Southern New Jersey Fishing Report - December 20, 2018

The season is winding down with smaller fish being reported off the beaches and some of the remaining boats have trolled up fish to 18 inches. The Cape May area still has a fair number of keepers hanging around, but they have been thinning out quickly. This weekend’s storm system may be the proverbial “nail in the coffin.” Tog fishing has remained solid when boats can get out as most of the areas up and down the coast are holding quality keepers. I was scheduled to fish on the Gambler this Friday for offshore Sea Bass, but the weather has a different agenda. This report will be my last weekly report for the 2018 fishing season and I wish all our readers a Happy, Healthy holidays. See you in 2019!

Fishing Report For Southern New Jersey

Fisherman’s Supply in Point Pleasant had reports of keeper Blackfish to 12 pounds from some of the local party boats. There has been a lot more shorts around making anglers really have to work hard for keepers, but the action has been very consistent. The beach has been a different story with only small Striped Bass around and anglers having to put in time just for a few or two. The winter “spirits” have surfaced again, with a few unconfirmed reports of Bluefin being seen in the 20 to 25-mile range.

Capt. Bill’s Landing in Point Pleasant Beach reported ultra slow fishing for this week with only a few anglers working the suds for mini Striped Bass to 15 inches. The shop has a few deals for the holidays, so stop by and check them out.

Norma K III in Point Pleasant Beach had a few decent fishable days this past week and anglers caught Blackfish up to 12 pounds. A few anglers each day had their limit of Tog, and it seems white crabs have been working better than green crabs as of late. The boat will continue working for Blackfish for the rest of December.

The Gambler out of Point Pleasant Beach worked for Striped Bass, but could only find a couple that cooperated on the jig. Most of the bass have been short with only one keeper caught. The boat has been working from the beach out to the 3-mile line and have caught some Mackerel for live baits. The boat is getting pretty booked for their “epic” offshore Sea Bass trips which run through January, but this weekend looks like a blow out with big seas and strong winds.

The MIMI VI out of Point Pleasant has been working hard to put anglers on quality Blackfish on the wrecks and snags. Anglers have had to pick through quite a few shorts to find quality keepers to 7 pounds. The last trip had some nice keepers and the skipper has a few open boat trips coming up.

Jersey Hooker Outfitter in Brick reported some Tog being caught from the remaining recreational and head-boats. Most of the boats have continued to work in the 6 to 12 mile range from Manasquan to Barnegat Inlet. There were some isolated reports of Bluefin 20 to 25 miles out being caught on plugs and jigs off Seaside.

Grumpy’s Bait & Tackle in Seaside Park reported a slow week in terms of angling activity, but the true diehards did report Striped Bass being caught off the beach. Some anglers had a couple on Tsunami Swim Shads, metal & teaser combos, and salted clams. The store will kick into their winter hours (7 a.m. to 7 p.m.) every day until April. The store is offering some deals on tackle and gift cards, so give them a ring. The owner wanted to thank all the anglers who used their store for 2018.

Lacey Marine in Forked River reported some Striped Bass being released off Long Beach Island, but other than that it’s been mostly Tog and wrapping up 2018. Most boaters have been working on getting their gear stowed for 2019. The shop does have some nice deals on tackle, boat supplies, and electronic equipment.

Super Chic in Barnegat Light is pretty much finished with the season and will be looking to get ready for the 2019 fishing season starting in April.

Creekside Outfitters in Waretown had some spotty reports of Blackfish off the wrecks in the 10- to 15-mile range, but most boaters have called it a season. The shop will be open and has some nice Christmas sales on fishing and crabbing supplies.

Tony’s Bait & Tackle in Manahawkin reported a slow week on the fishing front. Some small Striped Bass have been reported off Long Beach Island. Togging has been the only game in town to produce meat for the table.

Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom reported some diehard anglers still working the beaches of Long Beach Island for Striped Bass in the 12- to 18-inch range. The shop has some holiday sales going on, so stop in if you’re in the area.

Riptide Bait & Tackle in Brigantine reported a slow week in terms of angler activity as most have packed it in. There were a few small Striped Bass caught off the surf, but most have been in the 12- to 17-inch range. Anglers jumping on boats are still catching Blackfish at some of the wrecks off Little Egg Inlet.

Fin-Atics in Ocean City reported a change to their winter hours as most anglers have thrown in the towel for 2018. There are some small Striped Bass being caught along the beaches on small bucktails and Tog fishing is still alive on the reef sites and wrecks.

Peace Token Fishing Tackle in Cape May reported some good Tog fishing as a few anglers stopped in the shop who fished on the Porgy IV. They reported a solid bite with keepers to 9 and 10 pounds. There are still Tog out there, but the Striped Bass fishing has really slowed up as most boaters have packed it in for the season.

Hands Too Bait & Tackle in Cape May reported a pretty solid week for anglers working the wrecks, rocks, and snags for keeper Tog. There have been quite a few throwbacks, but plenty of keepers to provide limits for anglers. The local head-boats have been getting into fish up to 10 pounds. Striped Bass action has slowed dramatically as anglers have to really work for them.

South Jersey Fishing Forecast

The best bet for the weekend may be to hit the local tackle stores for holiday sales as most have good deals with the year closing out. The weather has dealt us another significant blow this weekend as heavy seas and winds will keep all recreational and party boats tied up. As we continue the rest of the month through January, Blackfish and offshore Sea Bass will be the main players for winter. Again, I would like to wish all my readers a great holiday and hopefully will see some of you at the boat shows come January, February, and March. The spring cannot come fast enough! Good Luck Be Safe, and Tight Lines!