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.
The “What”
Blue fish
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
Summer Flounder
Anglers are reporting lots of activity all over the back bay. Flounder are getting bigger and are still plentiful. They don’t seem to have begun their migration to the ocean as yet, as the water temperature is still cool. Minnows are the hottest bait, but many are reported being caught on Gulp (shrimp), pink bucktails, and squid. Dogfish are everywhere! 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.
A good spot to catch all these fish mentioned is Corsons Inlet on the south end of the island. It’s been one of the hot spots recently.
Piers and Bridges
As we wait for the water to warm and bring more variety, mostly flounder, blues, 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
Kingfish were kings of the beach 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 or fishbite clams on an over/under rig has been most successful.
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. Live eel and clam are the bait of choice. Sunrise and sunset, at the top of the tide is the best time. Plenty of dogfish and bluefish in the surf as well.
Occasional weakfish have been mixed in this week.
The sun is shining, so get out there and fish!