Schedules Change As Boats Plan Winter Fishing

By Lou Rodia

The Holiday season has come and gone. Winter has officially arrived. A whole new fishing season lies ahead. Boat schedules are changing. Marinas and tackle shops are operating under curtailed schedules. Anglers should call ahead to confirm sailing schedules and shop hours.

Striper season closes Dec. 31 in all New Jersey state waters except from the Atlantic Coast shoreline to 3 miles offshore. Sea bass season will reopen Jan. 1 and will remain open through Feb. 28. Anglers will be allowed 15 sea bass per day with a minimum size of 12.5 in. Blackfish season remains open through Feb. 28 with a 4 fish per day bag limit and a 15 in. minimum size. For a New Jersey regulations update dial 609-292-2965.

Anglers are reminded that there is no fishing allowed for striped bass outside three miles from shore. It is illegal to fish for or have striped bass in possession in Federal waters.

Cod, pollock, sea bass, blackfish, ling and porgies were caught in the ocean. Offshore trips produced tilefish and sea bass.

WILDWOOD CREST: The Starlight is fishing for sea bass and blue line tile on Wednesdays, leaving at midnight and sea bass on Saturday and Sunday, leaving at 2 a.m.

BRIELLE: The Jamaica is taking reservations for offshore trips targeting sea bass, porgies, cod and pollock on Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays in January and February, leaving at 11 p.m. the night before.

The Paramount is sailing daily at 6:30 a.m. for ling, porgies, tog and cod.

The Jamaica IIwill sail at 3 a.m. every Saturday for cod and ling. Blackfish trips sail at 7:30 a.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Mudhole 12 hr. trips sail at 5 a.m. Wednesdays and Sundays.

PT. PLEASANT: The Dauntless reported mixed bag catches of tog, ling and cod on daily trips at 7:30 a.m.

The Canyon Runner is trolling and jigging for striped bass. Charter dates and openings for North Carolina bluefin tuna trips are available.

BARNEGAT LIGHT: The Doris Mae IV is taking reservations for offshore trips to 50 to 80 mile wrecks targeting sea bass, cod, pollock, porgies and ling in January and February.

The Super Chic has day and night charter dates available for up to 25 passengers.

CAPE MAY: The Miss Chrisis sailing daily for stripers at 8 a.m.

The Porgy IV will sail daily trips targeting tog at 8 a.m. through Jan. 1 and Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 5 and 6.

The Sea Star III is striper fishing on 6 hr. trips at 9 a.m. daily through Dec. 30.

SEA ISLE CITY: The Starfish is sailing daily wreck trips at 8 a.m., targeting tog.

AVALON: The Capt. Robbinsis now sailing from Avalon Pointe Marina. Daily 8 hr. trips leave at 8 a.m. for tog. Monday through Thursday. Open boat trips sail Friday through Sunday.

BELMAR: The Miss Belmar Princess is sailing for stripers and blues daily at 7:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays.

The Bandit IV has charter dates available.

The Golden Eagle is sailing daily at 7:30 a.m. and Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 p.m.