Shimano Spinning Reels have been on the rise in popularity because of their simplicity and durability. Additionally, these versatile reels come in many different sizes, meaning they can be used for recreational fishing or in fishing for heavy game fish. Choosing the right reel for you depends on which type of fishing you plan on doing, i.e. what kind of fish you are fishing for. The more likely a fish is to fight back and get violent, the stronger equipment you will need.

When shopping for a good freshwater reel, a smaller sized reel will suffice because freshwater fish are much smaller than saltwater ones. High quality reels made by Shimano that are excellent for freshwater fishing include the Symetre SY 1500FI/2500FI, the Sustain SA 2500FE/SA 3000FE, the Saros SA R2500F, or the Stradic ST 1000MGFB/ST 2500MGFB/ST 2500R.

When shopping for a good saltwater reel, there are many options that Shimano spinning reels offer that are exceptional for the job. Such models include the Sustain SA 5000FE/6000FE, the Saros SA R3000F/4000F, the Stradic ST 4000R/5000R/6000R, or the Stella STL 6000FA/8000FA. These reels are a lot pricier than the other ones, but the additional money is more than worth it for the additional quality. Especially when saltwater fishing, it is important to have a high quality reel, so your safety is not jeopardized and your reel will remain in tact.

Spinning reels are amazing for all types of fishing, and because these are perhaps the easiest types of reels to use, they are on the rise in popularity. However, to ensure the longevity of your reel, it is important to pay attention to it and take care of it after every use, including washing the entire thing with soap and water, dry it to prevent rust, use an anti-corrosion spray, and always remember to lubricate the reel to avoid too much friction.

Over the last couple of years, Shimano spinning reels have improved the durability of the gears, the line management, and the casting ability of the reel. Since they have vastly improved their reels, more and more people are using them. After all, they are easy to operate, durable, and high quality. Yes, you may be spending a couple extra dollars on it, but realistically, you are saving money by not having to replace your reel after every massive fish you catch. Quality is important, and Shimano spinning reels are made with careful consideration of details and design.

Below you will find two very effective bass fishing rigs, both of which can help any bass fisherman experience much more fishing success. The first rig, called the gang hook rig, is the best way to present live worms and other live bait as bait when fishing for bass. The second rig, called the casting bubble rig, is a way for spin fishermen to fish with an artificial fly in a very effective manner. The bottom line is that both of these rigs should be seriously considered, and should be a part of any serious bass fisherman’s repertoire.

1. The Casting Bubble Rig – Artificial flies are almost always overlooked by bass fishermen, mostly because a bass fisherman usually has no interest in learning an entirely new fishing technique like fly fishing. Well when casting bubbles are used, learning to “fly fish” isn’t necessary to use an artificial fly as bait. A casting bubble rig is the perfect way for a spin fisherman to fish with an artificial fly effectively, and many times an artificial fly can be “just what the doctor ordered” on a slow bass day. As we all know bass are voracious feeders and readily feed on under (and above) water aquatic insects. The casting bubble rig is a very effective bass fishing rig that helps you fish aquatic insect imitations effectively.
2. The Gang Hook Rig – Of the two bass fishing rigs being outlined in this article this rig is best used when using live bait (especially if that live bait is live worms). This rig is great for drift fishing in a river or attempting to catch bass under a bobber in a lake. A gang hook rig is a very simple, yet very effective rig. It involves the use of a set of gang hooks, which are attached to your line with a barrel swivel that is the same pound test as the fishing line that you are using. Whether you are fishing in the flowing waters of a river or under a bobber, the gang hook rig is an excellent live bait rig for bass fishing, especially when fishing with live bait

Joe B. Kasper, 400 Hillside Avenue, Morrisville, PA 19067; 215-295-1502; Guide services for smallmouth, largemouth, shad, trout, stripers, crappie and down river trips on the Delaware River.

Ed Sekula, 39 Amendola Drive, Netcong, NJ 07857; 973-347-7714; Bass fishing on Lake Hopatcong.

Fish Assured, Inc., Captain Eugene Neiderlander, P.O. Box 37, Delaware, NJ 07833; 908-475-5493; e-mail: fisherman70@logonnj.net; Web site: www.fishassured.com. Shad and smallmouth bass fishing on the Delaware River.

Ben Iradi, 12 Stimis Lane, East Hanover, NJ 07936; 973-428-4501; Shad fishing on the Delaware River.

John Punola, 210 Central Avenue, Madison, NJ 07940; 973-822-2395; Fishing trips on the Delaware River.

Muskie Daze Guide Service (John Brylinski), P.O. Box 160, Layton, NJ 07851; 973-948-4724; Specializes in the Delaware River – Susquehanna area for muskie, walleye, shad and carp from his 16 foot jet boat; Web site: www.muskiedaze.com.

Barry Vuolo, Reel Bass Adventures, 156 Mt. Oak’s Road, Yardley, PA 19067; 215-736-3118; Specializes in largemouth bass, smallmouth bass and striped bass fishing trips.

James Freda, Gene Quigley, Brian Pasch and Shell E. Caris, Shore Catch Guide Service, 85 Cowart Avenue, Manasquan, NJ 08736; 732-528-1861 or 732-528-9307; e-mail: jfreda@bytheshore.com. Specializes in saltwater fly fishing from the surf in both Monmouth and Ocean counties.

Joseph Kresefsky, “Fishers of Men”, 175 Rt. 202, Ringoes, NJ 08551; 908-806-8231; 30 years experience throughout New Jersey’s streams, river and lakes, specializing in trout, bass and other gamefish. SPECIAL NOTE: this is a Christian owned and operated service

Lenny Saccente, 7 Kenmore Road, Edison, NJ 08817; 732-246-5184 (work); 732-287-1475; (home) Specializes in drifting and/or trolling for trout, bass or pike in both Round Valley and Spruce Run Reservoirs. SPECIAL NOTE: Currently holds the New Jersey State Record for brown trout – 21 pounds, 6 ounces.

Frank Bovasso, Predator Sportfishing, 148 Coventry Drive, Lakewood, NJ 08701; 732-901-9478; Provides specialized instruction in the techniques of angling from the shore including from both the bays and the rivers of New Jersey.

Mickey Goshen, Red Dog Fishing, 2 Medford Road, Morris Plains, NJ 07950; 973-993-1945; fax: 973-984-7474; e-mail: Remydad@aol.com. Specializes in freshwater fly fishing, but also provides services for the saltwater angler, guided trips available including stream instructions and meals with all materials included or bring your own.

John Roetman, Fishing Manager – Ramsey Outdoor Store/Paramus, 103 Glen Avenue, Midland Park, NJ 07432; 201-447-1810 (home); 201-261-5000 (work); e-mail: flyfishnj@aol.com. Specializes in fly fishing guide trips on New Jersey and Pennsylvania streams and saltwater fly fishing from the surf – fly fishing and fly tying instruction available.

Richard F. Kress, Osprey Ltd., Outfitter and Guide Service, 556 Alden Drive, Rahway, NJ 07065; 732-388-3086; e-mail: Ospreyltd@msn.com. Specializes in upland game, turkey, certified fly-casting instructor, fresh and saltwater fly-fishing schools. NJ, NY, VT, MA

Bill Heller and Don Fiscor, Delaware River Guide Service, 12 Minnitown Lane, Hopewell, NJ 08525; 609-466-1481 or 215-493-5977 or 609-882-9598; Specialize in shad, walleye, muskies, striped bass and both large and smallmouth bass.

Paul Reiss, Acute Angling, P.O. Box 18, Califon, NJ 07830; 908-832-2987; Shad fishing on the Delaware River.

Ted Schwartz, 1291 East Broad St., Westfield, NJ 07090; 908-654-5158; e-mail: ted@adobe-east.com. Trout fishing anywhere in the state.

Captain Phil Sciortino, Tackle Box Sportfishing, 1134 Highway # 36, Hazlet, NJ 07730; 732-264-7711; e-mail: Phil@Striperspecial.com; Web site: StriperSpecial.com.

Capt. Rich Newallis, Jr., “Just One More” Sportfishing and Flyfishing Guide Service, 736 Johnston Dr., Watchung, NJ 07060; 908-412-9147; e-mail: just1more@optonline.net; Web site: www.just1morecharters.com. Fishing Sandy Hook and Raritan Bays), write for free brochure.

Captain Peter Lordy, 548 Main Ave., Bay Head, NJ 08742; 732-892-4479; e-mail: Binfishing@aol.com. Specializing in fly fishing and light tackle off the beach or by boat on the by in the Monmouth and Ocean County area.

Captain Chris Gatley, Ardent Angler Guide Service, 167 Little York MT Pleasant Rd., Milford, NJ 08848; 908-996-5058; e-mail: csgatley@ardentangler.org Web site: www.ardentangler.org. Specializing in striped bass, however, also targets fluke, false albacore, smallmouth bass and more. Fully insured and certified in the latest safety procedures.

Tony’s River Tours, Anthony Uzzolina, 2 Nye Ave., Whippany, NJ 07981 973-952-9494; Specializing in reservoir and stream fishing in northern New Jersey and fall trips to New York for salmon and steelhead – children always welcome.

Captain Greg Morrison, Legacy Fly Fishing Charters, 244 22nd. Avenue, Brick, NJ 08724; 732-785-1241; e-mail: greg.morrison@mindspring.com. Specializing in light tackle angling from the beach or boat.

Paul “The Bassman” Schmidt, Bassin’ Time Guide Service, 215 Reeve Ave., Bloomingdale, NJ 07403; 973-838-3422; e-mail: TheBassman1947@yahoo.com. Specializing in largemouth and smallmouth bass in the tri-state area lakes.

Glenn and Andrea Van Benschoten, G&A Guide Service, 22 Taft St., Nutley, NJ 07110; 973-661-1368; e-mail: GAlakefish@aol.com. Specializing in freshwater lake and pond fly-fishing, guided trips available as well as instruction, beginners welcome, snacks and gear included or bring your own.

Captain Steve Krumm, 24 French Street, Pennsville, NJ 08070 856-678-9261 or 856-540-4283; e-mail: Captblock@yahoo.com; Web site: www.fishontheblock.com. Specializing in Delaware Bay fishing for flounder, weakfish and stripers, will supply ice, bait and tackle if needed, boat is docked at Husted’s Landing Marina in Fairton, NJ.

Capt. Craig De Genova, 111 Cedar Lane East, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, 609-861-5031, e-mail: pointer111@comcast.net. Offshore, inshore and backbay saltwater fishing wet and birding tours, and waterfowl hunting.

Brian Patterson, 15 Partridge Lane, Long Valley, NJ 07853 908-852-9259 e-mail: pattersonguides@yahoo.com. Specializing in flyfishing in the north and northwestern parts of NJ.

Backlash 2, Leonard Hoskinson, 32 West Millbrook Ave., Woodstown, NJ 08098 856-769-4346 e-mail: backlash2nj@hotmail.com;  Specializing in bass fishing in out of the way places in South Jersey area. Home waters are Game Creek/Salem Canal.

Terry Sullivan’s Guide Service, Captain Terry Sullivan, 919 Sunset Avenue, Pt. Pleasant, NJ 08742 732-899-6245; e-mail: flatsrat1@aol.com, Web site: www.flatsrat.com. Specializing in striped bass. Light tackle and fly fishing the coastal bays, rivers and beaches of Ocean and Monmouth counties for all inshore species. Note: showcased on Shaw Grisby’s One More Cast and George Poveromo’s World of Saltwater Fishing television shows.

Water Wolf Adventures, Frank Gawenus, 10 Central School Road, Wantage, NJ 07461 973-875-6602 Web site: www.waterwolfadventures.netfirms.com. Over 20 years experience fishing the Delaware River and over forty years of fishing experience from Florida to the Arctic. He can put together great places to fish that are within your budget and traveling distance.

Scaleman Charters, Captain Jeffrey M. Santarpio, 4505A Brigantine Boulevard, Brigantine, NJ 08203, 609-266-5957, Cell phone 609-820-6119, fax: 856-627-7200, e-mail:scaleman@snip.net. Specializing in guided Fly Fishing and Light Tackle in the backwater, inshore and offshore areas of Atlantic City and Brigantine.

Reel Therapy, Captain Paul Eidman, 9 Williamsburg Drive, Tinton Falls, NJ 07753, 732-922-4077, e-mail paulyfish@reeltherapy.com, web: www.reeltherapy.com. Specializes in saltwater fly fishing/light tackle angling in Raritan Bay/NY Bight region aboard a 20′ center console boat designed for NE light tackle fishing. Waters include Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan, Navesink, & Shrewsbury Rivers. Also kayak fishing and trips on the backwaters of Central NJ, ecotours of estuaries, bird watching and relaxation.

Iowa Fortune Guide Service, Captain J. Bryan DiLeo, 1 Point Drive, Somers Point, NJ 08244, 609-926-5415, e-mail: captbryandileo@aol.com, web: www.Iowafortune.com. Specializing in light tackle & fly fishing striped bass. Service focuses on three specific techniques: shallow water back country, night fishing, and the much sought after sight fishing for bass on the flats. Twenty six years fishing experience.

SouthEast Sportfishing, Inc., Captain Lindsay Fuller, 1st IGFA Certified Charter Captain, 204 West Route 38, P.O.Box 727, Moorestown, NJ 08057, 856-778-0200 x15, cell 609-685-2839, e-mail JuneBug041@aol.com, web:www.Fish-JuneBug.com. Sailing from Beach Haven in summer and fall. “June Bug” is a well-maintained 41′ Custom Ricky Scarborough express. We fish offshore & inshore. Over 40 years of successful salt water fishing experience. Marlin, tuna, dolphin, wahoo, blues, bass, luke. We fish at Oregon Inlet, NC in winter and spring.

Fishin’Fun Charters, Steve Andrusiak, 2479 Gold Key Lake, Milford, PA 18337, 570-686-2150, e-mail: Steve@FishinFunCharters.com, Web site: www.FishinFunCharters.com. SPRING: fishing on the Delaware River. 459 HOOKED in 2003. SUMMER: Delaware River smallies, assorted lakes for largemouth, pickerel, muskie, etc. FALL: Same as Summer, plus Delaware River walleyes.

PrimeTime Charters, Capt. Karl McKenna, 38 Grant Place, Middletown, NJ 07748, 732-787-4790, e-mail: KmcKe38gra@Yahoo.com, Web site: www.PrimeTimeCharters.homestead.com. 30 years of experience fishing and diving in the Sandy Hook, Raritan bay area & NJ coastal waters. Specializs in light tackle and fly-fishing for Stripers, Bluefish, Weakfish and Fluke. PrimeTime is located within 20 minutes of some of the best fishing sites on the coast at “Marina on the Bay” in Highlands, NJ. All fishing tackle provided.

Fishin’ N Froggin’ Tom’s Guide Service, Tom Kaminsky, PO Box 2367 Branchville, NJ 07826, 973-948-6264, e-mail: tfroggs@earthlink.net. Specializing in fly-fishing for trout and bass, nighttime frog hunts on public and private waters in northwestern New Jersey. Frogging nights in June, July and August. Fishin’ N Froggin’ is catch and release only.

Outcast Fishing Adventures, Paul Hritz, 215 Ruth Avenue, Hamilton, NJ 08610, 609-888-0719, Web site: www.outcastfishingadventures.com. Offers fly fishing instructions to both groups & individuals. Twenty plus years in both cold & warm water species, specializing in trout, salmon and steelhead. All necessary equipment supplied. Caters to both novice, as well as the experienced.

Brynnie-B-Inshore Fishing, Capt. Frank. W. Breakell, 134 School House Road, Cape May Court House, NJ 08210, e-mail: captsurfpunk@comcast.net or frank.breakell@brynnie-binshorefishing.com, Web site: www.brynnie-binshorefishing.com. 170 Proline Sportsman boat in & around the back bays of Cape May County, as well as Delaware Bay & Atlantic Ocean, for striped bass, weakfish, flounder, bluefish and other species. Trips are from 6-8+ hours for 1-3 people. Totally flexible – all trips customized to meet your needs.

The Backwoods Angler, Blaine Mengel, POB 90376, Allentown, PA 18109, 610-868-9349, e-mail: fishtheriver@enter.net, Web site: www.backwoodsangler.com. Professionally guided smallmouth bass trips on the Delaware, Susquehanna and Schuylkill Rivers aboard a fully riged custom jet boat.

NJ Champion Guide Service, Roy H Edwards Sr., Owner/ Operator 1512 7th Avenue, Neptune, NJ 07753-4946 732-774-1650, e-mail: nj_guide@netzero.com, Web site: www.njchampionguide.com. Specialize in bass as well as fishing for other species throughout New Jersey. Included in my list of places to fish are Greenwood Lake, Lake Hopatcong and the Delaware River, New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and the Chesapeake Bay area.

Got Bass Charters, Capt John Ware, 609-922-1341, e-mail: john@gotbasscharters.com, Web site: www.gotbasscharters.com. Light tackle plugging-fly fishing-bait fishing in Absecon-Atlantic City-Brigantine Area.

Sandy Hook Fishing Adventures, Capt Bob Morrell, Jr., 160 Main St Port Monmouth, NJ 07758, 848-218-2425. Sandyhookfishing@verizon.net, Web site: www.sandyhookfishing.com. 1-4 angler charters in the Raritan/Sandy Hook Bay area, sailing from Highlands, NJ. Targeting striped bass, fluke, weakfish, bluefish and flounder. Full day, half day and evening trips. Families and novice fishermen welcome.

In Your Own Backyard Float Tube Fishing, Craig Newton, 908-343-8041 (cell) or 908-852-4530, inyronbkydfloattube@yahoo.com, Web site: www.inyourownbackyardfloattubefishing.com. Offers unique fishing experience using a comfortable float tube to access fish others can’t on underutilized northwest NJ ponds. Equipment and instruction, including fly fishing, included. For beginner as well as experienced anglers.

Autumn Brook Angling, James A. Capes, 28 Haymarket Court, Cranbury, NJ 08512, 609-371-8819, Web site: www.autumnbrookangling.com. Guided fly fishing trips and on-stream instruction throughout New Jersey. Guided trips in the Ken Lockwood Gorge and other NJ trout waters are taken year round.

Sand Spike Angler Guide Service, Bill Meyer, 1135 Oxford Street, Toms River, NJ 08755, 732-504-1776, billyfromsandspike@comcast.net. Specialized instruction in the following: surf, jetty and freshwater fishing; call or e-mail for further information, locations, types of fish, etc. All ages and experience levels welcome.

Delaware River Fly Fishing Guide Service, Gary Mauz, P.O. Box 201, Warrington, PA. 18976, 877-473-6219, gary@flyfishingguideservice.com, Web site: www.FlyFishingGuideService.com. Specializing in professional guided fly fishing trips on the Delaware river for trout, shad, stripers and smallmouth bass. All equipment included. For beginners to advanced.

Wrong Tern Sportfishing, Capt. Kent Madsen, 84 Wave St., Beachwood, NJ 08722, 732-349-4384, info@wrongtern.com, Web site: www.wrongtern.com. Charter fishing from April through December, 1-3 passengers, Monmouth and Ocean counties, ocean and Barnegat Bay, specializing in striped bass, weakfish, bonito, false albacore, Spanish mackerel, fluke and bluefish. U.S.C.G. licensed to 50 tons.

Over Under Adventures, Capt. Trey Rhyne, 701 Old Avalon Blvd., Avalon, NJ 08202, 609-967-4170, info@overunderadventures.com, Web site: www.overundercharters.com. Deep sea fishing charters in Cape May County. Fishing for tuna, marlin, sharks and striped bass. Weekly NJ fishing reports and make up tuna charters.

Flatbrook Fly Fishing, Ken Gross, 940 Cedar Dr., Newton, NJ 07860, 973-579-5369, KenGross@flatbrookflyfishing.com, Web site: www.flatbrookflyfishing.com. Fly fishing guide services for trout on the Flatbrook River. Shad and smallmouths on the Delaware River. Wade trips only.

Cross Current Guide Service, Capt. Joe Demalderis, 100 Laurel Acres Rd., Milford, PA 18337, 914-475-6779, crosscurrent@optonline.net, Web site: www.crosscurrentguideservice.com. Orvis endorsed fly fishing guide for Sandy Hook, and Raritan Bay along with near-shore waters of northern NJ. Also freshwater on the Upper Delaware River System. Specializes in fly fishing and light tackle fishing for both salt and freshwater.

Trout Water Adventures, Daniel Ansbach, 361 County Rd 513, Califon, NJ 07830, 908-832-7392, dansbach@gmail.com. Guided Fly Fishing & Instruction on NJ trout streams and NY Catskills Rivers. Licensed NY State Guide #5063. 25 years experience, private and public waters.

The Pond Hopper Fishing Guide Service, Dino Cerdeira, Berkley Heights, NJ 973-464-5157, www.thepondhopper.com, dinoc346@comcast.net. Native watercraft endorsed fishing guide. Kayak fishing for largemouth bass in small lakes through out northern and central New Jersey. All equipment supplied – low rates.

Hook & Hoof, Brian K Funckhouser Sr., 21 Schoolhouse Road, Whiting, NJ 08759 732-350-4690 e-mail poppafunck61@aim.com, website: www.MYHOOKANDHOOF.com. Offers surf game fishing in Ocean and Monmouth counties. Spring, Summer, and Fall trips with or without lodging, via beach buggy, fall archery for whitetails and surf fishing combos. Fall whitetail rut, with bow or muzzleloader private lease.

Kingfish, good catches, were banked in the surf, mostly on bloodworms, sometimes on Fishbites artificial worms, said Noel from One Stop Bait & Tackle. Tons of spots filled the surf, and anglers not looking to hook spots had to fish through them to reach other fish. Small weakfish sometimes swam the surf, and anglers used cut up spots to nab them. Summer flounder were angled up from the sea wall off the Flagship, and Don Yuen weighed in a 9-1/2-pound 29-incher. Snapper blues schooled off the Flagship, especially at night under the lights. Triggerfish and tog were claimed along the jetty rocks. Occasional striped bass to 32 to 38 inches, not many, were supposedly plucked from the suds. Noel saw none at the shop, but a couple of anglers talked about them. The full supply of baits is stocked.

Mystic Island

Mixed reports were heard about summer flounder fishing on the ocean, said the report on Scott’s Bait & Tackle’s Web site. No big numbers, a few keepers here and there, were boated at Little Egg Reef, Garden State Reef South and “within reasonable distance of the Rutgers Buoys,” the report said. Two trips in a row produced six keepers apiece at Garden State Reef South on one boat. Someone else found the fluke in 50 feet off the red tower. Little Egg Inlet was rough, but once boaters reached the ocean, seas were calm, with only a small, intermittent swell, and the weather was gorgeous. Fishing for sea bass and tog was supposedly good on the ocean. Croakers showed up at Little Egg Reef on Thursday after the nor’easter. They were expected to return to waters close to shore, where they schooled before and usually school, after conditions settled after the storm. In the bay sea bass, spots, a few small blowfish, sharks and sea robins bit. “But no cooler quality fish (did),” the report said.

Tuckerton

Ocean fishing for summer flounder netted some healthy sized flatties to 7 and 8 pounds, quite a few keepers, fewer shorts than before, in 60 feet with Legal Limit Charters, Capt. T.J. said. Sea bass catches also picked up, began to give up catches again on the trips. An inshore trolling trip on the ocean landed skipjacks and bonito 20 miles from the coast on Saturday. No bluefish and no tuna bit. “Not a whole lot going on,” T.J. said. Lots of open-boat trips or shared charters for flounder are sailing in the next days. See the online Open Boat/Shared Charter Schedule.

Longport

A ground swell and effects from last week’s nor’easter mostly shut down fishing close to shore on the ocean, and trips had to sail farther offshore for catches, said Capt. Mike from the Stray Cat. Waters were green, and the next storm, the hurricane forecast to barrel up the coast by the weekend, might only help fishing by stirring up the waters. Charters before last week’s blow wrangled up croakers, summer flounder, spike weakfish and blues. After the storm, trips caught some of those fish, but, again, had to sail farther offshore. A trip today was supposed to run to even farther offshore to the canyons for tuna and big game. Lots of white marlin apparently roamed from Baltimore Canyon to farther south. A canyon trip last week was cancelled because of a swell and the full moon. Mike wasn’t asked why the moon mattered, but fishing generally can be slow on the moons, for unknown reasons, and the moons can cause difficult fishing conditions like strong tides and currents. The combination of the swell with potentially moon-related effects on fishing apparently influenced the call to stay docked.

Sea Isle City

Jim Jackson and son Connor wrestled in and released 10 dusky sharks to 60 pounds and jigged some amberjacks on a trip Sunday on the ocean, said Capt. Joe Hughes from Jersey Cape Guide Service and Gibson’s Tackle. The sharks were hooked on mackerel on spinning rods, and the trip was one of Jersey Cape’s special inshore charters for sharks, mostly duskies and browns, catch and release angling by regulation, on the ocean 8 to 10 miles from shore. The trips are a chance to fish the blue waters for big, powerful fish, either on spinning or fly rods, without sailing the long distance usually required for sharking. The ocean held a big ground swell that day, and a trip tonight was supposed to fly rod for striped bass on the back bay. High tides during dark were ideal, and Jersey Cape’s night trips for the bay’s stripers fish with either Clouser flies or soft plastic lures at places like under the lights at bridges and docks. High tides at dusk, ideal for popper fishing for stripers on the bay with fly or spinning rods, another type of trip Jersey Cape runs, will take place later this week and next week. Summer flounder, including keepers at Townsend Inlet Reef, continued to bite, if anglers wanted to fish aboard for them. Jersey Cape is also fishing offshore for a few yellowfin tuna that are around, longfin tuna that began to show up, marlin and mahi mahi. After-work special charters on the bay will resume next week from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays, a great time to fish. Joe will post on his blog some of the days with better tides for that fishing. Keep up with Joe’s fishing and photos on Jersey Cape’s blog.

Avalon

An overnight trip offshore Thursday to Friday with Over Under Adventures first tried to find a temperature break the satellite charts showed at the southwest side of Lindenkohl Canyon, the audio reports on Over Under’s Web site said. The break wasn’t found, but three white marlin were seen, and one was missed, before the boat was set up to fish at night. At night a 100-pound mako shark, a double-header of dusky sharks and a 150-pound hammerhead shark were landed. The area looked good, and lots of squid schooled. At 4 a.m. a mystery bite from a big fish, either a bigeye tuna or a swordfish, pulled the hooked. Then one 45-pound yellowfin tuna was bagged on a double-header, the other fish getting off. On the troll in the morning two yellowfin tuna bites never came tight, but some mahi mahi to 30 pounds were reeled in. At the end of the day 30 to 35 mahi, sizeable ones to 35 pounds, were waxed. The temperature break, 75.2 to 78.6 degrees, was found that morning at the northeast side of the Lindy, and the crew planned to intercept the break on another overnighter that night. The break was found on that trip from Friday to Saturday at Spencer Canyon, “but to no avail,” the report said. Nothing bit on the troll in the area. The boat was set up to fish at night, and one swordfish bit and got off, and a dusky shark and a blue shark were landed. In the morning the anglers began lobster-pot hopping to catch mahi mahi at Lindenkohl and Carteret canyons. Forty to 45 mahi 6 to 12 pounds were decked, successful fishing. Not much was heard about tuna caught by anyone during the trip, and the fishing sounded slow. At least the lobster pots were loaded with mahi. A daytime trip on another one of Over Under’s boats fished around Wilmington Canyon on Friday. No tuna or other fish showed up on the troll, but the anglers had planned to do lots of mahi fishing, and that worked out well. The boat was backed down on lobster pots up and down the west wall of the canyon, and the anglers hooked 30 mahi while casting. The boat was trolled back inshore, and most waters looked bland, but life including bait and skipjacks was found in 30 fathoms. Skipjacks were trolled, but no tuna bit, though tuna seemed to be marked at one point. Charters and open-boat trips are fishing offshore.

Cape May

A good catch of yellowfin tuna was trolled offshore on a day trip with the Kristofferson party on the Down Deep, Capt. Bob said. Another one of the trips was headed out today. Anglers with the I&I Sling Company trolled a healthy catch of 4- to 5-pound bluefish. Charters are also fishing for summer flounder. Dates are being booked for fall striped bass fishing and are “going,” Bob said.

Anglers aboard fished at the ocean reefs, said Capt. George from the Heavy Hitter. John Stoneck’s charter, including John’s daughter Laurie and Mike and Al, landed summer flounder – some keepers, including Laurie’s 23-incher, and a bunch of shorts – croakers and small blues. Candi, Austin, Ron and Sean from Berlin’s First Student Bus Company caught flounder – keepers and throwbacks – a few croakers and some blues. The blues on the trips were 2 to 4 pounds, and bigger blues, 5- to 7-pounders, could be trolled at the lumps 20 miles from shore. Those trips could tackle blues and get a chance at fish including bluefin and yellowfin tuna, mahi mahi and wahoos. Anglers never know what’ll hit. Blues disappeared from off Cape May Point after last week’s nor’easter. Trips farther offshore are catching yellowfin tuna, mahi, wahoos and white marlin. Dates are available for a trip for any of these species, and call if interested. Flounder season closes the day after Labor Day, if anglers want to fish for them one final time this week through the holiday.

http://www.fishingreportsnow.com/

One thing has changed. More fish and more keepers are migrating into the ocean at reefs and inshore lumps. The season continues through Labor Day – Monday, Sept. 6.

Noteworthy catches popped up throughout the season, some just recently.

Craig Tagbar of Margate caught a 9-pound flounder Saturday at Great Egg Harbor Reef as reported by Captain Andy’s Marina in Margate. Chris Burley and crew had 15 keepers close to structure at the north end of Cape May Reef, and Carrie Matthews of Thompson’s Beach caught a 9.29-pound flounder at Old Grounds, both reported by Jim’s Bait and Tackle.

Local anglers have only these few days to knock the 15.12-pound flounder caught June 18 by Jerry Lynch of Millville out of first place in The Press Fishing Contest.

P.J. Keiter of Somers Point caught his first flounder, a 3.63-pounder, while fishing in Great Egg Inlet, according to Rob Barrett at Dolfin Dock in Somers Point. Barrett reported a few other decent flounder caught in the ocean. Dennis Dembrowski Sr. and Jr. got 6.04 and 5.65 fish at Wildwood Reef. Joe Eachus of Linwood got a 4.75-pounder and Brian Cummings of Egg Harbor Township a 4.32-pounder, both at Ocean City Reef.

Croaker, sea bass and bluefish also are on some of these inshore lumps and reefs.

It is too early and way too warm to look for signs of fall. Anglers on the north end of Long Beach Island seemed to have a touch of autumn for a couple of days recently when the weather cooled. Barnegat Light Bait and Tackle reported 7- to 8-pound bluefish in the surf.

Valerie Zak at Oceanside Bait and Tackle in Brighton Beach said big blues were under bunker pods Sunday off Long Beach Island, but she could not find them Monday morning.

Margaret O’Brien at Jingle’s Bait and Tackle in North Beach Haven said she is getting ready for fall by stocking Gibbs and Tsunamis for striper fishing. She said a topic of conversation is Hurricane Earl, which is forecast to swipe the coast this week. Another is a 40-pound plus striped bass said to have been caught on the north end of LBI.

Tourney time

A big bluefish was a winner in the 23rd Atlantic County Carpenters Local 623 Fishing Tournament on Saturday.

Jeff Reese of Mays Landing overpowered the competition with a 12.3-pound blue. Tom McReynolds of Longport was a distant second at 1.9 pounds and Tom McGeary of Egg Harbor City was third at 1.4.

The flounder winner was John Nicastro with a 7-pounder. Tom Simon was second at 4.33 and Reese was third at 3.62.

Tournament director Lee Scanny said no weakfish were registered.

Badges are being dropped off today at weighstations for the Atlantic County/Atlantic City Surf Fishing Derby. The cost is $20 with a portion of proceeds going to Atlantic County chapter of United Way.

The contest starts Sept. 20 and continues to Oct. 31. It offers grand prizes of $500 for striped bass and $300 for bluefish, weakfish, kingfish and tautog; and $50 weekly prizes for each.

The winner of the Doc Johnston Memorial for heaviest fish caught by a woman and the youth division for anglers age 14 and under each earn $300.

Badges can be purchased at Ray Scott’s Dock and Captain Andy’s Marina in Margate, Brennan Marine and Dolfin Dock in Somers Point, Ship Shop in Ventnor, One-Stop Bait and Tackle in Atlantic City, Absecon Bay Sportsman Center in Absecon, and Bayside Bait and Tackle and Fish Finder Marine in Brigantine. Badges must be purchased at least 24 hours before weighing a fish.

Most of the time, people choose to fish when the sun is up. However, do not forget that trout also comes out in the night to catch their food. Actually, expert anglers say that you can even catch bigger fish after sunset. So why not try fishing at night for trout? This could be another experience that you will not forget since it is more thrilling and rewarding.

Night trout fishing is preferred by plenty of fishing anglers since it is more peaceful than during the day. It is also the time that few people are going to fish which leaves you the high probability of catching more fish. Apart from the peaceful water and solitude offered in night trout fishing, you can also enjoy the ambiance of the night smells that causes night fishing to be more pleasant. And when your vision finally adjusts to the brightness of the night and you are able to determine various sounds, you will realize how fun it is to fish at night for trout.

Fish will hide away from shadows in the daytime and all the sudden movement and noise will scare them away and will send them to their hiding place. During the night, they are more comfortable and they feel free to move around. Night fishing is more effective if the sky is cloudy which can minimize the appearance of your silhouette while doing the activity. This will even more push the fish to take your bait. Therefore, night trout fishing will give you the advantage of catching more fish. You can even find trout in the open places in night hours.

But before you start to fish after the sun is down, watch how the water runs during the day. Familiarize yourself where the hot spots are for trout and apply this when you go for night fishing. In addition to that, if you do night fish, you should pick the right bait. Do not forget that the night offers some reduction in light. Thus, using baits such as flies having bright white or reflective silver will invite more trout to bite your bait.

It is also necessary to move slowly and quiet while doing your fishing at night so as not to scare away the trout. It is also advisable to bring with you your pair of waders while performing your trout fishing and to minimize your lines getting tangled just make a short casting approach. Nevertheless, if using flies as your bait is not your expertise, then you can practice during the day before venturing out at night.

Trout fishing at night can even be more enjoyable if you bring along with you some friends or own family members. But if you have small kids, better leave them at home for safety reasons. Apart from that, it is necessary to prepare all the things that you need before going out at night for trout fishing. Enjoy night trout fishing and keep safe!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Monty_Cuddington