The Latest and Most Relevant Fishing Updates You Should Know

Bass and blues hitting clams and bunker in the surf. There were also some blues and short stripers caught in the back yesterday with the blues in the 5 -7 lb range. We have clams, fresh bunker and an assortment of frozen baits so get out there. Mario

Striped Bass catches increase in  Island Beach State Park! I guess it's a numbers game more anglers = more fish. The sale of beach buggy permits in the park this week has brought more anglers to the beach, and while there why not fish! Fresh bait is the way to go early in the spring run. Clams, sand worms and bunker are doing the trick. Along with your bait rods it's a good idea to bring a plugging stick. Small to medium swimming plugs are working when conditions are right. Remember the shop is open now from 6 AM to 6 PM 7 days a week for all your fishing needs...John Yac

Nice to see beach buggies pulling in with 2013 Island Beach State Park beach buggy permits. Yesterday was the first day they were on sale at the gate with the promise of full beach access to come shortly. The off shore bass bite in the Ortley and Seaside Hights areas has been good with some nice size keepers. More and more bass are being caught in the park on clams each day, while shorts outnumber keepers this will sure change as schools of bait move in. If you like throwing lures mambo and SP minnows are also working...John Yac

The Shop will have new business hours starting tomorrow Wed. 4/17. We will be opening up at 6 AM till 6 PM Monday thru Sunday for all your fishing needs. Fresh and salted Clams, live blood and sand worms along with frozen bunker and frozen clam chum logs should cover your bait needs at the present time. We also have a large selection of artificial lures. Tattoo plugs are still available in our shop for under $20.00 and a large selection of the famous Al Gag's 5" Mambo Minnows are just a small part of our selection. The fishing in the bay remains steady and the ocean looks great and should be ready to pop very soon as the air and ocean temps rise...John Yac

Back bay fishing remains the way to go small bass on worms both blood and sand are doing the trick. Winter flounder are still around but the shorts are outnumbering the keepers. The bridge areas remain the hot spot on the east side of the bay and the power plant is the place to be on the west side. Along with live bait, rubber jigs and rubber swim baits are the way to go. No word yet from the ocean side but I expect to hear something any day as the ocean temps creep upward and more and more fishermen hit the beach. Island Beach State Park is open to A7 now for buggies and walk on fishing...John Yac