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Hi All,
Well I went out today to Ortley Beach to see what the conditions were. Snotty would be the way I would describe it by the time I left. I parked in the 3rd ave lot and walked to the walkway over the dunes talked to a couple of great guys and watched as a lot of vehicle traffic was moving up and down the beach.
The wind was SSE at about 4 - 10 with gusts to 15. Slight chop with the wave action also coming out of the SSE. No birds to speak of most were on the beach.
Looking way up the beach I spotted 1 blue caught with the foot fleet right behind. That was it. I had a nice conversation with a young gentleman and I wish him the best in his endeavors in seeking a spot in the next NJSP class.
By the time I decided to leave the beach was deserted. I guess that old adage you should of been here yesterday holds true.
Thanks for the conversation i enjoyed it and hope to meet you there again.
Happy Catching
Paul
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sounds like are day at the hook :'( :'(
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Better then workin' TRUST ME!
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I hear ya...
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Better then workin' TRUST ME!
t^
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Nothing like fresh salt air to brighten the day. t^
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Nothing like fresh salt air to brighten the day. t^
whs
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Well I'm going to give it another try later this morning. The barometer is dropping so its time to hit the beach before the rain comes in. To bad it sounds like there is a warm front pushing this one.
what we need is a good ol early season Alberta Clipper. It probably will come in right around Halloween. We'll see.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Way it's going it going to be Stripers for
X mas :P
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I hope not.
I was on the beach again this morning and just got back. I figured I'd work the incoming high tide. Got to the beach (Ortley) and looked there might of been 5 to 8 guys fishing. No one was catching anything.
The wind was from the south again at about 3 - 5 as was the wave action. Water was warm but clear. I worked a few holes no one home tried the first groin again no one home.
The wind started to pick up around 12:30 from 4 - 8 with gusts at around 11 mph.
I called it quits around 1:30 or so grabbed the camera and took some pictures I will post them here later. Got to do a couple of honey do's first. Gotta keep mama happy. ;D
I used mostly top water plugs and one new swimming lure that I have to work on, not casting properly. It has a metal lip I might have to make that more streamline and add weight to the back end. I think I anm going to take a series of pictures and post them as I go along.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Still sounds like a good day...
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Well, third day in a row. I will be leaving to try again one of these days I will hit it just right. so for now the sign on he door reads...
GONE FISHING
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Good luck. t^
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Well I got about 30 mis worth of fishing in before the sky opened up but it felt like I was a kid again. Walking on the beach with a fishing pole in hand soaking wet from the rain.
BOY THAT FELT GOOD.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Well today broke the drought for me. I was fishing Ortley Beach and Lavallett Beach and caught two nice fluke, keepers by the way but home to King Neptune they went.
It was right at the change of the tide late this morning. I fact all the groins in Lavallette were high and dry by a good 15 - 20 feet or more. Stood at the edge of the first sand bar and started casting plugs nothing tried many colors and sizes plus slow retrieve and fast retrieve but nothing. The birds were working way off shore and to far to cast to so I changed to metal. AVA 47's 27's than I put on the smallest one in the bag a 1oz' er, BINGO first hit on a slow retrieve with small bounces. I let that one go and the third cast again 'BAM', another fluke good size keeper but back it went again.
I decided to walk up the beach again and met two brothers Fabian and his brother George. Both newcomers to surf fishing. George caught two Monk Fish the first one I did not see him catch but the second one I did. I noticed he was apprehensive on picking it up so I walked over to lend a hand. The first one bit him so this one he did nor want to touch in any way shape or form. I used the gripper and the needle nose pliers to de-hook the fish. We let him go and watched him burrow into the sand right at the waters edge. Tide was coming in so I felt it was OK to let him be.
Good going guys.
Held a small workshop for a half an hour and I hope it helped guys.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice report Paul. Were they monk fish or stargazers? I didn't think monk fish would be in that close. Both ugly looking fish. TT^
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Hi Joe,
On looking them up they were Stargazers. So Guys my mistake but they look fairly similar. They can be very dangerous with venomous spines and a shocking mechanism behind their eyes.
Here is a picture of both.
Thanks Joe for making me look up the difference.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Yeah Paul, easy to confuse and both are nasty. One of my guys caught a wolf fish a couple years ago. We cleaned it and put the carcass/head out for the seagulls. They wouldn't even go near it. ;D
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Hey Joe what is a wolf fish, is that the long silver one that has a head like a Barracuda and a tail that goes down to a ribbon, 3 1/2 to 4 1/2 ft long?
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Skip, look up in Paul's last post, he has pics of both monk fish and stargazer.
I think you may be referring to a ribbonfish. If I remember right we both had them caught on our boats about four years ago.
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Yea Joe that would be what I was thinking about ::) Next time you go to the H Mart on Woodburn Rd. they sell those out there whole cleaned the way you like only they call them a "Beltfish" t^
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Hi All,
Tried to get out late this morning before it starts to rain but the wind was a problem. Here on the mainland its blowing 10 - 15 with gusts around 20 out of the w to wnw. I wanted to test out a lure I rebalanced but it would not have been a good test.
Along the stretch or beach I only saw 3 lines in the water from Lavellett to Seaside. Water very choppy and I would say wave heights 4-5 coming out of the south. Not a good day to be on the beach or the ocean. The sand is really blowing, like I said not a good day to be out there.
So its lawn cutting time, I might as well get it done now so I don't have to do it when the weather changes for the better. ;D
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Well just by reading the signs it looks like the run will be here any time now. The water is dropping nicely and the bait is still around (some what). And the talk here on the board sounds good. I will be trying to get out as much as possible this week and post some hearsays I gather from talking to very interesting guys on the beach and walkovers.
It was pretty dull today inspite of some reports from a few B & T's. The wind was blowing out of the west and the wave action was down quite a bit. There were a few boaters working the beach line but did not see anything coming over the rail. The birds were working well off shore but so far nothing.
There was talk that dolphins were around this morning so the water is still up there and small croakers were being caught off IBSP.
Where are the Cows?
Maybe tomorrow will be the day to go down to the sea.
Sorry about that lapsed into another dimension. lack of catching will do that to a guy and gal too.
It sounds like there is a shortage of clams because of the snotty weather making it hard for the boats to get out. Nothing wrong with salted clams which I understand most shops have them. Probably by Tuesday or Wednesday fresh batches will be in we will see.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Well today looked like the day to bust the bass gates wide open. Got to the beach around 10:00 this morning, everything was on target. Put the waders on slinked out on the the beach and found a good spot right next to a rip and started plugging.
Not much happened but I saw the birds starting to work way off shore about 1/4 mile or so. they were putting on quite the show see some pictures below.
That was the problem the birds and the bait stayed well off shore the whole morning and into early afternoon.
There were no fish caught while I was there but the conditions were great.
I will be there tomorrow morning to see what happens. Sooner or later they have got to come in. When they do I hope I'll be there.
I will post the lures I used today later so you can see the variety I carry in my bag as I walk the beach. BTW all the pictures were taken with a Canon 20D with a 400mm lens. Remember these birds are way out there.
Happy Catching
Paul
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It's days like that when you can pull a muscle trying to get a few extra yards on your casts. Frustrating to say the least! bngh
Hopefully they'll come in a bit closer tomorrow.
Good Luck!
-Bob
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good luck tomorrow,which is now today,going out myself,going to try drifting some eels in the river,leaving at 6
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Hio All,
Hope to have some better pic's today. With Bass in them grtn
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hio All,
Hope to have some better pic's today. With Bass in them grtn
Happy Catching
Paul
Would love to see some pics, and hopefully you will have some. I heard from a very reliable source late this morning that a guy fishing the beach in Brick caught 5 bass early this morning on low tide, 2 were keepers. The bass were all caught on fresh clams.
Garry
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w00t w00t
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Hey Paul Great pics Thanks for shareing. Your putting in enough time sooner or later it has to pay off t^
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Paul,
I'll be jigging tomorrow (Thursday) on the Gambler, but I'm thinking about hitting the beach really early Friday morning. I'm probably going to start over by the Thunderbird.
If you're going to be around and want to meet up, let me know. ;D
-Bob
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Hey Bob,
Friday in the AM sounds good for me. I have to get ready to shoot photos of the seniors in the Toms River East's Band before the football game in the afternoon.
I am looking forward to it. I know you said the Thunderbird but we will meet up at the Brick beach parking area? How early will you be hitting the beach so I know what time to roll out of the house.
BTW, I was over at Ortley again and not much going on especially if you were plugging. There was a guy right down from the steps of the 3rd Ave. parking lot that caught 2 striper's one a keeper and the other abt. 26". Both were caught on clams. There was a guy not more than 20 yards from him fishing the same nada. Go figure. 5hrug
Happy Catching
Paul
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I'll probably be there by 5:00. I love that pre-dawn/first light magic hour! ;D
If that's too early for you, I can meet you later. No problem. Just let me know when is good for you.
BTW Thunderbird = Brick Beach for me. That's where the old Thunderbird was, so that's what I've always called it. so yeah, we can meet in that lot. Sorry for the confusion.
I've sent you a PM with my cell.
-Bob
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I got the cell # and I will probably give you a call tomorrow (Thursday) about the time. It sounds doable.
Paul
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Hi All,
Well I went I saw I left...
Otrley Beach's water conditions were still a little snotty but to add to the mix there was a large amount of sea foam in the suds. With a west wind this should dissipate pretty soon. Not many guys out this morning the beach was empty for the most part. This was true up into Lavallette and Seaside as well. I did not get onto IBSP only because the conditions were the same in a number of towns so I opted not to go.
The beach structure held up pretty good and the bars and the cuts are still in tact which is a good thing.
I will try later during High tide and see what happens. Today during low tide nada.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice report Paul. At least you got to see the water. t^
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Hi All,
Well today was a fun morning. I went to my usual spot Ortley Beach and there were fishermen all over the place and one spot I like to fish was open. The closest guy was 20 yards away, nice. I did not notice anyone catching yet so I started with Krocadile lure and no luck. The guy next to me had one on and beached a nice Blue caught on a blue and white popper. The closest thing I had was a blue and white Striper Swiper. Third cast a 5# Blue, then a lul for a while and another Blue this time a 9# Blue. Meanwhile I noticed that there were other guys catching all up and down the beach.
The birds were working the water was calm fish were being caught its a beautiful thing.
I decided to try a red and white pencil popper and the first cast wham, another Blue 8#. I left the beach and they were still catchings, Like I said it was a fun morning.
The only bad thing I probably won't get out till next week, but thats OK I caught today and life is good...
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice going! t^ Was it all bluefish or did you see any with stripes? I may head over there around 4:30 or 5 tonight to throw some plugs for a while. So if you can fish for a couple of hours tonight, let me know.
I was supposed to be going to see The Police(http://pages.prodigy.net/indianahawkeye/newpage19/1.gif) in concert tonight (my wife got me tix), but it has been canceled.(http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/traurig/sad-smiley-017.gif)
Sting's got the flu!(http://www.clicksmilies.com/s1106/wuerg/vomit-smiley-015.gif)
-Bob
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Nice Power Barf...
No it was all blues. And all the catches as far as I could see were just inside the bar. I would cast out to the bar and let the popper do its thing. Man what a rush watching a top water lure get slammed.
I have to take my daughter to the mall for things she needs for the weekend so I doubt if I will be gfetting out tonight at all.
Paul
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Nice catch Paul. Always a good day when you hit the beach and an even better day when you catch. t^
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Sounds like a fun time on the beach Paul, makes me jealous I'm not closer so that I make those quick stops for 2 or 3 hours. t^
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Yeah, it only takes me no more than 10 - 15 min. to get to the beach. I usually carry my waders, surf bag and 2 pols in the Expedition in case the urge hits or I hear that the bite is on over the Ham radio.
Paul
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It's a trade off Paul, in the spring when the stripers our in the Delaware feeding on Shad and Herring 15 minutes my 14 footer is hooked up and I'm in the water TT^ COME'ON APRIL w00t
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Sounds like a blast. The only problen here is in the summer when all the out of towner's decide to come to the shore and let off some steam and create traffic jams. It is a good thing there are back roads they don't know about.
Paul
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Yep, come on April, Skip. Gotta get some of them stripers again this year and load up on the herring for bait for the summer. TT^
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Hi All,
Well I am going to try and get out in the morning tomorrow. I hope...
No special time just get out there and drown some plugs and metal like the other day. It worked then and I picked up a few blues so I will follow that pattern.
Boy that sounds so scientific rofla It will have to do because it is the only time I have before going south for the holiday.
I haven't heard how some guys did that went out today in between the mess.
I know they were out because I heard them on my Ham radio. I got to busy to get back to them to find out., sorry.
I will be traveling light as usual, just a few top water plugs in different colors and a bunch of AVA's and a Couple sizes of Krock's.
I will be trying out a new pattern on one of the AVA's I tied a length of what looks like that old trick the Chinese finger torture. The color looks good, black and green with gold flash running through it. I'll let you know how it works.
I also tied up an off white hair with blue flash to the bare hook on a Hopkins. Again I'll let you know how it works.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Well I went out for a couple of hours met a couple of nice guys and talked fishing then I went and drowned some metal.
I tied a new pattern on one of the AVAS's and it worked great but the two fluke tore it up pretty good. Now I have to retie the pattern using different material.
I went to Ortley my usual starting place and as mentioned above I caught two small fluke no more than 30 ft from the beach.
The water was extremely rough but I had to try anyway because I won't be fishing till next week. If any one wants to try new patterns in the AVA's or tying patterns onto other lures don't be afraid, for one its fun and second your change might produce better than the original. The original had a green surgical tube.
I should of taken a picture before but here is the after picture and the chewed up tail.
I will be trying something similar only with different material.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Good job Paul,
It's not easy pulling fluke in the latter days of November with the water temps in the low to mid fiftys. t^
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Hi All,
Thats what I thought, but they were there.
Here is a new tie that I just finished. I took the chewed rope off and replaced it with a proper tie job this time. The first picture is dry and the second is wet. This way you can see what the jig looks like while in use.
Paul
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Nice!
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I like the second one. Looks like a real killer! ;D
-Bob
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Hi Bucktail,
They are both the same jig. The first one is dry and the second one is wet. I do that to make sure the pattern is working to my liking.
There are actually 5 layers in this jig. The green and the black are folded back over to form the head and the forward fins so to speak.
I can't wait to try it next week.
I am also working on a Clouser minnow but instesd of using a conventional hook I am trying a circle hook. I am thinking in lines of a 3/0 and a 6/0. I will post pictures as I make them.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Well today seemed like a good day to be out on the beach, well I guess if you were a seagull it was. Birds were diving all over the place but way too far out. As far as the fleet there weren't any boats out at all except one when I was leaving the beach. He was about 1/2 a mile off and working the birds could not see if he caught anything.
I tried many different types of lures but nothing seemed to work. The tide was on the way out and moving fast. That west wind was averaging about 12 to 18 mph with gusts to 23 mph. Wouldn't doubt it if it was a blow out tide today.
0 fish, 1 beautiful day.
I was going to try some Storm Shad but left them at home on the work bench of well next time. That was the tip I was given from Grumpys.
Hopefully, tomorrow will be better but the wind is suppose to shift the the SSW tonight, we'll see.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice report Paul. Good luck tomorrow if you go. t^
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Hi All,
I am going to give it a try. They say the temp is going to drop over night I guess I got to put on the long johns a little early this year.
Either that or bring along some liquid heater. Lets see what goes good in a thermos at the beach?
Happy Catching
Paul
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I het the beach yesterday, in Ship Bottom. same spot as last week that I caught a 35" 15lb striper. I caught 3, between 25" and 26" and a skate. 5 hours. bngh
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^ beats skunking! TT^
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You did better than I did. I will be trying a little later today after getting the honey do's out of the way.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Today was a beautiful day for sun bathing early this morning, I did not do too good but they were catching in Lavallette at the Lavellette & Ortley line by the first groin and down by 10th to 12th Ave in SSP. T saw stripers landed at the first groin and at 11th Ave In SSP. Both were shorts but they were catching.
When I first arrived at the beach I saw birds working 1/2 mile off shore and then I realized the line of birds started in front of the SSH Pier and as far north as you could see. Wow, buit they were too far of shore the boatrs that were out were catching no doubt. It looked like a great day to be out on the water.
I will be leaving to go back out in a few minutes, low tide is at 4:28 and I am try ing to make it out there before 3:30 it will be close.
BTW both fish I saw caught were on clams. Further report later.
Happy Catching
Paul
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t^
Looking forward to your next report with the big fish catch. The biggies have to show up sometime. TT^
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Well not tonight... bngh
There were a ton of guys out trying tonight. From Brick to SSP there were guys trying to capitalize on the really low tide. I didn't see anything brought in but I did manage my time to drive from Lavallette to SSP and mark all the holes I could find. some changes but for the most part the holes were there as before but the rips have changed directions quite a bit.
All in all it was a productive day. Looking forward to tomorrow. TT^
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice scouting trip anyway. t^
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Yeah, I've been looking to do this for a long time now. I finally got the time to do it. Besides I was able to stay warm and enjoy the beach at the same time.
Almost froze the fingers this morning with the braid not helping.
Happy Catching
Paul
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OK Guys,
I was finishing up a dull day and stopped at Grumpys for some consolation talk when this gentleman comes in with a really nice size Bass.
Bob Anderson is his name and he hails from Toms River. The bass weighed in at 27.5 and I believe in the neighborhood of 44".
I hate to say it but it was caught in Ortley Beach on a Grumpy Clam. It looks like I will have to back up and start using clams again. Most of the fish on were on clams. While I was getting ready to leave Grumpys another bass came in 10+ lbs. again I think he said on clams. This one was caught in SSP.
Good going gentlemen...There is hope yet.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
If you were wondering where the birds have been, they are gourging themselves off the beach of Lavellette and Ortley Beaches.
These pictures do not do it justice, they were all over the surface. Every one I talked to agreed that they were feeding on sand eels.
The problem here is all I could see the only ones catching were the birds.
I will post more pictures later.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Today was a busy day on the beach...
There were fishermen all over the place and the posse well they were all over the area between the first and second groin in Lavellette. Because the tide was almost at its ebb there were chances to fish off the outer bar.
Boy do I love this...
BTW, in the last picture there is a kayak out there
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice pics! I haven't made it to the beach that much this year, but I may try to get over there next Thursday sometime. ;D
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Hi Bucktail,
I try to get over there at least twice a week if not more. It seems that the large stripers are starting to filter in close to shore but they are lazy and are for the most part going for clams as opposed to swimming after plugs or lures.
The guys are throwing everything they have at them and all they want are the clams.
Yesterday That 27 pounder caught off Ortley was a nice surprise. It also sparked more interest and the beaches are more crowded last night.
I will be going over there this morning after picking up some clams.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice pics Paul. That's a big bunch of Jersey Chickens flying over the water. TT^
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Yeah man, today they were all over south uf the SSH pier but moved north and up past Ortley Beach by around 1:00 PM.
I was out there trying today but it seems that all the fish are too far off the shore line. IKt was a perfect situation, west wind, high barometer, no waves to speak of it truly lookid like a lake today. The waves crashing on shore were about a foot to two foot high.
Boy did it look good. But, the only thing missing were the fish. 5hrug
Did you see the nice fish caught yesterday by Bob Anderson. That was awesome. Look up 2 or 3 posts back. 27.5 lbs and 44 inches. When they opened its belly it was loaded with sand eels.
I am making up a few teaser pattern to mimic them and use as a teaser jig. If they work I will post the pictures of them if they don't work, well it wassen't me. ;D
Happy Catching
Paul
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plugged for a short while early tonight,at the hook,one short released,and one cold cold fisherman.maybe tomarrow. AJ
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I can't believe how calm the ocean was today. I could actually cast out and see the line on top of the water all the way out to the plug, amazing.
Happy Catching
Paul
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I am making up a few teaser pattern to mimic them and use as a teaser jig. If they work I will post the pictures of them if they don't work, well it wassen't me. ;D
Happy Catching
Paul
One of my most productive surf lures for December/January has been a Red Gill teaser tied about 30" above an Ava jig. I like to just drag it steadily through the wash, right up to the beach. Those fancy Ava tails you tied should work great on this rig.;D
And yes, please post some pics of your sand eel teasers when you get a chance.
Thanks,
Bob
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Hi Bob,
I will post a few pictures later today. I tied a couple patterns last night and I think they should word pretty good off the surf.
I have been wanting to try the circle hook so this time I tied teasers with a 6/0 circle Gami hook and the dumbell eyes used in the Clouser minnow.
I am hoping that with the treaser tied on with at least a 6 to 10 inch drop the almost jig will rise and fall in a jigging pattern in front of the main lure or plug.
We'll see.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Bob, here are 2 teasers I tied yesterday. I wanted to try and use the Gami 6/0 inline hooks. They came out looking very interesting.
I plan on drop looping them with a 8 to 10" drop and run infront at least 24" of the main lure weather it be a plug or a AVA.
I will let you know how they work next week this weekend is very busy. I am going to try to get over to Lakewood HS for the Fishing Market tomorrow.
Enjoy, Happy Catching
Paul
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They are nice looking teasers Paul. Good luck on catching with them. t^
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Thanks, I did not check them out wet yet but I think they will look OK in the water.
-
Paul-
They look sharp! ;D How long are they? They look fairly compact, although it's hard to tell the length from the picture. I was just thinking that, for a sand eel imitation, it might be good if they were around 5" or 6" long.
-Bob
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Hi Bob,
They are about 4" long. I did not want to make them too long on these hooks because all that would be gone after would be the tail section. I am looking for the longer straight shank hooks something like on the AVA's. The AVA's have an offset which I guess is ok for now but no one has them. I am hoping to find some at the show tomorrow. Or at least some one that can lead me to them.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Just tied up a couple of leaders with dropper loop and attached the teasers boy they look good. I am dieing to get out but the wind even though out of the west is making that wind chill a bear. Here in Toms River I am averaging about 12 with gusts up to 29 already. Wind chill is averaging around 42 right now. bngh 5hrug :'(
Maybe I will try just a few casts this morning. They are calling for the possibilities of flurries tomorrow. Argh, decisions, decisions...
Paul
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If you can get out, do so. We never know what tomorrow will bring. t^
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Na, I am going to have to go tomorrow. If the wind dies down. And if the Maytag repair man comes early enough for me to head out. Just over the date for warrenty, dang it. :P
Paul
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Hi All,
Went out for a couple of hours this morning. When I reached my starting point, Ortley Beach there were birds working (even though they were only a few) close to shore. In fact there were schools of eels all over the place. So much so that the gulls were not going crazy probably because they were gorged.
They were just on the outside bar but within reach of anyone casting from the waters edge.
I was using an AVA 27 with a teaser up front in the same color combo light green & black.
Not even a hit. But I did get snagged twice by a person in a silver Jeep Liberty who cast right over my line not once but twice. WTF...We were the only on the beach. I was the only one till this jerk decided he wanted to fish right where I was fishing.
I wish culling of our species was legal for acting stupid.
Oh well I guess he was mentally challenged ore something.
I stopped in at Grumpy's and the report I got was that no one was catching a thing off the surf at all. But about a mile off the beach there were boats into 30 pounders right off the judges shack on IBSP.
Everyone is waiting for them to make their way closer. I hope that will happen tomorrow. I am keeping my fingers crossed now that they are thawed out.
I am going to be out there with adesai73 in the AM it would be nice if the stripers were a little bit more cooperative. It is suppose to be a little warmer so maybe that will be the key. 5hrug
Till next time...Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice report Paul, I hope you have better luck tomorrow. t^
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Yeah it would be nice to put a fish on the beach with, Ash.
Paul
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Bring the Camera t^
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...But about a mile off the beach there were boats into 30 pounders right off the judges shack on IBSP.
30 pounders off of Island Beach?! And we rode and hour north on the Gambler today to catch rats!(http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/images/smilies/newsmilies/doh.gif)
Oh well, that's fishing for you! ;D
I hope they come in close tomorrow for you Paul! Good Luck! t^
-Bob
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10-4, Roger, okie dokie, chief...
I had a small camera with me today but it only had 2 out of 4 batteries needed to work. My daughter needed two for her camera and didn't tell anyone. Next time I will check before I go out.
Bucktail, there were confirmed reports phoned into there by one of the employees. Plus I trust Paul till there is a reason not to. He is one of the good guys still around. TT^
Happy Catching
Paul
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Bring the Camera t^
What?! And have a photographic record of my ineptness? TT^
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No I would not do that. Besides, what if we really nail them?
Paul
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Besides, what if we really nail them?
FWIW, I bring my camera w/me every time I go out. It's for the day I actually catch something, so that I actually have proof, and my GF will stop wondering why I'm "wasting [my] time." rofla
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Ah, a non believer...We'll show her. One day you will show her how to catch fish and enjoy it.
My wife is the type of person who likes to go to the beach and doesn't go in the water or fish but likes to walk the beach with her camera and takes tons of pictures. Then it's my job to make them look nice in Photoshop.
So I get the best of both worlds I get to go to the beach and fish and she gets to go to the beach and take her pictures. That is why we love IBSP. It is large enough that she can be gone for hours and I can fish for hours.
If the weather holds maybe we can get over to IBSP in the late morning. We'll see what happens.
Paul
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Actually, when it comes to the GF, I kid... kinda.
She doesn't mind coming out when the weather is okay. She's a HS bio teacher and what she really gets a kick out of is checking out all the critters that people are catching. She'll even fish at times, although that's secondary to her interest in the animals themselves.
She's really very happy that I've found something that gives me so much joy. I have no doubt that she'll be almost as happy as me when that first surf fish does come!
See you in the morning, Paul...
ash
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Looking forward to it... grtn
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Hi All,
ell today was a good day but not a great day. Ash and I hit the suds with great anticipation but it was not to be.
Ash will give you all the details in a later post I am sure. But now he knows the difference between an inexpensive setup and one that is tuned and ready to be fished properly. We stopped over at Grumpys and Paul was able to fix up a rig for jigging and plugging.
On his first cast I was watching his face and the I can't believe I cast that far look was written all over him. His second cast was even better. In no time he was casting like a seasoned pro.
We started out at Ortley and moved our way closer to SSH but there were not even birds working. I suggested we go into IBSP and I was glad we did.
There were birds and bait working everywhere. After a few lessons on how to read the beach and water Ash was off by himself working the holes and rips like he has been doing it all his life. TT^
In the pictures where he is close to the small breakers and in the picture where he is loading up the rod look about 1/3 up and you will see a patch of dark water, thats bait my friends tons of it. The birds were working more offshore as well. In fact at one point Ash was just standing and watching as the birds were diving into the schools. pretty neat sight, to watch.
It was too bad that we could not hook up with anything. But then again everyone you talk to said the same thing tons of bait but no fish around them. I think for now there are just too much bait in the water and the fish are gorged and if the bait just was not right there was just no way they were going to bite artificial offerings.
Good job Ash and I hope you enjoy your new outfit it is a beauty, use it in good health.
It was a pleasure to finally meet and fish with you. Thank You for the opportunity.
Next time we will fish a little differently and maybe get a break in the weather that sleet and slight rain did not help.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice report Paul. Great pics. It looks like Ash is hooked up in that last photo. Fish on?
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No, he is loading up on a cast in the last pic. I wish he was, lets put it this way he should of been but there was so much bait that they just would not take artificials at all.
There were sand eels and peanut bunker all over the place. In some places just 20' in front of you you could almost walk on the water they were so thick.
Paul
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Gotchya Paul. At first peek it looks like the rod is bent over forward. Looking a little harder you can see the rod is bent back.
He'll get em next time. t^
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You bet...I hope we can hook up again and the next time we will target them a little better.
This time was getting him use to casting and reading the water. Look out world Ash is here and ready to fish.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice! ;D
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Nice Paul t^ Love the Pic,s.
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TT^
Just waiting for Ash to post his report. I hope he gained a better feeling for the surf. Now all we have to do is get him into fish.
He has a real nice set up now and is casting like a champ. I wish him success with it.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Great Report and Pics Paul t^
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Paul, I'd like to thank you again for a great day!
Paul basically hit on many of the points of the trip.
Couple of observations. The right gear makes all the difference! I was amazed at how much I could do with 1/2 the effort. Prior to our trip to Grumpy's I had been baitfishing with a cheapie boxstore combo. All it took was a smooth, fluid casting motion to get casts that before took so much grunting and effort to get out! Unbelievable.
Paul was a patient as he could be as I picked his brain for whatever information that I could. We went over reading beach structure, types of lures, jigs, poppers, etc., equipment and techniques.
The advantage of fishing with someone knowledgeable was priceless as up until then, I had mostly been teaching myself as I went along.
Paul, it was a pleasure meeting you. Fishing with you was a priveledge and I thank you for it.
I hope to meet you, and others here, for some more of this in the time to come! We'll gettem next time... TT^
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Nothing like standing side by side with an experience angler to get to know how to do things. Hat's off to Paul for taking the time and effort to do this.
(http://www.getsmile.com/emoticons/energizer-smileys-51935/hi11.gif)
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Prior to our trip to Grumpy's I had been baitfishing with a cheapie boxstore combo.
adesai73,
What rig did you buy?
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Got this:
http://www.abugarcia.com/prod.php?k=78557&sk=50049&p=PURC701LX%20(1130455) (http://www.abugarcia.com/prod.php?k=78557&sk=50049&p=PURC701LX%20(1130455)) 706
matched with this:
http://digitaldagger.com/rods/tica.html (http://digitaldagger.com/rods/tica.html) TICA UEHA Series Graphite Surf Rod UEHA424401S
Again, what a world of difference!
ash
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Nothing like standing side by side with an experience angler to get to know how to do things. Hat's off to Paul for taking the time and effort to do this.
(http://www.getsmile.com/emoticons/energizer-smileys-51935/hi11.gif)
Amen, brother, Amen. chrz
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Got this:
http://www.abugarcia.com/prod.php?k=78557&sk=50049&p=PURC701LX%20(1130455) (http://www.abugarcia.com/prod.php?k=78557&sk=50049&p=PURC701LX%20(1130455)) 706
matched with this:
http://digitaldagger.com/rods/tica.html (http://digitaldagger.com/rods/tica.html) TICA UEHA Series Graphite Surf Rod UEHA424401S
Again, what a world of difference!
ash
Sweet! Good Luck with it!! ;D
-Bob
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chrz
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i got to say.....i've never bought an "expensive" set-up. i usually buy combos, mostly at wal-mart, the latest, at Dick's. i got a 12' shakespeare rod and reel combo for 39.95. i've enjoyed good luck with it all year. the only thing i changed was the line, i spooled it with re power pro. my best striper was caught on an "okuma" 10' rod i found at the late manahawkin flea market for 19 dollars, and the reel was purchased from walmart for 39.95. i dont think price has anything to do with it. sure, the pole is probably lighter, maybe it feels better fighting a fish, but i'm not switching unless i hit the numbers
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Either way, I'm not catching fish, so I'd rather be comfortable while doing it! ;D
Seriously though, I'm sure much of it is me doing things wrong. No high-$ rod/reel outfit is going to fix that. Having said that, I can honestly say that I feel much more confident and comfortable now.
Still have a 10' Shakespeare for bait fishing and have no intention of replacing it.
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all the info i need is right here on this site....all the experienced anglers talking to each other. and out there in the field. sometimes it's the guy next to me on the beach that gives me the best tips
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Hi Ash,
I am glad you enjoyed yourself. I had a blast and just to let you know there were very few if any fish caught that day off the surf. I went back over to Grumpys in the evening and talked to Paul so it was not totally our fault or the way we were fishing.
They were just not on the bite. Too much bait in the water that day. I think the birds were even having a tough time picking out which school of bait to hit first. Sort of like a kid in a candy store with a pocket full of change.
I believe the bays are finally emptying themselves of all that bait they have been holding onto for so long.
I hope the weather changes soon or I thing I'm going to start growing gills.
Happy Catching
Paul
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all the info i need is right here on this site....all the experienced anglers talking to each other. and out there in the field. sometimes it's the guy next to me on the beach that gives me the best tips
Absolutely correct. You can not beat learning from someone with experience. Even if it is no more than just watching the guy who is catching and emulating what he is doing. t^
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Hi All,
Well this cabin fever is getting to me. I am going to make an attempt to get out in the morning today and see what happens. I was over at Ortley Beach Tuesday and the bait is so thick all up and down the beach it is amazing.
Not many on the beach when I was over there in the afternoon I could only see 3 anglers from Brick beach to the SSP pier.
If I did not have my dog with me I might of tried for about an hour or so but it was too snotty so I passed that up.
If I don't get out later it does not look good till Monday. bngh
I hate this weather pattern. :P
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Went out this morning and I virtually had the beach all to my self. I started using a yellow and black striper striker because of the cloudy day, nothing. I switched to an AVA and the same nothing. I then tried a Krockadile and picked up two fluke by the surf club in Ortley.
I drifted back north and not much happened but as soon as I started to snag sand eels i switched over to the Deadly Dick and again nothing but snagged eels. The surf was loaded with them even though it was snotty out there.
I think the only thing that will break this deadlock is a good NE wind.
I went over to Grumpys and saw a number of stripers being weighed in caught off a boat they ranged from just under 10# to slightly over 27# and I counted 5 all together. Nice catch guys. I am assuming they were caught off IBSP.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice report Paul. Looks like we will be getting that NE over the weekend. bngh
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I am looking forward just to see if that makes a difference. I hope so, because for the past two weeks not much action off the beach. :-\
Paul
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Hi All,
Well it looks like a real snotty weekend might be in store. I hope the weather man is wrong for Sunday guys. I wish you luck.
I will be trying the beach in the late morning it looks like the best day for me to get out. I am going down to tie up a couple new patterns for later today. I noticed that the sand eels coloring is getting lighter so I have to tie a lighter pattern. Going with a pearl and gold flash with very little red on the under belly. I will be using a 2/0 red hook by gami. I will let you know how it works out.
I will post the pictures in the other thread under Flies, Teasers, Plugs, Jigs & Rigs, look for it there.
I don't think tomorrow will be to productive, the wind is suppose to be out of the west around 10 to 15 mph. Maybe I should bring the fly rod along, the wind is in the right direction. Not sure how the wave action is I haven't been out there today. Too many honey do's
I'll see.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Good luck. t^
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OK, I had enough indoor work for today, I am going to the beach.m I haven't been there for 4 days and getting withdrawal symptoms.
Must gooooo, must gooooo...
Paul grtn
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Just sittin here waitng for your report from the beach Paul ::) ;) :-\
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whs
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Hi All,
Well I did not do any fishing today but scouted the beach after the stormy weekend and she took a pretty good beating. I will post pictures after I get back, I have some honey do's to take care of.
But it is really neat to see how the beach morphed itself in that short period of time and how important it is too go to the beach and check for landmarks showing the new bars, cuts, and rips.
If you were able to get to the beach you would see what I have been talking about for a while now and that is reading the beach. It was a good example how the water erodes the beach and the hills and valleys on the dry beach mimic what is ender the waves.
I will have a full report later tonight with pictures to show what I mean.
Happy Catching will start in a couple of days, once the beach settles down and the sand and silt lay down.
Paul
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w0w You mean after all that waiting we get TEASED !! Now we have to wait some more for the pictures, Why you 2 bit #*&$@ Just Kidding It was a nice day to get out and fill the lungs with some fresh air, waiting on the pics Paul t^
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Hi All,
Went out to check the beach and do some errands, the birds were working real close to the beach on what looked like eels or p-nuts. Thew wind was pretty strong out of the NE and there was no one on the beach at all. i had the poles ready but my daughter talked me out of it. :'(
Oh well, I told her that if it is nice today that I WILL go fishing in the afternoon.
If its cloudy and you are going to give it a try use dark blue or yellow plugs or something resembling a sand eel in a light color teaser.
Paul
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Hi All,
Fish on in Ortley Beach. At least for me anyway.
I got to the beach around 1:45 or so and found birds working just off the beach in the slough. It looked like they were feeding on small herring to dark for sand eels.
I through on a Deadly Dick with a cream and flash teaser tail. Cast out to the outer bar and retrieved at medium speed about 20 min. and wham a small bass. Lost him in the suds but at least I did not get skunked today.
The waves were crashing on the outer bar pretty good around 6 - 8' or so. Overcast with little wind.
One thing I noticed also there were no fisherman out on the beach I was the only one at that time. A number of strollers butt hat was it.
The conditions look good guys now is the time. The cold weather is a commin. I will be out at IBSP tomorrow i heard it was pretty good there today from a reliable source. I will post that info in the IBSP thread.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice report Paul, thanks. t^
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Hi All,
went out to Ortley Beach today, had to get out going crazy. I only saw about 3 - 4 fishing from Lavellette to the SSH pier.
Threwq on the boots and started to walk the beach. The wind was out of the south east and cold. tried a Krockadile spoon and a Deadly Dick, nada.
It was low tide so I cast out to the ourer bar and allowed them to sink and rest on the bottom for a few seconds and then a slow retrieve into the slough. but nothing so I tried different speeds and again nothing.
Thats OK it felt good to be out there.
I am looking forward to next week the temps are going up I can't wait.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Good try Paul. t^
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At least your out there Paul giving it a shot unlike most of us. t^
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Hi Skip,
I guess I have a slight advantage over most because I live so close to the beach. I can go from driveway to beach in 10 to 15 mins, depending on traffic lights.
I keep mostly everything I need in the veh so if I hear that there are fish running I can be there in a jiffy.
Plus, I have a few friends that are hams and if they aer out there and into fish I can get a call in a matter of mins.
I am hoping to have a good day tomorrow, Hareball and I might be hitting the LBI beaches, I am waiting to hear from him as I type.
We will let you know how we make out. They are getting small stripers all up and down the Island so we will see.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Good luck tomorrow with Hareball, Paul. You will have a lot of fun with him. t^
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Hi All,
Well looks like I'll be looking for a new rod again. I was not expecting it but we had the Maryland group of my wife's family up for my daughters birthday this weekend and was surprised with a brand new bouncing baby Penn 525Mag. A belated birthday gift.
I will be looking for something in the 11 - 12' range that can handle at least 8oz if not more. Not sure if I want to use it for plugs or baits yet. I will decide when I get to the store.
I will probably be putting 30# Power Pro on the reel. It will hold 275yds mono / 15#. I should get close to 300 if not over with the braid.
I am not sure what rod to get yet though. I just bought the new 10 - 6" Tica Dolphin series and man can that thing fly a plug. I guess it will be another time for a hard decision.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Paul, you seem to be leaning toward that twelve footer. GO FOR IT! TT^
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Now that's a nice surprise on a
chilly Sunday t^
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OK, I'm getting really board. Has anyone heard of anything being caught off the beach?
I have been to Ortley today and saw not one person out there. I did see a lot of buggie tracks probably from an earlier morning try. But the B&T's have nothing to report. I have been to Betty & Nicks and to Grumpy's and both logs were empty.
I did hear a few heresay reports that there were small stripers being caught on small metals but that can not be confirmed.
I was thinking about going out some time on Sunday to do some scouting and maybe try casting the new outfit and see what kind of birds nest I can create.
In cast you did not read it in another post I now have a conventional outfit consisting of a Penn 525Mag loaded with 40# Power Pro tied to a Tica 11' heavy duty rod rated for 3 - 8oz lures.
I am dieing to give it a try, I haven't used conventional in at least 25 to 30 years. I was told the 525 was very fast and I should take it easy at first even with the magnets.
Paul over at Grumpy's said I should not even think about modifying the reel till I get use to it. He did a mod for a friend and had to re do it to slow it down a bit. I will let you know hopefully Sunday.
Has anyone been going out lately? Or am I the only surf nut on here. Let me know maybe I could meet up with you some where on the beach. I have access to IBSP if anyone wants to give that a try.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Going out scouting and bringing the camera hope to get some good shots of the structure off the beach.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Were here Paul listening and waiting to read you reports of the surf. Think your the only close enough for a quick trip t^
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I took some pictures and decided to place them in reading the Beach I hope you enjoy.
http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?topic=3964.msg41156#msg41156
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Well tomorrow it is suppose to be a little warmer so I am going to try and get out in the afternoon and see what happens. I will be using light lures and small plugs. The water is in the mid 40's so anything can happen.
I will be trying my luck at the beaches in Ortley for a couple of hours, besides I haven't tried my new conventional outfit yet. I just might attach a 2oz bank sinker and practice casting, or I might even hook up a fish finder rig and put on a gulp something or other.
If any one will be around feel free to join me.
Unfortunately I can't make it in the morning, Honey Do's have to come first.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Well it is time to be thinking of getting out and trying to catch SOMETHING.
This warm weather is causing the cabin fever to escalate and the need to fish has become intense.
This time of year the fishing is very slow to say the least but not impossible. If you are thinking of getting out today and tomorrow would be your best bet and at least the next 5 days.
we have a New Moon starting today so the tides will be higher than normal and the barometer is low as well making for even higher tides. If you can get to the beach by all means give it a try.
Last nights rain should not hurt things to much but I would say that Friday is the best looking day.
What to use? Well is I had to choose I would go for small metals with a teaser lure tied to a dropper about 12" above the main lure.
Check the beach for a strong current running and cast to either side of that. it is still winter and the fish will probably be small schoolies but thats OK.
Thew process is SLOW, LOW, & SMALL. Cast out let it drop to the bottom reel in slow causing the lure to pick up sand and stuff and allowing the teaser to bounce up and down just above the bottom. These small lures are perfect this time of year where the Bass are even more sluggish than they normally are.
I will probably be out there some time between Friday and Sunday tgrying my own advise.
Tides for these days are as follows:
Friday: Low 1:49 AM Sunrise 7:01 AM Moonrise 6:51 AM
High 7:49 AM Sunset 5:23 PM Moonset 6:08 PM
Low 2:19 PM
High 8:13 PM
Saturday Low 1:49 AM Sunrise 6:57 AM Moonrise 8:09 AM
High 8:30 AM Sunset 5:24 PM Moonset 8:28 PM
Low 2:56 PM
High 8:55 PM
Sunday Low 3:15 AM Sunrise 6:56 AM Moonrise 8:33 AM
High 9:14 AM Sunset 5:26 PM Moonset 9:39 PM
Low 3:34 PM
High 9:42 PM
I hope this helps.
Waiting for the Full Moon next.
Happy Catching
Paul
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OK, in short...Tomorrow temp will be 52 degrees that equates into fishing time in the afternoon. Anyone game?
I will be at Ortley Beaches' 3rd Ave. parking lot in the afternoon some time.
BTW, there were birds working the suds today a real good sign that there might be fish in the neighborhood.
If you go give me a call cell # 732-684-0385.
Remember, if you go the best method would be low, slow and small this time of year. Inother words use small lures on the bottom and fish it very slow.
White bucktails or AVA 17's would be my choice this time of year.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
What are you doing to get ready for this years surf season? I am still tying my rigs as I found that you can never have to many. I always find myself tying more during the season. Today I just finished tying a bunch of leaders using 40# fluorocarbon with Bill Fisher stainless steel swivels and at the other end I am using 75# Bill Fisher Coastlock Snap Swivels.
I like this combo simply because the tackle is your weakest link in the system and if you are targeting large striper's you want to have the best you can afford. Stainless, in my mind is the way to go.
All the leaders I have been tying today I have been using the Uni-Knot which is a very simple knot and very strong.
I have been also been tying 6/0 circle Gamakatsu hook rigs using fluorocarbon leader material of 40#'s with the 150# swivel where I use the uni knot on the swivel and a Palomar knot on the hook end. I like the Palomar because it is a 100% knot and I have never had a break-off where the knot was the fault.
By the time this season rolls around I will be ready to head out with enough tackle to last me at least half the season.
I will be trying something something different this year and instead of using plastic baggies that get kind of nasty later in the season I am buying a soft sided CD holders and using the sleeves to hold my rigs. This way I can put leaders in one, leaders with drop loops in another and hooked leaders in another. Hopefully I can get them in different colors so I can rig up even faster by color coding.
If you have a problem with the coiling of the leader just put tension on the leader for about 10 seconds and it will straighten right out for you.
I hope this helps some of you and gets the others thinking about being out there chasing trophy fish off the beaches of NJ.
If you have any problems just ask or PM me with your questions and if I do not have the answer right away I am sure I can go th the other experts here to get some sort of remedy to that nagging fishing problem.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All, OK its March 3rd and yesterday morning was spent at the Berkely Striper Clubs annual flea market. Man was it crowded. The line was long going in and when I was finished it was long as well.
Plenty of venders selling everything from plugs to parts. A lot of the area
B&T's were there as well. I stopped by the NJ Beach Buggy Association's booth and signed up which I have been wanting to do for years. Thanks guys for making me feel welcome.
I read on Grumpy's web site that they had a 39" 23# bass weighed in but no further info was given as to where or when it was caught. The person was reluctant to give that up. I guess he hasn't experienced our site yet.
I will be going out Monday to spring board the season down at IBSP. Not sure what to try yet only because I have so much new stuff to try this year. I do know I have bucktails on the menu with Berkleys new herring spray. I will be trying the incoming tide at the inlet as well. Plus the flats out back seem very interesting this time of year.
I will post how I do later. If you happen to be going out as well let me know maybe I will see you on the beach.
cell# 732-684-0385
Happy Catching
Paul
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thanks for joining njbba and it was nice to meet you.
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Hi Fish Bucket, welcome to the site. Any questions, just ask. Anything you can add, please do so. We are all about sharing here. Looking forward to your posts/reports. t^
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Hi Fish Bucket,
Welcome Aboard. It was great talking to you yesterday. I am lookingf forward to a great summer. I was out today down at the North Jetty and for a long time I had the beach all to myself. It was great. I had one good hit butr it broke the leader at the dropper loop knot. I was using a white w/ red bucktail and a red & white teaser. It seemed that whatever hit took the teaser. I could feel the head shake and then nothing. BTW this was just at the turn of the out going tide to in coming after slack.
Thats OK it made my day.
I hope you enjoy the site and am looking forward to your input as well and any members from NJBBA.
Again Welcome Aboard and nice meeting you.
Paul
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OK, I was just over at Grumpys and the poop is that all or most of all bass caught this past weekend were in fact caught at the power plant.
They were saying it was so thick with anglers that it looked like you could snag a fish there were so many lines in the water. Sorry not my style of fishing.
Give me the early season solitude of the beach and day.
Paul
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Better then workin' TRUST ME!
Hell yeah.
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Hi All,
Just about have all my rigs tied for the beginning of the season. I changed over most of my new plugs to single hooks and got rid of the trebles. I then changed over a few Crippled herring lures to a circle hook with a barrel swivel. Now I have to concentrate on tying more teasers and flies for weakfish this Spring. I will be tying a number of Ultra Shrimp for the flats out back of IBSP. I hope I can remember how to tie those puppies it has been a while.
I hope to get out sometime this week, I am having a bout of cabin fever and the need is bad... bngh
The nwe moon is this weekend but the weather is to snooty to get out Sat. and I think it will be to churned up to do any good on Sun.
BTW remember to turn your clocks ahead Sat. night. Daylight Savings Time already. TT^
Happy Catching
Paul
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Fishbucket,
Welcome aboard!
Gaff It from ACF.
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Hi Gaff It, I have not seen you on much. I hope that we can start to get some good chatter on the surf forum this year. I think we can turn it into the go to place for some really serious info exchange.
Paul
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HI GUYS THIS IS THE RUGMAN, NICE TO GET THINGS ROLLING . I have a boat and I still love my surf fishing . when it it the beach , they ask me why do you do that when you have a boat ? I tell them it is a better live just hanging out and watching the waves roll in TT^ slt
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For me there is nothing more relaxing, even when I have the ladies out or newbies. There is something about being that close to the water and not have to fight the constant rocking, people tangling into your line or having to have the high cost of the boat itself. Don't get me wrong I still love to go on a boat but my first love is the surf.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nothing beats a long walk on the beach pre-sunrise.
Casting here and there.
Noone out there but you and the gulls.
Peaceful, relaxing and quiet.
I love it. It's a refreshing start to a day.
I feel the same as Paul, boats are cool too.
I don't own one but I do fish all over on the party boats.
But surf fishing is where it's at for me. t^
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Hi All,
Just got back from the beach, nope Nada, but I knew that. I was out there getting some pictures for a project I'm working on.
I did take some shots of the abundance of shells on the beach from this past weekends blow. If it were later in the season clams would definitely be the choice of bait.
There were birds all over the place but not working aggressively. It is so cool being the only one on the beach. I am looking forward to the warmer weather though.
I will post the pics as soon as I get them off the camera.
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Hey Paul,
Where in NJ are you?
South?
Ed
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Hi Ed,
I am located in Toms River, Just across the Bay from Seaside Heights.
Here are a few pictures I took today.
Plus I switched the rod holder to the front this year, too many close calls with it in the rear.
Enjoy... chrz
Happy Catching
Paul
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Good try Paul. Get em next time. At least you were out in the fresh air. t^
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Yeah, I was not trying to get anything hoping yes but I was there for a picture taking project that is due on the 21st of this month. One rule of the park you have to have fishing equipment for every one over the age of 12.
It is amazing how many clams shells were sashed up after this last storm. I don't know if anything was around but if this was later in the season throwing clams would be the ticket of the say.
But you are right it was a fantastic day to be out there. a little windy but thats OK.
Paul
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;D ;D ;D ;D
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I was out yesterday at North beach, sandy hook. Wind was wicked and we could not keep any bait on the ground with the nasty current. Used clams but nothing doing. Just needed to get the pole in the water though
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I hear you Ryan, I will be out a lot this year and I hope to be able to hit the grand slam we'll see. I have a good feeling about this season. I can't wait to be into fish. And warmer weather.
I tried a little today with bucktails and AVA 17's. did not have time to soak clams even though all the signs pointed to them being the right choice.
Paul
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I'll probably give it a shot this weekend.
See what happens.
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TT^
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I hear you Ryan, I will be out a lot this year and I hope to be able to hit the grand slam we'll see. I have a good feeling about this season. I can't wait to be into fish. And warmer weather.
Grand slam? What's that? I'll take a stab and say striper, blue, fluke and... weakfish? All from the surf?
I'm feeling you guys on the cabin fever. I just got started with this and I have been itching to get out since the last time I went! It's this bad and I haven't even landed my first fish on the beach yet! Can't imagine what it'll be like once I'm catching stuff. TT^
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man you guys are killing me with all this fishing talk bngh bngh bngh bnghSTOP STOP ;D
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You just about got it nailed Ash. Last summer we has a contest and there were a number of fish that made up a list and any 4 out of the list was a Grand Slam. The only fish I did not get off the surf last year was the weakfish.
New year new attempt.
Paul
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I'm headed to the surf...IBSP. Should be there in 45 minutes. I'll post results upon my return!!
Ryan
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I posted my findings in the Conditions at IBSP post.
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Great Ryan, thanks.
I am hoping to get out there tomorrow. If the honey do's don't get in the way... bngh
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Hi All,
Well I tried to make something happen today but the wind was to strong. I packed up the fly rod and some net streamers I tied last week and headed out to the back part of IBSP. By lot A21. The wind was to strong so I gave up, the gusts I found out were at 30 mph.
Thats OK the water is still too cold for catching anything substantial back there.
I am going to try later in the week or on Sat morning, we'll see.
Paul
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At least you tried t^
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Hi All,
Well it looks like Saturday morning will be a no go. I just checked the radar and the mix is getting close. They say it should start raining about 3 Am and be on and off till 2 in the afternoon. Not good... :'(
Oh well that is what Spring is all about.
Maybe next week will be the charm. I will try to get out at least twice and see what happens.
Paul
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Had the day off yesterday so I figured I'd give it a try. Started at SH worked my way down to Point Pleasant. SKUNK!!
It was windy.
I'm headed to Aruba for the week so I hope to post some pics. I'll be taking a Fly Fishing tour one day and renting a charter the next. Maybe some Wahoo or Marlin?? grtn
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Good try and good luck on your trip. t^
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Good try, still s little early
Paul
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Will the water is getting up there and the fish are starting to cooperate. The majority are shorts but thats ok, for right now. It seems that the spot is IBSP as not many reports coming in from other beaches. I was out on Friday with my new conventional rig and there was not a soul out on the beach.
GUYS YOU GOT TO BE OUT THERE TO CATCH'EM!!!
Still bait of choice is the clam. The fresher the better.
The surf has been changing almost on a regular basis this spring with the snotty weather that we have been having. My best advise would be to get out and do some scouting. The rips at Ortley Beach have changed at least 3 times this year alone.
As an example the first groin in Lavellatte now has a predominate bar in front of it and that bar extends south for almost 100 yards before the first rip occurs. Moving further south there is another just to the north of the Golden Gull.
All I can say is do your homework, it will pay off big time.
Happy Catching
P{aul
PS Read "Conditions as IBSP" for further info. Good Luck... slt
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Pual, nice report.
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OK, am I the only one on this board that is out on the beach? Where are the reports? I know there are guys lurking that read this report and the conditions at IBSP. We need to hear from anyone with information about the conditions of the surf. That is what keeps us alive and able to keep up with the boating guys.
If you don't want to give specific locations just give a general location. With the price of gas and the possibility of parks closing or having winter hours all year long it will be harder and harder to get out.
Please, if we keep everyone informed of the day to day conditions it will be a very productive year.
Thanks in advance for the onslaught of new postings...
Happy Catching
Paul
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LURKER HERE!
i'm a "suds jockey", but my fishing is south of barnegat inlet. not much going on down here. gonna try today again, will report.....
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t^ t^
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Looking forward on the reports from down south. There are more down there than you think. The problem is that they need to sign up and participate in the dialog here.
Or if need be to start a new thread just for that area alone.
Thanks for posting
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Friday adesai73 (Ash) and I will be going out to IBSP. The game plan is to stock up on clams and whatever for out front as well as in the shallows out back.
We will be wading in at A21 and heading south for a while along the banks and see what happens. I have a number of new flies I tied this winter I want to try.
I just changed my fly line and backing after I saw cracks in the fly line. Replaced it with Scientific Anglers WF-9-S it a sinking line in green and gray. Boy that stuff gets expensive every year. $45 bucks just for 90 feet of line, OUCH. Backed it with 17# Sufix Siege silver. Looks good and I am glad I did the whole thing.
After an hour or so we will probably head south to the inlet and work the pocket for a little and meander north till we reach wherever. especially if we get into the catching mode.
It looks like it will be a sunscreen type of day and with the weather guesspirts saying it should reach 80, it should be spectacular.
I'm Ready...
Paul
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Go get em Paul!! t^
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Paul, Good luck(Friday)at IBSP.The weather is going to be perfect! As we said, plenty of bait,two rods,a chair a sandwich and a cold drink. I left the cigar out cause you stated the smoke bothers your allergy.Looking forward to your post. AJ
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^ Well, I've got the sandwiches and cold drinks covered. My cigs are coming, I'll just have to excuse myself now and then...or stand downwind. Can't wait, took the day off to go fishing and couldn't have been rewarded with a more stellar day! Now, hopefully, the fish will cooperate...
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Everything is ready all I have to do is put the rod holder on and load that up in the AM (wife needed to borrow the expedition today), fill the gas and meet at Grumpys.
Like I pm'd Ash, the barometer dropped slightly, the full moon is in two days. low tide is around 12:55 or so. We are in the zone. The only better day would be on the 20th at night.
But you can't have everything.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Paul, I'll be there tomorrow also. But not until noonish. I'm gonna wait for my girlfriend to get of work. She's the one that got me hooked on surf fishing, so it's hard not to go without her. I'll have my truck...gold nissan frontier with the rack on the front and the big gold g.loomis sticker on the back window. Hope to see you there, and good luck!!
Ryan
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Hey Ryan,
My game plan is to park at A21 to start and fish the back waters for an hour or so depending if we are catching anything back there or not. I will be using my fly rod and messing around with some new flies I tied over the winter.
Then it will be down to the pocket and see what is going on there. High Tide in SSH is 12:55 so you should be there for the change in the tides.
If you want give a call I will have my cell but if no answer I will get back to you as soon as I can. 732-684-0385. Maroon Expedition with a small rod & cooler rack up front.
Looking forward to hooking up with both of you.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Cool...I'll probably go straight to the pocket. That's what I've been doing lately. Hope to meet up with you!!
Ryan
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Dunked some clams at the Manasquan Inlet during the incoming ... 4:00 to 7:30pm ... Skunk.
Lots of people fishing but no one catching anything.
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Good effort. A couple more days of this weather and they will be there. TT^
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Paul & Ash, it was great meeting the both of you!! Hopefully we can fish together soon! We stayed for another 30-45 minutes after you last saw us at A12 then left. The wind shifted and it warmed up just as we were leaving. We got the skunk on the beach but I ended up catching my first striper later on in the evening while fishing right down the street from my house in the Toms River. And it was right at keeper size! It's amazing how good it feels when you catch the first one of the season! It really gets your heart pumping!! I got 2 good hits afterwards but wasn't quick enough on the hookset and lost both of them. Dawn also got a couple hits, but no hook up. We might try it again tonight. See ya!!
Ryan
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Congrats on your first keeper of the season. It will only get better from here on out. t^
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Good going Dawn and Ryan...
Nice to meet both of you yesterday. It was a skunk for us as well. We went through 2 dozen clams out front and tried a number of lures and flies out back. The water was not too bad temp. wise though back there. But, the wind started to kick up and that is when we decided to go out front.
The waves were insane and it was hard to read a lot of the cuts but that is OK. The water is still too cold out there. It sure felt good to get out though.
I don't think I will be out till the beginning of the week, let the bennys enjoy the beach.
Where do you live in TR? I am on Duchess Ct. I have not tried the river this year maybe I should. Were you by the IH Yacht Club or further up river?
I have been meaning to try over by the old Brown property. It looks interesting.
If it doesn't rain Monday I might be out with my daughter either that or Wednesday is another target date.
I can't wait to have Ash down to get his first fish off the surf under his belt.
At least I know we fished hard. Going through 2 dozen clams especially after seeing all the clams on the southern part of the beach should of brought attention but again NADA nosmly nosmly
To the guys at Grumpys...Nothing, but we tried. Like they say you got to be in the game to win. And we were.
Wink_man I did not hear of any weakies being caught down here out back yet.
There are more short stripers than weakfish.
Ash thanks for a good day and great company. Lets give Mondays a try on your next day off. TT^
Happy Catching All.
Paul
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Checking in a little late, but no matter.
Paul, as always, it was a pleasure fishing with and shooting the $hit with you. A true gentleman and a great teacher, to boot! No doubt we'll slay'em on one of our outings...we're due!
Dawn and Ryan, it was really nice meeting the two of you. Hopefully, our paths will cross again.
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Hi All,
Well I was over at Ortley Beach today before going over to IBSP. Did someone forget to tell me when summer crashed upon us? The beach was loaded with people it was great for the eye candy but I really was in the mood to fish there but felt it was not safe because of all the people on the beach.
I guess we will have to get use to the crowds once again. I think us fishermen will have a tough time this year finding beaches without people. As the gas prices go up so do the crowds on local beaches. The out of towner's will be coming down in droves instead of going on longer trips out of state.
The local piers in Seaside Park and the Heights look like they are all ready for the onslaught of summer frolickers. The local marinas har starting to fill up faster this year, it might just be me though.
The Stewarts is about to open on Rt. 37 that is a good thing. Well as you can tell I am rambling and not talking about fishing only because there ain't no fish being caught to, speak of anyway.
It looks like my fishing days will be on the weekdays and weekend fishing is out too crowded already. Unless my out of towner relatives come by and want to freeload, ah, I mean go out fishing and stay the weekend.
That is OK it gets me out but it gets old taking care of non fishing members of the family. Don't you just hate it when you get everything ready bait on and in the water with 4 to 6 poles working stretched out 20 to 30 yards and they all decide to take a walk. :-X
Oh well the joys of summer fishing with family.
Happy Catching
Paul
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i work retail, i work both saturdays and sundays. used to bother me, i couldnt go fishing with my friends, but now, when i get the occasional sunday off, and i hit the beach with a friend.....forget it! i'm back in the truck and headed home by 9:30 am. the out of towners hit the beach early to get a good piece of real estate, people with black socks really put their sand chairs right at the water's edge, no fear of swimming right next to a baited hook! then you haul in a half pound searobin, and they all want to know what it is, where it comes from, why it has wings.....you feel like you have a degree in marine biology!
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Thats why lions eat their young.
I can't stand crowds that is why when it gets close to summer I only fish the park on weekdays. Once that gets crowded I only fish the park at night.
Best time to fish for bass anyway.
I did OK today with a nice blue caught at the inlet. First on this season. Now onto the bass.
Paul
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Nice to see you got out there with this nice weather lately but if it wasn't for those out of towner's lots of people would be out of business
if not for them ;D
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Yeah, plus it is a game we play. Who can pick out the out of towner. You can always tell by the clothes they wear. The big tel tail sign are the black socks and that is on the women. rofla rofla hhppy hhppy
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Hi All,
Well I had all intension's of going out and dunk a lure or two. I had the pole in the veh. but when I got to the beach most of it was gone. What a shocker, but I kinda thought it would be bad but not that bad.
The only ones on the beach were workers trying to get sand back up under the stairs leading to the beach. When I finally made it onto the beach I estimate that there was close to 6' in depth of sand lost at the dune line.
The rips and cute were changed again but they were very noticeable and huge. I would guess the one cut by the Lifeguard Station was well over 100 yards long and you can see the current running out at least a 1/4 mile out. Very impressive.
I have not hurd of anything being caught off the suds but in the afternoon I did see a couple of guys working the incoming tide with plugs and metals.
If you go tomorrow be prepared to use clams as there were a lot of them washed up on the beach and it is a good bet the bass will be feasting on them for a good long while.
There were no birds working any where as they are probably still hunkering down till things calm down a bit more.
I will be out there tomorrow to see how things are but it does not look good as we have another round of storms coming in.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Does anyone else find it funny thay every time this topic comes up in the "unread posts" section there is a mad face next to it? >:(
;D
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Does anyone else find it funny thay every time this topic comes up in the "unread posts" section there is a mad face next to it? >:(
;D
Only the guys with boats think its funny...the rest of us have the same >:( face!
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Thats OK Sean just wait till the price of gas goes up so high that most of those guys with boats can't afford to take them out or pay for the high party boat rates. I can still get out there with my beach buggie for a days outing and fish, catching or not... grtn
Happy Catching
Paul
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slt He who laughs last..... ;D
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Fished the wall today (Point Pleasant) during the incoming tide 4-6pm. A few blues 2-3lbs.. Birds working like crazy but no fish.
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Hi All,
Well the weather looks like it might be opening up a window in the morning on Wednesday. I will be up at 5 and on the beach by 6. Well at least that is the plan.
All of the reports I have been reading and talking to guys at some local B&T's, have been in the times from 6 to 8 in the morning. If you read other boards that target the surf the magic time is around 7:30 so with that in mind I will be ready to go on the beach with a big chunk of bunker and another chunk of clam in the water before 7:00.
I hope this recipe will bring home a nice cow (or anything for that matter).
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Today was a defiantly a slower day as the barometer has been high for a while. This past weekend was a banner one to say the least, with Memorial Day topping out as one of the best Striped Bass days in a very long time. This was closely followed by the high number of Bluefish blitzes that were in the weight range of 15 to 20 poinds on average.
As the week progressed the amount of fish that were being caught diminished slightly and it was business as usual today with fish being weighed in but you had to be fishing in the late afternoon to have any luck.
As far as any particular spot well lets just say there were catches all up and down the coast. If you can get out over the weekend I would advise you to pick up a number of bunker for the blues and clams for the bass. If you are adventurous put on at least an 8/0 circle hook and the head of a bunker cast out and hold on the big bass will be along shortly.
Even though there are a lot of fish around the bite is off when it comes to lures, I would say give it a little more time and patience and you should be able to throw your lure of choice and have a fish on in all areas of the shore.
The water is starting to warm up nicely with Fridays water temp at 57 the steady climb and a low barometer should give a good showing on Sunday and the beginning of the week.
Happy Catching
Paul Danielczyk
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OK, I know there are guys going out and fishing the suds so where are the reports.
From reading the boards of Grumpys and Betty & Nicks that there are fish being caught but not in any great quantities. Still catching blues on bunker chunks and bass on clams and a bunker heads. This weekend is going to be a hot one till Tuesday so why not give the evening hours a try.
Look at it this way, less people to contend with and the bass are usually on the prowl. I would try the old stand by clams and with the water about to spike because of the heat it would be a great time to break out the top water lures.
My choice at night would be any dark colors especially in black and makes a lot of noise.
Sorry for the lack on reports but I have been busy with my daughters HS graduation it will be over on June 15th and I will be free to resume my passion, fishing and writing about fishing.
Good luck this weekend and be careful out in the heat.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hey ped,I know of a sweet hole that has been holding fish in your area ''i think.'' Mabey we can meet up one night this week in the evening and plug it. I have alot of stuff going on this week as well,but I.m sure I can get some time to to hit the beach at night.
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Hi Surfrocket,
Maybe Tuesday, it is probably the only free night I will have till the following week.
Give me a call on the cell. 732-684-0385.
I know of a few holes as well. I like to start at the southern end and work north unless I get a call about something hot happening.
It seems like A10 has been holding a number of good fish lately right at the sign.
Give me a call Monday some time and I will have a better idea as to a free day.
Paul
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Hey Paul, yeah cant tonight, just cant get it togeather, we will give it a try again soon though. Thanks for giving it a shot
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Thats OK, its is going to get real crazy here tonight with the weather. I have been watching very closely and the NWS has not ruled out the possibility of some severe thunderstorms with high winds and hail plus the word tornado is still in their vocabulary.
We should try it for next week and see what happens. We are going to have a house full starting Thursday I am told till Monday. :-X
The final push...
Paul
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Hi All,
Sorry for the hearsay reports but I thought you would like to know that the fishing off the surf lately has been great. Unfortunatly I have not been able to get out very much.
They have been slamming the bass on bunker off the beaches from Lavellette to the southern end of IBSP.
Try to get out early (before sunrise) and later (an hour before sunset) till after dark.
The bunker pods have been traveling up and down the beaches being chased by big bass.
Do your home work and work them beaches, OH YEA don't for get to let us know how you did. Your reports are very valuable to all of us especially with the gas situation right now. Any help would be appreciated.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
it has been a bummer not being able to get out during this past week but I just checked in with Betty & Nicks and Grumpys and they have said that the bite off the beach has slowed during the day but the boaters and kayakers have been really been on the catch just beyond the surf.
The summer season is in full swing as the bite during the day is slow and during dusk and dawn have been the right tomes to be out there.
As far as bait, well all I can say is if the fish are there they have been feeding on bunker so anything resembling them will work.
Bunker chunks and poppers have been the key lately as a few bass have been caught on clams but the bait of choice right now is bunker.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Thanks for the report Paul. I tried some herring along the 3rd street Jetty in Ocean City last night and not even a nibble. :'(
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Hi All,
Well I finally could not stand it any more got out fore a couple of hours this evening right at dusk till 2 hours afterwards. The ocean was like a lake it was so flat. the full moon was so bright I did not have to use my head light. I decided to use the Geg's plugs tonight in blue and white and the other in red and white.
The red and white did the trick. Caught two blues off the 3rd avenue parking lot in Ortley Beach. Not much else were being caught but everyone I talked to had at least a couple of blues plus.
Not much boat traffic out there for such a beautiful night.
This the time of year I love, when you can throw plugs and walk the beach and just have fun and not have to worry about baiting up a hook. It is more like stalking than fishing and at night it is even more fun. The crowds are gone, the sun is not baking you till your skin is fried to a crisp, and the flies and biting pests are at a minimum.
I love to not use waders this time of year as the water is warm enough that your not weighted down by waders and having to carry them in the veh. is a pain.
If anyone wants to have a good time and catch fish now is the time to get out there. I am glad I did not miss the while spring run as tonight was great and so peaceful. I will be doing this a lot more plus the early morning should be just as productive.
I met a couple of guys out there tonight and I hope to see them on the site. Nice talking to you this evening.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Cool Paul t^
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I was going to take some pics but I haven't used the camera I carry in the Exped that the batteries were dead. :P
Oh well, next time, fresh batteries.
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Nice report and pics Paul. I'm glad you were finally able to find time to get on the beach. t^
Also, congrats to your daughter on her graduation. chrz
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Thanks on the graduation Joe, I think I had more stress putting up with the dang graduation and the wife's preparations than all 4 years of coaching my daughter through HS.
The fishing was great only lasted about 2 hours but I tell you one thing there is nothing like being out on the beach with the ocean like a sheet of glass a warm west wind and a full moon rising over the water with a fish on. Life is good, no matter what trials the almighty has us go through he allows us to have time for a space break and recoup.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Sounds like a great night Paul! I look forward to getting some fishing tips from you when you get done the hustle and bustle of your busy life. Give me a yell when yo are ready and I will fill you in on my schedule so that you can tell me when and where to come. My cell phone # is 609-330-4183, so call me or just give me a shout on the site here. It is an addiction and I sign on here at least five times a day, so I am sure you will get me. I don't always answer my cell when I don't know the number, so be sure to leave a message. I am a call screener for sure!
Have a good time with your family and Congrats to your daughter! ~Sean
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Thanks Sean,
I am looking forward to fishing with you in the near future. We will be getting back from vacation on the 29th and I am hoping to get out and pound the sand sometime that week.
I will get a hold of you sometime during that week to set up a trip.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Well I finally was able to get out for a couple of hours this evening. Tried mostly top water plugs but nothing not even a tap. Then I tried AVA's in different sizes NADA.
Thats OK it was relaxing just to be out on the beach. The wind was out of the WSW with gusts to 21mph and the waves were out of the SE and the tide was incoming to slack high tide by the time I left.
Not your typical good conditions. The tourists were out in droves not many fishing I counted 3 including myself. Boy what dumb questions I got this evening like What'cha doing to I never fished plugs before do they work?
Honest, these were the best.
I gave up the ghost when I almost had a little girl almost run into my plug after I just told her mother where and that to watch out for. I told her I can't control the ocean and it is the current that is taking my line that way.
It is crazy over there this year. I guess because so many people are not going to far on vacations and staying close to home.
I will be trying IBSP this Sat night with the wife I hope it is better out there and less crowded.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Anyone else going out Sat night. I am hoping to still get out to IBSP and get a few hours in.
I will be trying a few things to see if there are any changes. Clams and bunker chunks are still on the menu but I think I will try and target the Kings with bloodworms as well.
This time of year could be fantastic if everything lines up.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Good Luck Paul t^ What out for those Jelly's rofla I will be at work all night so I guess you get the last laugh :'(
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Hi All,
Well its Friday and the beaches will be loading up once again, but this time it is a good thing. The bait is all over the place small fish like spearing, anchovies, rainfish and snappers are in the wash making it very interesting.
You have blues smashing top water bait so make sure you have plenty of top water lures ready and the fluke are hitting Gulp's swimming mullet like it was candy but even better yet if you tie a dropper loop and put on a Gulp shrimp you are almost guaranteed a fluke with in a short period of time.
There is a warning though, you have heard and read on here about the sharks and that the height of the season in around August 22nd well this goes for the rays as well. They are in all over the place so watch your poles. If you like to dead stick make sure that your drag is set very loose or you can wave grtn good by to your outfit as it slides beneath the waves.
This is a great time to get out as it is almost difficult not to catch something off the surf. If you still are targeting those elusive stripers, well all I can say is get out your headlight and hit the beaches from dusk till dawn till the fall run starts.
From Ortley to the Barnegat Inlet the fishing is good so get out and give it a try.
Good Luck
Happy Catching
Paul
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In todays Hook, Line and Sinker (APP) there was an article about cow rays and sting rays in the surf. Talked about a sting ray that got hooked in Seaside Park, while the angler was trying to de-hook it, he got stung and spent a few days in the hospital.
Your point is well taken.
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Great report as always Paul.
t^
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Thanks Paul...good to see the action picking up in the suds! I need to get out and try to get some bluefish. My mother loves them and has been bothering me lately!!
TT^
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I wish my wife would bother me to go out and fish.
Yeah the surf has finally lit up and it seems it will stay that way for a while. I just heard that there was an 11 + lb fluke off Seaside not sure off the surf or the bay plus the bay is just full of Kings and snappers right now.
It is time to match the hatch. but it seems that most every kind of bait is working, everything from clams to squid, you name it and it is catching fish.
Most of the B&T's are loaded with any thing you want to use also. It seems that the peanut bunker are in and the shops are pushing that.
COM'ON MULLET
Paul
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Now I just need the weather to cooperate!! Got chased in last night and tonight is not looking good either??
TT^
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Thanks for the update, Paul!
I haven't been back to NJ in a month or so, but I'm heading to AC Mon/Tuesday. Hope to get to the Jetty and perhaps check out the Harrah's breaker wall. Maybe back in Tom's River & Seaside in September. Hope to meet up with you one day!
Jeff
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Sounds Good Jeff I am looking forward to it. Let me know and we will get you out onto IBSP. September is good plugging and metal fishing in low light conditions.
Good Luck in AC... TT^
Happy Catching
Paul
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Anyone planning on going to IBSP tonight or tomorrow morning? I was thinking about possibly getting out there.
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Sorry, I trimmed all the bushes today and tomorrow I will be up in Haskell, NJ all day.
Man, honey do's are hell. :P
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Ill be out there tomorrow night around a-10. Anybody else going?
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Has anyone been in Lower North Beach in the last week??
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ibsp.... on my way in a bit. happy catching to all this weekend. grtn
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I'll be out there this evening for a little while.
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Went out to IBSP yesterday around 930 and stayed until 8 this morning. No luck fishing. Caught lots of seaweed. It was pretty windy till about 3 and afterwards when the wind died down the water cleaned up. Good night anyway spent with the wife and 2 friends. Brought enough wood this time to keep the fire going till the morning, and enjoyed the sunrise. First time I saw that in a long time. haha.
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t^
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Nice night out! Stinks the skunk got you from the surf...seems to be the norm lately!! Great pics!
TT^
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I think that same skunk is down here in delaware, fished 12hrs sunday only caught three 4' croakers and two dogfish. But it was a beautiful day anyways.
Chris
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Welcome Aboard RocksandReds,
What part of Delaware are you from? I have relatives in Middletown. This has been a strange year and as for the croakers they have been almost non existent up here as of this weekend.
Good to have you on board, if you have any questions fire away have something to add feel free to jump right in.
Again welcome aboard.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hello all! I'm in Georgetown De, not far from the beach maybe 20mins. 40mins from Asseteague Island MD.
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Welcome to the site. Good to have someone to represent Delaware. We need more from the Delaware Bay and south area.
Any questions, just ask. Anything you can add, please do so. t^
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Welcome!
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welcome aboard. i would love to fish your area, any info you could give me would be great. feel free to ask any questions here,a bunch of great people here always willing to help out. grtn
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Hello all! I'm in Georgetown De, not far from the beach maybe 20mins. 40mins from Asseteague Island MD.
(http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l114/TimberTags/PiratessMapSnags/tbt07welcomePiratessMap.gif)
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welcome aboard. i would love to fish your area, any info you could give me would be great. feel free to ask any questions here,a bunch of great people here always willing to help out. grtn
As soon as I get a free minute I post some info, or should I say an hour I', a slow typer ;D ;D
I'll be glad to help, any questions just ask. I realy want to get up you all's way something bad.
Chris
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I'll be glad to help, any questions just ask. I realy want to get up you all's way something bad.
Chris
Funny how we all want to get down where he is from and do some fishing...and Chris wants to get up here and do some fishing rofla hhppy!
TT^
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Yeah, the Fall run should be starting soon and I guess being up here would be the place to be early on. In the Spring the run starts down there so I guess it all works out. I would love to be able to follow the migration one summer from the Spring down south right up the coast to Maine and then back down to Maryland in the late Fall.
Happy Catching
Paul
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I would love to be able to follow the migration one summer from the Spring down south right up the coast to Maine and then back down to Maryland in the late Fall.
Happy Catching
Paul
That sounds great Paul, like they say, all you
need is a dollar and a dream. You got the dream
down perfect! slt
-Mr Limpett
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That would be a perfect catching scenario!! Kind of like a Striped Bass groupie, rofla!
TT^
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rofla hhppy rofla
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I guess I am more like a surf fishing junkie.
I wonder if I could find a sponsor or two to do this thing...Probably not. I guess I just got to keep plugging along (punn intended).
Happy Catching
Paul
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I guess I am more like a surf fishing junkie.
I wonder if I could find a sponsor or two to do this thing...Probably not. I guess I just got to keep plugging along (punn intended).
Happy Catching
Paul
I hear that!! Don't you wish there was pro surf fishing?? I don't think I would qualify as a resident "skunk," but boy would I like to do that all day and all night. Get paid to hook up with fish with all of the nicest, most expensive gear from sponsors...<slap> <slap>, AND now back to reality!!
TT^
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Boy I have had dreams like that for a long time.
Yeah just think Pro Surf Fishing show. Visiting all the great beaches up and down both coasts and the Gulf of Mexico. Who knows it might just happen one day especially if gas starts to go up again and more people start looking into this unique sport.
Happy Catching
Paul
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OK, here is a tid bit for ya.
Just heard that blues are being taken at the old Top O the Mast today again. They were using mullet.
Plus there was a striper caught in the park. I would think that these reports will be getting better and better as time goes on.
If you can get out today before the storm hits as the barometer is starting to wiggle and that means a change which usually triggers the fish to start to chow down before the blow comes through.
After the storm the story will probably be Clams Baby Clams. As the beds will probably take a good pounding. A good key is if you spot clam shells on the beach in big piles run to the nearest B&T and load up on those succulent little beauties.
Good Luck and heads up.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Which do you think is the best bet Paul? Before the storm or after? I wanna get down there while I have the chance....I have been sooooo busy with work and school and family that I have had ZERO time for Good Ole' ME chrz
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Yeah, the Fall run should be starting soon and I guess being up here would be the place to be early on. In the Spring the run starts down there so I guess it all works out. I would love to be able to follow the migration one summer from the Spring down south right up the coast to Maine and then back down to Maryland in the late Fall.
Happy Catching
Paul
Paul, you *have* to check this book out!
http://www.amazon.com/dp/0060087455?tag=quickbrochure-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0060087455&adid=066B707HX241TZ0XXMNZ& (http://www.amazon.com/dp/0060087455?tag=quickbrochure-20&camp=14573&creative=327641&linkCode=as1&creativeASIN=0060087455&adid=066B707HX241TZ0XXMNZ&)
I don't have it, but began reading some of it at a Barnes/Noble one evening. I really enjoyed the portions I read.
ash
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Hi Sean, boy I guess you have been busy I guess the hospital business is going strong... :P
As far as going today or Sunday its a 50 50 chance. Right now the barometer is steady and even rising a bit so the bite will be off or slow. By tonight it should pick up as the front comes into play. If you can stand the wind and it is coning out of the NE go for it.
Sunday things will be to churned up and the bite will be off now Monday and Tuesday that's a different story. As the waters calm a bit I would be out there flipping clams as much as possible.
Hey Ash,
The book looks really interesting and something I would love to do myself. My browser is blocking the pictures are there a lot and are they up to date? Can you imagine a video documentary on this topic.
I just might have to go over and pick it up for a rainy day reading.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Top Of the Mast was dead today! I didn't fish b/c the beach looked like a day in July, but the few people who had bait casted out weren't having much luck. Surf was pretty rough too. I didn't stick around too long.
Where are the blues?? They have been AWOL all summer and usually by now a few blitzes through the beach. I have seen plenty of bait out there, but no fish around it. Hopefully the fall run of bait will bring them in...if not, I might have to surrender and hit a party boat. I am really craving a good day of bluefishing!!
I may try and get out tomorrow before the storm hits and give it a shot depending on the weather.
Sounds like a very interesting book... deja vu! I have heard dreams of that here on this list ;D!
TT^
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Can anyone say road trip next year??? chrz grtn
I was out at Ortley this evening and the waves were not to bad very fishable.
I did see a lot of birds working about a quarter of a mile out. First time in a long time they were working the bait pretty good.
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Hi All,
Well the sun was still hiding when I stopped at Wawa for coffee and a roll for breakfast. Then drove over to Ortley Beach where I met up with Bucktail Bob. We headed out and the ocean was beautiful with moderate size waves still churning up pretty good. The birds were working a little diving just to within reach of a number of plugs I had in the bag.
Bob went north I went south to a couple of holes I knew of. I used a blue and white Bluefish Bomb and got a small strike but was not able to pull it in not sure what it was felt strange. Then I changed to a red and white one and after a few casts fish on again it felt strange when I pulled it in it was a Sea Robin, yes on top water plugs weird.
Bob has a picture of it maybe he will post it later when he gets home.
After that not much happened and Bob went to the Top O the Mast and I decided to go the Grumpys and pick up a new lure I lost today. Paul mentioned that there were fish starting to gather in the early mornings and that there are bait starting to make their migration but not in big numbers. Looking for next week to really start as the full moon is coming up and that usually starts things off with a bang.
I picked up another needle fish plug and now I will have to get use to throwing those as well this year again. I never had to much luck with them but Paul raves about them so I thought I would give them a try. I have two now a purple over white and an olive over white. Both in the 3oz range.
I will try to get out Wednesday again and throw some new stuff I will let you know how it works out.
Happy Catching
Paul
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I've yet to see a sea robin fly out of the water. But one certainly flew up to the top of the water to grab Paul's popping plug today! And that's no fluke! ;D
This was no snag job either. If you look closely at the second pic, you can see that this bird has clearly got that treble hook in his mouth. First time I've ever seen that. Nice job Paul! t^
After I left there I did a ride down to Top of the Mast, but there was nothing doing there either. It was nice fishing with you for a couple of hours today. Hopefully we can get together another time and catch something without wings. ;D
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Nice effort guys.
Paul, I caught my largest striper on a needle fish. It was a lime green color and it was on my first cast of the day with it. I had been using a different lure and switched over. That was a lot of years ago. Oh yeah, the fish was 48" long and weighed in at 44 pounds. TT^
(http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg80/irishayes_photos/mybigfish.jpg)
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Hey Joe. Who's the guy holding your fish in that picture? ;D
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o@ THAT'S ME, MANY, MANY YEARS AGO!!! w00t
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Sounds like fun! I didn't have any luck either. I started at Top of the Mast and walked and casted for about 1 1/2 hours and then got in the car and started looking for birds working, but I didn't find anything for several more hours. Nice robin Paul, he seems to have really liked that popper!
Capt Joe...nice fish as well.
TT^
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I just bought a really good looking needle fish today it is white belly olive sides fades to black on top. It is an Al Gag's lure really nice 9" abt 3oz.
Looking forward to trying out that baby. I hope there are no robins around though.
Bob it was great watching you figure out where to put your coffee cup on the beach.
This time of year I will be out 3 - 4 times during the week and if I can slip out on the weekends I will do so as well.
Happy Catching
Paul
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o@ THAT'S ME, MANY, MANY YEARS AGO!!! w00t
00ps My bad! ;)
That's awesome Joe! Nice fish! TT^
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Hit the beach Saturday evening, 9-6 around 1830 in Long Branch. Started working north or 7 Presidents Park. Nothing going at first, but soon noticed bait being chased in the wash. Started making my way north with the bait, throwing everything I had with me, but no luck. Eventually my evening was ended by the local fire dept., who were about to set off fireworks, and asked if I would head back south so I was not in range. Just the way I was hoping to start out my surf season.
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Welcome and nice try! Pretty late for fireworks? There is always something to put a kink in your plans.
TT^
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well, if i ever get out of work today i plan on hitting the beach. anyone got any ideas what has been going on, if anything? thinking of somewhere between the hook and spring lake. will take any advice if there is any out there
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Sorry, I don't usually fish up that far north! Pretty much bluefish from the surf though, anywhere right now. There have been some blitzes, seems to be earlier in the morning until noon time, here and there...nothing steady! Before dark has been good too! Occassional stripers and weakies mixed in.
Definitely worth giving it a try! There have been decent amounts of bait fish out there so...
Good Luck!
TT^
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Hitting the beach tonight. Probably start in S. SSP like I always do and go from there. Going to look for birds and bait and go from there. Had a good bluefish blitz yesterday morning into the afternoon, but no reports today. Not too many people fishing though. Hear the ocean is loaded with bait. Gonna give it a shot. Will be incoming into top of the tide. Hoping for a little bit of action. I'll let you know when I get home later.
TT^
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I was told today that there have been large schools of blue fish tight to the beach from Deal up to Monmouth Beach. You may want to give it a try up that way. t^
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Thanks Capt Joe for the info. I was already out the door...and I don't kow if I would have made it up that way in time! Anyway, lots of birds working, out of casting range and a big old skunk again! Only out for a couple of hours and no one around me was catching anything either. I think I am going to look for a new place to fish next time. Need a change of scenery!!
TT^
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It seems like the key lately is to fish bait and keep the lures in the bag. I was over at Ortley this afternoon and the guys throwing plugs and metal were being out fished by those throwing clams, mullet and spearing.
They want the real thing, I guess because there is so much around now. I was thinking about going out in the morning and throwing some real stuff for a while.
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Yeah...does seem those who are using bait, mostly mullet, are getting a few fish here and there! I don't have the patience to sit still and dead stick! Just doesn't feel like fishing to me! I like to move around a lot and cast hundreds of times. Especially when I am out there alone. If I am with a group or my wife and kids comes out, I don't mind just sand spiking it and waiting! This definitely leads to me catching less fish when I go out! Which doesn't bother me...however, I am looking forward to some good action in the very near future...need my catching fix and I will be good for the rest of the winter!!
TT^
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I agree but I do not like to dead stick either that is why I use a lighter wither than normal. I figure what way the wave action is towing the weight and allow that to work in my favor. I cast out and allow the bait to be dragged along slowly in a fan effect and if that does not work I move on to the next hole. Usually I will find some one home eventually.
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That's a really good technique!! Certainly covers a lot more ground.
TT^
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Finally got my reel yesterday! Shimano Spheros 5000fa. Cant wait to actually get out and use my new setup.
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Good going on your new outfit Greg, now break it in right, catch, catch, and catch some more.
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I hope! t^
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Nice!! Good luck!!
TT^
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haven't posted in a while,, but just to share I've been getting out,,and have been catching bass,not everytime!, all on teaser,black has been my magic,night,So I walk up to my buddy,shows me a straightened teaser hook,said it was hefty w/ a few good runs,changed teaser,he made a few more casts I along side him to watch him get its' sister on teaser about 18-20lbs,catch/pic/release-- happiness,,fish the rocks,,I believe w/ this cold movement, all the bait,Mantauk region going crazy, fish are on the move and time spent in the following days may be productive,our time is arriving,yippeee!
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Great report and nice catching!!
TT^
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Thanks Rick for the post. I will be going down to the inlet on Monday to hit the pocket I hear that they are hitting them pretty good there, but over the weekend the land yachts are all huddled there and it is hard to get through.
That's OK I can wait till then.
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well, i got a lil later start then i wanted to this morning, thanks to guiness and a bottle of vodka last night. headed to the hook and got there around 0530. brought out my new rod and reel along with some freshly tied teasers. started working around south beach area on a low tide. hooked up with my first striper of the fall, on the last day of the summer. he was only about 22, but still fun to catch on a teaser you tied yourself, which actually happens more than the lures.
after that, not much action going on. did see an all out blitz as i was leaving the park, to the south, which happens to fall in seabright. and i drove for a lil, and everything there was posted as no parking and private beach property.
whats up with that?
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Nice report and nice catch! It is certainly very fun and I think more rewarding to catch a fish on something you made. Tying teasers is a lot of fun. There are a bunch of guys on the list that tie. I have just gotten back into fishing this May and have to reacquire some supplies to tie this winter. There is an entire thread dedicated to this. Check it out if you get a chance...lots of nice patterns and teasers!
It is kind of funny in a twisted way that the beaches are all marked that way!. The private property controls beach access. So they don't allow you onto the beach, however, if you do get onto the beach, as long as you are down by the surf, you are allowed to fish there. They can't own the beach, but they can own the dunes and control getting on. There are places in Ocean County too that are the same way. I guess the beachfront property owners figure if they block your access then no one will be on the beach in front of their houses! In Ocean County there are areas in South Seaside Park, parts of Toms River Township Beaches such as Ocean Beach, etc.., parts of Normandy Beach, Mantoloking, and Bay Head that do the same thing. Private Beach Access and private parking. Pretty ridiculous, but just another way they try to keep sportsmen away!
I actually walked down on the "Private Beach" area in South Seaside Park the other day I was out fishing and the leather skinned lady sunbathing gave me some nasty looks, as though I had just walked through her front door and broke into her house!!
TT^
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Yup, private beaches. They are the same damn people who want to state (us taxpayers) to replenish the sand when it gets washed away or fix their damn house when it gets damaged by a storm. I say, tear all the houses down that are on the beach and have it free for everyone. rgmn rgmn rgmn
Oh, BTW nice catch. ;D
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Looked up the "public trust for NJ" goes back as far as roman rule. No one can own the beach and it must be accessible to the people. Interesting, and they have to provide a place of access and not two miles etc apart...you are allowed I think (long time since I read it) 10 feet above the high water mark.... salt
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now, back to beach access. i know just a lil further down the road in monmouth beach, you can access the beach legally and they provide parking for you. how is it that they can legally stop you from accessing the beach? there is a huge break-wall along the road, as well as them not even living on the ocean side of the street. does that technically mean that they own the road? j/k.....but it they own the beach, then they should be replenishing it themselves, as well as fixing the road and maintaining the break-wall......
just a little rant because of the complex stupidity of some people.
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i guess its similar to stream access. but the access that is there is marked as no trespassing as well as no parking.....i will have to go one night this week and take pictures.
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Got to try out the new setup last night. Headed down to LBI and met some friends at a house they have down there. Got onto the beach around midnight which was still about high tide. Great weather for fishing on the beach, nice moonlight, wasn't to cold and no wind whatsoever. However it was nearly unfishable due to a strong rip, or so it seemed. Used a 4oz hurricane sinker and about a minute after throwing it out there it was just cruising parallel to the shore line. Even used two 4 oz's and still didn't help. So i gave up an hour into it. I suppose next time......
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Nice try Greg! t^ How did you like your new combo?
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I like it alot. Love the Tica rod and I really like the Shimano reel. Noticed a big difference over my penn reel. Very very Smooth! And I went out and got it spooled with 30# power pro braid and I like it alot more than the mono I have always used. Going to get every setup I have spooled with braid. t^ Now I just need to catch something with it.
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Great! t^
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what shimano reel did you end up getting? i personally just picked up a new outfit myself from the sportsmans center on friday.
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Spheros 5000FA
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Nice try Greg! You will need at least 6oz out there and 8oz to hold bottom. I have had better luck with pyramid sinkers too...they seem to hold better and dig in a little more in rough surf!
How did you like your setup??
TT^
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Was out this morning running errands and stopped in Ortly and Seaside to check out the surf. Big waves, lots of suds, strong winds.
Saw someone C&R a decent size blue by the rocks in Ortly.
Took a couple pics of the surf, but you can't really appriciate how big the waves are in the pics.
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Thanks for the info! I can imagine the waves have only gotten worse since the weekend when I was out! Definitely isn't the worst to fish in and it makes it a little fun 5hrug!
TT^
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You haven't seen anything yet. Wait till Thursday morning.
Here is an early statement from the NWS I got this afternoon;
A STORM SYSTEM OVER THE CAROLINAS WILL BRING AND INCREASE IN WIND
TOWARD DAWN TO THE BEACHES AND ADJACENT INLAND AREAS. SUSTAINED
WINDS WILL INCREASE TO THE 15 TO 25 MPH RANGE WITH GUSTS OVER 40
MPH EXPECTED. THE STRONGEST WINDS WILL BE OVER THE DELMARVA AND
SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY FIRST AND THEN SPREAD NORTHWARD TOWARD LONG
BEACH ISLAND AND SANDY HOOK LATER IN THE MORNING.
Reading one of their discussions they are talking about sustained winds at 35 mph. Not good.
This warning starts from 6AM till 6PM.
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You haven't seen anything yet. Wait till Thursday morning.
Here is an early statement from the NWS I got this afternoon;
A STORM SYSTEM OVER THE CAROLINAS WILL BRING AND INCREASE IN WIND
TOWARD DAWN TO THE BEACHES AND ADJACENT INLAND AREAS. SUSTAINED
WINDS WILL INCREASE TO THE 15 TO 25 MPH RANGE WITH GUSTS OVER 40
MPH EXPECTED. THE STRONGEST WINDS WILL BE OVER THE DELMARVA AND
SOUTHERN NEW JERSEY FIRST AND THEN SPREAD NORTHWARD TOWARD LONG
BEACH ISLAND AND SANDY HOOK LATER IN THE MORNING.
Reading one of their discussions they are talking about sustained winds at 35 mph. Not good.
This warning starts from 6AM till 6PM.
Great...
Thanks for the info though!
TT^
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I wish I could head out tomorrow to see it, but I have to go out of state for a couple days. I always miss the good stuff.
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This stormed completely washed out my fishing plans. Was going to go tonight, all day tomorrow and sunday. Arrgh.
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so with this storm seeming to have calmed a bit, and this other one working possible off shore, when is everyone planning on hitting the beaches?
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I will probably go out on Monday to give things a bit of time to settle down a bit. If I was younger I probably would have been out there today as the wind died down there was plenty of white water that the bass love plus the water was very fishable, rough but fishable.
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decided that since i woke up early, and the wind was pretty dead i would take a ride down to the beach. headed directly to sandy hook and saw a sign by the construction that the park was closed. headed south to long branch and took a walk on the beach, or what beach was accessable due to the extreme high tide. never seen the water that high there. the road had sand on it from the storm. the beach was not really fishable due to the tide being well above normal, and the rip. would have had to venture out into it, and didnt wanna take a chance being i was alone. anyways, maybe tomorrow will be better. took some pics, will get them up later.
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Thanks for the post. If your alone you made the right move. When I say that the surf is fishable means that it is rough but the time between the waves are becoming longer to where you can use a plug more effectively.
The ocean will not calm down for a while especially with the storm coming up the coast it will only add to the mix.
Good Move.
Paul
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I went over to Brick Beach this morning amidst a lot of fog and some drizzle. I arrived there around 6:00. As I was walking on I ran into Pman (Pfishingruven) who was just getting there as well.
The surf is still very rough, but fishable. I don't think you would have been able to fish bait very effectively though. It would have taken a lot of lead to hold today.
The wind was blowing northeast, which made casting anything but heavier stuff difficult. I walked north while Matt (Oh yeah, BTW I just found out today that Pman's real name is Matt) headed south in front of the motel.
I threw for about an hour or so before calling it quits. I personally didn't see anything that enticed me to stay longer. Matt said he saw some baitfish activity, but had no takers.
It was good to get out though. I finally had a chance to throw with my 11' Tsunami Airwave which I got over a year and a half ago. Nice rod. Very crisp action. And it handled the bigger lures very well. Of course, I still prefer my 8' for casting plugs, but today was not the day for it. :P The wind is supposed to shift this week, so that should flatten things out soon.
For those of you who were wondering what a Pfishingruven looks like. Here he is. ;D
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Nice scouting Bob and Matt. Hopefully the water will settle down some in the next day or two.
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Nice meeting you Bob! It was good to get back out in over a week and just fish. I decided to explore new scenery this morning and being that my Normandy Beach spot does not have parking, I didn't want to "alarm" anyone by parking in front of their house and then get packed up to go on the beach. So, I saw that Bucktail was planning on being on Brick Beach which has a public parking lot.
It was exactly how Bob said...snotty and rough. Lots of debris in the water and some pretty big pieces of wood, so be careful out there. Tested out my old set of waders, which didn't leak and are in decent shape. I remembered, why I hate waders :P!
It was a good morning out and nice to meet Bucktail out there. Hopefully, it will get nicer out and the ocean conditions will all improve!
TT^
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Finally got out again! It has been almost a week. Decided to trudge back to my fishing area in South SSP at Top O' the Mast. Boy was that a mistake. The beaches were packed...thick, like the baitfish in the bay! People and bonfires lined up for a far as the eye could see! I guess there are a lot of people staying at the Island Beach Motor Lodge b/c the beach between 23rd and 24th looked like a block party!
I decided to stay anyways, since it was pushing 1845 hrs and dusk was nearing dark. Wanted to check out the new beach structure at lower tide and in some daylight. I don't usually fish at night much. It was a beautiful night out. Wind was almost non existent, surf was very calm, waves 1-3 feet max, water was clean and clear and lots of broken surf clams in the wash. Fished the incoming for a good 3 hours. Not one hit, but like I said, it was a gorgeous early Fall night out there. I was able to wade a good distance into the surf. I didn't walk as much as I normally do. Lots of new structure to fish there. Chatted with some guys fishing out there. No one was catching a thing. Most of the guys were fishing clams with no luck. A few had mullet and one guy was livelining eels out without any luck as well!
Got to try the power cast that LS3 posted earlier this week. It worked really well for certain types of lures and heavier weights! It actually increased my casting distance for certain lures significantly. It was VERY VERY VERY easy to do too! Thanks Nick for that post and pics. Tonight made a believer and user out of me!!
So the losing streak continues for me as well, but fish or no fish it was a FANTASTIC night out fishing!
TT^
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TT^
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It is always good when you can hit the beach. Catching only makes it that much better. t^
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Just got back from the beach, Naaaaada...
The ocean was so flat the waves were all of 6 inches. The problem was not the lack of waves but the south wind although not to strong I guess it was enough to make a difference.
Water temps were still warm like mid 60's. Clams were still washing up on the beach fully open with the clam still in the shell... 5hrug
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Good try again! Although there were no fish to be had, those are some great days just to get out and walk the beach and cast in the surf for a lucky shot at any "lone rangers!"
Clams must be doing really well off the surf this year. There were tons washing up in Seaside Park on the weekend too. Some of them were still alive, washing up!! I am really considering getting the $10 Recreational Shellfish License so I can scoop up some of this free bait!
TT^
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I think I saw you up on the stairs when I got down there today Paul. I tried my hand at lures for a little while and headed out empty handed as well.
Stopped over by Top O the Mast before that. There were several bait pods moving around, birds working and even some fish busting out of the water a little too far off shore. But no one over there was landing anything.
Was definetly a nice day out there though.
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Very well could have been. I was up there talking to a couple of guys and having a good time with one of them as we were tag teaming him to funny.
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well, today was a toss up. stay in bed due to lack of sleep, due to having an emergency call last night at 8 pm that kept me out of the house until 3 am, or attempt to fish. decided to let the alarm clock stay set and see how i felt if i woke up to it. well, i felt pretty good, so now i had a choice of hitting the streams with the fly rod to get some of those freshly stocked trout along with the ones that are still there from the spring, or hit the beach. decided after i saw the wind was not out of the west i would hit the beach. being it was a later start, left the house at 610, i was gonna shot straight to long branch, which is the closest to me.
got there before sunrise and geared up. beach was pretty packed. worked my way from 7 presidents south to the boardwalk. this area was empty, hhmmmm i wonder why? maybe people cant read the sand. worked the water hard and got a 22" schoolie on a chicken scratch bomber. continued working south towards the boardwalk and hit a nice fat 29" striper on my black teaser. that was fun to watch him smash it in the surface on the first twitch of a white custom swimmer. worked my way back north and talked with two guys fishing clams. they had no luck, but saw one guy land a keeper. ended up hitting a small blue after that on the chicken scratch bomber. so all in all, it was a good day. maybe gonna get back out later or in the morning. will post then.
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the reports are good for today blue fish blitz at island beach and north east winds 10-12
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Nice report and catch Abit. t^
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i tryed over on the island at great kills no good nothing but sea robins tryed bunker clams and tossing a swim shad 5hrug 5hrug
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Hi All,
Well I went to IBSP yesterday with the family and friends, set up the poles and for the most part it was a slow day. The group decided to take a walk and I pulled in most of the rods a and left my 2 go to rods out. One with mullet and one with clam.
There was not to much action on the surface and the birds were pretty much walking the beach. Then the pole with the mullet took a dive and first fish on, it was a short fluke which was released post haste. After a short time bam another hit on the same rod and again the mullet and again another fluke this time it swallowed the hook which by the way were all circle hooks so I just cut the line and rigged a new hook.
A short time later the other rod had the action and well not a keeper fish but a Star Gazer. Pretty cool the way they bury themselves after being released.
By this time the posse returned and well lets say the action was over we had a dinner party to go to so the consensus was to end the day at the beach.
While leaving I saw a Ham friend (N2KPC) just entering the beach and told him of the small action that I had and with that wished him good luck and started to air up the tires.
I heard the chatter on the radio as there was another ham on the beach that seemed to be into blues and well ZI did not want to hear the resat but by looking at a couple of B&T's the blue blitz hit and hit hard.
This was on the incoming tide closer to High Tide and what I can see there were some bass mixed in in the 31" size and most of the blues ranged from 8-13 pounds. TRhis happened on Friday as well so it looks like the time to go today is in the late afternoon till after dark. You name it the blues were hitting it. Everything from bunker chunks to AVA's with top water plugs making a good showing as well. All the bass were caught on clams BTW.
So if you can hit the beach in the late afternoon and be patient the bit should heat up for you. If you have a number of rigs to put out make sure one has a clam hooked up as the bass are following the slaughter at the beach on blues.
I forgot to mention that this action is not just in the park it is wide spread from Mantalokin to the North Jerry in the park that is why I decided to put this report here.
Good Luck
Happy Catching
Paul
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hit the beach early and hard today, started off in sea girt, which i decided today to be a low tide fishing area due to the long shallow wash that almost reaches the rock piles. i realized that last year too, but forgot until i was fishing it this morning. ended up moving north to long branch which was good for me yesterday, but no so much today. didnt see one fish landed at all in either place. it was still a nice morning out on the sand. we need more of this easterly wind which finally showed itself. bring on a cold front too.
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Nice catch and nice try Abit!
Great report and catch Paul! Thanks for the info!!
TT^
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Right now we have a NE wind blowing with light winds around 3 mph. I will be going out later this afternoon till after dark as that is when the bite seems to be turning on the past few days.
When they cone in it is like you can throw out any thing and you should be able to catch. It would be nice for this to last for a few more days till the crowds die down a bit. The park was crowded all day yesterday till around dinner time when it was likew a mass migration to leave. All the air stations were packed.
Good Luck
Happy Catching
Paul
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well good luck tonight. you have it nice that your so close to the park and you can fish more during the week. this weekend was packed everywhere i went. but hopefully the fish arent even here yet......and this is only the beginning.
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Everywhere seems to be packed this weekend! It looks like a summer weekend, not October. I guess with the Holiday Weekend, a lot of kids had off Thursday and Friday also, and the nice weather = crowds!
I might be able to get out this evening, but I am crowdaphobic so... 5hrug!
Good Luck Paul!
TT^
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Hit S SSP tonight around 5pm through top of high tide and into dark...got the big old skunk, as did everyone else around me!
Water was very "dirty", nice easterly breeze, waves were 1-3 ft max. Very nice out there this evening, but no fish!
Got some good pics of the sun setting behind the Mathis and Tunney Bridges.
(http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc326/mrt031079/IMG_2632-1.jpg)
(http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc326/mrt031079/IMG_2629-1.jpg)
(http://i524.photobucket.com/albums/cc326/mrt031079/IMG_2628-1.jpg)
TT^
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Real nice pictures TT^ TT^
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Pretty shots... t^
Right now there is a lull off the beach. But get ready as it won't be long before the season gets interesting.
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Anybody planning on getting out there or has anyone been out there today! The surf is rough and the wind is just kicking out of the NE. I heard reports of lots of bass and blues, but with Gale Warnings and waves to 8feet this afternoon, I don't know if it is worth even trying to fish. I can't throw much over 3oz...at best. Just curious to see if anyone has any first hand reports.
Tried to get out last night in the more optimal conditions and when I went to unload, my headlamp was no where to be found(insert 5 headbangers here!) and none of the B&T had anything to replace it...so I returned back home. Couldn't find the thing here either(insert 6 headbangers here!)
TT^
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Well, I gave in and headed out. That was a big mistake. I should have gone with my 1st thoughts of...stay home or hit the bay or freshwater with winds out of the NNE at 22mph with gusts up to 35mph! ...But the catching reports were good and I gave in to temptation. I headed to S SSP near 23rd and 24th Roads. Was fishing by 1800 hrs on the incoming. Surf was rough, waves 4-6 feet with some bigger rogue waves, strong undertow and water is really churned up and sandy again. High tide eroded a 4-6 foot ledge of sand at the high tide line. It's a bummer to get up and down in neoprene waders. Handful of people fishing. Not a day to walk and cast either, especially walking north into the wind! It is not unfishable, but it is certainly a 10nbait dead sticking day/night. I only stayed for about an hour after I was "assaulted" by someones fish finder rig and fishing line.
There are 127 miles of beach in the State of NJ. How come, the last 3 weekends I have gone out, someone has to fish no more than 10 feet away from me?? It isn't like I am catching fish rofla! A group of people came onto the beach about an hour after I started fishing, stood up at the high tide line on the sand ledge and casted from there...no more than 10 feet from me and were surprised when the 22mph winds took there setup and hit me and wrapped me in their line. They had waders on too. I thought waders were for when you wade, not stand 50 feet from the water and chuck?? People need to use common sense. I don't think the best caster in the world with 10oz could cast out in an absolute straight line tonight. You need to give people room. My 3oz lures were coming up about 20-25 feet south of where I was standing...which means you need to be AT LEAST that far away from anyone else!!
I was nice about and didn't lose my cool, but I almost cut the line :-X!! I was getting ready to call it quits anyway, so I happily gave them my spot, which they obviously wanted!!
Good luck if you head out. Bundle up and be ready for some GUSTY winds!!
TT^
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Pman,
I saw those people getting off the beach after you. Looks like they had a couple of stripers each. The biggest one looked about 45 lbs.! cfzd
J/K hhppy
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Yeah,conditions were rough but the techniques if used right work in this tupw of weather.
Don't expect to hold bottom even with a cast iron bath tub. This type of weather calls for maybe a 3 to 4 oz sinker attached to maybe an 18 or 24 inch leadered hook with clams or bunker. Allow it to drift and walk the beach along with the drift.
This does a couple of things it gets you away from the annoying beach stuffers and it most importantly allows your bait to be moving more naturally down the beach as it would in real life.
The flow probably is from north to the south so park your car and be ready to walk the beach a little.
They were slamming bass ans blues on clams yesterday but you had to be mobile to get them.
Good try though sand for getting out as well. I have been tied up with other things and have not been able to get out for a few days. I will be trying to get out on Monday though.
Happy Catching
Paul
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hi everybody, i usually dont post, i like being a lurker but after reading all the good info here and not catching anything at bay head for 3 weeks i decided to follows pauls(ped579) advice and fish ortley, 3rd ave to be exact and got one at 30 ", thank you everybody for the great info on this site, i was using an ava with white tail by the way, thanks again ,larry
p.s. not sure how to post pic yet, never mind figured it out ;D
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Nice going on the keeper Larry! t^
Thanks for posting. Looking forward to more from you! ;D
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nice fish,larry. thats what this site is all about.
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just in case anyone was wondering , he is still swimming, released alive, it was close but didnt have my tape with me hhppy
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Cool Larry. Thanks for posting that up t^
No more lurking t^
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WTG Larry, all kinds of good info here. t^
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Welcome and nice catch!! You are a better fisherman than me for venturing out there today ;D!
TT^
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Good going Larry, I am glad you hooked up on such a nice fish. I will be out there on Monday as I have a slight break in my painting schedule.
I hope the big cow to that one is lurking around. Were there any clam shells on the beach, as I was thinking on drowning clams for a while and let them drift.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Paul there were clams EVERYWHERE in S SSP by Top O the Mast. The clams were whole and still alive, whole and dead, whole and picked clean by the birds and tons of broken shelled with the clam still inside. IMO, certainly a good day for clams!
Good Luck!!
TT^
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Larry... welcome.
Pfishen... next time cut their lines... and wish them a good day smiling... >:D
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that sounds like it would have led to words being exchanged. especially being that you ended up getting wrapped up in the line.
i am not gonna lie, i do shoot looks at other surf fisherman when i feel they are moving in too close. there is plenty of beach and no need to get on top of me. i just wish they would understand.
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I did say something to them...I actually walked their setup back up to them! They apologized. They had no idea what they were doing. I explained to them they need to keep their distance and even more in conditions like we were in. I also explained to them that they needed to come down off the ledge, but to be careful as the tide came in b/c that ledge would turn into their death trap! I figured they would move, but no luck. That is where they were told to fish so... I think they were vacationers just trying to have some fun. I like to educate or help whenever I can and I certainly didn't want to see them get hurt at all!
I guess that is what I get for fishing in front of the Island Beach Motor Lodge 5hrug! I think I am going north again towards Normandy and Brick Beaches, as the south end has not produced anything, but a headache the last few times!!
TT^
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I would of done the same thing. As farther north today well lets say you are probably better off tying new rigs for this falls run.
2 1/2 hours before high tide today the water was already up to the bottom of the stairs in Ortley 3rd Ave lot. Not good for fishing by any means. Huge waves but the birds were working way off the beach for the first time in a long time. They were working from Lavellette to just north of the fishing pier.
Hardly anyone out and those that did venture out came back exhausted from the rough water.
I would say by Wednesday we should have fishable water once more. The park was closed earlier especially at Gillikins and then the rest of the park followed suit.
I can't wait for a little calmer waters and a good supply of clams should do the trick.
Right now if you are looking to fish the low tide my suggestion would be light sinker and plenty of clams allowed to drift out the rips. Find a good one and cast as far as possible and leave your reel in free spool allowing the current to take your bait out and hold on...WAM
Happy Catching
Paul
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Thanks for the report Paul! Amazing what some wind and a low pressure system offshore can create!! I think I will stick to the Bay, Inlet, Canal or freshwater for the next few days if I venture out. Plenty of other options to fish.
TT^
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Good idea... t^
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on my way out to bayhead mantolokin area to pitch some clams, will post report later. as i walked out of work today a bird took a dump on my head.... lol.. they say its good luck. we will see grtn
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Good Luck! Be safe...luck is on your side.
TT^
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Fished the beach today and it was endless rollers which I really didnt like at all, messed up the game plane and a few pops confirmed the bass were outside the breakers. Finally found some fish by wading out to the bar near low tide including a double header of a 23" and a 25" I could of swore i had a 48" 5hrug Most hit the 5" storm shad. But i had such a small window of opportunity before that incomming came roaring back and I had to clear off.
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Nice catch...
TT^
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Cool! t^ Any pics?
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just this one, ha ha I ditched the camera when i decided i was going out to the bar. Now these suckers move but the fish (on lures)have been in mantalooking. sounds like the body south is taking clams
(http://i288.photobucket.com/albums/ll194/SharkHart/sun-10-23.jpg)
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Hi All,
Just got back from Ortley and I have to say it is nasty out there, but that doesn't stop the hardiest of hardies from fishing.
All I can say is if you want to catch stripers now is the time. You will have to use some heavy weight to get out because the wind is out of tghe SE about 25 gusting to over 30 but the fishing is great.
Stopped in at Grumpys (AKA Happy's Tommy is back in Trinidad for the week) and there in over half a page of weigh ins all ranging from 28" to I think the largest was a 32" all were the cookie cutter size.
Metals were working as were the clams. If you are looking to get out be ready for a strong wind off the water They are saying that this afternoon the wind should switch out of the West and as long as the water is nasty the wind should help with the casting.
It was to bad out there for me so I called it quits after about an hour getting beat up.
The B&T's are doing great and the Blvd looks like a summer day with the traffic but the majority have fishing poles strapped to the pole holders.
I wish I could get out there more we will see what happens on Monday.
Go Get em, there here in numbers right now and should last for a few more days. The Barometer has been falling and right now is is 29.50 and falling. This is a good sigh as the fish will have the feed bag on for a while.
Good Luck
Happy Catching
Paul
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Kayak1, I am sorry I did get your message but my phone has been doing strange things lately, which is probably my fault. I am still getting used to it and don't have it figured out yet. It is one of the ones that has the keyboard below the screen and looks like a Blackberry. The buttons are to small for my fingers... 5hrug
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hit the beach friday 10/24 in long branch, managed a shorty on metal with a green tube. decided to take a ride saturday to check the water and then headed to the canal to hit some black fish on salted clams. caught a few, but no keepers. headed out sunday morning and fished long branch and the hook to no avail. hit long branch again last night and had a single hit on metal with a green tube. long hours and only one striper. at least i wasnt sitting around doing nothing.
on a side note...........almost had a run in with a surfer on sunday morning. standing on some rocks in long branch all by myself, not a soul in nearby site. notice a surfer comming into the water to the north of me and he was respectfully keeping distance. then another to the south that was literally beaten quite badly by the waves. next thing i notice is he is 10 feet away from me right next to the rocks and my popper. i take a look at hit and lifted my arms as to say WTF, for him to look back like i was the A hole. dont get it. anyone else have a situation like this?
oh, needless to say i changed my spot cause i didnt wanna have to deal with it. oh, and he was an older surfer.
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Great report and nice try...1 fish isn't bad, especially on a lure. The fish are being spoiled by the storms and clams!!
I have had the same problem with surfers, but only in the summer. I just keep fishing...usually they are a bit farther out than I am casting hhppy! I had one ride a wave in and get tangled in my line. He tried to get me to cut the line, I told him to go pound salt and untangle himself. They usually get the hint and stay away...if not 8oz pyramid sinkers chucked from the surfline usually keep them clear. Most of the time, I just leave, though...like you did. It isn't worth the aggravation for me. I don't know why they think they own the ocean and waves??
TT^
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Guys I just want to share a happy time,, I'm always getting out, but Tuesday was special in lots of ways, hit a MoCo beach b4 first light, I was there 15 min and another guy started tossing plugs to my left and moving north like I do so I walked up to him saying Hi,, you never know what to expect in the dark, I told him as I passed him, do you wanta work the beach in a hop scotch fashion, he said,"okay" I passed him and got a bass in the dark 24" then he got one and it was nuts for 2 hours, I got 24 bass, 2 keepers to 29" I kept one and had a sweety cook it 2nite, It was awesome the dinner and company,, but more important the fish were eating sand eels still, none seen in the surf, few birds diving, mainly terns w/ gulls trying to steal a free meal. The bass were hitting the teaser over 50% of the time. I was using a 7" yellow super strike sinking needlefish w/ a red throat white belly. The simple thing I'd like to share is the bass were hitting the teaser very lightly,sucking it in,subtle,different. The trick was keep your drag set maybe a little tighter than normal to set the hook, after a few bass caught on teaser I run my sharpener over it, keep it sharp! I'll also like to share, make sure you keep your teaser at least 36" away from your main plug, I got a few doubles and it gets ugly if you have 2 on and they are too close to manage, I don't like doubles for a few reasons, like the second can put too much pressure on the plug/metal and if it is a brute it may spit hook easier than if solo,simply said. The time is now,, we have a fall run going lets hope for it to stay and the larger fish move in. I always believe there is a brute swimming w/ the kids,if you are into fish all shorts, consider changing your plug/metal to something really large- that brute may be bored w/ the sand eels and they are opportunistic creatures looking for an easy meal and you may be offering it, so be ready,, after catching 24 bass,missing at least 10, losing a few in the surf my body was aching, raw striper thumbs, I was beat up, I left them biting, I hope you all have this experience.One more thing that made my morning truly great,, an old timer came down and saw us and others hooking-up, he wasn't, for the amount of bass there he should've been hooking up, he was to my immediate left, he was reeling in way to fast! as if fishing 4 blues, I politely walked over to him after releasing a fish and suggested he reel in at half the speed he was going at,, gently bump the bottom keeping connected to the lure, 3 cast later he hooked-up he gave me a great smile as I gave him a thumbs-up, he was into fish till I left. That really was my highlight over all the fish I caught,, I wish you all the same.I'll be out tomorrow b4 first light the magic time. Rick
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Great story Rick, thanks for sharing it with us. You never know what to expect when you give advice. I am glad to hear that there are still a number of gentlemen out there willing to take advice of another gentleman willing to give freely.
Again thanks Rick... chrz
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Nice catch Rick! And way to help out a fellow caster! t^
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Great report! Nice catching and way to put the other guy on fish. Bet he was happily surprised.
TT^
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Great Catch, great report and great tips! Thanks t^
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Thanx for the kind words guys. I did the same place this morning,, funny how the guy to my right got 10 in the dark and I got only one. It was on a smokey joe(24-25"), his were on a black bomber,when daylight hit there were at least 20 guys lined up, very little action,though a few were caught,no size.Guys clamming were out catching.Terns were on sand eels all over the place. I decided to take a ride south and got another short and a fluke, I better not get a 5lber now! I'm heading back out now w/ the dog maybe he'll bring me good luck. What I'm hoping for is to get on a sandbar and toss out beyond into the deep blue. Good luck guys
If anything special happens I'll report later.
Come on Bertha!
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Good Luck!
TT^
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Good luck Rick. I was out earlier and saw 3 shorts caught but it was the combination of wind and cold that kept me from fishing. My hands were aching even in the pockets and as I did not bring along any hand warmers I decided not to even try.
Friday will be another day and I hear a little warmer. I will give it a try then and also have hand warmers in the pockets as well.
I am planning on starting at Ortley and not sure if I should work north or south I guess I will decide then... :P
Paul
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I was out in Ortley this morning during the outgoing. The wind was wicked. Only a couple guys out and I didn't see any fish landed.
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What a great time that must have been!
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I was out there after 10 and the wind was still whipping pretty hard. While I was there I saw 4 shorts caught but it seemed to be pretty steady as was the wind. All that were caught were on calms BTW.
Happy Catching
Paul
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hey guys,after my last post I did get out,, guys left and right of me kept catching blues and I couldn't hook-up, I had my light set-up and wanted the head thrashing and left/right runs, I even gave my spot to a fly fisherman cause it was so perfect for his type of fishing ,out on a bar w/ a pocket to the right, he thanked me. I wasn't always so nice.
I finally got my hook-up w/ the head thrashing and left/right run playing as a crazyeye, till I saw its dorsal fin,29" fatty bass. I have some good mojo going. My best bud enjoyed the recipe I gave him. Get out guys! I enjoy all your post,KEEP'EM COMING.I'm going out now, trick or treat? I'm also excited because my younger bro that got me into bass fishing is meeting me.
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Nice catch. Giving up your spot to the fly guy paid off. t^
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We did get out for a few hours.My brother caught his first 3 fall bass! One was a keeper just under 29".All on teaser. It was great to see him hooked-up w/ his light surf plugging rod. As for me tossed a sinking needle really far and got an immediate hook up, know you got the fish good? Reel alittle and know you got something substantial feeling like a full garbage can? Well thats what a skate feels like when you foul hook it in the back,wings spread!My solo fish,,guess I got the trick and he got the treats. Great short Night.
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Okay I fish alot. If I'm going to share the neat times here I'll share the ugly..Got out b4 sunrise,, made many cast, then forget to flip bail,zing,bye skoolbus & teaser,, retie a new rig,, get set to make first cast, zing I do it again! Drain bamage!,, So I'm going home,, see a buds truck,stop,retie ,walk on,,make several cast,hook-up got a good bend,,yes! lose him! now home bound. Oh, yeah did I mention I did the same "zing "w/ a super strike sinking black needle last night w/ new teaser? I need a bail less! I need a new brain! I wasn't even tiried and there weren't any bikinis,, oh well can't wait for tonight!
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nice, glad to hear i wasnt the only one to do such a thing.
yesterday.....hit the beach early, around 0530. slow start till about 6....then the bass started to show by breaking water all around. hit one on a black needle, lost one on a black needle. caught two on a brand new teaser, black with white and some flash. hit one on a deadly dicks green 3 oz. next cast got broke off and lost the lure. my buddy ended the day with 4 as well, black bomber and metal. good day.
today......hit the same beach at the same time with only 25x more people out. looked like they were giving away the fish, only today they werent being cooperative. missed on fish, dunno if it was my sand eel teaser or the black needle. saw 3 fluke landed 2 bass and 1 blue. dead compared to yesterday.
lets hope that this NE wind sends the bass back into the suds.
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Great reports Rick and Abit! I hate losing lures! I always picture $$ flushing down a toilet...it is annoying and bugs me, but part of fishing.
I haven't been able to get out...I am missing some decent fishing, as usual! Keep up the great work and I enjoy your reports.
TT^
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Heading out right now, haven't decided where yet. Let you all know what happens.
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Good luck, Greg! I hear the action is pretty good out there.
TT^
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Well, I should stop fishing. Went out with my brother to Pt. Beach. Only saw two other people fishing. Set up my one pole with clams and brought the other two rods to throw lures and what not. Threw everything in my box and nothing. not even on the clams. Was pretty windy, I believe NE and nice and cold. When I got home I gave all my rods, lures, and tackle box a complete rinse and cleanout and I think I might retire until Spring. ??? I don't know, its upsetting. haha.
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I headed out tonight too...only had an hour or two! On the beach by 5pm, hit Brick Beach in front of the Old Thunderbird and worked south. Huge sandbar there. I was able to wade out 100+ feet on the incoming without water being above my knee. Bunch of guys out plugging. Heard early morning reports that the northeast/east winds brought in a lot of bait and bass. Wind was suppposed to be NE/E at 10mph...it was a bit windier than that and getting cold. Waves weren't too bad and the water was clear. Stayed out on the sandbar until dark and concentrated on AVA's, Storm Shads and my favorite Casting Swimmer. Shad and plug did not cast to great in the almost dead east wind. After dark, moved up onto the beach and threw everything else at them with no luck. No hits, no bumps, nothing! Skunked again...
I didn't see anyone around me catching either and everyone I spoke to said the same thing...NO LUCK.
TT^
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Rick I feel your pain...I just caulk it up to the price I pay for not having a boat to pay those bills and paying all that extra money for gas, oil, maintenance, winterizing, storing, etc...
I know you catch a heck of a lot more from a boat but at least I can go home with the attitude I will have to replace that lure or two and not have to think twice as to weather I should or put gas into the tank or buy that lure I lost.
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STRIPER ACTION HAS BEEN PRETTY HOT THE LAST FEW WEEKS MANY DAYS CATCHING FISH TO 30 LBS OFF THE SUDS IN LBI
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It is a heck of a lot more fun this year than last. Sat I caught 3 to 29.5" on IBSP. Plus I saw a lot more caught that day.
If you want to catch bass you have to look for the cuts and fish either side of them. So far the out going has been the key for me.
Good Luck
Happy Catching
Paul
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I haven't been on that much latley,I have alot going on with my divorce. Rough times right now for me,but it will all work out. I have made it out fishing a bunch of times though,with mixed results. I fished last week with Rickstillcasting"my bud",lol. We were pluggin first part of night with no luck. When he left,I stayed out all night.Managed to clam up 10 bass no keepers. First light met up again,totally tired plugged again. Rick and his fellas were killin them no luck for me,tired and mind wasn't in it. I left them guys and met up with an old salt buddy who was clammin,and just b/sed for a bit before going home. A few nights later I plugged a few to 30 inches,out with my uncle north jersey beaches. Went out last night with the surf rocket and managed to pull 7 bass out of the soup. Watched my old man loose a big one,with only two keepers caught last night,it was funny to watch my old man loose a possible cow. I had to hear about how we didnt need the surf rocket to catch fish last night,so it was funny when he hooked this cow on a blasted bait. He looked like a little kid that just dropped his lolly pop down a sewer. It was funny.Thats fishin,lol.He wants me to come up by him again tonight for another shot. I told him you dont need the rocket to catch fish,lol. I will post report tomorow. Happy fishing to all grtn
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Best of Luck t^
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Saturday November 15th
started out with my fishing buddy at Mantoloking. sounded like the surf was pounding when we first pulled up, so we walked up to check the water. what a surprise, very fishy looking water, with fish busting here and there, oh and no other cars. decided to hurry up and get dressed and get the plugs in the water. worked the sand bar and the hole and started hitting fish. metal was the key. my buddy landed 3 bass. i landed 6 bass and 1 blue. moved south to area 21 and did the wind pick up. now it was a real gale out of the south. sand was blowing down the beach. started with metal, but it wasnt heavy enough. switched to a 4 oz bucktail and was able to hold the water long enough to hit 2 bass and my buddy got a blue. almost caught another angler as he decided that he needed to get in on the action after he stalked us from his truck and then jumped right into our game. you would think that being he was driving and we were walking that he would realize he has however many miles of beach to fish, and that the fish are everywhere, you just need to have the lines in the water and not rigged up in the rod holder to catch them.
anyways, after that we hit spring lake and my buddy landed 2. sand eels were everywhere there.
missed a few fish throughout the day, lost a few as well. even with that wind blowing so hard the water was very fishable with the right lures and approach. water was also very clean which was a pleasant surprise.
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Nice catch!
Getting mugged in NJ on the beach fishing is as common as getting mugged in NYC ;D!
TT^
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Nice catch. t^
Getting mugged on the beach has been going on a longgggggggggg time. Seems to be the buggie guys are the worse offenders of this. Maybe because it is so easy for them to just sit in their trucks with binoculars and look for bending poles instead of having to do the hard part of locating fish for themselves. 5hrug
Whatever the reason, it does suck. nosmly
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yea i guess its true. the best part is that he didnt catch.
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It is all a part of the game and I have been at it for a long time in the area from the Thunderbird south to the inlet. I usually walk the beach except for IBSP where I get the pass every year.
And Joe you are right it is the guys in the buggies that are the worse. I was coming off Lavellette a couple of weeks ago when I noticed a small school of bait near the beach right in the suds. I got up close enough to stqart casting and up pulls this guy in a gray BB where he and his buddy get out and start casting within 10 feet of me. Well his buddy gets one fantastic wind knot and he gave up after 5 casts or so all while I just watched.
All he said was I guess we scared them off. All I could say was YA THINK. They got back into the vehicle and went south. I guess they had no idea on how to read the beach because they pulled this on a number of guys on the beach that day. I am surprised that no one cut their line or worse.
Oh well I guess the sand scum are all over.
Happy Catching
Paul
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I'd love to hand out business type cards that same something like:
Use Proper Fishing Etiquette
Please Don't Crowd Me!!
Do You Know:
-There are 127 miles of beach in NJ
-There are over 5.3 trillion gallons of water in the Atlantic Ocean
-Fish actually swim along ALL 127 miles of coastline and in ALL 5.3 trillion gallons of water
-You should keep at least 100' away from me
Please Give Me Space
Thank You
Paid for by Fishermen for Space
www.dontmugme.com
rofla
My only fear is, the mugger will get even madder and I will have to resort to self defense...as my fat butt can't run, especially in waders hhppy!
TT^
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Good idea on the business cards Pfish. TT^
Paul, I am not putting every buggie guy into this category. There are many of them who know and do the right thing. t^ Just don't want anyone to think I feel like that about all the buggie guys. t^ Most are not that way.
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I agree, but lately the ones that hunt and peck are really getting annoying.
I tell them if you cross my line I will cut yours, no questions asked. Give them that crazy Polok look and start dancing around the pole and they get the idea. Well I guess that is a little exaggerated but the cutting the line works.
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It certainly is annoying and seems to have gotten worse. I didn't fish for several years, but back when I was fishing steadily, I had never been hit in the head with 6oz of lead weight...one for the books this year!
TT^
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I love this Idea t^if you print some I'll buy em!!
Chris
I'd love to hand out business type cards that same something like:
Use Proper Fishing Etiquette
Please Don't Crowd Me!!
Do You Know:
-There are 127 miles of beach in NJ
-There are over 5.3 trillion gallons of water in the Atlantic Ocean
-Fish actually swim along ALL 127 miles of coastline and in ALL 5.3 trillion gallons of water
-You should keep at least 100' away from me
Please Give Me Space
Thank You
Paid for by Fishermen for Space
www.dontmugme.com
rofla
My only fear is, the mugger will get even madder and I will have to resort to self defense...as my fat butt can't run, especially in waders hhppy!
TT^
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I do fish the beach in both Lavallette and to the north.... I dont drive on anymore but walk and catch more fish...
What I do when they pull up is act like I dont know what Im doing and cast over them.... Act a little crazy... They will get the hint... TRUST ME
Try it.... It works for me
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Works for me... rofla hhppy grtn
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Act a little crazy... They will get the hint... TRUST ME
Try it.... It works for me
Who needs to "act" ;D
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Okay who is going fishing on Friday?
The weather is suppose to be close to 50 and the bass are still around. I am going to try and be out at Ortley around 11:00 and see what happens. Got to stop at Grumpys for some salted clams and some good gossip.
Happy Catching
Paul
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all my gear is in storage nosmly
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Well I gave it a try this morning. The temp at the house was in the high 40's and the sun was shining so I put a couple of poles into the vehicle and headed over to Ortley. Well the temp over there was a different story. Try 36 with a good wind from the south west.
Hit the beach and a few casts my hands started to cramp up from the cold and arthritis. Called it quits and came home. Beautiful day but the temps were to cold for me to handle the rod. I wish they made a glove that was warm and flexible enough for fishing.
Oh well, back to getting things ready for the Spring.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Good try! Today was certainly the day to try and get out. Going to get freezing cold again this weekend. I think I will stick to your backup plan...getting things done for warmer weather and maybe a show this weekend.
TT^
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Well I gave it a try this morning. The temp at the house was in the high 40's and the sun was shining so I put a couple of poles into the vehicle and headed over to Ortley. Well the temp over there was a different story. Try 36 with a good wind from the south west.
Hit the beach and a few casts my hands started to cramp up from the cold and arthritis. Called it quits and came home. Beautiful day but the temps were to cold for me to handle the rod. I wish they made a glove that was warm and flexible enough for fishing.
Oh well, back to getting things ready for the Spring.
Happy Catching
Paul
I hope you got you new fishing licenses thud rgmn
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I stopped by Ortley on my back from B&Ns this morning. Must have just missed you. Seemed like that SW wind would be tough to cast into.
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I went on the beach in Belmar today. Didn't have a fishing pole in my hand, had a metal detector instead. ;D
Found: 4 pennys, 2 nickels and one dime. Also found a hat pin from maybe the boy scouts or a similar organization, it was too encrusted from the elements to really make out what was on it.
Bob G found two dimes and Matt found a quarter, nickel and a cheap ring.
At least we didn't get the skunk. TT^
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I went on the beach in Belmar today. Didn't have a fishing pole in my hand, had a metal detector instead. ;D
Found: 4 pennys, 2 nickels and one dime. Also found a hat pin from maybe the boy scouts or a similar organization, it was too encrusted from the elements to really make out what was on it.
Bob G found two dimes and Matt found a quarter, nickel and a cheap ring.
At least we didn't get the skunk. TT^
TT^ I love doing that . Been digging for twenty years . mostly parks and old houses in the woods . Alot of money and old rings and a few old hand guns from way back. I love when they drain the lakes up here ;)Keep on looking TT^
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I used to go fairly often. Haven't been out with the machine in years. A friend started doing it this summer and asked if I wanted to go. Broke out my old White's and off we went. TT^ The beaches have been picked over pretty good but the ground is frozen so it would be impossible to try digging any targets. Heck, the sand on the beach was frozen after you got down a couple of inches.
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that is what I have a old White's . It is about twenty five years old :'( Been looking at the new ones and they are up there in $$$$$ ::)up here we have a lot of iron and it is hard to read every thing else. I lived in Bogota and used to go to a park in Fort Lee and all the kids ran around with gold on !!! it was a great place to hit . One day I will take a ride back there.
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Best time to hit the beach is in March. You will get the big winds and most of the time you will see it first ;D
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Yup, just like striper fishing, wait for a good Nor'easter. t^
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t^ Yes sir , Alot of old gold coins pop up on the beach. I have a old metal boxs filled with old stuff from twenty five years . My uncle got me into it and he new where all the old houses were in sterling forest and in Orange county N.Y. We found a few old hand guns in the old homes from years ago . They would fall behind the fire places behind the mantle. Go place to look for the old garbage dumps behind the homes and we picked up a lot of old bottles . I must get back to it come spring t^
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Took advantage of the great weather today and hit IBSP for a little while.
Tried out the new gear and did a little casting practice. 25mph wind made the casting tough, but it was a nice trip. Good to get out on the sand and break the cabin fever.
There was something out there, cuz the birds were working.
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temp wise, today was a great day out there, even without catching.
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Real nice day to be out in the salt air. t^
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today was a tease for us all
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It was a great day to get out!
TT^
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It's great just to hear a surf report! How did you like the new gear?
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Very nice. Huge difference over the old crap. Like I said, the wind made things tough, but they casted nice and smooth.
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Good going Chris. I wish I had the opertunity to get out but we were traveling back from Maryland after visiting our nephew (Who is doing great BTW).
I might try and get our on Monday for a little once the air warms up a tad. I bought a 8' Dolphin Surf by Tica on Friday to replace a rod I am giving my sister- in -law to get her use to some newer equipment she uses when she is here.
It will handle up to 20# line and lures from 3/4 - 3 0z. It is super light I like you can't wait to get out to try in now.
Thanks for the report I think cabin fever is hitting us all pretty hard right about now.
Paul
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Glad to hear he's doing good Paul.
Soon we'll be out there on a regular basis....and hopefully the fish are too.
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I agree, I am so looking forward to this year. I think I will be stocked on everything I need tackle wise. I have been tying teasers and now am concentrating on rigs.
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As a follow up to this past weekend. Saturday was pretty much a wash out as the wind really did us in down here. We had gusts to 48 mph it was crazy. But Sunday was gorgeous and it seemed that everyone was out on the beach.
The wind was out of the west keeping all the swells down so the ocean was like a lake. I observed only one small bass caught off Seaside and that was about it. The lonely bass was caught on clams and right now all the B&T's that are open are fully stocked with all sorts of bait of your choice, but at least for now I would choose clams especially if you look at the beaches there are clam shells all over the place. If this does not bring the striper's in nothing will.
This week is iffy as the rain is predicted to come into play a number of times so if you are going out be careful.
It's good to have the season started and I for one am looking to be out a lot more than last year. The only thing I will be doing different is the times I will be out there. pre dawn and at dusk will be my targets. Last year was a weird year for me as I had to go whenever I could get out.
I am looking forward to slamming them this year. So don't forget to post any reports here as we need good as well as the skunks.
Happy Catching
Paul
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its almost time paul... it wont be long before they start slammin the beach. lookin forward to seeing you out there
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I would like to say I'll see you out there but i rarely make it to ibsp because I have to drive along 8 miles of perfectly "fishable" beach to get there. ;D
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Understood on the perfectly good beach but I do both and have for years like they say old habits die hard.
I have 10 miles of beach to fish and during the week even in the summer it is not to bad. The thing I do not do is fish out there when the crowd is down for summer vacations on weekends.
I live roughly 5 or so miles from the entrance to the park and if I want to go north some days I do. In fact to this say one of my favorite beaches to fish is Ortley beach right at the third avenue parking lot.
Yeah Ken I am looking forward to getting out there and watch you bust your a$$, only kidding my friend. I wonder what this season will have in store for itself. Lets try for a hammer head this year that would be awesome.
Happy Catching
Paul
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You catch sharks when surf casting??
I'll have my knife ready, lol
But before that I have to learn to cast.
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Its as simple as point and shoot. chrz
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Its as simple as point and shoot. chrz
When you have Ken around
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Lets see who wins the rocket on Saturday.
Good luck fellas
Still trying to attend lets see rgmn rgmn
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Serenitya bad day fishing is a good day
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Got out this morning in Long Branch. Water was up high with the full moon. Wind was out of the west, but no enough to knock down the surf. Big breakers coming over the bars. Started working plugs around 0530. Quickly changed over to some black metals to attempt to be more productive. Once the daylight broke the horizon the AVA's came out. Hit a keeper around 29" about 0600. Fish was quickly returned to fight another day. That was all for me today. Off to work at 0730.
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Nice t^
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Nice going, I hope to get out Thursday but it looks iffy... :P
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Good try. Not bad for a pre-work trip
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Nice quick trip! t^
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Caught 4 shorts in bay head wed morning on red a-17. All 24-27 "
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Saturday November 7
Got out early and was greeted with a packed parking area in Mantoloking. Forced to move south to Brick Beach. Not as packed and was able to hit a nice cut in the bar. Started with a dark needlefish. Missed one but kept throwing it. Hooked up with a fat schoolie not long after. Few casts later and a wind knot took my needlefish for a ride to England. Fishing got spotty for me after. Others around were catching here and there.
Wednesday November 11
Got out early again today. Had to make a quick pre-work trip. Greeted by an empty beach and hard winds. Didnt bring the heavy metal today and couldnt effectively fish with an a-27. Decided to head north being i still had some time. Eventually made my way to Long Branch around 0600. Looked fishy to me and I couldnt resist. Back in the waders and into the strong wash. Was able to work the A-27 and it payed off. Ended up with 3 fish, biggest going about 28-29, but heavy by 0715. Two on A-27s one on my sandeel teaser. Then off to work.
Hoping Friday holds out to be fishable and clean.
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Good job
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Nice going Abit! t^
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It was honking from 25-30 knt up North this late PM.Went with plan B and soaked some bait, needed 6 and up to hold,saw aprox.15 others on the beach
Nada for me in the cooler.
Be back at it Thurs/Fri. depends on this Gale.
Good Luck. t^
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made it out to the suds last night. It was fishable till 'bout an hour n a half into it when the north wind started houling again...needed A47s to fish. stayed a bit then packed it in....last two trips = TBJ 0 Fish 2
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You'll get em. Keep doing what you are doing.
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You definitely get extra credit for braving the conditionals last night Joe
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whs clp
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slt
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First report in a long time....
I have been hitting the beaches sporadically this fall. Not because there are few reports coming in from there, but because of time restrictions. Anyways, I have been hitting all of the usual spots, slowly the fall has started to make a turn for the good. Slow start back in late September and early October. I was mostly picking at Fluke and Hick Shad on bombers, needle fish and teasers.
Then on the 18th i was able to catch a schoolie bass around Monmouth county. If I had only decided to head south instead of home that day, I would have arrived in Seaside in time for that 3 or 4 hour blitz on bunker.
Then i was able to get out last night and hit a favorite spot in Monmouth County that is good at all tides. The wind was a little stronger than I expected, but that was OK, I was alone on the beach. Worked metal and needle fish with a teaser and produced 2 nice fat bass. One was worth a measure, but either way they both went back to fight again. I also caught a skate on a needle fish. Hoping the beaches hold up with this blow and that the weekend is a good start to the run.
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Nice to hear that you are back in the game. The fishing should pick up tremendously after this moon passes. t^
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Good attempt on a keeper Bobby. Back in the game is good, especially from someone that likes to fish the hook and is willing to post their results. Ocean County beaches have been sporadic to say the least but there are fish around for those that are willing to put the time in to catch.
Keep us posted up there it is hard to find good information dealing with the surf. I know guys that fish that area but are reluctant to give out any information especially this year mostly because of the lack of fish.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Well, third day in a row. I will be leaving to try again one of these days I will hit it just right. so for now the sign on he door reads...
GONE FISHING
You said it... clp clp t^ clp clp
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First report in a long time....
I have been hitting the beaches sporadically this fall. Not because there are few reports coming in from there, but because of time restrictions. Anyways, I have been hitting all of the usual spots, slowly the fall has started to make a turn for the good. Slow start back in late September and early October. I was mostly picking at Fluke and Hick Shad on bombers, needle fish and teasers.
Then on the 18th i was able to catch a schoolie bass around Monmouth county. If I had only decided to head south instead of home that day, I would have arrived in Seaside in time for that 3 or 4 hour blitz on bunker.
Then i was able to get out last night and hit a favorite spot in Monmouth County that is good at all tides. The wind was a little stronger than I expected, but that was OK, I was alone on the beach. Worked metal and needle fish with a teaser and produced 2 nice fat bass. One was worth a measure, but either way they both went back to fight again. I also caught a skate on a needle fish. Hoping the beaches hold up with this blow and that the weekend is a good start to the run.
clp GREAT WAY TO WORK IT BOBBY!!! I too have primarily been in Monmouth county ;)
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Hey bobby thanks for the report I've probably fished next to you 100 times. I'm glad to here monmouth county reports being I'm from union beach let us know about any bite in the bay. Thanks
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heading out tonight after work. anyone else going out this evening? been checking out the surf cams and reports and it seems to have layed down since this morning. water doesnt look too dirty either. just wondering where i should start at.
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heading out tonight after work. anyone else going out this evening? been checking out the surf cams and reports and it seems to have layed down since this morning. water doesnt look too dirty either. just wondering where i should start at.
i'll be out stalking the surf from Belmar down to SSP...water @ BB was dirty this morning, just a FYI
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Tried this morning in my area ,no luck but the ocean is settling nicely and should clean up over the weekend. I'll be out !!!
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Just an FYI if you are going out to IBSP and are venturing out on the beach, Gillikins is real skinny and the beach is torn up a bit. Many guys were getting stuck today. Don't be one of them... fcp
Happy Catching
Paul
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Me and Poncho are heading out to LBI this morning......report, or lack of to follow
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Fished this morning in my area of Ocean Cty. Not blitz fishing for me but I did score 3 bass including a 30" keeper. yellow tube on the jig. Lots of guys out. It's time ;D
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four bass caught this morning @ BB on ava27s with teasers one was a keeper! t^
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Way to go...Got to love those teasers. clp
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t^..Paul........FYI, bass layed thick this morning @ BB again. One DOZEN bass caught between 3 guys!
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I'll be out hittin a few MoCo spots in the AM when I get out of work.
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I'll be out hittin a few MoCo spots in the AM when I get out of work.
chris.....MB,BH & BB t^
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chris.....MB,BH & BB t^
t^
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Bb?
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Al, pm sent...
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Great news guys thanks for the heads up. I will be out there or some where on Wednesday morning. I think I will be starting at Gillies and than move around a bit.
This cold weather is starting to bother me already, not sure if I will be out on the cold days. This damn arthritis is the pits.
Happy Catching
Paul
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From The Suds
March 3, 2011
By Paul Danielczyk
Well it’s that time of year again. All thoughts turn to getting all that gear back together early season rigs and in shape. I have a few more things to get ready but the rods and reels are all cleaned and ready to go. Now I have to go through the tackle box and get rid of some old nasty s for the early season sticky stuff that I have no idea what it was any more.
I have put the new Beach Buggie pass on the old Expedition and that is just about ready for the season all I have to do is clean out the back as I still have the mess back there since I stopped last year, ugg. I am hoping to get out sometime next week as cabin fever is still on my mind. Once that is done lookout Island Beach State Park here I come.
It looks like I might have to make up some more rigs for the early season. The hi-lo rigs are just about gone so to the bench I go. I figure if I make 10 or 15 that should be enough for this year. 2/0 hooks on dropper loops should work as they are my normal set up for this time of year. I have to pick up some more bucktails (white) that I tip with pink whatever. I have used that combo for years and my early season average went up season drastically.
My usual spot is the north side of the Barnegat Inlet for some early season Blues. I am looking forward to this year simply because it was in my mind a long winter. I need to get out and feel the wind in my face. I have some new techniques I will be trying and adding to the old ones. The season this year seems like it will be another banner year. I am hearing of fish being caught already. If you want to try the early catch try around some of the piers in the bay or if you like white perch the upper part of the Toms River is the place to wet that line.
All the usual places might be a few weeks away form producing but to tell you the truth if no one is out there trying, guess what, no fish are being caught. But for me this year will be an early start for me. I am looking forward to getting out and being able to find some of those early fish that don’t know it is too early for them to be here.
One other thing I am looking forward to is getting the kayak in and use that a lot more than I did last year. That too is already to go as well. I will be looking for a used kayak for my wife this year as she has been bitten by the bug and would like to follow me around. The Expedition can hold one more very nicely. So if anyone is thinking of selling one we are in the market for one in the 10 foot range around 300 bucks or less.
The sedge islands are looking good form shore and once the water warms up it will be sailing time for the yaks. The old holes are getting warmer and I am sure the fish will be there especially if the new channel stays open and allows the water to be replenished with new water. Last year was great and I am hoping this year will be a continuation of last.
If you have anything you want to share don’t be afraid to share as this site of a great one for being open and honest with its information to our members. This article is just the beginning guys. Look at our calendar to get info on up and coming shows and flea markets that will make the season seem like it is here. I know one good one locally will be March 27th and that will be the New Jersey Beach Buggie Association’s at the
Toms River Elks 600 Washington St. Toms River, NJ. Last year was a good crowd and this year it will be even better. I am hearing that there will be up to 100 vendors. So come early and get some good buys.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice write up Paul and a good read t^ t^
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I t whs^
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Great write up..
great way to start off the season!! t^
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Its just great to get out there but I would wait till the end of march to start surf fishing. slt
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Surf fishing can be an all year round sport if you are willing to put up with the cold and some nasty weather. There are holdover fish out there just waiting to be caught. The thing that will help you catch this time of year is to use small hooks in a hi-lo configuration and use small pieces of bait as offerings.
The water is cols so the metabolism rate of the fish is way down and the digestive system is only geared to digest small pieces this way the energy used in digestion is not wasted and the fish can still function.
Happy Catching
Paul
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hey paul
iam wondering if u could give me some advise how to make those hi- low rigs so i could make some and try them at the end of the month
thank you
steve
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Here's the 5cent answer
40-60lb mono or floro
Swivel on the top end to connect to the mail line.
Duolock snap on the bottom end for the sinker.
Tie two dropper loops about 3-4inches long. Slide your hooks of choice into the dropper loops.
I usually do the first loop about 6 inches up from the bottom and the second about 12 inches up from that. The top loop is usually 6-12 inches from the top end.
Go with Gami octopus circle hooks. Size depends on the time of year. Early on, 3/0 or 4/0 is plenty. When the bigger fish show up go up to 6/0.
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whs
But I would go with a 2/0 in the early season and small pieces of bait.
Thanks Chris, great description.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Thanks paul and chris for your help u guys and this site is really good and by the end of the month i will have a full report thanks again for all your help
stev
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Anytime Steve...Good luck this season.
Paul
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havent posted in a while. sorry. havent done much fishing either. but i got out a few times so far this spring. a few weeks ago my buddy and i hit the RB beaches and soaked some clams. first time i have done that in a long time. 3 separate days in 3 different locations, all within 2 hours of the high tide with nothing to show. made 2 stops out front with plugs and nothing. got out this morning before work in monmouth county. bait busting out of casting range. threw wood and some metal trying to reach, but nothing. day jobs suck sometimes.
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Good try especially in the north east winds. If you go out make sure you can throw at least 6 to over 8 oz of lead. With these winds the surf is kicking a bit and to hold bottom you will need at least that if not more.
If you do go, it has been slow pic-kins along the Ocean County beaches today with the bite up north a bit around Spring Lake especially behind St Elphonso's (not to sure on the spelling).
The problem there is the parking, be careful if you do go.
The bite has been all on clams with some plugs working like the swimmers especially.
The boat guys still and for the most part have the upper hand right now, because the bigger schools are just out of reach from the beach. And now with this wind it does not help casting from the beach.
I will be going out tomorrow again as today the conditions were just to rough for me to last all day.
I know someone on here asked if there is a B&T that is open 24/7 well I was told that when the summer hours go into effect the Dock Outfitters will be open to service all your needs. But their site only sates that they are open a 5AM till 9, so at this time there still is not a 24/7 shop yet.
The time is now guys the bass are all around and they are starting to hit on a variety of baits even artificials. The strictly artificial guys I know are in happy mode right now as they are beginning to get fish on a regular basis. Most are using swimmers and fished slow, what ever you use make sure it has good movement.
If you like fishing for blues well your in luck. Behind Island Beach State Park the blues are in and in heavy. I saw today one gent came into Grumpy's and had to pick up new Spook lures as the blues just tore up the ones he had. The color back there is a defiantly Yellow. Where as in the inlet you want a Bucktail that is just about all white with a white curly tail maybe trimmed with red some where on it.
I am hoping that the wind dies down a bit over night as it is not an easy task fishing out front. So the rest of the day will be spent doing yard work and taking down the kayak and start the clean up process. If anyone has a small used kayak for less than 400 bucks I am looking for one for the wife, I think she is jealous that I get out there and she can not.
Well the season has started for us surf rats, just take your time and get out as often as you can.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Where ya heading out tomorrow Paul?
I'm hoping to get out thursday and friday since the weather will be great!
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We will be starting at Island Beach State Park and the first stop will be at Gillkins. We will work south and stop for a while at the inlet to see what the blues are doing.
We will be hitting a number of holes that have been producing.
My uncle will be at the house at 6:30 and we hope to be on the beach by 7 after a quick stop at grumpys for clams and mullet.
Happy Catching
Paul
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From The Suds
May 13, 2011
By Paul Danielczyk
The beaches are starting to heat up both temperature and fish catching wise. No matter where you go during some part of the day the surf will be giving up some of its bounty. Earlier this week the catch was on fire up north around Asbury Park to Spring Lake, while later in the week almost all of the action was in the Seaside Park to the Barnegat Inlet with the center of the action from A17 to the inlet.
The bait of choice was mostly clams when you can get them as some shops were having trouble getting them. But today it seems that all the shops are stocked and ready to go for the weekend. Just make sure that all the bait you buy is fresh if not my suggestion would be to stick with salted clams, they do work better than dead ones.
There is one slight problem right now and that is with the weeds. They can be a menace if you like to dead stick. My suggestion is to check your bait often and clean off the weeds. If the bait needs to be replaced change it as well. I have noticed that using a slight amount of elastic string and a bit more bait ups your catch rate as well. Yeah I know the bait goes faster but your catch rate will also increase.
If you are just out there to catch whatever give the inlets a try and my choice of bait there would be the white bucktail tipped with Finn-S 5” in pink or some sort of curly tail in pink or red, plus I was told that by using pork rind in red & white works just as good and you will get a better fish to bait ratio. Time will tell.
Reports from the south:
Scotts B&T is reporting that Graveling Point is still producing and the Mystic side of the bay produced a fluke in the 21” range by the clam steakes close to the fish factory. If you want to try your luck for bass they are in and around the Grassy Channel.
If you are lucky enough to have a boat or kayak and can get to the Tuckerton Bay area the water temps there are up and the bite has been much better.
Fisherman Headquarters reports that the mid-island bite is the best with stripers in the 27 to 37# and just about all have been caught on clams. While out back in the bay again mid island a nice 20 to 25 Black Drum was caught and by the sound if it they are still hanging around a bit longer. Again the Drum was caught on a clam.
Central N.J.
Grumpy’s is reporting a number of Striped Bass and tons of blues being caught up and down the beaches here from Lavallette to Barnegat Inlet. The bait if choice is still the clam but bunker chunks are doing the trick for the bass. There have been a lot of bait moving up and down the coast with everything from sea lions to whales feasting on the bounty out there. The problem is that most of the schools are way to far to cast to.
Betty & Nicks is reporting just about the same and recommends you try to use different baits till you find one that works this weekend. The NE wind is changing and the rough seas are subsiding but the clam beds just off shore took a pretty good hit so start with them. All the stores on the island are fully stocked and ready for you this weekend.
Murphy’s Hook House reports that the bay by the mouth of the Toms River and all around the bridges is just loaded with bass and blues. Most are being caught on top water plugs so give it a try is you can. Stop in and talk to Dennis and the guys.
Up North:
Places like Crabby’s In Keyport are reporting great fishing and ifyou are thinking of getting out to many of the Raritan Bays fishing spots to do it early. It seems that the dawn time is still the best time to grab a striper of the many piers up there. Just like all the rest your best bait is the clam.
So that is just a small snap shot of what will be in store for your weekend fishing. Not to shabby if you ask me. Get out there and enjoy. The weather man like usual has no clue as to what it expect so the heck with him.
Happy Catching
Paul
Photo is from Fisherman's Headquarters of Rich Belli with a nice 36-lb 10-oz Striper caught off IBSP May 13, 2011. Nice one Rich.
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Great info Paul, probably taking a trip down to toms river around dusk tonight with the boat, we'll see what happens!! slt
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Good luck. All the intel I have received dusk is a great time is plugs like the yellow 5" Mombo Minnow.
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Nice work Paul t^
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t^
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From The Suds
5-20-2011
By Paul Danielczyk
It is time to get out on the beaches and fish them hard. The Striped Bass are all over all you have to do is locate certain pockets and BAM Fish-On. We were out semi early today and were treated to a small but nice striper caught on Island Beach State Park. It was my Uncle’s first off the beach. Although it was not a keeper it broke the ice for him.
This weeks report will not be the usual report as most of the Bait & Tackle shops have the same reports the fish are out there all you have to do is find them. Well how do you do that if you’re new to the sport? It is not easy but I hope that this report / tips will help you get on the right track.
First you have to be in it to win it. I am sure you all heard that expression but it is so true on the sport of surf fishing. You have to be out there and actively fish the areas you feel the most confidants in and the magic will happen. One of the main tips I try to give everyone is to make friends with as many people as you can that actively fish the beach. By doing so you will start to hear where the hot spots are and what they are using to bring home that big one. By networking your chances will go up tremendously. At first don’t be pushy, guys like me will turn you off in a heart beat. For the newer guys the best thing you can do is to be there and listen. Ask some questions but back off when you sense that you are going to fast.
Another big no, no is to fish where you know you are not wanted. There will come a time when you will be asked to fish with the big guns but till they feel comfortable with you, just be content with knowing that you are there is enough right now. Trust me they are watching you even if they do not seem to be. Once they feel comfortable with you and they can see you are a competent angler will you notice the door will open a little bit wider.
You have to remember, there is just so much beach to go around and with the prices on everything going through the roof your fishing address book will mean a lot to you and may be the difference of bringing home that trophy fish or just having to settle with the scraps. Be patient and you will be rewarded.
Right now there are fish all over our coast and I know many are out there and not catching for whatever reason. It’s hard to hear and see reports of big bass being caught but for now that is okay. Read the articles here and other places that allow you to see what and where the possibilities are. Learning to read the water is so important that I can not begin to talk about it enough. By knowing this information you will be able to find the holes and fish them successfully. Trust me, it takes time but once you understand the science behind it your fishing will suffer because of not knowing.
What bait is working and when to throw plugs is another topic that always comes up and all I can say is start to realize what bait is in the area at the time you are fishing and match the hatch. Take today for instance. We located the holes early this morning and with the storms we just had we knew that the clam beds just off shore took a hit just by the amount of empty shells on the beach so it was a no brainer that our first choice was clams. It worked, as we pulled in a nice healthy striper around 7:30 this morning. It was a short but never the less still a striper. I used a Hi-Lo rig and found that the lower hook was the killer today.
Now is the time to be out there as fish are all over, your job if you want to catch fish is to use your reasoning and knowledge to locate that elusive prize the Striped Bass. Plus, don’t be bothered by all the catching being done by boaters, they have a lot of equipment at their disposal to help in their decision making. Being a surf rat, your main tool is your knowledge of the area you are fishing. In a lot of cased it will be enough. Just remember the world record bass was caught off the surf (Jetty in this case) in Atlantic City in a Nor’easter.
There is hope no matter your ability level. Just get out there, support your local bait & Tackle shop for they are your best place to gather information prior to getting onto the beach. Just remember one last thing. The beach is a living and changing thing. It will not be the same from hour to hour. Your fishing tactics will have to change accordingly. With this in mind go prepared. Make sure you have the best equipment you can afford. And don’t be intimidated by anyone. Fishing is a life time of learning and doing. Have fun or it is not going to work.
Till next time.
Happy Catching
Paul
Dave with a 43# Striped Bass caught this week.
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Another big no, no is to fish where you know you are not wanted.
:headscra:
I don't understand that.. That'll be the day someone gives me a hard time as to where I can fish on a public beach. Or anyone anyone..
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Well I got a response... I guess the wording was a bit harsh but the meaning behind it was meant to bring out the fact that there are many areas that are yes open to the public but many old timers and do try to protect their fishing areas because they are productive.
But the saying comes into play here first come first served is true. If you are fishing a certain area you deserve to hold that area. Same goes with the fact if the area you would love to fish is already occupied. But, just by knowing these guys you would be a welcomed asset to their small group and your fishing areas would not be out of reach.
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Ok. That makes a little more sence. Like crowding you if you are on the fish.
I just have a hard time swallowing old time ibsp guys thinks it's their turf.
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Great post Paul......After fishing the area for 40 plus year's the place has not changed much or how outsiders can be treated on the beach front...
But if you have a hundred fisherman fishing IBSP and just a hand full fishing Lavallette.....Then most of the fishing reports will be in IBSP.....
In a couple week's the bunker will move North and so will the Bass and along with that will be all the same guy's fishing IBSP.....
Trust me you don't need to fish IBSP to get in on the BIG BASS of the spring Bunker run......I would recommend fishing alone anyway.....You have from South Seaside Park....North to Point Pleasant to fish.......
Great post Paul.....Its all 100% true.
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One good thing you have going for you is that you are members here. If you see a maroon expedition with NJ Saltwater . com on the side rear windows stop by and say HI. Even if you see it among vehicles parked in a group. It might open some doors for you.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Paul and his surf fishing gang, back in the day. Stay off their turf! ;D
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When your a surf rat you stay a surf rat... Got it???
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rofla clp
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;D
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TT^ slt clp
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Just heard from John over at Betty & Nicks in Seaside Park that there was a nice 42# bass caught off Hering Ave on live bunker (snag and drop style)from a yaker. Plus a nice 18# bass probably caught in Seaside Park off the surf also on bunker.
The schools of bunker are all over the place snd right now the bass are focusing on them. For now the clams are safe as the main focus for food is the mighty bunker.
It seems like the time right now, which is not unusual, for targeting striped bass is predawn and early evening right at dusk. If you can get out there the bass are still there as are the blues. The fun continues guys.
Happy Catching
Paul
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TT^ grtn TT^
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From The Suds
June 17, 2011
By: Paul Danielczyk
Okay, let’s try this again. I just finished this report and for some reason it just went bye, bye.
I have good news…The Fish Are Still Here. But you might have to change your tactics and thinking to get them to bite. I have been talking to a few Bait & Tackle shops and have heard all the same thing. The fish are here but the anglers are not. Those that venture out are catching, but here comes the difference. The bite for the surf is not during the day light hours. Pre dawn and dusk are the hot times right now. I will explain a bit later.
There are bass being caught even though a lot of guys are not focusing in on the strategies that some shops are say to try. This is becoming very frustrating to many shops. Get away from the norm and listen to the guys that are trying to tell you what bait to use and how and when to use it.
For instance, right now the bite is on the bunker and only bunker. Why, simply because there are tons of bunker all over the place and it is an easy target for all the fish that thrive on them. I talked to a couple of captains yesterday and they are saying that the bunker are all over but there are blues under the pods stacked up like cord wood just digesting and not feeding. You simply have to wait for the trigger time for them to feed again. This seems the same for the striped bass as well.
For us surf guys the trigger is yes using bunker chunks and targeting the dawn and dusk times of day. Clams are not on the menu right now so don’t waist your money. We were out yesterday and had both baits out and the only thing that was hit were the hooks with bunker. Go figure.
We hit the beach (IBSP) around 2PM and talked to a few regulars and with a disgusted look they all responded with a , “nothings biting”. Not what we wanted to hear. We knew we were staying later so we settled in and waited for a while and made our way to a favorite spot and had dinner on the beach and threw out a few lines just to see what happens. Well just like clock work the sun goes down and the first fish hits the line. Small blue hit the beach and was returned. Then my line goes another blue to which he was returned to grow a little. Then the doggies started and after landing 3 of them puppies we called it a night.
I have to say the strategies of fishing the off hours for us have been right on for catching whatever. I know everyone wants to catch that elusive striped bass but in this anglers mind any catch off the surf is a good catch.
Yes bass are being caught up and down the coast but stick to bunker for right now and the times of pre dawn and dust till night are the times you will catch. Try not to dead stick as the hits are very light and if you use a circle hook your chances have gone up considerably.
One thing I have noticed is that sand eels have been showing up so if you get a chance try throwing some metal and see what happens. Plus the big guns on the beach have been throwing plugs and the color right now is yellow so give them a try as well.
The picture is of Ray Kerico with his personal best of 40.5# caught yesterday from a kayak. Nice going Ray.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Thanks for the greta info
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t^
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i fished sandy hook this morning,went to the unguarded beach,lot "b"..caught 4 short fluke and a few robins..seas were nice and calm,light swell..then the wind came on a little bit tbefore noon and it got a lil cranky..all in all a good day at the beach.. chrz
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TT^ grtn clp
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was out saturday night at SH. plenty of bait in the water. mullet were being worked, but nothing was getting attention out of the plug bag. switched over to a spook style bait and hooked up with a 22" rat. was nice to finally get a tug on the line this year. after SH i headed south and worked a favorite spot of mine. two hard hits on a darter, but no hookups.
this morning i made it out to nomoco and was working a few plugs to match the mullet which was everywhere. hooked up with a nice bass about 32-34 inches on the teaser. nice fish. once sun was up i ended up hitting a small blue on some metal. water is looking better and better each time out
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Nice report t^
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whs t^
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wts
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t^
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Nice going. Yesterday the water was pretty churned up at IBSP for the tournament with a lot of sand in the wash.
Some nice fish caught but nothing to wright home about.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Okay this is reaching a little but Sandy took her best shot and, well we are ready to show her that she did not win by any means. Yes, she took the lives of many, tore apart out homes, ripped up our trees, damaged the infrastructure that we count on to keep our daily lives civilized but she has not won.
I have been around and I can attest to the fact that people are rebuilding their lives slowly but surely. Towns are beginning to bounce back even if mortgage companies are withholding our checks for reasons that my simple mind can not comprehend. With that said I have to attest to one big and I mean big account of volunteerism that has been going on all around us.
I was working on getting IBSP back to some sort of normalcy this weekend and realized that we had over 150 volunteers at the park alone. When I left the park Saturday there were people in droves helping out at Midway Beach as well as Seaside Park and the Heights. With all the help we are experiencing along the beaches the work is ahead of schedule for the most part.
IBSP, for those that have not experienced being back on the sand is defiantly ahead of schedule. This weekend we laid approximately 1000 Christmas trees for a new dune base as most dunes that were in excess of 20' are no longer there. Tons of debris still has to be removed by the state before we are allowed to be let back on to fish.
Some good news here is that it might be a possibility that IBSP will be open for fishing this week and you will be allowed to fish from Gillkins south to Ocean Beach Area 1. Anything north or south is still being cleared and not ready for the public. By debris I am talking about telephone pole size logs washed up, refrigerators, washers, dryers you name it its out there. We were told that a dock from down in Holgate was even washed up. One of the hardest hit portions of the park was the pocket. Not many are allowed to venture that far south yet. To tell you the truth I would not want to drive my POV down there yet.
Once we get the okay than it will be with use caution as who knows what is lying just below the surface of the sand.
But I have to tell you the water quality looked awesome. Nice and green as you can look right threw the waves breaking over some huge sand bars out about 75 to 100 yards. Yes and there is one hell of a trough in between the beach and the bar. I am so looking forward to get back to that part of my life I miss so dearly. So Sandy you might of knocked us down for a while but we are not out of the game.
Our fishery will come back stronger that ever, just give it time. I am hearing that the winter over bass are biting up around Deal off the jetties. If you are thinking about going I heard the choice of bait are bucktails in an orange color as there are crabs all over that area.
If you are looking for a place to volunteer they are not too hard to find just call up the town you wish to volunteer your time in and they will give you names of groups you can sigh up for. If you would like to help out the New Jersey Beach Buggie Association jump onto their web site as we will be going back out to IBSP on Feb 2nd and Feb 16th to do more cleanup.
Well I guess that is it for now. Hope to see some of you out on the beaches cleaning up what Sandy has thrown at us.
Happy Catching
Paul
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t^
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t^.... clp.... chrz
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Good news t^
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Nice read Paul t^
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t^
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t^
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t^
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Okay this thread has not seen traffic in a long time. All you suds rats out there sign in as I am sure we have a lot of guys that either are getting their gear ready for the spring run or are getting ready to start the process.
Will you be doing your own maintenance or will you be taking your gear to a shop for that Spring tuneup?
I know for myself I will be going the self indulgence route. I have all my oils and greases ready plus if there are any rough spots on the gears I have been polishing them out and it has been working out great. Everything seems to glide much smoother.
I use a tool similar to a Dermal tool with a very fine polishing compound used for polishing gold. You have to be careful not to polish too much as it will affect the tolerances and could make the reel sloppy.
Lets hear form you techies out there that like to do things yourself. It just might be a good thing to share your tips with the rest of us surf rats.
Happy Catching
Paul
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All my gear is laying on my "fishing work bench" exactly where I dumped it all when I cleaned out the truck the day after Sandy. Plus is all has a layer of sawdust on it from other projects that have been going on in the shop. ::)
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First of all Chris, how are you feeling? Dust especially sawdust can be gotten rid of easily bring the stuff over and we will blast it with the air compressor. If you need help getting your stuff ready just give a call and I will gladly help.
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I'm just lazy. I walk past it all the time and just never get to it. I'll get done when the weather starts to break.
All the reels were cleaned and lubed shortly before the storm, they're good. Since the fall run never happened, most of the metals and other plugs never got used after the last cleaning. I just have to sort the rigs and plugs that are tangled up from fishing Sept & Oct.
I'm changing up my style of fishing going forward. Less hard surf, big plugs and big gear. No more jetty hopping. Already sold off some of that stuff. So I have to add a couple more reels and rods to the arsenal to suit my new style. Need another reel for fishing bait (going for a baitfunner this time) and another 8 or 9ft rod for small artificial.
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Welcome to the club... My jetty days have been over years ago. I feel just as able to catch fish as the jetty hoppers, maybe just not as frequent. This year will be a challenge to find the cuts and breaks but not impossible.
I might even try more fly fishing this year as well. Which for me would be to bring it out when there is a full blown blitz going on if you know what I mean.
I picked up some Lightning Lube last year for the conventional reel, maybe this year I will try it out as I was told that it will make the lures sing off the reel... Grumpy's term... LOL
Happy Catching
Paul
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I know it has been a while since this thread has been used so I thought I would post some of the stuff I am hearing and some of my personal observations.
First the blow fish are still in the surf as are the Kingfish. Small hooks and small bait. I tried the fish bites and I still like the small chunks of fresh clam better. The fish bites stay on longer but I find that the fresh clam out preforms them by a long shot.
Stripers are still here but not in any abundance right now. All that have been caught are for the most part being caught on clams.
The blues are not to be seen but there are reports that they are making their way closer to the shore. I am not to sure we will see them till the fall. It would be nice but we will just have to wait and see.
If you are looking for Fluke well they are around in the surf but you have to really have to work for them. Cast into the first trough and bounce a bucktail tipped with Gulp swimming mullet and a teaser about 8 to 10 inches above the jig.
If you are hunting the bay try the BB and BI buoys as they are still the best producers down this way.
The sedges are producing a big variety of fish so if you are going kayaking make sure to bring a pole along and try your luck. There is everything from weakefish to stripers back there including blues and if your into fiting Rays they are back there as well.
I am hearing grumblings that the Brown Sharks should be in this coming week so I would make it a point to get out there in the evening and try your luck. Bunker chunks on a wire leader 10/0 circle hook should do the trick. Just be patient and you should have a blast.
If your into crabbing well this is not so much out of the suds department but the bay is hot and the morning catch has been the best. I have to warn you though the spots are fewer this year to catch from due to Sandy and the municipalities now charging to gain access to piers. There are still a few free ones but like I said get there early. The catch is mainly a morning thing where catching 41/2 to 6' crabs in the 3 to 4 dozen range is starting to become the norm.
So, the dock at the Docksider is open now and so are the piers in SSP.
It is hot out there so just be careful and stay hydrated.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Fished all week off the beach on LBI. Tried it all NOrth,mid, and southern beaches, skunk every day not even a spot. Fishbites, clam for kings. Buck tail and gulp for fluke. Get em next time!
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Good try. You can't fault you for not giving up. We were going in the morning and trying to catch whatever tide change there was. But for a while now the tide changes were not that significant. I wonder if that has anything to do with it. Even the waves, like today 1 - 2 feet thats if up here.
We were not hitting them in any great numbers just here and there. But one thing I did find that the smaller hook was catching a lot more than the larger ones. I am down to a 2/0 and Iam catching.
I am using a Hi/Lo rig and did not need any more than 3oz to hold bottom. That tells me that there is no lateral current at all. The water is clear but now moving. We need a good storm to rip through and churn things up a bit. Hopefully on Sat nite.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Agree 100% we had absolutely no lateral drift and were using 3oz to hold
May just have well been using an anchor. No chance for the business end to cover any ground.
Did catch fish this week tho. Grabbed a private charter out of Barnegate. Temps were up in the ocean and the fluking/sea bassing was great. My 13yrold caught the winner 5.5lb fluke. Now I have to clean his room and wash his bike. Shoulda bet him cash. hhppy
Gonna post a report and pics in the reports tab
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fished the hook surf 4 days this week an got 1 throwback an with the fishing beach closed makes it even worse. rgmn
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I am so hoping for a good gully washer tonight to cool things down and maybe start things moving again.
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Thanks Paul TT^!
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Okay, lets revive this section...
The right time to fish has got to be talked about. I know many of us have just certain hours we can get to the water to do what we think we do best. This is including me of course. Plus the equipment used to hunt the darkened beach should be easy to change out.
Fishing can turn into a science but not the ultimate science as there are too many variables that have to be in alignment to catch all the time, but there is one thing that works better than others, after dark.
I know we all try to fish the bait that is around at the time many of us calling it "Match the Hatch". But what do you do when the bait around is in transition, like it is now. We will talk about this later.
The Golden hour has been talked about in so many articles and I believe in this month issue of "On The Water" even has an article about it. Well it is true. This time of year I try my hardest to get out on the sand an hour before dark or a couple of hours before first light. These two times are what make up that golden hour of fishing. Most fish are just gorging themselves as the different type of baits is just all over the place.
For now it is a time frame game with catching. I know many of you will have a problem getting out at dark or even dusk but give it a try and you should be pleasantly surprised at the out come. Oh yeah, casting till you can't see the plug syndrome. Well I know guys that swear by being able to cast past the last bar or you not going to catch. This is good only true some of the time, but rarely do I have the strength to do that and why I should when I am out catching them at least 2 to 1.
I was out yesterday (during the day) and saw many things that could drive you nuts, besides a seal out fishing and a pod of Dolphins heading south. I saw a huge school of bunker off the Judges shack in IBSP while the birds were filling up on sand eels everywhere in the beach wash and friends of mine throwing nets in the Pocket and filling up buckets of mullet.
So what do you throw? At this point I carry everything for now. I throw clams, bunker, mullet and teasers that mimic sand eels. Now you know why we carry so many outfits along in our carriers. But there is one thing that many forget and that is the time of day. You have to be aware that there are times of the day when most predators catch fish.
This time of year I am transitioning from bait to artificial lures because it is easier to change rigs and cheaper simply because I don't have to buy all those different baits for one thing (sorry B&T guys). So what do I do? Well, my method is to KISS. Keep It Simple Stupid.
Let’s talk simple; one of the simplest rigs is the AVA jig with teaser. This is my full rig from fishing line to jig. And, yes, I make all my tackle for the most part. I tie a clip and one of your choice I like the tactical angler clips or the look -a-likes as they make it easier to change things in the dark (plus in colder weather) and make changing things a bit easier with my arthritic fingers, to the end of my line. From there I make up a leader(leader material in the 30 to 40 lbs range is used) starting with a swivel, from there I tie a dropper loop about 6 to 8 inches below that, Than I tie another clip 16 to 18 inches below the dropper loop. With this method it is easier to change out lures and teasers as you go along. Especially on a dark beach (hint, hint, hint).
Yep, most of the great fishing right now is in the dark or close to it. If you like to fish plugs go for it. Just unclip the jig & teaser set up and clip on a plug of choice. I have been having success lately with a blue and white Gags Grabber. I also have one in red and white for later in the year, but as long as there is mullet in the area I like to stick with blue and white. Oh, by the way it casts like a rocket so you can cover a lot of water. More on that later.
Where? Right in the wash. When you can see fish in the curl of a wave you know they are in close so why cast so far as to not even see your lure? I learned this lesson years ago when I first started fly fishing the surf. People thought I was crazy like many other fly fishermen I know. Give it a try and don't pick up your rig or plug till it is on the sand.
So what have we learned? Try to keep things as simple as you can and minimize things you have to do. Try to mimic the bait that is around, especially this time of year. Keep your lures in the water all the way to the sand. Plus try fishing those magic hours and if you can't get out during the week I know tons of weekend warriors that hit the suds but not many like to fish the dark. Try it before it gets cold you might even see me out there.
Happy catching
Paul
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Nice. t^ Maybe I'll get out and hit the beach one of these days.
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Just give me a call and if I'm free you can hitch a ride anytime.
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Hit the jetty at Garfield in the south end of Long Branch after work today. Really rough still, but managed to get a bunch of throws in before it got dark. Fishing was rough but enjoyed getting a shot at it at least. Better luck tomorrow I hope.