Big tog landed, flurry of bass off Ocean County beaches
Fishermen braved the ocean elements and some pretty frigid air temps on Saturday for a shot at blackfish off the boats and, surprisingly, striped bass from the surf.
Yes, the bass are still here. There was speculation that fishermen would give up on them or the two winter storms last week would chase the fish and bait out of the area, but thanks to several local die-hards we learned that's not the case.
Allen Gonzalez, of Ortley Beach, fished his local Ocean County beaches Saturday afternoon and found countless birds and bunker in the cut with bass swirling through and blowing it up. He estimates there were probably "thousands" of bass.
He said it looked more like November fishing — with the exception of the seals on the beach, which were laying on the sand taking a breather.
The fish were of keeper size down to little "rats." The biggest one Gonzalez said he landed was 32 inches. He was using a Scabelly glider lure and teaser combo
Grumpy's Tackle in Seaside Park also had several reports from surf anglers of fish off the beach, including anglers who caught and released as many as eight fish.
Fishing report: Blackfish carrying the fleet as second winter storm threatens weekend fishing
On the boats, the blackfish was the main target on the local rock piles. The conditions weren't the best Saturday but the couple of party boat captains that went out were able to find fish for their fares to hook.
Michele Baybayan, who fished on the Jamaica II party boat, decked one of the bigger tog from the local pieces this season. The fish weighed 11 pounds, 9 ounces, according to Capt Ryan Bogan.
What's biting: get the latest fishing reports here
Bogan said it was a slow start to the day. The wind dropped out so they had to take a ride. Wound up with a slow pick at nice ones and a few of his fares managed a catch their limits.
Ice fishing
The water on Lake Hopatcong, the state's largest freshwater lake, is starting to harden. Joe at Dow's Boat Rentals said it's not safe yet, but with a week of nightly freezing temperatures, including a 6-degree night on Friday, he is fairly confident the shoreline will thicken enough for anglers to start drilling holes.
He suspects fishermen will try this weekend at the state park at the lake's southern shore and the River Styx portion.
Calendar
Boat show
The Progressive Insurance New York Boat Show is set to return to the Javits Center from Jan. 26-30.
Rod building class
Brielle Bait & Tackle will be holding rod-building classes again this winter. All the basics will be taught over three, two-hour sessions in February. The dates are Feb. 9,11 & 13. The cost is $90. Call the shop at 732-528-5720 to sign up.
Flea market
The Hi-Mar Striper Club will hold its Annual Fishing Flea Market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Feb. 12 at the Port Monmouth VFW Post, 1 Veterans Lane, Middletown. The cost is $5. Kids under 12 are free.
When Jersey Shore native Dan Radel is not reporting the news, you can find him in a college classroom where he is a history professor. Reach him @danielradelapp; 732-643-4072; dradel@gannettnj.com.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: NJ fishing: Big tog landed, flurry of bass off Ocean County beaches
