LITTLE EGG INLET, NJ
If you are looking to experience some rip-snorting striper fishing from mid-October through Thanksgiving, look no further than Little Egg Inlet in southern Ocean County. This gigantic horseshoe bar contains numerous smaller bars and sloughs that draw migrating bass like magnets to their forage-rich five- to 25-foot depths.
Long overshadowed by Barnegat Inlet to the north and Wreck and Absecon inlets to the south, “LEI” yields bass in numbers and sizes equal to the more popular, and more heavily fished aforementioned venues. That it does not receive as much attention suits regulars just fine, but it can get crowded when the bait, tides, weather and water conditions align.
Long the domain of the eel drifter, LEI is now primarily about the bivalve bite. The clam connection has surpassed the eel deal when it comes to the linesiders, and the trend began at the turn of the decade.
Observed Scottie Albertson from Scott’s Bait & Tackle on Mystic Island, ground zero for inlet anglers: “In the year 2000, we sold approximately 30,000 eels and maybe three bushels of clams to the LEI bass guys. In 2010, our records show that 3,000 eels went out the door, along with 1,500 bushels of clams. When you’re talking about catching bass consistently in the inlet during October and November, you’re going to miss on fish if the conversation’s main topic isn’t fresh surf clam.” Sure, there are those who still drift eels, particularly at night, but during the day it can get dicey as the majority of anglers are anchored and soaking the quahog.
The rig is the basic fish-finder and includes an 8/0 or 9/0 baitholder hook, 40-pound-test fluorocarbon leader and, predicated on currents and tidal pull, anywhere from four to eight ounces of ballast. If swimming the slime, the metal of choice is the 4/0 live bait variety. The same goes if opting to send a live spot or corncob mullet into an impending demise.
There are those who plug LEI, and this tactic can score some pretty decent hits. No doubt the most frequently cast is the 1-1/2-ounce blue and white Gibbs bottle nose popper, followed closely by the black and the bronze Yo-Zuri Mag Popper.
The key to connecting with LEI bass is to fish outside of the bars during the outgoing tide and inside the bars during the incoming flow.
Boats can be launched from Capt. Mike’s and Rand’s marinas on Great Bay Boulevard (Seven Bridges Road) in Tuckerton (Exit 58 GSP) and these will get you to LIE the quickest. Launching is also available at Great Bay Marina at the end of Radio Road in Mystic Island (Also Exit 58), but this will add three miles to the inlet run.
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