December 3rd Fishing Forecast for the New Jersey, Delaware Bay Region
Thanksgiving leftovers should be done by this point, but the real fall feast seems like it’s still to be served this month in terms of striped bass at the Jersey Shore. Surfcasters looking for the bite in Ocean and Monmouth County may need to stick and move a bit; if you’re not having luck along one stretch it may require sliding a bit to the north or south. As for Atlantic and Cape May County pluggers, we have solid reports in this week’s video forecast of bass to 48 inches and red drum as well; this may be a “stick and move” bite as well, but don’t get caught waiting for the reports as stripers are definitely on the move along the shore. From the beach out to the line, some folks are finding bass under birds, though trolling with the umbrella rigs (and mojos and spoons) can help find the action. There are still bass and blues in the mix along the North Jersey coast, and plenty of action to be had along the Central and South Jersey shore as well. Tautog and sea bass continue to keep those boats sailing offshore with happy customers, and in the southern end of the region a few sheepshead and triggerfish have spiced up the box on a few recent trips. Folks looking for stripers in the back bays and rivers throughout the region are still finding action on plugs, plastics, bloodworms or live spot.
