherish
every year have finally arrived and lo and behold there are still some really big fish being caught; how bout that! ...........
Personally, I hope there is not one person fishing; at least in the places we fish; and to tell you
the truth that may well be the case. There is a new breed of surf fisherman out there now...........
***
I have been debating for
over a week now about writing my views [ once and awhile ] on what I see fishing and with life in general. Some of you might
appreciate my ramblings, some of you may not. Anyway, whether you agree or disagree with me here is todays tidbit:
***
I happened to be sitting
in the parking lot of a religious retreat last week there was a small group of well known bass fisherman discussing what other
fishermen are doing to degrade their and everyone else's fishing experience. While I watched and listened; there were cigarette
butts and a package thrown on the ground. The words MF's and F__k were used extensively even though the nun's were walking
around and sitting close by. While I do not have the cleanest vocabulary; even I found their actions disgusting;
I can imagine how the nun's felt; this is just a small part of the crap that goes on there regularly. Half of this group
of fisherman were from Ocean County and from the way they acted; they probably just do not care enough about the
sport themselves or perhaps do not have enough respect for the guys that fish up here regularly. This piece
of information is for those of you wondering why they shut the gate and call the police...............
***
June 13th: Monmouth and
Ocean Counties are both producing bass and bluefish............
It
is a wonderful day in the neighborhood! Try to get out sometime today or tonite.............
***
June 12th: Ocean County was
the place to be yesterday and from what I hear; again this morning...........
Monmouth
County also produced some decent fish during the past few days. But, you really need to put in the time; if you want to be
rewarded with large......
***
June
11th: The beaches were deserted again last night according to the unknown bass guy.........
Some bigger bluefish and sharks have moved into the area.........
Striped bass continue to migrate northward...........
***
June 10th: The bass are still providing a ton of fun for those fishing. If
you have children, the evening tides will be perfect over the next few days to get them down to the beach; you do
not have to be a rocket scientist to catch striped bass; a few clams is all you need. For the more experienced bass fisherman;
there are still quite a few big fish around; bunker, eels and big swimmers are the ticket................
***
The bank fisherman are catching some impressive
fluke in Shark River; sand eels have been taking the larger fish; the ocean is still a little on the slow side..............
***
The Manasquan Reservoir is probably the best
kept secret on the freshwater scene.........
***
June 9th: Chris Bellini stopped in the store yesterday to talk and pick up some fresh
bunker; later he preceded to fish an area that the bunker boats worked that morning close to the beach. The move paid off
and Chris said he had fish up to fifteen pounds. Smart move Chris! It has been slow for the cell phone crowd during
the past few days.............
***
Fluke fishing continues to hold up...........
***
The freshwater guys and gals continue to have fun; although their ranks have thinned out a bit since
the state has stopped stocking trout.........
***
June 8th: Some really nice striped bass showed up in Monmouth and Ocean Counties yesterday;
the big fish that I was told about were all taken on bunker or poppers...........
Smaller
fish continue to be taken on clams............
***
June 7th: Just a tidbit for all of you doom and gloom guys out there............
It happened last night in Monmouth County and the cell phone, gas burning brigade couldn't have been
happier; from what I was told they had fish for over an hour.............
There
are plenty of bass around; you really just need to get out and fish..............
***
June 6th: The guys fishing
clams have been catching bass up to fifteen pounds all weekend..........
Fluke
fishing in Shark River continues to hold up..........
The hot weather is supposed to give
us a break by Tuesday............
***
June
5th: The beaches have been deserted at night according to the unknown bass guy; he has fished quite
a bit this week and has only run into one other fisherman. Wow, it is hard to believe no one is out there! Mr. Unknown
said while chunking last night he ran into some nice size sharks; since the bass weren't cooperating he switched over to a
wire leader and had his way with sharks up to six feet long! If anyone is fishing at night and you happen to catch
a shark; please be careful and remember most are protected by law; sand tiger's, etc.
***
June 4th: Some of the boats
found striped bass yesterday after quite a bit of riding around. Those fisherman had a blast catching fish on big
swimmers and topwater lures. The daylight beach crowd caught smaller fish on plugs and clams. Many
of the regular's who fish the Shark River are reporting catching fluke in the 20"-24" range..............
***
June 3rd: It was a great
night to be fishing eels according to the unknown bass guy......... He was kind enough to stop in to say that although it
was foggy; with falling water temps and a southeast wind blowing; some of the Monmouth County jetty pockets held fish
last night. [ No, he didn't say which ones ]
***
It is the downside of the full moon; something good should happen for someone!!!!!!!
***
June 2nd: Wow, the internet
sites are abuzz with doom and gloom prospects for striped bass fishing.......
***
All I have to say is this:
***
[ "June Is The Best Month Of The Year; At The Jersey Shore; To Catch The Bass Of Your Dreams"
]it always has been and will probably always be. This year has started out like no other in recent
memory; you will have to get out and fish; no if's or but's about it. Just think; if everyone stays home you will even have
a better chance to put the fish of your dreams on the sand.......... So, break out the big wooden swimmers, eels
and bunker. This is the time to prove to your friends that you are devoted and hardcore. Let them sit at home and talk fishing
on the internet; there are only so many June's in a lifetime!
***
June 1st: It was a slow weekend; a few of the boat guys told me there were
acres and acres of bunker out there with no bass on them. It seems like most of the beach fisherman stayed home
and spent time with their families during the day and fished the high tides during the night hours. At least that would have
been the smartest thing to do. The chunkers and eel fisherman cherish the next six weeks; if you have ever thought about trying
that type of fishing; now is the time to get out there. You do not need to read fishing reports to know there will be
some big fish around; you just need to put in the time.............
***
Crabbing is picking up in all the local rivers and bays.........
***
The freshwater guys continue to catch some impressive
largemouth bass, catfish, and carp ............
***
May 30th: Most of the fluke fisherman we have talked to were pleased with their
catches so far; that includes the bank fisherman around the rivers and ocean jetties ............ striped bass fishing
continues to hold up; even though the large fish have been absent the past few days; the bluefish action has slowed down quite
a bit and weakfish catches are almost non existent.
***
May 28th: Conditions were still not good for spotting/chasing bunker yesterday
and the usual Monmouth County haunts were almost barren of fishermen. The guys fishing clams did catch striped bass up
to fifteen pounds. The local rivers, etc. continue to give up small bass; with an occasional fish weighing in the twenty
to thirty pound range.........
***
We have had
a few fisherman come in the store this week who were testing the Shark River for fluke; they have said there are some
impressive fish waiting to be caught when the season opens tomorrow.......
***
May 27th: Oh! so many lost souls...... with the ground swells continuing again
yesterday; there were many fishermen [ bass/bunker chasers ] just standing around talking, renewing old or making new friendships.
Some of these guys just seem to be there everyday at their station; whether they belong to a club or just fish with friends;
cell phones and binoculars in hand. What dedication! These are the type of soldiers we need protecting the airports, subways,
bridges, tunnels, and borders of our country. They even have their own equipment..........
***
The guys fishing clams continue to catch striped bass;
even though the conditions are not perfect.........
***
Fluke season opens Saturday!!!!
***
May 26th: Yesterday, the large ground swells and riptides seemed to slow
things down a bit for the bass/bunker chasers. Although, the guys fishing clams managed to put a few fish on the sand. When
we took a quick ride along the beach this morning there was a small boat armada forming off of Belmar; whether they were into
fish or not; I really couldn't say at this time.
***
May 25th: It was a really good day to be fishing Monmouth County yesterday;
as the bass pushed the bunker ashore in many places. Things were more relaxed even though it was quite crowded in places.
What was nice is that you could get away from the masses and find a pod of bunker that had fish on them with little competition
from other angler's. The guy's fishing bait [ clams & bunker ] also did well with smaller fish...............
***
On the freshwater scene, trout along with all the other sweet-water
game fish are still being taken in the local lakes, ponds and streams. What I find interesting is the number of guys
and gals fishing for carp and catfish. I guess if there weren't any striped bass around I would be right there with them;
some impressive fish have been caught lately.
***
May 24th: Well, if you are a boat fishermen or fisher-woman the
slaughter continued all weekend; the dumpsters and trash cans at all the local marina's are overflowing with racks of big
striped bass. If you are a beach fisherman and fished the usual places in Monmouth County during the last three days you had
a chance to witness one of the largest cluster *#*%* I have ever seen; especially yesterday. Being conservative I would
say there had to be a few hundred guys fishing on four jetty's. If that is what you would like to call it. To tell you
the truth plain and simple, it is dangerous, people getting hooked, rough water, shoving, tempers flaring.......... you
know fun, relaxing, family oriented stuff. Quite a few fishermen have commented that they would like to see the fish leave;
to go where??? If they go north the commercials will pound them just like they pound them all winter in the south. The boat
and beach fishermen will continue to catch them. With all the pressure put on this fishery; how long do we think this will
continue until it collapses??? I did witness a game warden checking a few coolers; but that is really useless. Most of the
bandits are the guys that live close by and are making two or three trips with these large fish. I will not comment on the
small fish issue today..................
***
May 23rd: It should be a really good day to be on the beach; no not for sunbathing
as so many did yesterday; but, for striped bass fishing. It is cloudy, overcast, with a chance of light rain at times though-out
the day; what more can you ask for. The store is less than a mile from the beach and sometimes I swear you can just smell
them..........
***
May
22nd: Well, it all depended on who you talked to today as to whether anyone was catching bass. Some
fishermen were coming back to the store saying they ran out of clams and needed more because the bite was so good. The guys
that were fishing plugs and metal did not fair as well. which was a complete turn around from what has been reported
recently. But, the overall consensus among fishermen is that there are quite a few fish around.......... Beware! If
you happen upon a guy named Ziggy on the beach; turn around and get out of there as fast as you can. I have come across many
folks with bad fishing luck over the years; but really can't recall anyone in recent memory with a worse case than him. If
you have a soft spot in your heart for helping people; call the store and I will give you his number.
***
May 21st: The surf looks
nice this morning; it is another beautiful day get out and enjoy it........................ There were quite a few bass
taken yesterday; although size was lacking. While we are on the subject of small fish; I know I can't be the only one that
is witnessing the rape of our striped bass resource. Everywhere you go you see people keeping undersized fish; that coupled
with the slaughter of large fish is going to bring about a collapse once again. While I have always condoned keeping a few
fish a year; to feed our tired and huddled masses. I am starting to get fed up; and I haven't even gotten to the commercial
aspect of the striped bass fishery. Someone please come into the store and mention politics today. hahahaha; it will
really make my day......
***
May
20th: The water looked really nice this morning as I took a quick ride along the beach before opening
up; there were some small pods of bunker off of Belmar and Manasquan. High tide is early this afternoon; something just has
to happen in Monmouth or Ocean County today! The unknown bass guy showed up this morning [ he is like clockwork ] saying he
has fished three local river systems since getting out the rod on the fifteenth. But, all he has had to show for his efforts are
small striped bass and bluefish........
***
May 19th: If you were one of the guys that stayed home yesterday because of
the rain and a little rough water "shame on you"..... Seems like all the guys that drove a long ways yesterday were
rewarded for their time; especially in Seaside Park. There was hardly anyone fishing in Monmouth County; the fish were probably
here also. Quite a few black drumfish have been taken in the last week; the biggest I have heard
of was over seventy pounds; taken at Shark River Inlet.
***
May 18th: Spring Lake was the place to be yesterday; if you are a boat fisherman;
many fish in the forty pound class were taken. The surf guys just sat and watched; the bass were just out of casting range
most of the time. Some of the guys that fished the beach and jetty's did manage to catch fish. Pencil poppers, poppers, big
swimmers, and even clams managed to work on the fish; although personally I did not see a striped bass taken from shore weighing
more than fifteen pounds................
***
May 17th: It's a beautiful morning to be out looking for bunker and bass if
that is what you are into............. For the last few years, I have heard some amazing stories of fish being caught by fishermen?
and the blitz in Ocean County produced some really good ones; you just have to laugh. Sometimes, I think it was just
more fun back in the day when there were no bass and very few guys were fishing. Anyway, no matter what your feelings are
about catch and release, cell phones, the internet, illegals, saltwater license, etc. it is time to get out and fish
and create memories; you will never have this year of your life back again!!!
***
May 16th: Ocean County finally lit
up late yesterday; like Monmouth County has been doing for the past few days... Lots of large bass have been caught over the
past few "days" and "nights". Snag and drop, Pencil Poppers, Poppers, Swimmers, Live & Rigged Eels,
Bucktails, Etc. have been accounting for most of the bigger fish. Yes, the fish are really early this year;
lets hope they stay until the second week in July. It is really important to get down here every
chance you get while it is hot; the honey-do list can wait......................
***
May 15th: The large fish didn't show up yesterday, like they had the two
previous days. Oh well, there will be plenty of more days to come; things are really early this year. Overall it's the same
old story with the smaller fish throughout Monmouth and Ocean Counties; clams still seem to be the bait of choice. The
bluefish action has slowed considerably.......
***
May 14th: Striped Bass are being taken in all the springtime haunts. The boats
did very well yesterday; I heard rumor of a 57# bass being taken...................
The usual place's in Monmouth County have been producing some nice bass the last couple of days; get down
there!
***
May 13th: The wind ended up blowing out of the northeast steadily yesterday with light rain. Needless to say angler
participation was down; even though the surf was fishable..............
Anyway, it is a nice morning; the tide is right and the water looks fishy. All we need is a few anglers
out and about to see what is around.
***
May
12th: Great day to be bass fishing; the tide is high at 6:44 AM; it's cloudy, overcast, with drizzle
and varying winds at times. I expect to see quite a few fish caught today. Yesterday, the few guys that stopped in all had
fish; although nothing large.
***
May 11th: Yesterday there seemed to be quite a few fish around; it's just
a shame most are under 30" at this time. The tides will be getting better for the working man/woman over the next few
days and hopefully some bigger fish will move in. The boat guys have been catching fish off and on so far this week...............
***
May 10th: When I was young
[ about 10 yrs old ] my father would always tell me we needed to head north in the spring when we had extra time to
fish. Raritan Bay, Staten Island and the Hook were some of the places he would always mention. I remember placing my rod [
which was made by Julian's; with a Ru-Mer Super and camo line ] in the bed of his 1952 Ford pickup with loving
care to make the long trip's. "Oh", the memories............ It does seem funny to be telling you the same thing
48 yrs later.
***
May
9th: This wind has put just about everything on hold.......................
***
May 8th: Some larger striped
bass have been caught in the northern and southern portion's of Monmouth County during the past few days. Yes, I said large
striped bass!!!
***
May
7th: Bluefish, bluefish and more bluefish........... Although not like the good old days; they are sure
keeping things interesting. I cannot stress enough to those of you who have children; get your kids down to just about
any beach in the evening hours and let them catch a few of the yellow eyed demons. They will cherish the memories for the
rest of their lives. They are still catching striped bass everywhere; just not as fast and furious as a week ago. This fishery
should improve on a daily basis very soon.
***
May 6th: There are tons of bunker about a mile off of the beach according to
the boat guys; fish were caught but the bass are not on them like they should be. The bluefish are still keeping things
interesting; especially in Shark River; who would have thought!
***
May 5th: Locally the bass fishing has slowed down considerably during the past
few day's; unless of course you are fishing the Raritan Bay or making the trip to Staten Island. The bluefish continue to
keep everyone entertained especially during the evening hours...............
***
May 4th: Although yesterday was an ideal day to fish the beach, there were
not that many fishermen out and about. The freshwater guys were out in good numbers yesterday and those that stopped by the
store reported having a good time. Later in the day quite a few were heading to the Manasquan River for the monday night fun..............
***
May 3rd: Today should be
a great day on the beach; did I ever tell you how much striped bass like rainy overcast days! They are my favorite days to
fish, especially in the spring. Personally, I am not fond of fishing when lightning is flashing around my head
and bass seem to feel the same when feeding. Although, I have seen exception's. Bluefish hate lightning!!! But again,
there are exceptions.........
***
May 2nd: They are still here!!! Also, the trout in Spring Lake have been cooperating........
***
May
1st: Bass and bluefish are still being caught; just not at the pace they were a few days ago. That is
one of the downfalls of this bluebird weather.......
***
April 30th: The bluefish continue to push their way north; Monmouth and Ocean
Counties remain filthy with the yellow eyed demons. We have had many parents bring their children down in the evening
to catch them. The striped bass fishing remains excellent for this time of year. It is supposed to be a beautiful weekend;
hopefully the fish will still be cooperating.............
***
April 29th: The spring run continues to gain momentum. If yesterday is an indicator
of what is going to happen today; then I would say Ocean County is the place to head if you want to catch bluefish. Although,
the bluefish also showed up in Shark River Inlet and Spring Lake yesterday. If you are into catching bass, which most
of us are; then I would say Monmouth County is the place to be. But, what do I know............
***
On the freshwater scene: the lakes, ponds and
streams continue to give up nice fish on a daily basis..........
***
April 28th: All the signs were there for a great bass fishing day yesterday and
those of you that were out hopefully caught fish. Many did; including Gregg Oliver, president of the Spring Lake
Live Liners Fishing Club. Gregg stopped in just before closing time to weigh in a striped bass; the fish weighed 27.8 lb's..........
Bluefish were also caught in quite a few places; the Manasquan Inlet, etc. Please remember these fish are not showing
themselves most of the time.
***
Gregg
is entered in our Spring Striped Bass Tournament; but the contest doesn't start until May 1st. For those of you thinking about
entering; stop by and register; the rules are on the "Tournament Page"; there are some nice fish around already!
***
Another note: If you are interested;
we will have a limited number of store t-shirts available starting tomorrow; stop in or call to reserve yours.
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Update 11 AM: We have been
getting reports from Ocean County this morning; they are doing a number on bass and bluefish.
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April 27th: What great
looking water! There are quite a few guys on the beach this morning and those of you thinking about riding down should
do so; I don't think you will be disappointed. Just remember 99% of the fish are not showing, so you have to get out of your
cars!
***
April 26th:
What a great spring it has been so far!
The
striped bass fishing continues to get better daily........
The bluefish
have been fairly consistent in Ocean County.........
The freshwater
fishing has been excellent........ the stocked trout are just awesome; a 10 1/2 lb trout came out of Lake Takanassee,
Long Branch...........
If we can just get rid of the rain and nor-easter's
this year; maybe we will have some real fun.........
***
April 25th: Bass were taken
all day yesterday and again this morning, a large majority of those fish were keepers. Most guys and gals are fishing
clams, but with the water temps rising quite a few fish have been taken on smaller size plugs. Bluefish are hit or miss
in Monmouth County; if you are looking for consistent action with the yellow eyed demons; you should head to Island Beach
State Park.
***
April
24th: Striped bass continue to show an increased presence along the beaches. I have heard quite
a few complaints about the dredging going on in Shark River Inlet and some fishermen have been avoiding the area;
the real savvy fishermen have been scoring keepers on clams right as the dredging goes on.............
***
April 23rd: The bass continue
to keep things interesting and bluefish are around if you are lucky enough to run into them............
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Don't forget about the hybrid's in the Manasquan
Reservoir, they should really be starting to turn on. The reservoir holds quite a few species of fish and some of them are
real impressive. A lot of the freshwater fishermen coming in the store have been hitting the lakes and ponds along Rt.
70; where they are targeting mostly white perch and crappies.
***
April 22nd: A few striped
bass were caught yesterday and I guess we can expect more of the same today. Although, it is early in the year;
you get out of it what you put into it!
The guys trout fishing in Spring Lake had a blast yesterday; with many of
them catching their limit. Bill Brown was one of the fortunate anglers that had his limit; his fish were all in
the 16"-18" range. He said that nightcrawlers were the bait of choice either fished on the bottom or with a bobber.
So if your not doing anything today; hit Spring Lake with worms.
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April 21st: Sorry, about the lack of reports, but my newly ordered computer
took a vacation in Paris; due to the smoke and ash from the volcano in Iceland...........
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Things have sure been heating up around the Jersey Shore this week.They have been hammering the striped bass in the boats all week! The Raritan Bay has been about as
good as it gets and all the local rivers have been giving up fish. The beaches of Monmouth and Ocean County's are
producing bass on a consistant basis; mostly on clams; although a few guys have stopped in to say they have been catching
bass on small plugs. One real supprise was the bluefish blitz they had in Ocean County yesterday. This may just turn out to
be a classic year from the past; enough said I do not want to jinx us.
***
On the freshwater scene; trout in Spring Lake have been feeding
well. the local lakes and ponds are giving up perch, crappies, pickeral and bass. Get out and fish!!!!
**
April
9th: "Opening Day of Trout Season" is tomorrow; those of you that have children should be heading to Spring
Lake. The Shark River Surf Anglers put on a great kids tournament there every year; the club stocks the lake with some
of the biggest trout NJ fisherman will ever see. The state also stocks the lake during trout season.
***
April
5th: Striped bass are being caught in all the usual springtime haunts; with Raritan Bay being
the main producer; small fish are also being caught in the Monmouth and Ocean County surf. Clams seem to be the bait
of choice. ***
April
3rd: "WE ARE BACK"............ The local
ponds and lakes are giving up some really nice black crappies and perch. Haven't heard much about pickeral and largemouths;
but they should be right there in the mix. 