Re: Is Raritan bay dead ?
 

Sea fresh clams in Belford .
Right off the boat .

I believe AH bait and tackle almost always has them

Re: Is Raritan bay dead ?
 

The water in the bay has been putrid this year so far from all of the spring monsoons followed by a pretty wicked full moon phase. Once the water cleans up and the bait sets up in the back, the fluke fishing will Once again be lights out.

I clean up year after year waaaaay back in the bay shore-based fluke fishing. Most of the time I'm the sole person around aside from some small skiffs that pass by wondering wtf I'm doing lol. Water clarity and bait are KEY.

Re: Is Raritan bay dead ?
 

There have always been ups and downs to the bay fishery. Back in the early 90’s we had a season or two with no fluke.

This past spring we did have a couple of weeks with a fair amount of fish but unfortunately it did not last long.

I’m not a scientist by no means but strongly feel that the beach replenishment projects over the past few years has played a big part in the fisheries decline.

Re: Is Raritan bay dead ?
 

Not everyone can be a landbound fluke ninja ;)

Re: Is Raritan bay dead ?
 

If you asked me this time last year, I would’ve said no.

However, I spent much of last Aug/Sept in the channel en route to the extremely popular fluke grounds and I can tell you the commercial boats are hard at work there. I used to think the issue was participation but I just think there’s been so much pressure there over the years (and I’m not blaming commercial guys they have to make a living, too) that the fish are spread out around the bay, making it harder to find concentrations.

Of all the formerly abundant species, Bluefish to me are the biggest mystery. I grew up on the Point boats running up to the channel or 17 Fathom Banks to catch absolute monsters and you just don’t see it anymore, not even in small numbers. Definitely miss that summertime fishery.

Re: Is Raritan bay dead ?
 

The fact is, that the guys who were posting reports about the Raritan no longer post reports. They are all still fishing the bay just not reporting it anymore. IMO it’s a forum issue not a members posting issue.

FWIW, yeah both SH bay and the Raritan have changed drastically since Sandy. The days of dragging killies aimlessly and putting together a catch are over.

Like Jigman said it’s all about the water quality and lately it’s been awful.

And agree with Hammer as well. Been hitting a spot literally 150 yards out of my marina. Conditions have to be perfect but it will produce all the time and spend zero in fuel to get there.

Re: Is Raritan bay dead ?
 

Yep!