Chasing NJ Rainbows – Chillin’ & Grillin’ in the New Year
Looks like a stretch of dry and mostly mild weather over the next several days along the coast, with low temps in the 20s overnight and highs up over 40 degrees by day. The end of 2020 puts a pause on the black sea bass, winter flounder and back bay striper fishery in the Garden State, but offshore headboats are running for porgies, cod and especially tautog. A few short stripers still in the mix out along the beaches, but a lot of salty anglers have turned inland for some of the freshwater action on local lakes, ponds, rivers and streams. A good tug on the line can be had, some quiet time amidst the woods and water, and some pretty fine eating at the end of a solid day. Speaking of which, white perch may be one of the tastiest brackish panfish you’ve ever tried; for the next two months, this diminutive cousin of the striper will keep many folks busy out back in rivers like the Toms, Mullica, Great Egg Harbor, Maurice and Cohansey. Several coastal tackle shops continue to carry live baits like grass shrimp and bloodworms for those looking to score. On Thursday night, January 7th, the New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council will meet via webinar at 5 p.m. Have questions, comments or concerns for state officials regarding coastal fisheries? Join the Zoom and participate in the process!
