The “What”
Fluke
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.
Notes:
- 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.
- For the 2020 NJ recreational fishing regulations, go to:
njfishandwildlife.com
Back Bay
Kingfish
The ocean water temperature has stabilized into the comfortable mid 70’s (currently 76 degrees). That’s great summer fishing conditions!
There continues to be a wide variety of fish species in our local waters, with anglers catching some really goog and interesting fish. Catch reports include Flounder, Croakers, Blues, Kingfish, Snapper Blues, Sea Robins, Oyster Toad Fish, Triggerfish and Sheepshead.
Summer Flounder fishing has been good this year. Most of the larger Fluke are off shore at this point, but keepers are being caught daily inshore. Some in the 7 – 9 pound range!
Flounder are being taken with minnows, cut squid, and bucktails (Pink and White are most preferable). Live bait or cut bait on the incoming tide are working well.
Good spots to catch all these fish mentioned are the at the inlet in Longport, and ski beach in Ventnor Heights.
Piers and Bridges
Croaker
With the warm water, the variety of fish caught includes Flounder, Blues, Croakers, Sea Robin, Snapper Blues and Oyster Toad fish, Triggerfish and Sheepshead. The Triggerfish and Sheepshead catch has been exceptional. Also a mix of Sea Robin, Snapper Blues, and Oyster Toad Fish. The Triggerfish and Sheepshead are biting on fiddler crabs (on jig heads). Flounder (and Triggerifsh) are biting on squid and minnows – on smaller hooks (#4 or #6 hooks). Cut bait (bunker or squid) for the Blues, Croakers, Sea Robins, Snapper Blues and Oyster Toad fish.
Surf
Beach fishing is great right now! Kingfish are still kings of the surf. The mix on the beach also includes Croakers (aka Spot), Flounder, Snapper Blues, Weakfish. Blowfish and Spanish Mackerel are even occasionally mixing in.
Bloodworms on an over/under rig are the bait of choice for Kingfish, Weakfish, Snapper Blues and Spanish Mackerel. Cut bait and clams on a weighted rig will also work.
The sun is shining, the water is warm, so get out there and fish!
