What’s biting?

[tunanut]

Considering taking my 11 yr old on his first nj saltwater trip this weekend. Am Considering bottom fishing- Are there any Ling biting? Or would better bet be blackfishing? Could also go for stripers? Thanks

[RescueDogger]

Where are you?

[tunanut]

Originally Posted by RescueDogger

Where are you?

Bergen county. I haven’t done any ocean fishing in a while. My son got the bug earlier this year, so I’d like to take him. Used to go bottom fishing out of point pleasant. Anywhere from highlands to point pleasant would be fine. Just don’t know what is biting best. I enjoy Ling fishing, which is why I’d like to know if they were biting.

[SaltLife1980]

Go for Tog. If it was me id go to Belmar and jump on the OE

[Fisherman120]

If it's his first time, I would wait until the spring seabass season where he'll get action and better weather. This time of year, between the weather and tough blackfish bite, it's not a good time to start fishing.

[dfish28]

I was thinking the same thoughts as 120... it is cold AF this time of most days and the better days most of the time are the day before and the day after you go don’t know hold old your son is but keep that in mind- cold windy days take the fun out of the equation- for most, that being said, I have charters or trips booked till January 25th, it’s so easy to say hell ya when it’s still 65 and sunny out! Good luck let us know what you decide... and for your son I would look for a heated cabin and railing if possible, and tog is about your only game now, or make it a family thing and head to south Florida

Just Re-read- 11 y. o. Weather could wear him down fast then he’ll be laying down asleep in the cabin: that’s what I see most times- layer clothes and have a couple pairs of gloves, put hand warmers in the and toe warmers in his boots if you do go and bring extra

[nsc_tpt]

Below is information is for Point Pleasant Beach.

Big Jamaica has Offshore trips for Seabass... You can catch Cod and Porgies as well. I saw their fishing reports no ling fish reported recently.

Jamaica II they have some trips running for Seabass/Ling/Cod trips, same as Big Jamaica no ling fish was reported.

Paramount too has trips running from 06:30 AM to 05:00 PM. Same as Big Jamaica no ling fish was reported.

[tunanut]

Thanks for all the replies. He’s been on the ocean a couple of times on vacation, not here, and not in winter. The offshore seabass trips, while one of my favorites, would likely be far too much for him. If we go Sunday, it would likely be blackfish- thanks for the help!

[Ice Cream Bill]

Hi Tuna,

I’m in Bergen County too. Feel feee to PM me.

I was out last Friday on that NS boat in Brielle. Only 10 guys felt like our own private charter. Heated handrails on this boat are great! I had just nailed 6-7 big ling on our last drop and then the Capt. blew three whistles...also had some big sea bass. Not my best trip but went home with dinner.

Tog fishing can real tough for an inexperienced 11yo in this cold weather. I would take him bottom fishing on a boat with heated hand rails.

Bill

[frugalfisherman]

Whatever you fish for make sure you give the kid seasick pills. Nothing will ruin his first trip more than being sick.