IBSP, has been hit hard this winter and getting it ready this year will be a challenge for sure. As a member of the NJBBA we have been working hard to get her ready for the summer of the best fishing around. We were running fence between Gilli's and A12 not the whole distance but between the dunes as the Nor'easter this winter really took its toll.
Gilli's is now open but be careful up there as the sand is still fluffy and getting stuck will be the norm till we get a few days of rain to pack things down. A couple of weeks ago while running the fence we had to dig out a number of people who unfortunately did not air down properly. Check your tire min and if you are going out on the sand air down to the min.
It looks like starting this weekend till Tuesday rain is in the picture which this time of year is a good thing. It will pack down the sand and make it easier to drive out there. If you are going out Saturday be careful between Gilli's and the bathing beaches as the sand is still very fluffy and the cuts are very steep.
If you should venture out try the early morning and late afternoon as there have been pods of bunker running the beach followed by blues and bass. It seems like the bait of choice for anglers that like to hunt, (move around in search for) blues or bass are the top water plugs like metal lipped swimmers or poppers like bottle poppers as well as some small metals. The spots yesterday were from A23 up to A7, just look for the deep cuts and in this case look for the cars as they are hunting in packs already.
I was out scouting some new grounds and doing some photography with my daughter on the back side of the island and I have to tell you the new cut through looks really promising. It is a bit of a walk to get back there but it looks really sweet. I can't wait to hit it with the kayak. But for now waders and some light gear would suffice. This winter took away some real estate out front as well as the back but opened up some new waters for fish to migrate into. I am looking forward to getting back there with a pole to see what is going on fishing wise.
It looks like a hot spot for weakfish so if you are up for a walk give it a try, I know I will. I posted some pictures just to show you the opening. If you look at the pictures you will see a line underwater where the sand bags were and to what extent the erosion has taken place. In the foreground you will see a stake just follow that line to a stake on the opposite side of the water and that is where the land used to be.
This year should be a winner, try to get out but remember to pick up after your self as the parks staff has been reduced significantly. And I hate picking up after summer time junkies.
Enjoy the pictures.
Happy Catching
Paul
