Rustyhooker Loc: Clinton, nj

Good evening,

I’m reaching out to my NJ anglers for some advice. I live about an hour west of the shore and I’m trying to spend more time shore fishing. Got out two weeks ago to Sandy Hook at the point and caught a couple of shad. I could see bluefish hitting bunker just out of casting range. Looked like a great fishing spot, (right next to a dredge... ) A couple of hours in, a Ranger was kind enough to let me know I was trespassing, as that part of the beach had been closed due to the dredging. Luckily the do not enter sign approaching the point from fisherman’s trail had been washed out by the tide or I think I would have been hit with a hefty fine. I tried fishing the shoreline south of that point but nothing. Didn’t see anyone else in the area catching. Any other spots between the Hook and Island Beach that might produce some stripers or really anything, just like catching! Thanks

Flytier Loc: Wilmington Delaware

I can't help you fir that area. I concentrate on LBI and there's been nothing much going on there. Going to try tomorrow.

Rustyhooker Loc: Clinton, nj

Ok, I’m headed out Friday. Good luck tomorrow!

Lee626 Loc: Brick NJ [ near the Jersey shore ]

The stripers are still a little off shore they haven't quite come to the surf yet but should be there anytime soon

Rustyhooker Loc: Clinton, nj

Thanks Lee. Do you think that is still a good spot to try, just south of the dredging at Sandy Hook? My other thought was Island Beach State Park

Lee626 Loc: Brick NJ [ near the Jersey shore ]

Yeah it's a real good spot, Island beach is a great spot when there running the surf

JimRed Loc: Coastal New Jersey, Belmar area

Shark River and Manasquan River inlets sometimes get Bass and Blues.

Rustyhooker Loc: Clinton, nj

Thanks Jim. I’ve heard of those two but not very familiar with the area. Going to hit Jillians Bait in the morning then try my luck off the beach. Hopefully have something to post!

USAF Major Loc: Sea Bright, NJ

Try Sea Bright, first town below Sandy Hook or Monmouth Beach which is the next town south.

EastCoast

Rusty... adding my two cents (worth 1.5 cents due to inflation)

My Sandy Hook experience was similar to yours in that I always found the north point more productive than the shoreline. As far as Sea Bright and Monmouth Beach, I have driven through that area but I have never tried fishing there.

Manasquan is beautiful but I've found the sea grasses and the currents in the inlet a bit much to overcome. However, there is a dog park on the north side that I've heard is more productive.

Personally, I have spent much time on the Shark River inlet. If blues are your target, then working the mouth of the inlet to the bridge is productive. You will need to keep your tackle high in the water on the last few yards of the retrieve as the rocks on the wall are very good at snagging your line. If stripers are your target, then you will need to be on the point of the wall, or if that area is heavily populated with anglers, then you'll need to hit the beach. The south side of the inlet juts out further into deep water than the north side. The north side of the inlet is Avon-By-The-Sea.. Avon has public restrooms on the boardwalk. Also, I usually find parking on Washington Ave.

As for Island Beach State Park, this is a popular place for anglers and with nearly ten miles of beach area, there is plenty of room for everyone to space out. You will find that the hike to the water from the car can be long from some of the parking areas. I believe the parking lots numbered 18 to 22 are closer to the water than the lots closer to the entry gate. Here is a park map for reference: https://tinyurl.com/y3w92ypg

Good luck! Report back, please.
.

Rustyhooker Loc: Clinton, nj

Great information, thanks East Coast! I ended up in Sandy Hook today, lot F. Nice easy walk out and found a spot on the beach pretty quick. Fished with chunk bunker and some lures. Got a couple of dogfish with bunker and nothing with artificials. Looked like I wasn’t alone, didn’t see anyone catching. Still a nice day at the beach with my daughter. Look forward to trying some of the places you recommended. I’ll let you know how I make out. Thanks again!

EastCoast

Happy to hear you had a great day with your daughter.

Perhaps we will meet up on the beach someday.

-EC

P.S. did you take any pics?

.

Rustyhooker Loc: Clinton, nj

EastCoast

Excellent... nice going!

Jude Loc: Nj

Mornin guys any word as to when dredging will end at Sandy Hook as we miss the rip. Been going to jetty at Belmar and rocks are very challenging.