Fishing for the geriatric

[Eng 94]

I have been floating around on this site to get a grasp on where I might bring this subject up and decided on starting here.

Since I am a person who is over the age of 65 and have some disabilities which prevent me from boating. I was wondering if anyone else is dealing with....how do I find a place to fish that will accommodate me where I can catch some fish first of all and where can I go where I won't be harassed for parking or have to pay some exorbitant fee. Realize in my case I can not walk the beach or the jetties, so it's the access to the inlets, such as the Manasquan or others that may have some access for someone like myself. If I wold like to fish say the Pt. Pleasant side of the Inlet. It's $2.50 an Hour, or the Manasquan side it's one Hour parking....and the local law is taking license plate numbers as you fish...catching shorts mind you. Yesterday Saturday the 6th of this month my wife and I took a ride down to the Shark River Inlet to see if there was a spot for us to fish at the end of 1st ave. Avon side. We weren't there 5 minutes before the law was there proceeding to what I felt was to let us know we could not park there, although there was someone fishing there. Never the less there were signs at the sea wall saying NO PARKING! and NO FISHING!  I am a disabled vet that would like to enjoy fishing with his wife without all the hassle and chicken chit. Any suggestions?          

[Takes Prizoners]

the PP side of the inlet is funny.  If you go during the busy season, definitely pay for parking.  I avoid the shore region during the summer.  But before Memorial Day and after Labor Day, I'll donate my $2.50 to the machine (if it's working) and watch everyone else coming in.  If they don't feed the meter, it gets nothing else from me. As far as spots to fish, if you don't mind a short walk from the parking lot, try Mantoloking Bridge. Good spot for fluke/flounder when they're in the back and schoolie stripers at night.  If you want Shark River, park in the marina and walk along the wall towards the bridge or drive up to the boat launch.  You might be able to get close to a spot on that side to fish.  The marina at the end of State St in Perth Amboy is easily accessible also.  There's a walkway/pier that protects the marina to fish off of.  The piers at Waterfront Park in Laurence Harbor are a longer walk but should be able to get you on some fish if you can make it.

[Eng 94]

TP: those are some good suggestions and should help me in the future I have been away for quite some time and need to get back into the swing again. Walking for any distance say more then 100 feel especially on uneven ground can be quite a challenge for me anymore,but I still give it the old college try. As far as fishing Stripers is concerned. I was hoping that the Manasquan Inlet would offer some action for us this fall,I love fishing for Striper it's always been a passion of mine. I always was a big fan of fishing from a boat and did for many years from private to Head boats. I wish I could still do it. Thanks TP         

[bassnblues]

I'm in a similar situation. I've owned or had access to boats since I was 12 and now at 48, a neurological disease has made me a part time wheelchair user. Getting on and off boats is a real issue. My brother in law and fishing partner who helped a lot drowned in a kayak accident last year so fishing has been non-existant for me.
 
Here's some places I've found pretty easy to fish from.

There's a free pier on Raritan bay in Port Monmouth.

There's some areas on the Point Pleasant canal where you can park and pretty much fish right next to your car. Last time I tried to go to my favorite area, it was being used to store construction equipment and was fenced off. I'm hoping this is temporary.

There's a free pier in Ocean Grove.

Barnegat light has plenty of piers to fish from.

Party boats are out of the question because I need to sit and can't stand at the rail.

I have gome on some open boat trips. You need to scope out the access and parking before booking. I have a deck chair that I bring with me after asking the captain if he's ok with it.

Good luck!

[ChrisL]

The Pt Pleasant Canal is a good suggestion.  Use Google Earth to scope out accessible street ends.  There is also a dock that is very easy to walk to at the south end.  Stripers bluefish, seabass, flounder and blackfish can all be had in the canal at he right times.
I play the same game with the meters at the inlet.  Early morning or off season I don't bother.  After about 8:30am in season, make sure to feed them. 

[Eng 94]

Thank you gentleman those should be a great help. I knew this was a great place for such information. I hate having to play the DAV thing with people that just don't understand your situation. People here seem to have a better understanding. Fellow fisherman.

My wife and I hazard the trip to the manasquan inlet tonight and nothing going on...just lots of googans. They have as much right to be there but don't respect anyone who is fishing there.

I had fished off the Leonardo Naval pier some time back with a friend who worked at Earl, but that has passed. He no longer works there since he has retired some time ago. We caught lots of game fish out there, more then I have ever caught at any other fishing location. (Spoiled)   

[fluke - u]

  ..  If you can make the drive to Elizabeth and walk 50 yards to my boat problem solved, You have to get fishing, You too Bass n Blues. I have a Parker with a low rail and deck chairs. I am willing to take anyone fishing ....

[Hotrod]

Nice topic..   

[Eng 94]

..  If you can make the drive to Elizabeth and walk 50 yards to my boat problem solved, You have to get fishing, You too Bass n Blues. I have a Parker with a low rail and deck chairs. I am willing to take anyone fishing ....

God bless ya Brother for the offer and I would love to take it as soon as we can get settled with our preparing to sell our home here in Farmingdale. We have taken off the time for fishing but have to get back to work before the cold weather. Keep me in mind and as soon as we can get together I will PM you...OK?

People like you guys renew my faith in mankind.   

[bassnblues]

Thanks Fluke! I'd love to get out.

Eng, maybe we can get together and do some exploring.

[Eng 94]

Thanks Fluke! I'd love to get out.

Eng, maybe we can get together and do some exploring.

 t^Just say when and were we can get together.