Please someone, tell me where to go!!!

[seanr8w]

I have spent the last five years working in retail...6 days a week, with no time for life let alone fishing. I am no longer in retail, and suddenly find myself working three 12-hour days a week with 4-days off. What do I do with all of this time?
OK, I am busting out my old fishing gear today, and tomorrow, I ride!!! Problem is, I got no boat, and a little short on funds. I am looking for a place to drive that I can fish from a pier, bridge, or whatever! What is the best place that I can go to do some fishing without paying a ton off money? I know of few places in Ocean City, but the last few times I went, I remember catching more seaweed  bngh than fish. I would really like to catch fish this time! The weather is supposed to be great tomorrow(4-10-08), and I really need to breath salty air and with any luck, maybe come home with a meal. I would love to hear some suggestions. Thanks to all!
~Sean

[Luna Sea 5]

this time of year, things are slow, especially from the beach or pier.  It should pick up a bit soon.

[wingshooter]

where are u looking to fish??? willing to travel if so sandy hook or island beach are goos as is barnegat light jetty....

[Reel Time]

 not sure of your locations,, but a member did an excellent write up of some spots here http://njsaltwaterfisherman.com/forums/index.php?board=58.0

[IrishAyes]

Seanr8w, welcome to the site.
As others have asked, where are you located and how far are you willing to travel. Also, let us know what you want to target. Do you want striped bass, winter flounder? Right now, they are pretty much the only game in town off the shore.

What find of gear do you have? Light action/medium/heavy?

With that information, the guys can be a little more particular in their answers. 

[seanr8w]

Wow, thanks for all the fast replies. I am willing to travel to Barnegat Light, and winter flounder is what I would be looking for. I have some basic gear and two rods, one light and one medium, both in great shape. Not sure of the test line on them however. I will check back soon, in between some errands. If I don't get the errands done today, the wife will not be pleased if I go fisshin tomorrow !

[Hotrod]

welcome Sean.  You came to the right place. Hope you knock them dead

[gottog]

Ain;t there a pier by the power plant near Ocean City?  Heard of flounder and schoolies being caught there.  ASides from that, can't help you that far "south"

Lots of places to fish for free along Raritan Bay shoreline

[fishinfool]

Welcome Aboard 

[gagedylan]

just head up rt 9, and fish  from the bridge at Oyster Creek

[Capt. Mike]

Check out Barnegat Light near bay side of the inlet. I think that will produce for you. You can always call ahead to Barnegat Light Bait and Tackle for some Q and A for the area. They are very helpful.

Capt. Mike

[blynch]

Jetties in cape may??? I dont really know much about south of the barnegat.  I know the area of beach around the inlet in oc can be decent

[ped579]

First Welcome Aboard,

I was just looking at some satellite photos and can see a nice hole on the west side of the jetty that points due south at the southern most point in Longport.  It looks good for winter flounder.

Plus you might want to keep iin mind that there is a pier in Ventner City at the end of Cambridge Ave. that also looks good there seems to be some deep water aroung there as well.

I hope this helps.

Happy Catching

Paul

[seanr8w]

OK, Thanks to everyone who helped me out! It's 4:45 am and the car is loaded with my gear. I have decided to take the ride to Ole Barney this morning. Haven't been there since I was a small child fishin with my Grandfather. I am looking forward to a beautiful (and hopefully productive) day! I will report back later. Thanks again everyone!
~Sean

[Hotrod]

nice!!!!!!

[IrishAyes]

Good luck and enjoy the day. It should be a beaut today. 

[ped579]

I am glad someone is getting out on such a beautiful day.

I hope you are successful, good luck.

Paul

[seanr8w]

Well, I got to Barnegat Thursday morning ready to drop my lines by seven am. Unfortunately, it was about 8 am by the time I found an open baitshop. I fished from 8:30 am until 4:30 pm, using to poles, top and bottom rigs, and clam and bloodworm in various combinations on my hooks. I also had a chumpot and two logs of chum for the day. The end result was five skates, a snail, and a pretty bad sunburn. However, after such a very beautiful day . . .I am at peace with the lack of winter flounder. My mind is clear . . . Fishing is truly a form of deep meditation and I feel like a new man. I think I might try again on Monday ! !

[IrishAyes]

At least it was a nice day to wet a line.  t^Congrats on this year's first sunburn.  Don't let that happen too often, not good for ya.

[ped579]

Ouch...Sunburn bad, fishing although no flounder good.  Till next time, go get um.

Paul