“Ocean Exploring” This Week for 15.9-Pound Jumbo Tautog
As of this morning, February 10, we are just 19 days out from the start of the 2022 striped bass season in New Jersey; hang in there casters, we’re almost at the finish line! As per reports this week in the Point Pleasant area, there are a few “legal” stragglers out front in our weekly report, with soft plastics and teasers accounting for a fish or two in the surf. Of course, come March 1 it’s time for outback stripers once again, west of the COLREGS, when targeting and catching striped bass at the Jersey Shore is allowed throughout the Garden State. The headline image this week is of a 15.9-pound tautog taken out of Belmar to start the week aboard the Ocean Explorer; not many boats sailing right regrettably, but there are tautog, as well as other options including jumbo porgies, cod, pollock and even weakfish out of Central and North Jersey ports. White perch is a good bet for bank fishing in South Jersey, while ice fishing outfitters in New Jersey are reporting a brisk business this season with hardwater opportunities in the N/NW portion of the state and out into the Poconos. Fishing shows and flea markets in Monmouth and Ocean County this weekend to tell you about, and a quick management update as we look ahead to the 2022 spring and summer season.
