Early Spring Choices?

[fellinger]

So, spring is almost here. If you had to put a chronological list (from first to last) what would you list as the first few species and the are you would fish.

Example: Would striper be first in the inlets or rivers? Then perhaps bluefin?

This is the first full season with the boat so, I want to have a good gameplan of the fisheries and their timing. I have had no luck searching for a good website that has this info readily available.

Fred

[Hotrod]

Back bay Striper Fishing

[NJ Guy]

Back bay Striper Fishing

 

[Hotrod]

To Answer your question better.

April May...Back Bay Stripers..

June July..Out Front Stripers on Bunker

Aug.Sept,Oct  Inshore Bluefin

Nov Stripers

I think I got that pretty close

[IrishAyes]

Mud hole cod

Inshore stripers

Inshore fluke/seabass

Mud hole shark

Mud hole bluefin

I think the time period is going to be a little screwy with the weather we are getting this winter. If we ever do get a winter it may push the time back a month or so. If we don't get a winter it will be a month earlier.

[Hunter 2]

I start fishing Stripers in Shallow water on April 1st, or sooner if the marinas open. "They pull the docks out during the winter, If the docks are in I can get in".  Clams are the key and the tide has to be running. Anchor up and wack clams over the side and they will come. You will need a 1/2 bushel for a short trip and a full bushel for a longer trip or more anglers on the boat. 5/0 to 7/0 hooks, 3' 30lb leaders slider sinkers. More factors come into play but Im not going to write a novel. Let me know if you need any help,  

[BigAl13]

I start fishing Stripers in Shallow water on April 1st, or sooner if the marinas open. "They pull the docks out during the winter, If the docks are in I can get in".  Clams are the key and the tide has to be running. Anchor up and wack clams over the side and they will come. You will need a 1/2 bushel for a short trip and a full bushel for a longer trip or more anglers on the boat. 5/0 to 7/0 hooks, 3' 30lb leaders slider sinkers. More factors come into play but Im not going to write a novel. Let me know if you need any help,  

Should i start tying rigs now

[Luna Sea 5]

From the moment I put my boat in the water in early April.  Stripers from the tip of Sandy Hook and just around the hook, clamming.  This usually last till May.  When June roles around, you will find them all along the cost chasing bunker, just look for the birds and snag and drop.

During the end of Striper season, you can either continue for stripers or switch to fluke through the summer.

September - November, back to the stripers along the beaches again, jigging or bunker.

If you follow the reports as the season progresses, you will get a heads up what everyone is doing.  Then just keep a journal and continue the following year. 

[fellinger]

Where are you guys finding fresh clams. I don't think I've ever seen a bait/tackle store sell them.

[Luna Sea 5]

Every bait store in the Atlantic Highlands area has them.  Sometimes you have to preorder them.  Its about $28 - $32 per bushel and they are the large ocean clams. 

[fellinger]

Thanks, I guess I'll look some up local to Manasquan.

I can make the ride to the Hook from MI but, does anyone know how the early stripes are in the MI area? Do they make a run in the Manasquan River or PPC?

[Hunter 2]

I start fishing Stripers in Shallow water on April 1st, or sooner if the marinas open. "They pull the docks out during the winter, If the docks are in I can get in".  Clams are the key and the tide has to be running. Anchor up and wack clams over the side and they will come. You will need a 1/2 bushel for a short trip and a full bushel for a longer trip or more anglers on the boat. 5/0 to 7/0 hooks, 3' 30lb leaders slider sinkers. More factors come into play but Im not going to write a novel. Let me know if you need any help, 

Should i start tying rigs now




No need to pre-tie these rigs. You never loose them and they last several trips.

[BigAl13]

I start fishing Stripers in Shallow water on April 1st, or sooner if the marinas open. "They pull the docks out during the winter, If the docks are in I can get in".  Clams are the key and the tide has to be running. Anchor up and wack clams over the side and they will come. You will need a 1/2 bushel for a short trip and a full bushel for a longer trip or more anglers on the boat. 5/0 to 7/0 hooks, 3' 30lb leaders slider sinkers. More factors come into play but Im not going to write a novel. Let me know if you need any help, 

Should i start tying rigs now




No need to pre-tie these rigs. You never loose them and they last several trips.

I meant so i can hop on board April 1st

[wb]

More factors come into play 

...like knowing Eddie's secret clammin spot...

I think with all the cracked clamshells on the bottom there the water depth has actually decreased another foot or so. 

[Hunter 2]

More factors come into play

...like knowing Eddie's secret clammin spot...

I think with all the cracked clamshells on the bottom there the water depth has actually decreased another foot or so.