Southern New Jersey Fishing Report
Ice fishing remains the number one draw in town after last weekend’s frigid temperatures created even better ice conditions. Across the state, anglers continued to catch pickerel, perch, bass, brown and rainbow trout, and even lake trout. However, there is some very mild winter weather ahead.
By Wednesday, we will see temperatures climb as high as the mid 50s in some parts of New Jersey, with overnight temps above freezing. Suffice to say, conditions may get a little too dicey to fish the hardwater come this time next week. Take advantage of the ice while it’s still fishable, and exercise extreme caution when exploring new areas. The ice thickness can vary drastically even on one body of water, so stick to protected coves and areas that have hard, clear ice and avoid slushy areas where white ice and packed snow are present.
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For the folks who’d prefer to fish without venturing onto the ice, there aren’t many options unless you of jump on a party boat to head offshore for tautog. The Mimi VI out of Point Pleasant Beach and the Ocean Explorer out of Belmar are two of the few boats planning to sail, and for the first time in a long time, conditions look ideal. Calm seas, low wind, and sunshine should make for a comfortable tautog trip. If your supply of frozen tog and sea bass fillets is depleted, this is a great opportunity to get out of the house and catch some fresh fish for the table. Both boats are planning to sail on Saturday and Sunday, bait is provided, and it may be the last chance to wet a line in open water until the beginning of backwater striper season in March… that is, unless our lakes and ponds thaw in the next couple of weeks.
Enjoy the “mild” weather over the next week. Be safe if you do venture onto the ice, and best of luck to those heading offshore to get their fix of tog.
2/5/2026
Looking at the mountains of snow and iced-in bays makes it hard to believe that spring striper season is just a little over three weeks away. But it’s true.
The only people happy about this brutal winter are the ice anglers. They’ve waited years for this, and the ice keeps getting thicker. Everybody else is going stir crazy.
Fishing shows, flea markets, and tackle maintenance are about the only activities keeping those cooped-up from going completely around the bend.
Rick Hebert at Tackle World in Rochelle Park said folks fishing the hard stuff are having a blast on all the frozen lakes and ponds, catching plenty of pickerel, trout, and bass. Hebert said the crew at the shop has been very busy getting ready to move into their new location in Paramus. A date for the opening at the new store hasn’t been set, but Hebert said the online store remains open.
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Keyport Bait and Tackle is open despite the weather and will be at the Hi-Mar Flea Market and Seminar Series on Saturday, Feb. 14, at the Middletown VFW Post 2179 in Port Monmouth. Doors open at 8 a.m.
Phil Sciortino at the Tackle Box in Hazlet reported that the ice had taken its toll on the Keansburg Fishing Pier, with a good portion of the pier that extends into the bay falling victim to the elements. Long a fixture along the Keansburg waterfront, the pier has provided fishing opportunities for countless anglers, young and old. Sciortino is getting ready for his annual Back Bay Day and Super Sale this Saturday, Feb. 7. There will be a wide variety of Back Bay Plugs available, along with 30 percent off all merchandise storewide, with additional specials and sales. Doors open at 7 a.m.
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Joe Julian Jr. at Julian’s Bait and Tackle in Atlantic Highlands expects to be open by March 1 as long as Raritan Bay thaws out.
Tak Waterman in Long Branch began its show season up in New England and will be at Surf Day on Feb. 14 at Brookdale Community College in Lincroft. The shop will also be at the 33rd Annual Asbury Park Fishing Show on Sunday, March 1, at the Berkeley Oceanfront Hotel in Asbury Park and the Saltwater Expo in Edison on March 13.
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Tim Rizzuto at Fisherman’s Den in Belmar said the most exciting thing going on there is that the green crabs they have in stock are still alive. Otherwise, it’s deadly quiet. He did say it was a good time to bring reels in for servicing, as there’s no backlog.
The Reel Seat in Brielle will be holding a special Super Bowl Sale this Friday through Sunday with up to 75 percent off on selected rods, reels, and tackle.
Kyle Tangen at Fishermen’s Supply in Point Pleasant Beach said a lot of their customers are coming in for ice fishing gear and heading to lakes and ponds farther north. He mentioned Hunterdon County. Tangen said the shop will be holding a special blackfish seminar presented by Capt. Tom Daffin of Fishin’ Fever at the shop on Saturday, Feb. 21 at 11 a.m. There will be special in-store sales and discounts at the seminar.
Gabriel Tackle Co. in Brick will be up at the Raritan Bay Anglers Fishing Flea Market this Saturday, Feb. 7, at St. John Vianney from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The address is 420 Inman Ave in Colonia.
Dennis Palmatier of the Hook House in Toms River said the shop’s hours vary depending on the weather. He’s open on weekends and a couple of days during the week. He advises calling ahead to make sure someone is there. He’s been stocking bloodworms for perch anglers, but the weather has been far from cooperative.
Frankie Z at Grumpy’s Tackle in Seaside Park said there isn’t any fishing going on, but he’s swamped with reel repairs. He said the shop will be at the Southern Regional Fishing Flea Market this Saturday, Feb. 7 at the Southern Regional Middle School Cafeteria. The address is 75 Cedar Bridge Ave. in Manahawkin. Doors open at 8 a.m. There is also an upcoming seminar this Saturday at 5 p.m. at Yakkity Yaks Kayaks, next door to Grumpy’s, on shore fishing for fluke. Roger Aye from CookingandFishing will be presenting tips and strategies for catching big ones from the beach.
Creekside Outfitters in Waretown will now be open on weekends during February. They will be open on weekends in March, and then full-time when the stripers arrive.
Jared Grady at Fishermen’s Headquarters on Long Beach Island said Barnegat Bay is covered in ice, so there’s not much happening. He said the shop will be at the Southern Regional Fishing Flea Market this Saturday, Surf Day on Feb. 14 at Brookdale, the Atlantic City Boat Show on Feb. 25 – March 1, and the Saltwater Expo in Edison, March 13-15.
Best Bets for the Weekend
More frigid weather is on the way, so unless you’re fully prepared to head out onto the ice, it’s probably best to stay indoors.
There are a couple of flea markets on the schedule for Saturday, Raritan Bay Anglers Club and Southern Regional Fishing Flea Market, along with special sales events and seminars at local tackle shops.
Stay safe and warm.