Written by Steve Adams
Thursday, 22 April 2010
Happy Spring to everyone at NJ Saltwater Fisherman!
Hope you all survived Mother Nature's nasty snow and blow without too much hardship this past winter.
Rod has helped me shake off the winter doldrums and fishing show burn-out, so maybe now I can contribute a bit to what's happening with the Jersey Surf scene.
Things are happening! Quite a bit earlier than what I'm used to seeing. Water temps are still cool, but the bait is on the move. Bunker and sea herring are quite thick along the shore, with racer bluefish and good sized striped bass hot on their tails. From Sandy Hook down through Brigantine, clam and bunker baits have been catching bass and blues. As of late, plugs and metals have been added to the mix with good results.
Schools of menhaden have been spotted within a few miles from shore, and with the right conditions, they’ve been moving into range for the surfcasters.
I'll be out this weekend giving it a shot, and every available moment from then until early June. Pencil poppers will be my main choice for artificials during this time. Though I will chunk bunker and sling clams as well.
I did a preliminary trip 2 Sundays ago to shake off the cobwebs at IBSP. I have never seen the north part of the park in worse condition for driving. I don't get nervous often driving the sand, but that morning had me on full alert. Low and slow, and was still a chore. 20 minutes from Gilliken's to A7 took an hour after we got on, I heard they closed the entrance to Gillie's, and only let A7 drive-ons go south...............Take care on the sand folks.
Best Bet
Get Out and Fish!
It's happening now!
Steve Adams
www.aoktackle.com
