New Jersey & Delaware Bay - Southern New Jersey Fishing Reports

Despite the cold temps on Sunday, Justin at Allen’s Dock said that folks were out and about in search of local stripers along the Mullica and Bass River confines. “The day started out damn cold, wind up too, but it didn’t stop the boys from going and getting warmed up,” he said showing off a couple of schoolie striper photos. He sold out on the jumbo bloodworms over the weekend, but a restock is on the way this week. “Drown a few and get hooked up,” he said.

It’s official, Chestnut Neck Boat Yard is open daily again from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., with live bloodworms in stock for those looking to head out along the Mullica River in search of striped bass. If you’re using the Chestnut Neck launch, the best bet for stripers is heading west of the Parkway Bridge at this time.

Dave at Absecon Bay Sportsman Center said he expects to begin his Striper Safaris up the Mullica River this week, a good indication of where you might want to be in terms of striper fishing. The proof of spring is in the air according to Dave. “If the ospreys are finding food in the bays from the sky, you can bet the stripers are hunting under the water,” he said as the arrival of fish hawks show the time has come.

The spring striper derby at Riptide Bait and Tackle is underway again. Thus far the striper action has been best to the west (salty rivers and back bays) but the first legal striper of the year on The Rock could come soon.

Stripers are popping up in droves according to the folks at Fin-Atics in Ocean City, who say the river fishing is by far the best. “Bloods and clams are your guarantee for instant success,” was the report we gathered. Just remember that you need circle hooks for any bait fishing for striper. “With the warm temps they are pushing out of the river early and becoming very active around the bridges and piers at night,” the Fin-Atics team reported, advising “Plastics are your ticket for action around the bridges and piers at night.” Pink or white paddle tails are the best usually with a half-ounce or 3/4-ounce jighead depending on current. “Normally this time of year you need to retrieve slower then slow,” they said, adding “Not this year, with the warmer temps they are extremely active and aggressive so play with depths and retrieval speeds and get ready for your payoff.”

The folks at Hands Too Bait and Tackle said they have bloodworms and freshwater baits (except for minnows) as guys are finding some action on the local ponds. “The guys are starting to poke around the jetties in search of stripers,” was the word we got, as folks are using these warmer days to start prospecting with smaller, 4-inch plugs and plastics. “Still some perch along the creek mouths and up along the Delaware too,” they said.