The “What”
Weakfish
Here is a list of fish (some common, some not as common) found in New Jersey waters: Blowfish, Bluefish, Croaker, Flounder, Kingfish, Ling, Oyster Toad Fish, Perch, Sea Bass, Sea Robin, Shad Sharks, Sheepshead, Skate, Spot, Striper(Striped bass), Triggerfish, Weakfish, Black Drum, Red Drum and many others.
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.
Note: Tide-forecast.com or any reliable tide app on your smart phone will help you fish at the right time of day. I suggest a few hours before and after high tide.
Back Bay
Flounder
Fishing is nearing the summertime peak! Even though it’s early in the season, the water temp has warmed (currently 76 degrees), which brings more variety of fish into our local waters. Anglers are reporting lots of activity! The Summer Flounder catch is strong right now, with lots of fish caught. Decent size Striped Bass are still lurking around, and Kingfish continue to be plentiful. Bluefish, Sea Robins, and those nasty-looking oyster toad fish are present in our local waters. With the water warming, we are now seeing Triggerfish and a few Sheepshead making an appearance. Some little Brown Sharks, Dogfish, and various species of Rays are hanging around.
The main take right now are Flounder. 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 pound range are still hooking up in the bay on cut bait. Early morning and night fishermen have still been hooking Striped Bass using surface lures (I prefer Yosuri poppers) on the sod banks, and live Eel or fresh clam in deeper water. Triggerfish and Sheepshead can be caught using squid as bait with smaller (#4 or #6) hooks, mostly around the bridges.
A good spot to catch all these fish mentioned is the at the inlet in Longport, and ski beach in Ventnor Heights.
Piers and Bridges
As the water has now warmed (currently 76 degrees), a good variety of fish are being taken from the bridges. Flounder, Blues, Sea Robin, Oyster Toad fish, Triggerfish and an occasional Sheepshead were all hooked this week. Striped bass are hooked in the early morning or evening, and mostly at the top of the tide. Flounder, Triggerfish, and Sheepshead can be caught using squid or minnows as bait on smaller hooks (#4 or #6 hooks), and also pink or white bucktails. Cut bait (bunker or squid) for Blues and Sea Robins.
Surf
Kingfish
Kingfish were again kings of the beach! Like last season, Kingfish continue to be plentiful and quality; many in the 1+ pound range. Bloodworms on an over/under rig are the bait of choice. A day at the beach catching Kingfish is always a great day! * Note: Try fresh Kingfish Tacos!!
Stripers are 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.
Weakfish are mixing in nicely with the Kingfish in the surf. Weakfish will bite on bloodworms (like Kingfish). They are a beautiful fish, and very tasty!
The sun is shining, the water is warm, so get out there and fish!
