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NJ Saltwater Baitfish

Bunker Bunker typically start showing in NJ around mid to April and arrive en masse in May. Peanut bunker leave the bay in the fall and can lead to a bait fish bonanza along the NJ beaches. April - June, September - November
Herring Herring are a cold water fish and as such are not as important on the NJ bait scene as some as the others. Still Striped Bass LOVE Herring. November - February
Mullet Look for the Mullet to leave the bay mid-September. Typically, any Mullet run is before the Peanut Bunker leave the bay. September - October
Rainfish Rainfish or Bay Anchovies on first inspection closely resemble spearing. September - October
Sandeel Sandeels are like the candy of the Sea. When they are around it seems to light something in the local Gamefish's DNA because they tend to gorge themselves on these. Read more on how to take advantage. May - June, October - November
Spearing Spearing are the most prevalent fish in New Jersey's bay and estuarine system. Very similar in appearance to rainfish. It has a much smaller mouth than rainfish. April - November
Spot Spot migrate seasonally, entering bays and estuaries in the spring, where they remain until late summer or fall when they move off shore. Larval spot will enter the Bay as early as December and appear in nursery areas in April and May. Primary nursery areas for juvenile spot occur in low salinity areas of the bays and tidal creeks, but they can also be found associated with eel grass communities. Young spot grow rapidly over the summer months, and by fall reach an average length of five inches. As water temperatures decrease in the fall, most juveniles move to the ocean by December. October - November

Weekly Update (July 9, 2017)

A typical summer weather pattern is settling in to start the week.  Predominant SW wind will dominate at least through Thursday.  Should make for pretty nice ocean conditions most of the week.  As long as the winds stay with a 'W' in the direction and do not become straight south (like happened a few weeks ago) then we should not see any major upwelling.

That means Fluking will be on the improve in the ocean proper.  With warming water temps we are now at about the point of transition where you are better off looking for flatties in the ocean rather than the bay or river.  And of course, bucktailing is now in high gear.

As is usually the case, you will want to focus your effort around structure to pick off the nicer fish.  If you are working structure you should have no problem boating your limit of seabass as well.

Inshore shark fishing - especically at night is now on the upswing.  Browns and Sand Tigers are available.  One particular hot spot year after year is the 'Bathing Beach' area off of Island Beach State Park.  Just do note that this is catch and release fishing only!  Be careful if you are trying this for the first time.  Better yet, look for someone experienced to show you the ropes.

 

 

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