Author Topic: New to saltwater, got a few questions. (Read 3655 times)

Matt C · « **on:** June 09, 2009, 10:37:21 PM »

New to this forum as well

First off, this site is great I got a lot of good info from you guys so thanks for that. I've been freshwater guy all my life, and recently got the itch to give saltwater a chance. I got the idea after discussing how NJ's freshwater fishing is compared to other states in the US. Then it hit me that NJ has great saltwater fishing, and I should take advantage of it. I've been on a couple party boats so I have little knowledge, but there's still a few things I would like to get a better idea about.

I took my first trip on Sunday. Me and my friend got a couple of clams and headed to spring lake. I had a 7 ft ugly-stick bigwater I used that with a reel saltwater reel I bought that day. The trip went well, considering it was my first outing. Hooked into 2 fish, lost one. I also learned my first lesson...Buy a sand spike

In case you havn't guessed each time a fish hit, my rod would fall down and slowly start heading towards the surf.

Did get my first striper though, we had no scale, but I think this little guy was about 3-4 pounds. Small but still really fun to catch.
He was also tagged, and I'm not sure what that means, but he was safely released.

Now to my questions.

1. I've read a little about fishing the tides, and I'm wondering if theres a general rule of thumb when it comes to this.

2. How is the fishing in June. I've read about how great NJ is in the spring and fall. But what about this time of the year, is this still considered the spring season.

3. I really want to do a night trip. Is there any places besides IBSP to do this? If not how would a trip to IBSP if you don't have a car for the beach? would it be possible to park, and walk awhile to a nice secluded spot?

Thats pretty much it for now, i'm sure i'll have plenty more in the future

Sorry for making such a long post, but any help would be great.

ped579 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 09, 2009, 11:16:17 PM »

First welcome aboard MarkC,

You have picked one of what I think is the most exciting fishing opportunities out there. I know others will argue but I find it fascinating to be able to catch just about every fish the guys in the boats can just by walking the beach.

Your journey has a good start and I congratulate you on your first striped bass, people starting out would kill to be in your shoes. Your pole is a little small but for now it will be your outfit you will break into this sport with so lets concentrate on it for a moment. If you look at the rod close to the reel you will see what the rod can handle. It probably is something like a med. fast rod rated up to some where close to 1 1/2 oz lure wt and 20# line wt. you should try to stay with these weights or below as they are the parameters of what the pole can handle.

Many people have their own preference in the tides as some like the incoming and some swear the outgoing is much better. Right now I would not worry about that as much as just getting out there as both will catch fish. If you are targeting only one tide you could be missing out on some great fishing.

Fishing in June is great as there are plenty of different species around to target for instance I would fish the predawn and the dusk times for stripers as they are primarily nocturnal and off the beach they let their guard down a little and are more vulnerable. If you can only get out during the day I would target blues.

If you can get to the rocks like in Lavellette or the inlets fish in close for sea bass, tog, and as well the striped bass. Just make sure everything is in season. Start by fishing the north side of the rocks as this is the deepest side most of the time caused by the wave action.

Night trips are a outings not to be missed. You should be able to fish just about anywhere in NJ at night as just about all the beaches are open to fishing when the lifeguards are not around. Watch our site as we have a number of outings at night during the summer for shark.

As far as IBSP, that has to be one of the key areas to fish for anything that swims. If you do not have a vehicle for the beach just tell them at the guard shack that you are fishing and you will pay your 5 bucks and make your way to any of the parking lots (there are a ton of them, just ask for a map of the park). Each parking lot will have an access path to the beach some longer than others. I would suggest doing this in the daytime to get a feel of the place. If you want a good place to start go the parking area A7 and park then take the small board walk out to the beach from there you can walk to the waters edge easily.

Learn to read the water to see where the cuts and troughs are and fish them hard. The bait of choice for beginners would be clams or cut bunker. My advice would be to get known at any of the great bait & tackle shops as their inside information is priceless.

I hope this helps for starters. Just be patient and above all have fun.

Happy Catching and again welcome aboard.

Paul