Surf Fishing

Started by jeldridge31, November 14, 2017, 08:59:15 PM

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jeldridge31

This isn't necessarily bass fishing related but I didn't know where to ask. The last week of December I will be down the shore the entire week and I've always wanted to try surf fishing. I thought that this would be the perfect time and then I realized that it would be winter. How is the surf fishing in the winter? I don't want to waste my time sitting in the freezing cold if nothing is going to bite. Was baits would be good? What fish would be around? This would be in the Northern New Jersey region.

BigNasty06

Where in North Jersey were you planning on Surf Fishing?  What Town, Beach, and Inlet?

Typically this time of year, the Stripers are running pretty good.  Point Pleasant, LBI, and down off the coast of Wildwood, Ocean City, and Cape May, anglers tend to have decent catches.

Just remember it is December and one should dress in layers, along with having hand warmers packed, wading gear, and plenty of bait.

Best of Luck,
BN06

bigjim5589

 jeldridge31, welcome to UltimateBass!   BN06 has given you some great advice. It does make a lot of difference even in the warmer months where you'll be fishing to be successful in the surf.

I enjoy surf fishing, but never got to do a lot of it and didn't surf fish much in the winter. I did some winter fishing when I was a kid, visiting family in NC, but was in the inland waterway, not in the surf. I have surf fished in DE, MD, NC & SC, sometimes with some success, most times not too much.

As far as baits, that too can depend on where you'll be fishing & what's available. If there are plenty of open bait & tackle shops, you may have more choices. If not, it may be very limited.

If you can't get bait locally, you might try some of the artificial baits such a Gulp or Fishbites. I've used them in the past, and have had some success. Some of the shrimp, bloodworm, and crab baits in those brands have worked for me.

I know a good number of folks who surf fish all winter, unless the weather gets so bitter cold they can't, so fish can be caught in the surf in the winter. Honestly, many don't always fish just to catch, but to be outdoors doing something they enjoy, and the catching when it happens is an added bonus. There's a group who fishes at a state park along the Chesapeake Bay near where I used to live in MD, who make it a social event. It's not surf fishing like at the coast, but it's the closest thing for most of them. They cast their baits, and wait. While they wait, they mingle, talk, tell fishing stories, usually bring along plenty food & drinks that are shared & if they don't catch any fish, at least they're out there trying & having a good time in the process.

Frankly, your comment about wasting your time is the wrong attitude to have IMO. Fish will never bite a bait that's not in the water, so if you're not willing to take the chance & put in the time, even if you may not catch anything, how will you ever know if it's a waste of your time?  ;)
Fanatical Fly Tyer & Tackle Maker!  It's An OBSESSION!!  J. Hester Fly & Tackle Co. LLC.

jeldridge31

I will be fishing in the Sea Girt area of New Jersey during the last week of December. I should not have any problems getting bait.