Where are the fish???

[mikel33]

Hello,

I'm 24 and I've been fishing my entire life off of docks and different back-bay areas of Stone Harbor, Grassy Sound, Wildwood, Sea Isle, etc. (We can't afford a boat, and have never had these problems 5 years ago).  I fish with my father and my uncle, and they are both extremely experienced.

Now here is my dilemma: Back in the day.. when I was young, sea bass and fluke were plentiful... especially sea bass. I remember just dropping a piece of squid on a hook and bringing home tons of nice keepers.. NOT ANY MORE...Not a single one.

Why??

We can't even get junk fish anymore. My Dad and uncle are very experienced, with boats, surf fishing and on shore in the back bay. We don't understand the "disappearance" of the fish.

Do they not eat squid anymore? We try minnows.. nada, blood worms? nothing... The infamous GULP on a bucktail? Nothing..

We really are baffled and extremely frustrated as to why the fish aren't biting anymore... And I can't say that I've seen anyone around us catching anything either..

This seems to have started in the last 10 years, but mostly bad in the last 5.. Someone please give me a miracle answer, because my dad and uncle are about to call it quits with fishing because of the cost of bait, gas, etc for NOTHING. I'm trying to save a tradition.

Thanks for any help!

[EAGLE AYE]

Mikell33, welcome to the boards.  I fish the Sea Isle/Avalon area via boat.  When are you fishing?  Day or night?  Weekend or weekday? 

[Luna Sea 5]

welcome....

[mikel33]

We usually fish on a weekend in the daytime and catch the incoming tide

[Hotrod]

Hi Mike Welcome to the site.

Have a look here.  http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?board=58.0

Member Sean Is all over your area.  Maybe he can help you out with some good locations,  I'm sure he'll be in this thread shortly.

Again.  Thanks for joining us

Rod

[ped579]

Welcome Aboard Mike,

Like Hotrod said Sean should be here shortly and I am sure he can put you onto some spots that will get you some action.

I fish the surf quite regularly and yes there has been a drop in the cast to catch ratio but not to the extent like you suggest.  Timing is everything in this sport.  You have to know what and when to fish that specific species. 

It has become a sport that technique is everything today.  At least with the years experience gained by the elders of your clan they should have the equipment necessary to bring home the catch.

When you venture out do you stop by the local bait & tackle shop for bait, if you do, pick their brains as to the spots that are producing.  It pays to single our 1 or 2 shops and frequent them often this way the information you get is priceless and fresh.

Don't give up my friend the fish are there all you have to do is put it all together and you will have your family fishing partners back with open arms once again.

Happy Catching

Paul

[seanr8w]

Hello and Welcome Mike, I have been trying my best and having a tough time as well this year. I remember the days of full boxes and fun catches and this year has been difficult to say the least. I have been concentrating my efforts in Longport for the most part, but I am heading to Cape May this Saturday Night with a buddy who knows a spot down there and hopefully that will produce something worth while in the striped variety. As for fluke, I have picked up some shorties but nothing keepable. It was early in the year though, and I haven't been out much lately since I have been picking up a ton of overtime so that I can buy some new equipment. I was told of a beach across from the pier in Longport that is supposedly great for fluke. I will be trying that out in the coming weeks. It is tough for me because I come in from Pine Hill and the current gas prices are keeping me from getting out and trying the places that I would like to. Where are you coming from?  Maybe we can hook up and try  and split the fuel costs to make it easier for both of us. If you live close to the shore than we can at least meet up and get the lines wet. PM me or give me a call at 609-330-4183....leave a message and I will call back....I am a call screener so chances are I will not answer until I have your number saved.