The First Striped Bass of 2021 – NJ’s Run Has Begun!
After counting down the days through the month of February, the back bay striped bass season in the Garden State officially kicked off on Monday, March 1 with Edvardas Gintare the first to report a “slot” fish of 30 inches a little after 10 a.m. at the Hook House in Toms River. That report was followed soon after by DJ Tommy K who checked in with the Tackle Box in Hazlet with another over 28-incher in the north, with Myles Bosley was next with a 30-1/2-incher at Absecon Bay Sportsman Center. For those wondering if the cold month of February would’ve put those holdover river stripers on lockjaw, the reports from the sedges and sod banks from the Raritan down the Delaware seem to show otherwise. More local tackle shops have reopened for the season this week as flats of bloodworms are arriving almost daily to keep up with the demand. And with a warming trend in the forecast for the week ahead, you can expect that demand to increase as striped bass hit the muddy flats in search of an easy meal. Check out this week’s full video forecast for a comprehensive rundown on local action in the New Jersey, Delaware Bay region. Fish on!!!
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Northern New Jersey Fishing Reports
Jim Hutchinson, Jr.-Northern New Jersey Highlights
March 01, 2021 - 12:42:25
Keyport, Cliffwood Beach, and all along the Raritan Bayshore you can expect to see rods in spikes lining the muddy flats in the coming days as the striped bass season is officially up and running in the Garden State. Quite a few holdover fish have been reported by perch fishermen in January and February in spots like the Hackensack and lower New York Harbor, so you can expect to find action pretty soon by soaking bloodworms. Shops along the Route 36 corridor are back in action as of March 1, and the first reported stripers should be coming in any day.
Staten Island Fishing Reports
November 09, 2020 - 10:02:22
The fall bass run is in full swing, said Al Rotunno of the Staten Island Fishing Club. This past week saw nonstop bass action in Raritan Bay with anglers livelining bunker around the pods of bunke...
The fall bass run is in full swing, said Al Rotunno of the Staten Island Fishing Club. This past week saw nonstop bass action in Raritan Bay with anglers livelining bunker around the pods of bunker which were thick early in the week in the Reach Channel. Some nice bass were also caught by West Bank and in Ambrose Channel. Action in the ocean was also red hot with tons of sandeels moving along the coast and jigging and trolling taking the bass. There were also a few thresher sharks caught while trolling Majas. Al said himself, Joe Barchitta his son Paul and Neal Fasone trolled and released many overs and hooked and boated a 185-pound thresher. On the blackfish front whitechins are still being caught inshore, as well as some bigger ones in the ocean with Joe Flip and Phil DeLorenzo catching tog in the 5- to 8-pound range with a 13-pounder topping their catch which was released.
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Bayonne Fishing Reports
March 01, 2021 - 12:42:25
Akira at True World Tackle continues to keep bloodworms stocked for those whove been fishing for white perch in the tidal rivers and out along the Bayonne Pier. There have been a number of bycatch ...
Akira at True World Tackle continues to keep bloodworms stocked for those whove been fishing for white perch in the tidal rivers and out along the Bayonne Pier. There have been a number of bycatch stripers caught in these locations, and you expect to score now that locations like the Hackensack are officially open to striped bass fishing.
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Jersey City Fishing Reports
February 22, 2021 - 09:57:43
Capt. Steve Cherry and the crew of NYC Sportfishing Charters said me he is taking bookings for the spring striper fishing and will resume fishing the first week in April. NYC Sportfishing Charters is ...
Capt. Steve Cherry and the crew of NYC Sportfishing Charters said me he is taking bookings for the spring striper fishing and will resume fishing the first week in April. NYC Sportfishing Charters is based in Jersey City, however, Steve said anglers from the New York area can save the travel time and bridge tolls by arranging with him to be picked up at piers in Manhattan or Brooklyn. If you want to get in on the spring striper fishing give Steve a call at the number in his ad for info and dates.
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Belleville Fishing Reports
March 01, 2021 - 12:42:25
Nick at Bullet Hole Annex said things are starting to get a little busier around the shop. Were getting well supplied now, Nick said, saying new Fin Strike circle hook rigs are in stock now, and...
Nick at Bullet Hole Annex said things are starting to get a little busier around the shop. Were getting well supplied now, Nick said, saying new Fin Strike circle hook rigs are in stock now, and he also has a variety of different worms for folks looking to score on the trout this spring; Powerbait floating 3-inch worms in pink, chartreuse, white and brown. The pink is a top seller. As for ice conditions, Nick said Greenwood and Hopatcong ice conditions were good before the warming trend and rain over the weekend. They were doing pretty well on crappie and perch, Nick said.
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Pine Brook Fishing Reports
March 01, 2021 - 12:42:25
Joe at Fairfield Fishing Tackle said there are still guys ice fishing all over the state. We had two guys coming in today for jigging rods and jigging gear, he told me on Monday as folks finding 8...
Joe at Fairfield Fishing Tackle said there are still guys ice fishing all over the state. We had two guys coming in today for jigging rods and jigging gear, he told me on Monday as folks finding 8 to 10 inches of safe ice in some locations in the north. From Greenwood Lake all the out in the Sussex area, Joe advised.
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Rochelle Park Fishing Reports
March 01, 2021 - 12:42:25
Big news at Tackle World is that theyre expecting an order of St. Croix Victory bass rods which should be available in the shop by March 19. Getting new product delivered has been difficult for a l...
Big news at Tackle World is that theyre expecting an order of St. Croix Victory bass rods which should be available in the shop by March 19. Getting new product delivered has been difficult for a lot of shops during the pandemic, but the folks at Tackle World are excited to be one of the few dealers that will have these St. Croix Victory rods available for purchase this month.
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Succasunna Fishing Reports
March 01, 2021 - 12:42:25
The crew at Ramsey Outdoors said theyre well-stocked for the season right now. Due to the ongoing manufacturing and delivery problems associated with the ongoing pandemic they advised folks looking...
The crew at Ramsey Outdoors said theyre well-stocked for the season right now. Due to the ongoing manufacturing and delivery problems associated with the ongoing pandemic they advised folks looking to restock your tackle boxes or buy that new reel to stop by soon as word of gear shortages is ongoing as demand increases. Once the season starts and the demand for gear comes into prime time, things could get tight, they said.
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Sewaren Fishing Reports
February 22, 2021 - 09:57:43
While it will more than likely be April for fulltime operations at Dockside Bait and Tackle some good water and an early start to the striper fishing could move the date up, according to owner Rich Ya...
While it will more than likely be April for fulltime operations at Dockside Bait and Tackle some good water and an early start to the striper fishing could move the date up, according to owner Rich Yanak. February was a tough month with all the snow and weather and hopefully things will settle down in March, Rich said.
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Laurence Harbor Fishing Reports
December 28, 2020 - 12:30:56
Over at Raritan Marina we were told all boats were out to the water however the repair shop will be open through the winter for boat and motor repairs and upgrades....
Over at Raritan Marina we were told all boats were out to the water however the repair shop will be open through the winter for boat and motor repairs and upgrades.
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Keyport Fishing Reports
March 01, 2021 - 12:42:25
Up Front Bait and Tackle is up and running as of March 1, and Steve said hes carrying a full line of baits including bloodworms for striped bass and winter flounder fishermen looking to score in thi...
Up Front Bait and Tackle is up and running as of March 1, and Steve said hes carrying a full line of baits including bloodworms for striped bass and winter flounder fishermen looking to score in this the opening week of the 2021 season.
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February 22, 2021 - 09:57:43
While our boat ramp is serviceable we still have not had a boat side down it thanks to on and off icing and weather problems said sources at the Keyport Marine Basin. Depending on the weather we exp...
While our boat ramp is serviceable we still have not had a boat side down it thanks to on and off icing and weather problems said sources at the Keyport Marine Basin. Depending on the weather we expect to see some boats starting to go in the water by mid March, they said.
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February 22, 2021 - 09:57:43
We have painted a good number of boats at our indoor facility this past winter, said Mike at Wagners Marina. Mike told me the marina got a face lift this past winter and they expect to start put...
We have painted a good number of boats at our indoor facility this past winter, said Mike at Wagners Marina. Mike told me the marina got a face lift this past winter and they expect to start putting boats in the water by the end of March. So give them a call if you need work or upgrades your boat as March will be a good time to do it.
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January 18, 2021 - 13:07:24
The gas dock at Twin Lights Marina is open during the winter for fuel. However anglers must call the marina on Channel 6 on the marine radio for service....
The gas dock at Twin Lights Marina is open during the winter for fuel. However anglers must call the marina on Channel 6 on the marine radio for service.
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Hazlet Fishing Reports
March 01, 2021 - 12:42:25
Phil at the Tackle Box had his first of many shipments of bloodworms arrive before the weekend for folks looking to get some soak time in along the Raritan Bayshore this week. For folks looking to ge...
Phil at the Tackle Box had his first of many shipments of bloodworms arrive before the weekend for folks looking to get some soak time in along the Raritan Bayshore this week. For folks looking to gear up with circle hooks to meet the new 2021 mandate for inline circles when fishing natural baits, Phil said they are making special bayshore wormball inline circle hook rigs with a slider.
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Leonardo Fishing Reports
February 22, 2021 - 09:57:43
Capt. Joe Baumle of Sour Kraut Sportfishing told me he is booking stripers trips for the spring run starting in mid April. So check out his ad and give him a call for info....
Capt. Joe Baumle of Sour Kraut Sportfishing told me he is booking stripers trips for the spring run starting in mid April. So check out his ad and give him a call for info.
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January 11, 2021 - 12:39:05
Mare over at Twin Lights Marina said the gas dock at the marina is open during the winter for fuel, just call the marina on Channel 6 on the marine radio for service....
Mare over at Twin Lights Marina said the gas dock at the marina is open during the winter for fuel, just call the marina on Channel 6 on the marine radio for service.
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Atlantic Highlands Fishing Reports
February 22, 2021 - 09:57:43
The charter boat Little Hawk will be back chasing stripers the first week in April. Capt. Joe Occhipinti said he is taking bookings to the spring striper run and already has a fair amount of regulars ...
The charter boat Little Hawk will be back chasing stripers the first week in April. Capt. Joe Occhipinti said he is taking bookings to the spring striper run and already has a fair amount of regulars who have already checked in. So give him a call if you want to get in on the early season action.
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February 22, 2021 - 09:57:43
I spoke with Capt. Rob Semkewyc of the Sea Hunter who was out in Utah. I guess Rob tried to get away from the snow but it didnt quite work that way. He said he expects to begin striped bass fishing ...
I spoke with Capt. Rob Semkewyc of the Sea Hunter who was out in Utah. I guess Rob tried to get away from the snow but it didnt quite work that way. He said he expects to begin striped bass fishing the first week in April weather and fish permitting.
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February 22, 2021 - 09:57:43
The boat ramp and marina are open but needless to say the weather has kept everything shut down, said Lou Fligor at Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor. Lou told me after the banner year they had ...
The boat ramp and marina are open but needless to say the weather has kept everything shut down, said Lou Fligor at Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor. Lou told me after the banner year they had last season the harbor has very few spots open for this coming season, so if you are going to want to fish out of the harbor this season now is the time to grab of the remaining spots.
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February 22, 2021 - 09:57:43
We hope to have the renovations on the store done in time to open in early March, said sources over the Julians Bait & Tackle. The store got and is getting the first face lift it has needed for ...
We hope to have the renovations on the store done in time to open in early March, said sources over the Julians Bait & Tackle. The store got and is getting the first face lift it has needed for a long time and we have been working non-stop to get it ready, we were told.
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February 01, 2021 - 11:59:53
If you are looking for a boat slip or mooring now is the time to give Lou Fligor at Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor a call....
If you are looking for a boat slip or mooring now is the time to give Lou Fligor at Atlantic Highlands Municipal Harbor a call.
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Highlands Fishing Reports
March 01, 2021 - 12:42:25
The crew at Twin Lights Marina reminds Raritan Bay boaters that the fuel dock remains open for anyone needing fuel. You have to call the marina on channel 6 to have someone come out and pump the fuel....
The crew at Twin Lights Marina reminds Raritan Bay boaters that the fuel dock remains open for anyone needing fuel. You have to call the marina on channel 6 to have someone come out and pump the fuel.
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February 22, 2021 - 09:57:43
Capt. Pete Wagner of the Hyper Striper said he was back home taking care of the snow but is headed back to Los Suenos to continue a successful year of fishing for tuna, sailfish and marlin. Pete told ...
Capt. Pete Wagner of the Hyper Striper said he was back home taking care of the snow but is headed back to Los Suenos to continue a successful year of fishing for tuna, sailfish and marlin. Pete told me he intends to resume fishing for striped bass the first week of April.
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February 22, 2021 - 09:57:43
I spoke with Capt. Fletcher Chayes of Two Rivers Charters and he told me he will be putting his boat back in the water late in March and expects to resume fishing as of the first week of April. It a...
I spoke with Capt. Fletcher Chayes of Two Rivers Charters and he told me he will be putting his boat back in the water late in March and expects to resume fishing as of the first week of April. It all depends on the weather and how soon the striper fishing heats up, he said.
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November 30, 2020 - 15:31:05
Capt. Frank aboard Fin Chasers is still sailing out of the Highlands for the striped bass action. He recently had Abraham and his crew aboard for a great day of jigging with a trolling lesson in the ...
Capt. Frank aboard Fin Chasers is still sailing out of the Highlands for the striped bass action. He recently had Abraham and his crew aboard for a great day of jigging with a trolling lesson in the afternoon. "Beautiful day with great fishing," Capt. Frank said. He said he also had "lights out fishing" with Frank and Derrick on the Fin Chaser with the Kettle creek Outfitters crew ending up with too many striped bass to count and a bunch of smoker-sized bluefish
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Belmar Fishing Reports
March 01, 2021 - 12:42:25
Bobby at the Fishermans Den in Belmar said theyre all geared up for this weeks start to the back bay striped bass and winter flounder season in New Jersey. We will have blood and sandworms in...
Bobby at the Fishermans Den in Belmar said theyre all geared up for this weeks start to the back bay striped bass and winter flounder season in New Jersey. We will have blood and sandworms in stock as well as chum and tackle as needed, Bob told us, adding that hopes to have clams available this week as well, and also has a limited number of rental boats in the water and available for use. The weather holds a key to success for both these species, some warming trends and plenty of sun will heat up the shallow water of our rivers making outgoing tide a good bet, he advised of those looking to score on the Shark River.
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February 22, 2021 - 09:59:27
I spoke with Capt. Steve Spinelli of the Skylarker who was in Key West soaking up some suds and sun. Steve said he intends to resume fishing beginning the first week of April and is booking early seas...
I spoke with Capt. Steve Spinelli of the Skylarker who was in Key West soaking up some suds and sun. Steve said he intends to resume fishing beginning the first week of April and is booking early season charters. So give him a call to get in o the early season action.
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February 22, 2021 - 09:59:27
We did not sail in February because of the weather, cited Capt. Pete Sykes of the Parker Pete. Pete said the boats will be in the ship warn getting their annual refits and he hopes both will be ba...
We did not sail in February because of the weather, cited Capt. Pete Sykes of the Parker Pete. Pete said the boats will be in the ship warn getting their annual refits and he hopes both will be back at their slips and resume fishing the first week in April weather permitting.
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February 22, 2021 - 09:59:27
Capt. Nick Caruso of the Ol Salty II and Big Kid was another boat captain that said he will resume fishing the first week in April and is booking early season trips. So if you want to get in on the ...
Capt. Nick Caruso of the Ol Salty II and Big Kid was another boat captain that said he will resume fishing the first week in April and is booking early season trips. So if you want to get in on the early season fishing give Nick a call for dates and info.
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February 01, 2021 - 11:59:53
Kathy Hueth and her team announced last week that the Big Mohawk III has wrapped up their winter season after a slow start to the week. Capt. Mike and crew found tautog action wasnt what they had h...
Kathy Hueth and her team announced last week that the Big Mohawk III has wrapped up their winter season after a slow start to the week. Capt. Mike and crew found tautog action wasnt what they had hoped for and opted to tie up the boat until spring blackfish season gets underway. We look forward to seeing everyone in the spring and are excited to get the boat back out on the water, Kathy said, noting the Big Mohawk scheduled will be blackfishing in April, stripers and sea bass in May, and as always fluking all summer. God Bless and thank you again for your love and support, Kathy added.
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Neptune Fishing Reports
February 22, 2021 - 09:59:27
Capt. Ralph Leyrer said Last Lady Fishing Charters did not fish in February and will resume fishing in April. Ralph is booking early season trips so give him a call for dates and info....
Capt. Ralph Leyrer said Last Lady Fishing Charters did not fish in February and will resume fishing in April. Ralph is booking early season trips so give him a call for dates and info.
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