As Sunday October 5th is approaching fast why not take the time to review a lot of the basics for catching fish and hooking up on a fairly regular basis. Wishful thinking I know but making sure you have your strategy in order will make for a successful day.
If you can make sure you read our article on “Reading the Beach” as that will be very important to put your self in a position for catching something as opposed to watching the waves roll in. IBSP has some excellent rips and cuts and if you know what to look for your chances of having your name on the cup just went up 10 fold.
The day should be a good one weather wise so bring a lot of sunscreen and be ready for the wind to be out of the East at 5 to 10 knots. The seas will be in the area of 2 to 4’ not bad so you will not have to throw heavy lead. I would think in the area of 3 as a minimum to maybe 6 at the high range.
I would suggest to keep the rig simple and go with either a Hi - Low rig with a pair of 6/0 hooks or a fishfinder rig with 6/0 hooks. Why 6/0’s simple you are not trying to target only one species of fish and by staying in this range your probability for catching something to put in the running has just gone up.
If you want to get fancy you can throw on a teaser for good measure about 18 inches above your main hook or hooks.
As far as bait my choice would be to load up on clams. Clams are still the bait of choice simply because they are still washing up on shore after the blow last week and many of the locals are having good catches even on Friday. If I were you I would go early to get my bait as the shops along Rt 35 leading to the park are limited and as there will be an army of people heading to the park that day they will probably run out early. I was told that they will be over stocking on clams so hopefully there will be enough to go around.
What to use if the clams run out? Well you have your choice of mullet, P-Nut Bunker or lures. Since there are tons of sand eels and spearing around try to pick lures that will match these abundant little fish.
What would be the lure of choice for that day? If I had only one choice it would be the AVA in either the 007 or the A17 in either no tube, white, red or green tubes. Anything any larger and you again are limiting yourself to a species.
Remember the name of the game is to catch fish and not to experiment. Use tactics that have worked well over the years and I am sure you will do well and who knows, we might be reading about your triumphant foray to Island Beach State Park on a beautiful Sunday in October fishing the Governors Cup Fishing Tournament.
Keep it simple and keep it small.
I wish each and everyone Good Luck and Tight Lines.
Happy Catching
Paul
