NJ Saltwater Fisherman Forums
The Surf Fisherman Forum => IBSP Fishing Reports => Topic started by: ped579 on April 17, 2007, 12:56:41 PM
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Conditions at IBSP are pretty bad especially at high tide. The water is right up to the dunes. This report is from the guard shack and not hear say. The water is rough and very dirty with a nnw wind still blowing conditions will be changing very slowly.
You can get on the beach but only at low tide if you want to risk it, this is especially down at the end and around the areas from A10 - A18.
Lets hope for a wsw or w wind to help quiet things down. I will be going over there in a couple of days to check again.
I will be posting a few pictures soon of Seaside Park and Ortley Beach as soon as I resize them.
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my uncle tried to get down to the fishing pier in sea side and said it was bad
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Conditions at high tide this morning (10 am-ish) Surf was rough, hard to hold bottom, lot of monkey hair in the water. Saw two shorts caught. Wind was SW.
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/bacs22/IBSP/4-20IBSP004.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/bacs22/IBSP/4-20IBSP005.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/bacs22/IBSP/4-20IBSP006.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/bacs22/IBSP/4-20IBSP008.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/bacs22/IBSP/4-20IBSP007.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/bacs22/IBSP/4-20IBSP009.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/bacs22/IBSP/4-20IBSP010.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/bacs22/IBSP/4-20IBSP003.jpg)
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v690/bacs22/IBSP/4-20IBSP011.jpg)
Fished this afternoon as well (3:30-6:30 low tide) surf was alot calmer, no monkey hair, water looked fishy, just no fish. Saw one short caught. Wind was SSE.
Still a better day than working. I'll post some pics of high tide later.
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Now I'm really jealous I haven't been able to get out since last Sat. I kinda thought it would be as waste of time with all the nasty weather we had.
Looking to go out on Sunday with the family it looks like the high tide to be around 12:30 - 12:45 so I am pushing to be out there set up by 10:30 - 11:00. I have two females to contend with so we'll see.
Sat. is a honey do day can't get out of that. Next week school is out for spring break so if the weather is nice I should be able to talk my daughter into going out at least 2 days (I hope).
Thanks for the report. It looks like the winds will be calm to 8mph and primerely out of the south for Sat. and Sunday that should calm things down a bit more.
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Slight West wind on the porch this morning. Gonna head out around 7:30 -8 am.
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looks like a great day to take pics :P
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Nice pictures. Well with the winds slacking off and being out of the south south west iot should really quiet down a lot. Can't wait to be out there tomorrow...
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Hay Ed the conditions in those pictures are not bad when you consider where those pictures were taken earlier in the week those guys would have been under water... :o ::) ;D
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nice pictures
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Nice pics.
Can't wait to get down there myself.
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IBSP 4/21 AM High (http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v690/bacs22/?action=view¤t=MVI_0007.flv)
Beautiful day, no fish, only one short caught by our group.
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Nice!!.. Ok we need a Video Plug in..
I'm on it ;D
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I'll be out at IBSP 4-22 to fish and watch the sun rise . <'((((><
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Young Gull it sure looks like a flat bay till you look close, you can tell the boat is getting ready to ride a swell. Nice shot.
Well lets hope tomorrow is a good day or should I say a better day. I won't be out there to see the sun rise but I will be out there by 10:30 with the family.
I am going to start down by the pocket and see what happens I might even take the fly stuff and try for weakies on the back side of the island.
Anything anywhere HELP I am having fishing withdrawl...I NEED TO FISH!!! :P
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Thanks Ed...Women just don't understand ???
Paul
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The water temp today was up to 49 deg. on the ocean side of the island, anytime now...read todays report from Betty & Nicks and there were a number of shorts caught from Top of The Mast south. HERE THEY COME GUYS t^
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Done with todays family, wife, & house obligations. Gilkins before sunrise on Sunday, 4/29 . <'((((><
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I hope you had better luck than I did yesterday. :'( Read my report in IBSP Opened Up!!!
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This would be a great Topic to keep alive.
It is #1 on google search for Conditions at IBSP
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Sunday 6-17-'07
As you wish oh great hotrodski... >:D
How does it feel being made Polish with a few clicks of the keyboard?
Oh yeah the report... 8)
If you were looking to have a restful Fathers day fishing at IBSP forget it. They were packed tighter than jumbo sardines in a mini sardine can.
But it was still great to be out there.
Blues were caught in an early morning blitz up north by Gillikins and as the day heated up the fishing dropped off. Fluke were being caught off the rocks at the North Jetty and in the trough going north to the first cut. After that it was slim pickens.
The fluke were being caught on artificial lures, anything resembling herring or spearing seemed to work.
As far as my day at the beach well lets just say I went to the beach. I threw everything at anything with fins and nothing. I tried clams, blue and white saltwater spinnerbaits, 1oz blue and white Atom striper swiper, AVA - 17, 27, 47's, red and white bucktail jig with a natural 4" Pogy Gulp bait attached. Nothing :'(
I have to say the new braid line worked out just fine in fact it out cast all my mono without a doubt. As far as being rough on the fingers I had no problem and I was out there for about 7 hours. Good stuff that Power Pro. I used 30# test on an 8' M to MH pole and threw easly 30 - 40- yards further than the mono.
Thanks guys for the prompting it is well worth the extra money. As far as line twist I did not notice any problems in fact I tied direct to everything and no line twist to speak of.
If anyone would like to add anything please post and like Rod said lets keep this thread going who knows where it will lead to.
Happy Fathers Day to all the fortunate guys out there with children, Make sure you take them fishing and they will be your buddy for life TT^
To the longliner who lost bouy #6 it now resides in a nice Italian gentlemans garden. You made his day... t^ Sorry foe your loss... :-\
Paul
P.S. I had the hell scared out of me when an Osprey decided to go diving for bait right in front of me. Roughly 20' away. He was taken under by a wave almost at my feet and when he surfaced he shook his head flapped his wings and took off with a small bait fish in his beak. WOW!!!
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TT^ Funny it was #1 3 hours ago. now it's nowhere. friggin google
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Wait till tomorrow... ;D
Right now every one is crashing from exhaustion and sunburn. Not me were waiting for my daughter to get home and were going for ice cream at one of the best ice cream stands around Mrs, Walkers Ummmmm
Paul
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Friday 6/22,
Hi All.
Well I went out today and thought it was going to be a good day. I hit the beach 1 1/2 hours before high tide and drove down to the pocket I was the only one there Great. Except for a few who were fishing the jetty. On the way down I n noticed a pod of dolphin swimming just off the outer breakers :-X I knew what that meant :'(. But What the heck I'm here might as well GO FISHING...
I rigged up with a Atom Striper Swiper and tried that for a while noticed a few birds diving on small bait fish. So I switched to a bucktail with a 4" Pogy(Bunker) bait and tried that in the trough nothing. I then proceeded to change over to a blue and silver squid spinner bait with a silver leaf blade. Nothing... There were fish there I could see them in the wash all small fluke about 8' long just prowling the beach line pretty cool.
There was one gentleman with a fly rod on the jetty who I noticed caught a short fluke fishing the outer parts of the pocket.
While driving north to exit at A24 I saw one fish caught a Sea Robin and he claimed that is all he was getting. Another report of only one Striped bass caught around A19.
Oh well, I will be out there tomorrow night. I haven't been out this year at night yet so I think tomorrow will be the day.
I have to say that the water quality was excellent. You could see the bottom clearly and look right through the cresting waves. I thought with the quick storm yesterday the pocket would be full of stuff but no which was a good sign.
Happy Catching 8)
Paul
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June 23
Hi All,
Well we went out this evening and teh weather was fantastic. Set up around an hour before sunset and got ready for the magic hour to begin. The Surf was flat very small waves perfect for plugging. I put bait on two rigs and sent them out and plugged with the third. Used the Atom 1 1/4oz blue / white and clams on the other rigs.
I had no action on the plug but had a fish on with the clams. It was a short striper but very chunky. We stayed till around 10:00 and no further hits so we called it a night.
Happy Catching...
Apul
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Sorry too All,
This week has been so hectic that I didn't get a chance to get to the surf, bummer. We will be going Sat. evening and this time it will be an hour and a half before dusk till an hour and a half after. I have found this to be a good time for me right now. Last week I caught a striped bass during this window so why change. Unfortunately the pictures I thought I had on my wife's camera did not happen ??? Oh well that means I will have to catch another, and use my camera.
From reading other posts it almost sounds like we had a bit of an upwelling where the water on the bottom comes up from currents and mixes with the warm water on top to cool it down quite a bit. Not sure what to expect tomorrow but looking forward to get out there and fish.
Just for haha's we are going to try fishing the sunrise time slot on Wednesday and get off the beach before it gets too crowded. Will post then as well.
If anyone has been at IBSP a post here would be appreciated thanks guys.
I will be trying some new lures out tomorrow as well. Salted clams will be used plus fresh clams will also be on the menu. I'll see how much I can squeeze into three hours. :P Grumpy here I come, get those clams ready guys. I think I will be picking up a pencil popper as well this trip. ;)
Not sure where we will be so if anyone is going to be out there give me a call I'm in the contacts forum.
Happy Catching... 8)
Paul
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Well lets try this again.
Last night I had computer problems and could not post a report. We are back up and running. So here goes.
We hit the beach around 6:30 and were fishing by 6:45. It was a beautiful night to be out on the beach. The wind was changing direction It was out of the north when we first started and shifted to south west and then out of the west. The tide was higher than usual because of the full moon and the water was half way to the dunes but no problem getting down to the North Jetty area.
Not much action to speak of it seemed that a lot of people were leaving early before hightide at around 8:30 + or -. We were using clams for the most part and the catching was off. I caught a small skate who ingested a circle hook so I cut it loose and released it. About a 1/2 hour later another skate this time much larger but still a skate.
The best part of the night was watching the moon make its climb through a partly cloudy sky to full brilliance. No need for any lanterns last night.
I have to say that for next years change of line I will be going to all braid on all my reels. That stuff is amazing. You can feel every little bump of the sinker and every little tap on the hook. I would recommend it to all those who are skeptical about changing over like I was. My suggestion, JUST DO IT.
Last nights rigs were as follows:
1. 8' rod 30# braided line fish finder rig with 3 oz lead pyramid sinker and a 6/0 Gami circle hook.
2. 9' rod 12# mono line, fishfinder rig with 3 oz lead pyramid sinker with 6/0 conventional hook.
3. 10' rod 12# mono line, 3 way swivel 3 oz lead pyramid sinker with a 6/0 double hook bait keeper set up.
The only rod into anything was the 8' rod.
We are planning to be out there on the 4th for an early morning trip before the sun is up. Hoping to get the change in the low tide this time I hope it works.
Any one into the oldies We are planning on going to Berkeley for their sounds of Summer concert at Veterans Park at 6:00PM. The Duprees will be performing free.
Hope to see you there.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
See my rreport under 4th of July Blow Out. :P
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
This is a hearsay report for the weekend.
Fish are being caught at IBSP just be patient and you will be rewarded. By the N Jetty fluke have been caught with a number as keepers. There are a large numbers of skate being caught as well. The trick is to keep your bait moving. Slow jerks with jigs tipped with anything seems to be working.
Up north by Gillkins, Is the bulk of the bigger fish why, who knows, but they are there. Most are being caught on bunker and poppers (large poppers). That is where I will be targeting this weekend. I will post info as I get it.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice info. Good luck this weekend, Paul.
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Good Luck @ IBSP this weekend Paul, I will be also fishing this weekend but at Sandy Hook. t^
Fish On
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Hi All,
Sorry for the late post.
Well it was the last day of vacation and it was beautiful. The wind even helped us out by coming out of the east. We hit the beach about the time change from Hi to Low. We decided to use clams and cut squid. It seemed to work because it was about even as far as what bait worked best.
We were down by the pocket and fished the slough just north to the first rip. It seemed that the rip worked best as that was the most productive area. As I had 4 of us out I basically was bait boy. making sure everyone was happy, (wife, sister-in-law and my daughter).
I found that 2 - 3 oz weight would hold bottom nicely, no need to sling anchors.
The fluke were all shorts but were fun catching. As we are catch and release fishermen it was a pleasure to have such a good day, even though they were shorts.
We were off the beach by 3 as the bite was off for the middle of the out going tide.
One note though if you are planning to visit IBSP bring bug spray. I found that Deep Woods works best. They are out in numbers when the wind is westerly.
Depending on the weather I plan on being out Thursday with a good friend and the only Ocean County Forester. He is an avid sportsman and loves to fish the island. We will probably be hitting a number of areas from Gillkins to the Pocket. It should be a good day if the weather holds.
Happy Catching
Paul
Happy Catching
Paul
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Very nice report Paul, better to have the feeling of reeling something in then sitting there waiting for hours with no hits. I will be heading out to LBI real soon hopefully the weather holds up I want to do some striper fishing off the surf late evening. t^
Fish On
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Hi All,
Well I went out with a good friend Rich this evening to IBSP. Our plan was to do a majority of plugging and maybe using clams if all else fails.
The flies were horrendous and we used two cans of Deep Woods to fend them off. If you are planning to go out this weekend make sure to bring along the bug spray. BTW Shop Rite had Deep Woods on sale I think they were sold out the minute the sign hit the shelf. I got the last 5 cans today.
We stopped at Grumpys for bait and met a lady by the name of Karen Wall. If it sounds like you know might the name, she is one of the editors of the Hook Line And Sinker. Read her story in Fridays paper it is a great story. Good looking rod BTW Karen I don't think the pink would work for me though.
Back to fishing. We started close to the pocket and saw a large number of birds working and a couple to three hundred yards off the beach it looked like a large school of bunker were milling around nothing chasing them though. The fellow next to us caught two skate what looked to be on clams.
Not much action here so we decided to move up the beach so we stopped around area 19 and plugged, nothing.
Basically we were fishing either side of the rips where it drops off into a slough. Again Nothing.
By this time it was dark so I changed over to clams and had a couple of hits but nothing hit the beach. A, you should of been here yesterday night. :-X
Good Luck tomorrow everyone.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi Seabreeze,
Glad you made it aboard. I hope you enjoy the site as it can get quite addicting. Tell Steve I said hello. I know crabbing is in over at your place but don't forget to give us the in on the fishing in and around the piers.
Thanks for logging in and passing your information along.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Guys, i am new to the IBSP thing as i have a friend that lives in Toms River and we would like to try surf fishing. Where is the area known as the pocket, and the north Jetty? Are they within walking distance of the parking lots? Thanks!
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Hi intili61,
I frequent IBSP often. The pocket and the north jetty are at the same location. If you don't have a ride out there it can be a good walk. Not impossible but long on the sand.
If you like to walk and plug it would not be out of the question. I have seen many people do it.
To get there go all the way to the end of the road and park, plenty of parking spaces. follow the beach buggy path and head south. Like I said it is a good walk. Or head out to the water and start plugging and before yo9u know it you are there. It is the furthest point you can go in the park.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Thanks Paul,we drove down to the end, then turned around and went back to A21, i casted a bucktail for a while, nothing, then sent out a high -lo rig with a gulp crab on lower hook and a worm on upper and caught a 15" fluke on the crab, threw it back and then nothing else. We were told about a hole off A25, will try that next time then go to the end.Approx. how far of a walk is it?
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Hi intili6
Not quite sure how far it is I never clocked it next time out I will have to check the odometer.
There are holes, cuts and slough's all over the place. My best tip is to go at low tide and check the wave action. If you see the waves breaking far out you know there is a sand bar there, look for a break in the waves that means there is a cut in the bar and you probably will see a rip current going through there. Mark that place in your mind (usually look for a marking in the dune area and mark it in your mind) as that will probably produce for you. Plus the area between the bar and the shore is called a slough it will usually hold bait fish and whatever will be feeding on them as well. You might find two at times as well.
I hope this helps
Happy Catching
Paul
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Well time to keep this thread going. Reports down the beach are the same as all over. you should have been here yesterday. Although that is probably true there are fish being caught but not like it should be this time of year. The bass are just not here yet.
If you read some of the other reports especially Drew's, PopSouls Son. He sent a report from Maine and said they are still catching Striper's up there, so they are strung out all up and down the coast from Main to Delaware.
I just hope everything comes to gether as the bait fish are on their migration out of the rivers and bays so anything goes at this point in time. If you go out be ready to match the hatch. The best way to do this is to listen to the boats and visit your favorite bait and tackle shop and pick their brains
If you fly fish be ready for anything especially a good west wind.
If I hear any more news I will post it as soon as possible.
This time of year I keep a 7'-6" rod in my veh at all times, one never knows when the time is right.
Happy Catching
Paul
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When the fish are around, them sea conditions (except for the wind being out of the south) are ideal for stripers. Especially using clams. They like the rough water, but if too much sand gets mixed in, the stripers are gone.
I have found that a south wind is never good for fishing.
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I agree, the south wind especially during this time of year goes counter to the prevailing fall / winter flow. Like yesterday the wave action was from the SSE which was not normal for the flow. I found if your using lures and the fish are around because of the bait you have to cast to the south and retrieve from there just the opposite direction.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Well there is the south wind a blowin again today. Not much to speak of except for a few small blues caught ion the park. I hear that the croakers are on the prowl late in the day early evenings so be on the lookout for them as well.
The bass and blues are in and out again if you are lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time your catching if not your working on your suntan.
Low tide is around 7:30 I think I will be out there trying to drown some more plugs we'll see.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Good luck Ped.
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TT^ TT^ TT^
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Hi All,
I know this thread has not been used for a while only because I have been trying other areas but I will be trying to get reports and post them here from now on.
This past weekend has been pretty snotty but there are some good reports coming out of IBSP.
From A7 South have been pretty good, with A10 coming out in the lead with multiple bass being caught right off the sigh.
It seems like almost anything can still be used, clams, plugs and metal round out the top 3 choices.
The park seemed deserted today but there were a few out there trying their luck.
The surf has been pretty close to the dunes lately especially below A7 to A14 during high tide so be careful and check with the guard shack before you go to far out there and can't get back off the beach.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Just in case anyone is getting cabin fever like I am I thought I would post this informational page after talking to the Gate Keepers yesterday.
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/parksandforests/parks/island.html
Here you will find all the necessary information you will need to either make it a daily visit, acquire a 3 day pass to bring your 4X4 on the beach or do like I do opt for the Annual pass for a whole year of fishing fun.
I hope this helps relieve some stress during the long winter ahead.
BTW I do go out in the winter in fact it looks like this years bass run, if you can call it that, will be happening well into January.
After that well lets say anything goes.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
I just got back from Ortley Beach and was talkiing to a good friend who was down in the park. Bass are being caught on plugs and metal down in the pocket. A 20#er was caught off the jetty with a number in the 10 to 12# class up around A14 - A17.
There were a number of shorts caught as well. It seems like the deadly dick is the key lure right now.
It was noticed that there might be large schools of herring or P-Nuts off shore because there were whales working the area between A10 and A14 down to about A18. And oh yeah the seals are still on the beach so be careful if you are driving and see a large gray lump it just might be a seal.
So to wrap things up, try the sloughs with metal and you might be surprised.
Get on at A7 and work south A10 to A14 have been hot. Just read the beach and look for the cuts and rips they seem to be working them pretty hard.
If you like plugging poppers in the color range of white with yellow are working as well as swimmers in the same color range.
Good Luck maybe I'll see you out there or if you can monitor the ham band of 2 meters listen on 146.910 for N2HYG (me) and N2KPC (Lloyd). If you are a ham give us a call.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Good info Paul. t^
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Thanks, I am looking forward to getting out there tomorrow.
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Hi All,
Well my daughter went out to the park for a few hours and do a number of things one of them was to naturally fish. The others were to watch for whales and seals.
IBSP just like the beaches to the north have been flattened out pretty good but the beach structure is beginning to form once again.
While waiting for a friend to meet us on the beach (Lloyd N2KPC) we decided to fish starting at A7. One thing we noticed was that there were herring all over the place. Gulls and Gannet's were feeding like crazy. I am not talking about small schools of bait either. One had to be at least 2 - 300yards long.
We tried our luck from A7 down to A14 with no luck but then again I think my daughter was more interested this time looking for the whales and seals. On our way down south we stopped to ask a number of guys if they had any luck well it seems like they were as lucky as we were, zip.
Lloyd called on the radio saying that he will meet us at A23 so we road south again while we were waiting we spotted again a huge school of herring with birds diving on them, too far for us to cast that far so we just watched till Lloyd arrived.
I told him Krista was really interested in the whales so the three of us donned with binoculars and searched for them. The time and conditions were right and it was Lloyd that spotted them first up between A14 & A23. Pretty cool, but to far away to make a good impression on my daughter. Oh well next time.
As we were putting air in the tires we were talking to a couple of gentlemen who were skunked as well but said they saw one striper caught between A10 & A14. That seems like the hot spot for now. The bait of choice was clams.
So if you are going to give IBSP a try start at A7 and work south paying particular attention around A10 to A14. And bring fresh clams.
As we had to go we left Lloyd setting up for some night fishing and guess what kind of bait, yup clams. I did not talk to him any more this evening but I will let you know tomorrow if he had any luck.
I might try Sunday again if the weather holds if not Monday will have to do.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice report Paul. t^
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Thanks for the info Paul. I hope to get out there on Sunday for a few hours. <'((((><
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If you do get out tomorrow you might want to think about going in there AM it looks like the weather might be an issue after 1300 hrs.
Good luck... TT^
Paul
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I fish the park all the time, great site here.
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Red, welcome to the site. Poke around, there is a lot to see.
Any questions, just ask. Anything you can add, please do so. We like pics. Feel free to add pics to your reports, etc.
Looking forward to your posts/reports.
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Hi All,
And Welcome Aboard, Red_Cherokee. My self and Ash another member of the board were out there today. This morning was pretty good weather wise so we picked up some salted clams from Grumpys and headed out.
Hit the beach at A7 and and worked our way south to A14. I heard reports that fish were being caught in that area and up north a little off the bathing beaches and up towards Gillikens.
We threw just about everything we had at them and zip. Plenty of birds working and plenty of bait around but nothing seemed to work. We tried many holes and rips threw into the sloughs along the way but no one was home. Or at least not interested.
Ash, threw his heart out and has progressed greatly since the last time. He is casting his new outfit like a pro. Nice work Ash. I would fish next to him anytime.
We got onto the beach around 11:00 and fished till 15:00 give or take till the rain started. We fished before Hi tide which was at 12:29 so we fished the change and beyond.
We just have to keep on trying. Stopped back at Grumpys for a drink and checked the log Sunday was empty. I don't feel so bad now.
We tried we learned and I have to say I had good company to spent the day with.
Thanks for a great day Ash.
Again Welcome Aboard, Red_Cherokee. What kind of rig are you running on the beach. I have a maroon 2000 Expedition with a small rod & cooler rack on the back.
Maybe we can link up one day and fish together. I am out there about 2 to 3 days a week. I don't know if you know Lloyd, N2KPC or not but I usually link up with him on the weekends. He is out of Mount Holly.
I live in Toms River so it is an easy treck for me to get out there.
I am looking forward to more input here and also "from the suds". I usually post in both. We were so busy fishing today I forgot to take pictures but the guys like to see our efforts even if we don't catch.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice effort Paul and Ash. Get em next time. t^
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I haven't been out in a couple of weeks has anyone heard of anything going on out there. I guess I will have to go and do some recon. I will let you know in a couple of days...
Paul
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Well...just got back from IBSP. Aired down and entered at Fishermans Walk. There was 1 truck out there, a couple running metal detectors. As soon as we got on the sand, we noticed a huge flock of birds...and I mean HUGE!! We followed them down to A-10 and the whole flock started bombing!! There had to be over 1,000 birds and they all dove. It was wierd cause they were all flying, then all of a sudden they all dove and disappeared , then resurfaced. I fished a bit where they were diving with no luck. That was the only place I fished. There were a few people fishing near A-17ish area, with bait. They had a nice little fire going. Didn't see anything caught though.
Just to let everyone know, the beach has been severely eroded from that huge blow that came through last week-end. Especially between A-10 and the judges shack. PLEASE BE CAREFUL. Right after A-10, you can barely get by one of the eroded areas. You have to hug the dunes and its 1 lane. If your too close to the beach, you'll roll your buggy down the drop...looked like about 6 feet down.
Also, at the end by the jetty, the entire beach from the waterline up to the dunes is covered with clam shells...and I mean covered!!
Just be careful out there folks! have fun!
Ryan
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Great update Ryan.
Thank You t^
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Thanks For the Report Ryan t^
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Thanks for the report Ryan,
I was thinking of going out tomorrow. I know what you mean about the clams I was out last week and found the clam beach as well.
It is going to be an interesting year.
I might try back by Spitzzel Creek tomorrow and see what happens. I am in the mood for some fly fishing.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice try Ryan, thanks for the report. It won't be long before the fishing jumps into full gear. t^
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Hi All,
OK, I have been tying flies all winter and have a nice variety to throw this Spring, I have fished IBSP for a long time but out front mostly and the flats just west of the old wooden bulkhead that was replaced by rocks and rip rap.
My question would be can I wade from the canoe & kayak launch on the bay side walk south and around the tidal pool and come out in the same spot or are there areas to deep to wade?
I would love to be able to walk and fly fish that stretch this Spring. Any input would be appreciated.
I have noticed that there are a lot of guests looking at these posts I hope if you have any information I would encourage you to join us as I need your input.
Thanks
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Well today was like the rest lately but that is OK. The weather was fantastic the wind out of the NNE around 5 - 8 gusting to 19 mph.
I tried the top of the tide and outgoing for about 3 hours. Unfortunately nothing but that was just fine with me. I parked at the North Jetty and began to get things ready for a walk out back when I gentleman walked from off the jetty and who's veh. I was parked next to(BTW I think we were the only ones on the whole beach)He and his brother were from Pa. and fish there often. To Matt and John hello. I hope they sigh up soon.
Guys it would be good to know what is happening and where as we are an information center for all up and down the Jersey coast. You can post here or PM me or call me. Once you post 8 times other forums open up and one of them is the contacts forum where you can list your info if you like or call guys up and get info before you take the long trek from Harrisburg ZI think you said.
Anyway, it was nice to meet you. If you see me on the beach don't hesitate to come over and say HI.
As far as catching anything NADA. But I think I knew that as the water temp there was still around 43 degrees.
There was some grass in the surf but the water is clearing nicely. So as we have been saying for a while now soon real soon.
Happy Catching
Paul
P.S. If I botched up your names I apologize.
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Good effort Paul. A few more degrees and the bass will be on the move. I'm thinking another two weekends and we will be there. t^
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I agree but I had to wet a line as yesterday was photo day with the family.
Come on 50.
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Thanks for the report Paul t^
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OK, the season is almost here. We all have cabin fever in one shape or form. We all are eager to get out with nothing else on our minds except catching fish.
Well, wrong, I hope all that will be making their way onto the beach with a vehicle remembers to adhere to the rules especially the 10 MPH.
There will be kids all over the place and speeding to get from one hot spot to another is not worth ruining some families life forever.
So Please Drive Responsibly.
Who knows you might get something for it.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Just talked to a couple of B&T's to find out what I have been missing. Man I have to get out.
All the reports focus in on IBSP. Two keepers this weekend both 29.5" one weighed in at 9.2 and the other 10.2. They both were caught on clams so go out there and drown those tender morsels.
Right now it will take around 5 - 8 oz weight to hold bottom so get those arms a pumping lead guys.
Plenty of shorts have been taken I heard if you go you catch, only problem they are small. But what the heck at least your catching.
The back of the island is producing as well, the water is warmer and they are starting to hit on small plugs. If you go try all the usuals clams, sand worms, blood worms and any small plug you have in your bag. I can't wait to try a small popper my wife won as a prize at our 1st annual party this past weekend. Yes, she said I could play with it just don't scratch it... rofla
Anything in the yellow, chartreuse, white or red in any of those combos should work just fine.
Being the water is still cold work them slow for a while.
Night time is still the best time so charge up your batteries and head out before sun up or right before sunrise.
As always, Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi ALL,
Well I went out mid morning for a couple of hours of relaxation. Stopped by Grumpys for clams and off to the Pocket.
Lowered my air and proceeded on to the beach, if you haven't been there for a while there is a slight berm right where the access road and the beach meet. Be careful as it is steeper than it looks if you have a lower clearance veh just be careful. Once the guys churn it up a bit it should be OK.
Headed straight for the Pocket and set up. 2 poles one close and one further out and the third as far as I could get it. Unfortunately the conventional reel was set for no magnets and well lets say can you say birds nest...I will make sure I check that the next time out. It took me about 1/2 hour to get this one out.
The wind was howling out of the NNE when I started and ended up due East when I finished.
There was a good chop going on and well lets say it was a beautiful day to be on the beach. I did not catch a thing but wind burn but that is OK it is still early.
There were others out there but most were moving around and when I ledt there was not a buggie from the pocket to A23.
I think I will try again on Wed or Thurs but Friday is a definite.
Here are some pictures of todays outing, enjoy.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Great pics Paul it's a shame our water isn't as blue as the sky...... Was nice to meet you and your wife at the party. thanks for the report. t^
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Hi All,
Conditions at IBSP were beautiful, if you like sun bathing. If you like fishing it was so so, but if you like catching for get it. There were a lot of veh. on the beach today but they all looked like they were frustrated with the lack of catching.
I tried a few rips and cuts up from the pocket to start with. I was told that they are catching stripers on metals close to the bottom. I was using Deadly Dicks, AVA 17, 27, 47, in green, red, chartreuse, and white; no luck at all.
Switched to Krocodiles in three different sizes, nothing.
I decided to go to the inlet and see what was happening there but when I talked to a guy I talked to at Grumpys he said he did not catch anything but that there have been a few blues caught on white bucktails with either white or chartreuse curly tails. I did not have much time to spent changing over so I just watched for a while and I have to say I was there for a half and hour and NADA.
I will be going back Friday with my daughter to see and try again. Man I have to use one of those finger guards I am tearing up my finger with long casts today. Braid is some tough stuff.
If anyone is going out there maybe we will see you there. Stop by and say hi, I love to BS the time away.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hey Paul, I saw a guy fishing the other day, and he had a piece of duct tape wrapped around the tip of his index finger. It was his "guard". Seemed to work well. Cheap too!! Give it a try! I know I will. Good luck fishing! We might hit it tomorrow.
Ryan
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The white tape for bandages works good also. TT^
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Hi All,
Finally no SKUNK today... ;D
I was told to try using cloth bandade like the Curad ones. Put it on before using it and your good to go the whole day. I did and it does last all day. In fact I had trouble taking it off had to use a knife. The cloth is a lot more flexible and waterproof to boot.
Well, My daughter and I went out today and she was just a lookie lou she just wanted to hang out so I did not push her to fish. We caught the last hour of the in coming tide at the North Jetty.
Not much happening when we first pulled up until some guy yelled fish breaking the surface. There were about 20 guys scrambling for position and slinging bucktails. It looked like some one firing a Gatling gun across the surface. Well As it goes I am the non conformer I threw a top water lure. No one caught a thing that round.
It was about 1:50 and the tide began to go slack is when the guy next to me caught a nice blue. It was not long after that the guy to my left caught a good size skate (he was using bunker chunks it looked like).
Than it was my turn I threw a white and chartreuse bucktail tipped with a white curly tail and wham pulled in a nice 3-5# blue. Then the bite was off as fast as it started.
Well it is nice to finally have a good report for once.
It looks like the park is going to be a really crowded on this summer as the beach is filling up even on Thursdays. Today Friday it was tow rows of parking at the North Jetty. It was a bit to crowded for me but I guess I am spoiled living so close the the action and going during the week.
There are fish there guys and don't be afraid to try different things. Just to give you a heads up by the time we left a number of guys switched to chartreuse and white tipped with a white curley tail, go figure. t^
As we headed off the beach we asked a number of people fishing out frone and no one caught a thing. It was all at the inlet.
Happy Catching
Paul
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OK Guys,
The fish are finally here to stay for a while. From the reports I have read and spoke to we are getting a nice mix in the wash in all three locations, the beach out front, the inlet and the back areas of the island.
If you can get out to IBSP by all means do so the blues are the ones there in force right now. The water has warmed up nicely and they are a hungry bunch making blitzes on the beach as well as right in the inlet.
Friday was pretty good as blues were taken on white bucktails tipped with white curly tails. During the weekend many blues were brought in and they were going after bunker chunks and mullet. The largest one I heard of was a nice 31" 7.9# caught on bunker.
There are Black fish being caught where ever there is structure, over the weekend the largest one caught was a sweet 16.5" that weighed in at 3.4# caught on crab. The season ends on Wednesday guys so get out there and make the best of it.
Finally we are hearing of Weakfish being caught Grumpy weighed in a nice one at 33" and 11.8# caught on a shad. When things were checked out under the hood it seemed that shad was the choice meal of the day.
Over at Betty & Nicks they to are weighing a nice bunch of blues as well. They are reporting that Lures are starting to be productive now as well. Thats my kind of fishing. I am looking forward to start plugging and stalking the beach.
It seems like the back is starting to heat up as well. A number of small bass are being caught back there in some of the deeper cuts on surface plugs and light tackle . I am looking forward to getting out at A21 and A15. This should be a good season for those that work the beach on a regular basis.
Well I have a few more things to check out today and I will get back to you soon.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Went out for a couple of hours this morning and headed straight for the inlet. When I arrived the out going tide was really ripping. I set up shot the breeze for a while and proceeded to try my luck. Not much happening for the first hour until the tide started to slack off.
I saw 1 black fish caught and 1 fluke then it was my turn, 1 black fish near the rocks just off the jetty. The guys out further on the jetty were doing much better with the blackfish.
As this was the last day of the season I did not have the heard to keep mine as did a lot of others we all let them go. It was pretty cool.
I again used a bucktail, chartreuse over white tipped with a white curly tail.
Others were using all white and doing really well.
I might give it a try again tomorrow and see what happens. The tide went slack around 1 PM or so which goes along with the beat time is the in coming.
I hope this is helpful. There seemed to be quite a few out there today I think this summer is going to be a busy one.
Happy Catching
Paul
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For todays conditions read The Beach is Alive for further information. If you can get out there and enjoy.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Today was a beautiful day at the beach unfortunately there were no fish around to speak of.
I have to warn you though the signs are up for summer rules as far as driving on the beach north of A7 and south of Gillikins so be careful.
They are giving out tickets for this infraction. I wish they would post this info so the innocent ones will have a chance.
Paul
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Hi All,
Conditions at IBSP are not to good right now. The erosion has hit the beach hard as well. The beach is CLOSED TO BEACH BUGGIES AT HI TIDE TILL FURTHER NOTICE.
Sorry for shouting but this does not happen to often this time of year at least not this bad.
If you decide to go I would call ahead to make sure you can gain access to the beach.
If I hear anything to update I will post it PDQ...
As an update I did hear a report of bass and blues being caught off the north end mainly on bunker. Sounds like it is almost time to break out the plugs guys. I am really looking forward to some of that action.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Descent Day today, no keepers but at least I was catching. Two short bass and one big sea robin.
The day started out at 5 AM, headed out and picked up bait which was clams and bunker ($2.00 each). I was told to start out at Gillikins so I did nothing plus it was to crowded for me. I went down to A7 and went south no birds working at all and no signs of life at all. I thought it was going to be one of those days again.
I finally got down about a 1/4 mile from the jetty and planted my self. I had four outfits so I figured I would set them all up differently. I used a hi low rig, fishfinder with a 26" leader from the sinker and an 12" ff, and one with a 3 way swivel.
Well the first hit was a bass on the hi low rig and it hit on the clam which was the bottom hook. On the top hook I had a bunker chunk.
The next fish was the Sea Robin which hit the ff rig with the 26" leader.
The third fish was again hit on clams with the hi low rig and again hit the bottom hook leaving the bunker in tact.
Ran out of clams so I called it a day. Off the beach and home by 11:30 and report written by 12:06.
Good day to be out there.
Happy Catching
Paul
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good shot paul, if it was easy it would be called catching. atleast as you said, you where catching, and not just a tan.
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Nice Paul!!
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I forgot to mention that I saw other bass being casught as well. One guy had 3 that ranged from 30# to 34#.
All in the early morning and on clams...
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Nice catch Paul. t^
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Thanks Joe, it was pretty funny though. I was fishing along side a fellow surf fisherman and I was impressed with his set up so I tried to emulate it by spreading out my rod holders just like his. I was just about all set up and placing the last pole in the holder when I noticed the pole to the far right dipping pretty vigorously, so I started to make my way over to it when the holder and the pole started to give way and become loose. I tried to run over to the pole before it hit the sand but I tripped and fell to the sand.
Now this would not normally be a problem but I had my waders on and could not get up because of the far from perfect movement in my hips so what to do? I started to crawl over to the pole on all fours which is now on the sand making its way slowly to the water. I got over and picked up the rod and felt that the fish was still on. I used the sand spike and the pole to get up all the while the fish is still trying to get loose and the pole is vibrating like crazy.
Got to my feet and reeled the fish in and by now my neighbor has come over and asked if everything is OK? I said sure haven't you ever seen a beached whale fishing before? So I told him that it was my hips and he picked up the bass and returned it to the sea for me.
Need less to say I did get the fish and had a good laugh to boot.
True story
Paul
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TT^ Now that is a Kodak Moment! rofla
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Funny stuff Paul! I've got a rather hilarious mental picture painted. hhppy
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Nice catch Paul! t^ Great story! ;D
-Bob
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Hi Guys,
Well I'm going back on Friday to see if I can top Wednesday's fiasco. I hope this time to catch that little ones big momma.
I still can't believe how big that searobin was.
Happy Catching
I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day. I am trying to talk the family to go to IBSP for the day. I know I will regret it but at least the family will be together.
One day i will have to describe the process to ya...Just think privy.
Paul
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Good luck Paul! TT^
I hope u get the big one! t^
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I hope so too, each time out they are getting bigger so it is a good sign.
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Hi All,
Well the skunk got me again but I kind of thought he would. I was targeting striper's with clams and left the blues to the guys that enjoy eating them.
It was a beautiful day at IBSP today except for the NNE wind that gusted to 26 mph. Pretty strong at times but manageable with 4 to 6 oz of lead.
I started out casting the conventional out and hit the clam beds off the southern part of the park and right off the reel I get a good strike but it snapped the braid line and I lost the whole rig. It was pretty amazing later I would up snagging my ff rig and I could see that the braid broke about 6" up from the swivel.
But after that Nada with the clams so I changes spots and tried the inlet but no striper's running there either.
I did see a lot of blues being pulled in all over the park and I would say the average size was in the 12 to 15 lbs but a confirmed weigh in today was 19.8 lbs not bad. All blues were caught in bunker or anything that closely resembled a bunker.
I left the beach and the bite was still on. I looks like the blues are here for a while as the big ones are tight to the beach and devouring anything in site (except clams).
The funny thing was there were no signs of bunker running and no birds working either but there were plenty of happy faces all over IBSP today which was great. Congrats to all who caught today. The guys that were fishing all seemed to be extremely friendly and did not mind a couple of guys slide in on their action my hat goes off to you. slt
I am hoping to get back out on Friday for the morning run we'll see.
Happy Catching
PAul
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Thanks for the great reports!
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Thanks hockey12,
I enjoy doing it. Besides with the way gas prices are we need all the help we can get.
I will be writing anothe report before the weekend so everyone can have a good chance over the weekend. I will be leaving for vacation on Sunday so next week there will be no report unless someone decides to post one up, I hope...
Happy catching
Paul
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Hi All,
I will be going out tonight to the park, if anyone wants to tag along for a few hours give me a PM. I will be going out before dusk and will be using plugs and metals which means I will be moving a lot.
I hope a good report will follow.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Good Luck Paul....my kind of surf fishing!! Keep yourself hydrated, it's a hot one out there today!!!
grtn
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Yeah, thats why I am going at night. The wind will be out of the East so it should not be too bad.
Plus the bugs should be at a minimum as well.
Paul
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go gett'em paul. i was thinkin about pluggin mantalokin friday night, if you wanna catch up. sorry would love to make it tonight, too darn busy.
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Hi All,
Well last night was a beautiful night to be on the beach but not much happening. Plugged my brains out and not one hit. The moon was almost full and it was so bright that you did not need any light at all out there.
I went on at A7 and started fishing at A10 and continued down to the inlet. there were only a handful of anglers out last night so the beach was pretty much deserted.
The wave action has taken its toll on a lot of beach as it was hi tide when I was out there in some places you had to hug the dunes to make it by.
The new poles that were put up are still there but south of A23 there is a section that has eroded the beach so much there is no way to get through except to drive on the other side of a few of them.
I am sure the beach will replenish it self but my advice would be to be careful out there at night until it does.
We will be going out sometime during the weekend I will keep you posted as to the conditions of the beach. With the combination of higher tides due to the Full Moon and the swells created by the tropical storm that is moving north conditions will be varying for at least the next week.
I am being told that there have been Weakfish, Kingfish and Spanish Mackerel being caught closer to the inlet, but not on a regular basis though.
Bass and blues are still making things interesting but you have to venture out during the nocturnal times of the day to be able to have a chance on these guys.
We are still waiting for the Croakers to make a showing but the water even though is feels warm is still a bit to cool for them in shore.
If you are going to target Kingfish try a hi low rig with hook size in the 1/0 size bracket and if you can get them at a price you feel comfortable with bloodworms is the choice here.
Good Luck.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Thanks for the report Paul! Too bad there weren't any fish out. Better luck this weekend!! Supposed to be a "heat wave!"
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Yeah, that is why I usually go towards evening. If there is a east wind that will cool it off even more. Last night it was gorgeous out there.
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I hear that! Too hot during the day to stand out on the beach if you don't have to. As I was cleaning up from yardwork last night, I thought how nice it was out. It cooled off, nice breeze and bright moon...perfect for fishing!!
Maybe the "HEAT WAVE" will bring the ocean temps up to normal averages. It's been a little cooler than normal!?
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I'll say last week the temps were in the mid 50's while off shore they were in the 70's.
I love it out on the beach at night most people have left and the bugs are for the most part not around.
Plus the wife doesn't seem to mind if I go out to fish at night so it is especially good for me.
Paul
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Hi All,
Well last night was beautiful, cool breeze coming out of the SW, water temps seemed warmer than usual, not to many on the beach so there were a number of good spots open. I had the company of Ash last night, we made out way onto the beach a little late but thats OK and set up at A10. We decided to use artificialness last night so we started with 1oz bucktails tipped with 4" swimming minnows, nada. I decided to throw on a teaser which was a short domo time for Ash, and put on a Gulp shrimp in natural color using a 1/0 long shank hook. The casts were not long but the retrieves were slow. Cast out let the bucktail drop and just lift the rod to vertical and reel to horizontal real slow.
Than the feeling that wakes us all up that small tap tap. Fish On...It was a short fluke but that felt good. I know everyone is saying you can't catch fluke at night on artificial lures, during a south west wind in cold water. Well it happened. The fish was caught on the teaser BTW. It was a short and the night was just about over so we headed off the beach, aired up and headed back over to where Ash's car was and shot the breeze a little.
Ash, it was a pleasure last night, lets do it again only sooner next time.
Happy Catching
Paul
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sweet t^
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Nice night, Paul!! It is always nice to catch when you go out.
TT^
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Paul,
As always, I had a good time fishing and shooting the chit with you. As I'm sure you expected, I had to share the story you told me of your daughter's delivery with the Mrs. She got a kick out of it although she's hoping that ours isn't quite as eventful as yours!
Next time, I promise to be a little more mindful of the time. TT^
I also practiced some more dropper loop tying and it's gettin' there...
Thanks again, Paul. See you soon!
Ash
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Hi All,
Well the weekend is here and everyone wants to go fishing. The conditions are looking great as the temps are up sea conditions are 1 - 2" swells on the beach, water temps in the suds are around 66 degrees and getting warmer.
These conditions are leading up to a good weekend for just about anything you want to get off the beach is possible.
Word has it that the blues are back and there are stripers mixed in for good measure as are the fluke. Getting closer to the inlet you might pick up a weakie or two on the out going tide as the water temps in the bat are up.
As far as the bay it is wide open fishing and anything is possible from weakfish and crokers in the upper part of the bay to snappers and blues in the middle bay to small drum and blues, fluke and stripers in back of the park.
BTW the barometer is still down which is good for the bite, so if you can get out and have fun. See everyone out on the beach tonight... grtn
Happy Catching
Paul
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hey paul did you say sharks,lol.
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Just got back from the park. Conditions were great this morning. I got to the park about 3:45AM and aired down and hit the beach by 4:00. Started at A10 and not to much going on except the moon had the beach lit up to the point that no light were needed. Slowly worked my way down to the inlet where the current was ripping through and I was finally able to hold bottom with 8 oz.
Tried bait and switched over to bucktails and picked up 2 searobins. I did notice that the birds were working in the pocket so I slid over there and switched over to a Deadly Dick and then to a Krocodile. The Krocodile did get a hit but did not get a good hook ste and what ever was on was gone.
I have to say that this was the first time in a long time that IO saw the birds work and diving on bait. This was just at sun rise and lasted for about an hour and then they were gone.
If you are going down to the inlet today the dredge was out there working the middle of the channel so it will probably be churning up the bottom a bit. Good time to either try somewhere else or use it to your advantage. The jetty guys were starting to arrive and I saw 1 Sea Bass caught (very small )in the rocks.
Maybe I will try a little later but most likely tomorrow morning will be more like it. The barometer will be dropping as the slight low moves through tomorrow in the late afternoon.
Good Luck if you are going out... t^
Happy Catching
Paul
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Nice report Paul.
I'm hpoing to get out there Wed. or Thurs. of this week and again one day next week.
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Sounds good Chris, let me know what day and maybe I could meet you out there. I have to warn you though I usually do not stay in one place if things are slow.
I was a beautiful sunrise today and the sun was a bright red lets see if the old saying is true. I know they are calling for rain Tues. afternoon.
If we don't hook up good luck.
Happy Catching
Paul
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I'll let you know what I come up Paul. Depends on how productive I am around the house tomorrow.
It would be great to get out with you and work the beach and learn.
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Sounds good. The only day I might be busy would be Friday .
Happy Catching
Paul
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Planning on Thursday.
Recommendations on time of day, rigs and bait would be appreciated.
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I was talking to the guys over at Grumpys and they said they are getting blue blitzes and they are using peanuts. They were in front of the Top Of The Mast.
I would try pre dawn and work the edges and look for bait and birds working. When I was there on Monday the birds were working like crazy down by the pocket.
Sunrise on Thursday is at 6:14
Low is at 4:47 so you would be working the incoming as sunrisr which I like.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Good Ole Top of the Mast...still a nice pocket there! Produces a lot of fish there. That is my father's favorite place to fish besides IBSP. One of the only places where I fish the surf!!
TT^
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I have been fishing that area for 53 years and it is still a great area to dunk a line. Although I have been spoiled with the park and being able to ride onto the beach. I would say growing up that is where I caught my first fish off the surf so it will always be one of my favorite places especially in the fall.
It does not get any better than being out there under the lights with a fog rolling in, pole in hand and listening to the geese honking over the ocean heading south. Boy that gives me the goose bumps even today.
Happy Catching
Paul
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I'm aiming to hit the sand around 5-5:30 tomorrow morning.
Gonna try a variety of baits, including peanut bunker and work from A10 down and back.
Hopefully the fishing will be better tomorrow then you found it today.
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Good luck. In my opinion if I would of had clams I think I would have done a bit better. At least with the clams I was getting more solid hits.
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Read the report, Paul! Too bad the blitz started after you left!
I didn't get out to fish, had the bug to hit the tables. got whacked, I should have gone fishing instead!
Nursing my wounds with a couple of cold ones right now!
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:P
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??? so what are the "conditions at IBSP" Might be getting striper fever >:D
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Right now if you can get out there the bassin is outrageous. This wind and surf is making for rough times but the fish are right in the slop close enough to shore that a long cast will produce a nice fish.
Don't worry about holding bottom the best technique is to get it into your mind that you will be walking the beach. By doing this you will be able to cover more ground and it will be actually bringing the bait to the fish which would be more natural than if it was just sitting there.
Right now the bait of choice would be the clam as the beds are getting hit pretty hard. Next would be the bunker whole or in chunks and then the metals especially the AVA's around the A27 size.
The water is nasty but the fishing seems to be off the wall as of yesterday. I have talked to many that were out there and they all have smiles on their faces and chattering like school kids.
I am thinking about going out on Monday for a while and see what I can take from the left overs.
Good Luck
Happy Catching
Paul
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FYI - Park is reportedly going to be closed at high tide (around noon) today
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Thanks! I guess it is still pretty bad out there...I know the wind calmed down, but I see the waves are still pretty big and the water is pushing up the beach. Not as bad as yesterday or Saturday!!
TT^
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i was gonna go give it a try today, then thought to check the Seaside Heights web cam...decided it was too rough for this rookie.
I'll give it try later in the week.
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I agree with you!! I was only able to get out one day last week and picked a bad one! Those web cams are great...I love them. I have a pre surf trip ritual...check the tides, the latest reports, the weather, the webcams!! My family thinks I am crazy rofla. Sometimes, I just need to go fishing, although, my better judgement got away from me on Saturday. I should have hit the river and did some trout fishing instead. But, it was another experience to live and learn through!!
TT^
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With the water calming down nicely for us older or should I say seasoned guys the fishing should start to heat up as the temperatures start to drop. Evening temps tonight will be below 40 plus the sky's are for the most part clear suitable for radial cooling the waters should start their cool down once again.
IBSP has been slowed once again due to a couple of factors not many out fishing, lousy sea conditions and a shortage of clams.
The next couple of days should be pretty good as the clam boats have started to go once again and clams are back in some of the shops.
These little bivalves are the key again to a successful catch. If you can get them great if not try salted ones they are a little more but they still catch fish.
Yesterday I only heard of a couple of shorts and one keeper in the park but like I said earlier there were not many out there trying... 5hrug
Good Luck.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
All I can say is that the PARK IS HOT, to bad it is blowing so hard 25 to 30 mph with gusts over 35. There are waves of rain pelting the beach and unless you are well dressed to keep out the rain and blowing sand forget about it.
But with that said the fishing there is hot and one of the hottest areas is from A7 south to around A13. A husband and wife team came into one of the B&T's to report that they have caught a half dozen each (bass).
And they weren't the only ones. The bite has been on since last night and I hope it will last till Monday that is the earliest I can get out again.
Good Luck if you are going out. They are saying the wind should shift to the West this evening so get ready to hit the beach if you can tonight.
All fish are in the cookie cutter range of around 28 to 30" range. But they are here in numbers right now... TT^
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All,
Not to much to report today a few just like Sunday. It seems like the B&T's are fully stocked on clams once again but I'm sure when the word gets out that there is a bite once again the coolers will empty out fast once again.
Like I have been saying the catches of bass are all in the cookie cutter range which is 28 to 32". Still it is nice to be able to land one just for bragging rights.
Tuesday seems to be a nasty one with not so much rain but the wind will be a blowing real hard with gusts some where up in the 50'S. OUCH...
If you do go out many of the bass caught have been in close as were the puppy drum over the weekend. The bunker have been here for a while but Sunday was a banner day for them as they stretched out over a mile long. Huge blues were hitting them hard but that was a good thousand yards off the beach. Sorry Surfrocket even your blaster would not help.
Plus there was a report of an 8' hammer head shark that bit off half a blue fish and then some how managed to get free only after creating a nasty wash day for some unsuspecting angler off one of the many boats out there.
Again if you go the the park watch your tides and you should be alright as the areas that are getting flooded are A11 and A21. If you get caught between there you will have to wait for low tide so be careful.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Hi All, well it really looks like the Fall run is in full swing. If you can get out to almost any beach with clams at your side it is time.
The reports on bass have been coming in the the B&T's all up and down the area from Point Pleasant Beach south to Barnegat Inlet.
Most of the bass catch was on the clam but if you are a died in the wool plugger, or love to throw metals you were rewarded with some nice size blues.
I did not get a chance to get out to any of the beaches this weekend as I was having a blast on Rod boat, but I did get a few calls and the reports were great.
I am going to try and get out Tuesdays and see what happens. Not sure where yet but with such a fantastic bite this weekend it would be a shame to miss it.
So, if you can break away and hit the beaches I would make every effort as the stripers are getting bigger and there is a lot of them all over the place. Largest was a 39" bass caught on metal not too shabbily.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Looks like the morning bite into the high tide right now seems to be the best! The evening bite into the high tide has not been as productive...at least where I was!
TT^
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Try doing the Kokopelli dance before you get onto the beach, can't hurt... grtn
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Try doing the Kokopelli dance before you get onto the beach, can't hurt... grtn
hhppy I need all the help I can get
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OK, to keep this thread going I talked to a ham friend who was out fishing the park today and I could tell in his voice that the bite was off. It seemed that the majority of fish caught today were on the boats that were about 600 yards off the beach.
Most of the fish that were taken on the beach were all shorts with only a couple in the 12# range.
The majority of all fish were taken on metals and the slow retrieve is the key. If you have teasers use them as the guys that have them on are out fishing those that do not use them.
Most B&T's in the area have them for sale and all you have to do is master the dropper loop and your in business. If you want Santa to bring you something you might ask him for a fly tying kit as they ar enot that expensive and can be set up almost anywhere. Betty & Nicks sells fly tying material as do a number of shops up north.
Good luck and I hope to see you out there look for the white flag pole with the American flag and the NJSWF flag right below.
Happy Catching
Paul
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Great report, Paul!
Funny how one day the fish are in on the beach with everyone catching and the next day you can't even score a short and the boats are having a field day. I hear that IBSP was pretty full yesterday and that it looked like 4th of July in NY Harbor with the boats off of IBSP! It was really nice weather yesterday so. A friend's father scored a decent 25+ lber in IBSP on an AVA yesterday, but that seemed to be about it? He said there is still a lot of bait out there to go around, so...
TT^
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Nice catch BTW by your fathers friend. I think we should be into fish till after Christmas unless there is a long cold snap and the water temps dip to the low 40's.
It seems like the AVA's are the key this year or at least something that resembles a sand eel. Top water plugs have been slow but when the bite is on them they are killing them. Last week there was a bite on that all they wanted was the yellow bomber or something like it. There was an angler in SSH just north of the fishing pier that caught 5 with in an hour that day so you never know.
That is why I carry so much stuff when I hit the beach you just never know what will be the key. And the thing is, what is working in the morning can't even catch a cold in the afternoon.
Paul
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Yeah, variety is the spice of life and the spice of fishing ;D. It is also a good excuse to buy lures hhppy.
I hope we see fish until the spring :P! I am not sure when I will be out again. I have some wicked lower back pain. I think it is just old injuries that keep getting nagged. Have to go see Dr Feel Good and see what is on the menu this time. Hopefully, it is nothing much b/c I am going crazy. I may have to venture out and do some freshwater...I think I can handle that rod right now. I don't think I can do the surf at the moment 5hrug.
Also, I have to rephrase my earlier post...a friend's father. Not my father's friend. Sorry, early morning dyslexia...I am not a morning person AT ALL!!
TT^
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I hope you are feeling better this weather doesn't help.
No, you said it right I got it wrong, DUH :P
I enjoy making my own stuff one of these days I will venture back to turning my own plugs but right now I can not justify buying a lathe even the mini's are up over $500.
That is about 20 decent plugs worth.
Oh well maybe later down the road.
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Thanks Paul! Still waiting to get into the Dr. They are backed up from the Holiday Weekend. I am definitely not crafty enough to turn plugs. Looks like fun, but between the woodworking and then painting...it could be really bad! One day, I am going to go into the garage and check out some of the tools my father left me. I know there is a table jig saw, maybe a band saw and a very old, large lathe that was used in the B&T store by my uncle's family. It was used to turn rods, but I know it will turn wood, because my father and I made some cool stuff when I was younger. Bowls, spoons, etc...
TT^