NJ April Fishing, Top and Bottom of the State, By Alexi

AAAAND WE'RE BACK!!

I have been eager to put a bend in one of my heavier rods.  It's been a while, and between the wind and my own schedule my chances have been slim to none.  On a side note - I have , however, been trying to get into Trout fishing on the Fly rod as there is a stocked stream behind my house.

Back yard stocked trout

Monday April 22, 2019:

Keyport, NJ

I arrive at the port of Keyport around 6 AM.  The top of New Jersey's coastal waters.   Raritan Bay is calm.

I have two rods, both have Mojo's rigged up, one for deeper water (over 20') the other shallower water.  I get my first fish as soon as I hit about ten feet of water.  I'm just guessing depths based on past years.  (None of my fancy electronics are working anymore.)  Salt air and water kills everything.

30-35" Striper

My second fish was after almost two hours and a lot of pedaling.  Conditions were getting worse.  The wind picked up and it was coming straight from the opposite side of the bay giving plenty of time and distance for the waves to build.

30-35" Striper

I had a third fish that came unbuttoned next to my boat, and since I wasn't planning on keeping any of these fish, as more than likely they all had eggs in them, and because it was really choppy....I was fine with that.


Tuesday April 23:

The Bottom of New Jersey (almost)

I launched at Sunrise at Shell Bay Rd.

My plan was to target Weakfish in Turtle Gut.  I forgot how low low tide is at the Shell Bay Launch.   I couldn't find the entrance to Turtle Gut, there was no water anywhere.  I dragged my boat in the mud until I reached about two inches of water.  I made my way out towards Hereford Inlet.  I made a million casts with a pink finesse.

I caught two stripers.

Striper Finesse

Someday I'll figure out the elusive Weakfish bite.  I feel like I'm getting closer and closer.  In the meantime, stripers will have to do.