When will the Fishing Piers on the Bay in Ocean City, NJ Open?

by June
(Phila., PA)

We stay at 2nd & Bay and there were fishing piers there which were washed away by the
storm. When we were there in May, all the materials to build another pier was
laid out in the parking lot there. I'd like to know if there has been any progress
in the building of new fishing piers.

Thank you very much for your answer.

June Sarama

Franks Reply

Hi June,

The two city-owned piers at 10th and 12th streets on the bay that were severely damaged by Hurricane Sandy remain closed and are not expected to open before the end of this summer (2013). Access to both piers is restricted by fencing.

Plans are being finalized to replace both piers, hopefully before the beginning of the summer of 2014.

Have a nice summer,

Frank

Crabbing On Piers, Bulkheads, Shoreline vs. In A Boat?

by Steve
(Atlantic County, N.J.)

Is crabbing better in one location over another? Do crabs feed all day long?

Frank's Reply:

Hi Steve,

Here is some information that should annswer your question about crabbing in New Jersey.

The best areas for catching Blue Claw crabs are in tidal waters and coastal tributaries such as bays, inlets and creeks where the salt or brackish water is moving.

Blue crabs can be found in the tidal waters moving into the shallower waters of bays, inlets and creeks with the incoming tide, and then back out to the deeper water as the tide recedes.

The best spots to catch crabs are on low bridges, docks, piers, and anchored row boats, over muddy bottoms and a slowly moving current. Blue claw crabs are most active during the incoming and outgoing tides, especially in the early morning and in the late afternoon.

For the best or popular places to go crabbing in New Jersey visit New Jersey Crabbing

The two best ways to catch crabs in New Jersey are either using a crab pot or a drop line.

Using a crab pot

Attach the pot to a cord length of at least 15 feet.of cord. Cord can be of the clothesline type that can be purchased at a local hardware store.

The bait can be either a bunker that can be purchased at a local bait and tackle shop near the Jersey areas that are popular with crabbing. or chicken parts. The prefereed bait is the bunker. Cut the bunker in half and attach it firmly to the pot.

Check your pots periodically, at least 1/2 half an hour or more intervals. When first entering an area, check the pot in abou 20 minutes to see if there are signs of crabs in the area.

Using a drop line

Use a 5-6 foot heavy fishing line tied to the end of a stick, or by hand. To land the crab using a drop line you will need a scoop net that can be purchased at a locat bait and tackle shop.

Securely (tie it) the bait to the end of the line. Lower the line with the bait into the water. Hold onto the sitck or line waitng for a bite.

When you feel a nibble, slowly raise the line to the surface. Go slowly, gently retrieving your line so that the crab will not let go and swim away. Just before the crab reaches the surface have the scoop net placed into the water under the crab to scoop it up.

Storing Crabs
Crabs should not be kept without air for too long. You can store your captured blue claw crabs in a basket or empty bucket. Do not keep crabs in a bucket of water or they will die quickly. Do not cook and eat a dead crab. Crabs should be eaten fresh, the same day they are caught.

Have fun,

Frank

Purchase A NJ Fishing License For A Foreigner

by Jim
(New Jersey)

My nephew is coming to New Jersey (from Germany) for 3 weeks. I would like to take him fresh and salt water fishing. Can I buy him a temporary NJ fresh water license?

Frank's Reply:
Hi Jim;
Your visiting nephew from Germany can obtain a fresh water fishing license in New Jersey. For identification purposes he would have to show his passport at the time the license is purchased.

This means the license cannot be purchased in advance though there are license agents through the state where the license can be purchased and used immediately after purchase. Visit New Jersey License agents for a listing of locations that sell a fresh water license.

Best Time For Spring Stripper Fishing in New Jersey

by Dave
(Illinois)

What is the best time to come stripper fishing in the spring ? Thanks, Dave

Frank's Reply:
Hi Dave;

The Spring Striped bass season in New Jersey can begin as early as mid-march in some spots, though more likely around mid April inside the Bays and Rivers when the water temperature is around 45 to 50 degrees. Ocean Striper fishing along the New Jersey beaches begins about a month later are tend to be very good during May and June.

You can view the daily ocean water temperatures of the New Jersey coast line on this page.

Having said that, in New Jersey there are closed seasons for striped bass.
You cannot fish for strippers from January 1 to February 28 in all waters except in the Atlantic Ocean from 0-3 miles offshore, and from April 1 to May 31 in the Delaware River and its tributaries

During the closed season, possession of striped bass is a violation of the law and can result in prosecution.

Where is the Best Place in NJ
to Fish off a Pier

by bill
(manahawkin n.j.)

best place to fish off a pier in new jersey is?

Hi Bill;
While New Jersey has many saltwater fishing piers, the best pier for fishing is in Ventnor City, just south of Atlantic City. It is the only public fishing pier in New Jersey that goes out into the open Atlantic Ocean. Learn more about this pier and other New Jersey Fishing Piers.
Regards,
Frank Dalotto

Crabbing Spots Off a Pier or Boat.

by Sue Morisi
(Howell,NJ USA)

There's six of us and we would like to go crabbing and we don't have a boat, Even if we rented a boat,I think that's a lot of people. I live in Howell not to far from Brick or Point Pleasant. Any suggestions?

Hi Sue;
I would recommend heading down to Bayville, NJ near Toms River for either crabbing off a pier or for renting a boat with a motor, although with six people, you will need to rent 2 boats.
The fishing/crabbing pier is located at Berkely Island County Park, off the GSP at Exit 77. Call for information: 732-506-9090.
If you prefer to rent a boat, try Trixie's Landing in Bayville. off the GSP, Exit 80. Turn right on to Route 9 South go about 6 miles. They rent boats with a motor and gas for $50/day. Call 732-269-5838.
Have fun,
Frank Dalotto

Where Can I Fish for Free in Wildwood?

where can I fish for free in Wildwood?
Reply:

Hi Laurie,
Depending on the time of year,time of day, etc., the good fishing spots can vary.
In the Wildwwods, try the jetty and sea wall in North Wildwood, Nummy Island between North Wildwood and Stone Harbor, in the harbor at the beach near the Cape May-Wildwood toll bridge, and the jetty's near the Hereford's Inlet

Cape May also offers some great fishing in the surf and the bays;

In the southern end of Cape May, off the jetty near the Cape May Ferry Terminal, Higbee Beach, the Alexander Ave jetty, Poverty Beach and Cape May Point (Lighthouse), and Sunset Beach near the sunken concrete ship.

Most local Bait shops will give tips on what's running and the best areas to fish.

In Wildwood, try:
No Bones Bait & Tackle Shop
560 W Rio Grande Ave
Wildwood, NJ(609) 522-3017

Jersey Bait & Tackle around 2nd & NJ Ave.

In Cape May, try:
Jim's bait and Tackle shop, across from the Lobster House, and The Cape May Bait and tackle shop on Sunset Blvd on the left hand side right past the light at West Cape May.

Have fun,
Frank

Fishing and crabbing information for Windward Beach, Brick Twp, NJ

by Shirley
(Marlboro, NJ)

I would like some information on Windward Beach in Brick, New Jersey. What are the hours? Do we need to obtain a license to crab or fish off the pier? What is the best time of day to fish or crab at this time of year?
Thank you for your help.

Hi Shirley;
The hours at Windward Beach, NJ are dawn to dusk. License to fish is not required and non-commercial crabbing for a line, scoop net, or 1 collapse-able pot is not required. 2 or more pots/person requires a license of $2.
Hard to say about the best time to fish or crab. There are many factors like the season, tide, weather, etc.
For information, contact the NJDEP at 732-262-1075.
Have fun,
Frank Dalotto

Is There A Motel with A Small Boat Marina Near Wildwood?

by Kim
(Maryland)

Is there a hotel in the area of Wildwood on the bay side that we could launch and keep our boat at for water skiing and tubing during our stay there?
Reply:
Hi Kim,

The Wildwood area has a limited number of motels with boat docking facilities.

I have offered two places to call to see if they meet your needs:

Sterling Harbor Motel & Marina
1020 W Rio Grande Ave
Wildwood, NJ 08260
609-729-5222

Dino's Boatel Motel
15 Bay Avenue
Wildwood, NJ 08260

Happy boating,

Frank