New to fishing ?'s - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

surffisher · #1 09-04-2017, 02:33 PM

Hey everyone,
So some of the questions might seem stupid to some, but, please bare with me as I'm trying to learn.
I haven't fished in about 20 years (fished with my grandfather) and now that I have a son I want to learn how to fish before he's old enough for us to fish together. I know that I really enjoy eating Striped Bass, and flounder (the two main fish I'd like to fish for). I would mainly be fishing from the beach Or from inlets and rivers, my questions are as follows.
1 - which set up would you recommend for that type of fishing. Pole, line, hooks, bait, lures, etc? I didn't want to go out and spend money on something since I'm a novice without asking first.
2 - can you recommend techniques to fish those type of fish? I.e. Sinker needed for flounder and slowly reeling in for bass?
3 - do I need a license for recreational fishing?
4 - can I catch both those types of fish from those areas?
5 - lastly, the do's and dont's of fishing?
Again, these might seem trivial to some, but, insight goes a long way to getting someone on their feet. Thank you

Zach123 · #2 09-04-2017, 06:20 PM

Hey, glad you're trying to bring yourself and your son into the great world of fishing. I would suggest your head to one of the sponsor tackle shops. They will explain everything to you. Pete over at Atlantic bait and tackle in middletown has a great reputation for helping out any and everyone. Now for your questions, a decent fishing pole would be about 7-8ft and up to 10 or 12ft for shore fishing, high end is st. Croix, good and affordable would be the penn rod and reels along with the tsunami rods. Techniques differ depending on who you talk to and what the fish are eating. You will need a license to fish salt water it's free. Also regulations need to be followed, like fluke will be closed here shortly and striped bass will be the main target from shore(for you). Fishing is a wonderful life, hope to see you on the sand soon with your son.

FISHGERE · #3 09-04-2017, 07:40 PM

I would take up golfing or underwater basket weaving, less stress full
fluke fishing really sucked this year

Pennsy Guy · #4 09-04-2017, 08:38 PM

Don't know your location but best advice is to ask a sponsor tackle shop owner-they will be glad to help/answer all your questions. In Brielle, see Dave @ the Reel Seat--his ad @ top right of this page...Manahawkin, it's Jersey Coast...

Joey Dah Fish · #5 09-04-2017, 10:00 PM

Where do you live?

NoLimit · #6 09-05-2017, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by surffisher

Hey everyone,
So some of the questions might seem stupid to some, but, please bare with me as I'm trying to learn.
I haven't fished in about 20 years (fished with my grandfather) and now that I have a son I want to learn how to fish before he's old enough for us to fish together. I know that I really enjoy eating Striped Bass, and flounder (the two main fish I'd like to fish for). I would mainly be fishing from the beach Or from inlets and rivers, my questions are as follows.
1 - which set up would you recommend for that type of fishing. Pole, line, hooks, bait, lures, etc? I didn't want to go out and spend money on something since I'm a novice without asking first.
2 - can you recommend techniques to fish those type of fish? I.e. Sinker needed for flounder and slowly reeling in for bass?
3 - do I need a license for recreational fishing?
4 - can I catch both those types of fish from those areas?
5 - lastly, the do's and dont's of fishing?
Again, these might seem trivial to some, but, insight goes a long way to getting someone on their feet. Thank you

If you want to get your son hooked on fluke/striper fishing, it wont happen from the beach. Save your investment in tackle and just go on a party boat that specializes in the two like the Fisherman. They have rental poles that often win the pool. Go when there is a west wind and outgoing tide when the reports are good and your son will have the time of his life. Dont be afraid to ask questions on the party boat - tell them its your first time and everyone will be glad to help.

Gerry Zagorski · #7 09-05-2017, 09:59 AM

1 - which set up would you recommend for that type of fishing. Pole, line, hooks, bait, lures, etc? I didn't want to go out and spend money on something since I'm a novice without asking first.

A spinning outfit is what your after minimum of 8 feet and longer if you want to make long casts in the surf... Pole and reel rated for 20 pounds or so will do.

2 - can you recommend techniques to fish those type of fish? I.e. Sinker needed for flounder and slowly reeling in for bass?

Lots of info on the site in the fishing tips section http://www.njfishing.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=13

3 - do I need a license for recreational fishing?

Sort of, it's actually a state salt water registry and it's free http://www.njfishing.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=13

4 - can I catch both those types of fish from those areas?

Yes you can but the seasons are different as are the methods... Stripers Spring and Fall using plugs and bait. Flounder/Fluke in the summer on the bottom using jigs or bait.

5 - lastly, the do's and dont's of fishing?

Too much to go into here.... If you are surf, jetty or bank fishing, give others their space and don't leave any trash behind.

Lastly, the surf has a much steeper learning curve for beginners since it's all about the location, putting in your time and hoping you are in the right place at the right time... I would suggest you take your son out on one of our sponsor party or charter boats. The likelihood of you catching something will go up dramatically and we all know kids get bored quickly...

Best of luck and glad you're getting your son into fishing.... I have a friend who got into it for the same reason. He and his son have a real passion for it now and get to spend a lot of quality time together which is priceless...

surffisher · #8 09-05-2017, 11:22 AM

Hey all,
Thanks for all the info and it's a good starting point. I have always read boats are the best option, unfortunately, I get VERY sea sick. I could take something and brave it, but, I'm pretty sure no one wants to get yaacked on. I'm actually in Bergen county, but, am down there a lot; big surfer.
I'm going to start looking for poles around 8-12' and 20lb line. I've also been looking into lures and bait and came across Gulp bait. People seem to go crazy over it, would it work if I start soon for stripers? And the fish shaped lures do I have to bait them also?
If i were to start within the next week or so for stripers, what would a good setup be for stripers from the beach?

Gerry Zagorski · #9 09-05-2017, 11:52 AM

Gulp is used for Fluke for the most part and with a bucktail.

As far as Stripers, you are a bit early although you might find an occasional one in the surf... Once the fall migration starts, usually in Oct/Nov your chances will be much better...Just watch here for reports.

As far as fishing for them in the Surf get yourself a bunker snag and if the bunker come within casting distance snag the live bunker and let him swim.

For casting lures, Deadly Dick especially if sand eels are in the surf, soft shad lures, surface poppers, AVA 17, Bomber long A, needle fish are a few I'd keep in my bag.

NJ Dave · #10 09-05-2017, 03:01 PM

There is a shop on Rt 17 north in rochelle park. Not sure if a sponsor so no name of the place will be said. Google it.
Ask for Mark and tell him your needs.
Sandy hook will be close for you but don't under estimate the hudson river close to home. Stripes migrate in the spring and the fall.
Keep in mind cheap gear only lasts so long. Salt water is will corrode everything. A Fresh water rise after all trips is a must.
Rocks are slippery, even if they don't look it. Korkers are what to wear.
If I had to pick one off the shelf go to stripe lure it would be a yo zuri mag darter in white.
Good luck. Study the tides and fish the right ones.