Hello! This is the Downbeach fishing report. This report will give you the where, when and how of fishing our local waters. We hope this information will help you catch the big one!
Suggested bait and tackle in this report can be obtained at any of the local fishing shops.
Kingfish
The “What”
Here is a list of fish (some common, some not as common) found in New Jersey waters: Blowfish, Bluefish, Croaker, Flounder, Kingfish, Ling, Perch, Sea Bass, Sea Robin, Shad Sharks, Skate, Spot, Striper(Striped bass), Weakfish, Black drum, and red drum.
The “Where”
Some suggestions for locations on Absecon Island:
Beach fishing (where allowed), the Longport jetty, and the Ventnor Pier (small fee) are excellent locations.
Bay fishing: The point in Longport, ski beach in Ventnor Heights, sea glass beach in Margate and any street end that is open to the public.
Back Bay
Flounder
Anglers are reporting lots of activity! Flounder, Bluefish, and Sea Robin are the main take right now – along with the annoying little Brown Sharks and Dogfish. Flounder are getting bigger with many keeper size being hooked. They don’t seem to have begun their migration to the ocean as yet, as the water temperature is still cool but getting warmer. Minnows and cut squid are the hottest bait, but many are reported being caught on (pink or white) bucktails and Gulp (shrimp). Bluefish in the 2 – 3 pound range are still schooling in the bay and will bite on just about anything but prefer cut bait (bunker). Big schools of blues churning the surface chasing peanut bunker can be seen occasionally. Early early morning and night fishermen have still been hooking Striped Bass using surface lures (I prefer Yosuri poppers) on the sod banks.
A good spot to catch all these fish mentioned is the at the inlet in Longport.
Piers and Bridges
As the water is beginning to warm, mostly Flounder, Blues, Sea Robin, Brown Sharks, and Dogfish are being taken from the piers/bridges. Striped bass are hooked in the early morning or evening, and mostly at the top of the tide.
Surf
Kingfish were kings of the beach again this week! Many in the 1+ pound range. Kingfish are fun to catch and really good eating. Last year was exceptional for Kingfish, and anglers are hoping for the same this year. Bloodworms on an over/under rig has been most successful.
Striper
Stripers are being caught – most in the schooly-size (under 28 inches) but bigger, keeper size are here and being caught in the surf and (more often) in the inlets – usually in the early mornings or evenings. Fresh clam and live eel are the bait of choice. Sunrise and sunset, at the top of the tide is the best time. Still plenty of Dogfish and good size Bluefish in the surf as well.
A surprising number of Weakfish are being caught this year. They are a beautiful fish, and very good eating!
The sun is shining, so get out there and fish!
