Cabin Fever

[Hookmanski]

I'M DYING OVER HERE! Can't wait to get out in the surf again this year! I just started surf fishing last year and after hooking into my first Striped Bass i caught the bug. I just got a new setup too so i'm really itching to get out but I know i have some more waiting to do.

When does life return to the beaches and inlets? I want to start making weekend trips ASAP! I could catch anything at any size and be happy!!

[Chrisper4694]

Originally Posted by Hookmanski

I'M DYING OVER HERE! Can't wait to get out in the surf again this year! I just started surf fishing last year and after hooking into my first Striped Bass i caught the bug. I just got a new setup too so i'm really itching to get out but I know i have some more waiting to do.

When does life return to the beaches and inlets? I want to start making weekend trips ASAP! I could catch anything at any size and be happy!!

surf casting sucks, get a kayak!

there, that'll get people to respond to you

[Hookmanski]

Originally Posted by Chrisper4694

surf casting sucks, get a kayak!

there, that'll get people to respond to you

Haha thanks I have one! Think taking a 10 footer in the Bay is safe?

[Jigman13]

No

[Hookmanski]

Originally Posted by Jigman13

No

That's what i thought haha, guess i'll have to stick to the shoreline and jetties

[WhaleFart]

Surf casting does not suck at all, it takes more skill and knowledge then driving a boat around and looking for A other boats B a fish finder or C trolling miles to find fish or snagging a bunker. It’s one of the most challenging and rewarding types of fishing you can do. Checking logs, winds, tides, reading structure, etc takes a special desire.

Catching a 20+lb fish on the beach is 10x more fun then one on a boat or yack. Especially in the elements.

Not knocking boat fishing, but two very different types of fishing and skill involved.

[Duffman]

Originally Posted by WhaleFart

Surf casting does not suck at all, it takes more skill and knowledge then driving a boat around and looking for A other boats B a fish finder or C trolling miles to find fish or snagging a bunker. It’s one of the most challenging and rewarding types of fishing you can do. Checking logs, winds, tides, reading structure, etc takes a special desire.

Catching a 20+lb fish on the beach is 10x more fun then one on a boat or yack. Especially in the elements.

Not knocking boat fishing, but two very different types of fishing and skill involved.

......and Chrispers trolling spread gets an early knockdown....

[AndyS]

From the books I have read and the photos I have seen if you are really, really, really into surf fishing for striped bass you should never see light of day. You have to go complete vampire, same goes for catching monstah weakfish.

[Hookmanski]

Originally Posted by AndyS

From the books I have read and the photos I have seen if you are really, really, really into surf fishing for striped bass you should never see light of day. You have to go complete vampire, same goes for catching monstah weakfish.

That striper I caught was actually in pitch black on a jetty, no flashlight either but it was one of the coolest catches and experiences ever.

I’m really interested in catching more bluefish this year too. I caught some very, very small snappers this past summer, but even getting into some cocktails this year would be awesome.

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by Hookmanski

That striper I caught was actually in pitch black on a jetty, no flashlight either but it was one of the coolest catches and experiences ever.

I’m really interested in catching more bluefish this year too. I caught some very, very small snappers this past summer, but even getting into some cocktails this year would be awesome.

With Blues, its all about being there when they are.. No magic involved.. When they come close, toss a metal, reel it fast, they hit it.. stripers as you know, are dusk dawn, and into the night usually , but even then, in spring and fall, they will push bait right into the wash any time of day, and if you happen to be there, you're in... Lots of other stuff in the wash as well.. Good fluke on light tackle,along with plenty of sea robins,... Later on in summer, kingfish, blowfish, and some years Spots and Croakers are in the surf as well, if you use smaller bait... Not really"surf fishing", but the jetties at the inlets have good fishing as well, for all the species I mentioned as well as Hickory shad, winter flounder, Sundials, Blackfish, Porgies at times, and if you go to barnegat inlet rocks in summer, There are also small sea Bass, Tog, Sheepshead, triggerfish, and other oddities you usually find down south.. Not only that, but you can catch sand tiger, sandbar, thresher, brown sharks, and probably others as well as rays the size of a pickup bed off the surf at Island beach or LBI all summer.. there is a LOT of fish, large and small in the shoreline zones in the surf, jetties , bays, tidal rivers and inlet rocks in NJ... Putting in the time is the key.. Going now and then for an hour or two is not the way to get your finger on the pulse of whats really going on.. Go a lot, day and night.. put the time in, ask questions, keep your eyes and ears open, and be flexible... No need for a boat in NJ salt water if you have some time to spend... bob