Jingles Bait and Tackle

FISHING REPORT

I hope you got some time to spend outdoors yesterday.

What a nice day. From the full moon early in the morning to temps in the mid to upper 50s.

I checked out the beach yesterday and the ocean was flat and the beach seems to be gaining some sand. There were a few trucks riding the beach in Holgate. It was the kind of day that it would have been nice to throw out a clam and see if you could get a hit.

Speaking of fish yes there are some around. North of us they are till catching on a pretty regularly and the back bays here and to the south have bass in with the perch. If the weather continues to stay mild like it is we may havesome early spring fishing.

Monday Feb 6th

Okay Super Bowl is over and I hope your favorite team won. Now it is time to move along to spring. A sign of spring for me it the tide charts are printed and delivered. Next weekend it the 95Th Annual Turkey Dinner. What a great job the fireman do.

Hooked on Fishing not on Drugs (A638), a bill that the New Jersey Outdoor Alliance has made a priority to become law was unanimously approved by the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee last week.

Bill A638 (HOFNOD) would establish a program within the Division of Fish and Wildlife to encourage children to avoid drug use. HOFNOD is a nationally recognized program developed by the Future Fisherman Foundation which has operated successfully in over a dozen states.

The program's funding source would be the Drug Enforcement and Demand Reduction Fund (DEDRF) from which there would be a $200,000 appropriation to support the cost of implementing the program. This is a statutory account established to receive fines and penalties from convicted drug offenders that are used to support State authorized drug and alcohol abuse abatement programs.

Ed Markowski, President of NJOA (EP) and a long-time champion of the bill said, "HOFNOD is a uniquely designed approach to drug prevention among our youth. It is as effective with urban kids as it is with suburban and rural kids. HOFNOD consists of developing positive life skills while providing an appreciation of wildlife and the outdoors with the catalyst being the teaching of angling skills to school-aged children."
NJOA (CF) council members present at the hearing and testifying in favor of the bill were New Jersey Outdoor Alliance, Jersey Coast Anglers Association, and New Jersey State Federation of Sportsmen's Clubs. Other groups also testified for the bill, including New Jersey Recreation and Parks Association.
Committee members:
Albano, Nelson T. (D)
Clifton, Robert D. (R)
Wilson, Gilbert L. (D)
Caride, Marlene (D)
Dancer, Ronald S. (R)

Bill sponsors:

Rumpf, Brian E. as Primary Sponsor Conaway, Herb, Jr. as Primary Sponsor Gove, DiAnne C. as Primary Sponsor Albano, Nelson T. as Primary Sponsor
Wolfe, David W. as Co-Sponsor
Diegnan, Patrick J., Jr. as Co-Sponsor McHose, Alison Littell as Co-Sponsor Moriarty, Paul D. as Co-Sponsor Chiusano, Gary R. as Co-Sponsor Rumana, Scott T. as Co-Sponsor
Peterson, Erik as Co-Sponsor
Burzichelli, John J. as Co-Sponsor

Feb 3rd

Thurs Feb 2nd

Okay so he saw his shadow. If the next 6 weeks are like this it will be fine with me. Cloudy this morning with a high of 50 today and the ocean is 45.

Wed FEB 1st

Okay what month is it?

What a beautiful day.Just came in from working in the store and it is 64 degrees here at the beach. With weather like this who needs Florida. Looks like the ocean temp is on the rise too.

Lots of fishing flea markets this weekend and the Atlantic City Boat Show started today. You may not be in the market for a boat but it is nice to get out and check them out. Makes me feel like summer is getting here.

Raritan Bay Anglers Fishing Flea Mkt
at St. Cecelia's Lourdes Hall
on Saturday, Feb. 4, 2012
Oak Tree Rd./Rt 27, Iselin, NJ
Indoors, no rain or snow date.
8 am to 2 pm
Contact: Jim
Phone: (732)494-6826
Email: jdago1@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.raritanbayanglersclub.com

Silverton Volunteer Fire Co. Fishing Flea Market
on Sunday, Feb. 5, 2012
15 Kettle Creek Rd Toms River NJ
Indoors, no rain or snow date.
8 am to 2 pm
Contact: Carmen Morris
Phone: 732-255-3486
Website: http://www.svfc29.com/
Directions:
Garden State Parkway to Pleasant Hills (Toms River) exit; take RT 9 north 1 1/4 miles to Church Rd., right on Church Rd. for 4 miles. Church Rd. becomes Kettle Creek Rd. At Hooper Ave. Fire station is at this intersection.

Eastern Sports and Outdoor Show

Feb. 4-12, 2011
State Farm Complex
Harrisburg, PA

Sun Jan 29th

It has been a while since I have updated this report because there is not much going on. We have been really luck with the weather having some temps in the upper 50s and no snow.

Weekend there are some local flea markets to attend and this week the Atlantic City Boat Show opens.

Tuesday Jan 24th

It may have been a gray and drizzly couple of days but I'll take it. Warm temps this time of the year and no snow. Hope it continues.

The last few years I have been in Florida and have missed the Beach Haven Firemans Dinner. This year it is on Feb 18th. Alway a great dinner and for a great cause.

A big dead whale washed up on the beach in Ocean City.

Well I took a couple of days off from in store projects on Sunday and Monday. Watch some tough fighting football games thru the weekend. I would like to congratulate Dave Akers ( former Eagle) on his kicking. Dave was very helpful to my grandson Austin with his kicking in high school. I don't know if your favorite team won over the weekend but it is an east coast super bowel. My Monday Iwas back again to Home Depot for more stuff for out store projects. We are making progress. Somedays it does not look like it but some how it all comes together. This year it is taking longer because of some new addtions.

Not much in fishing news other than some boat shows and flea markets going on. Some of our friends that are south are catching on days when they are not getting blown out.

A couple of the fisherman have annouced some news over the weekend in which will have some changes in their lives. Dante S. announced his wedding date. I have to give credit to his girlfriend Ali as I think he spends more time with the fish.Knowing Dante for more than half his life I think I can get away with that. I wish the two of them good luck.

Ron and Jen S. have annouced the they are expecting a future fisherman. I can't wait to see what they name the baby. Congratulations to the two of you.

Sun Jan 22nd

If things keep up like this there will be specials on snow blowers and snow shovels this year in this part of New Jersey. I am loving it but feel sorry for the snow lovers. We were lucky with a touch of snow and then some rain making it for a very gray day yesterday and again today. I am liking the temps this week doesn't make me miss Florida so far this year.

We are working in the store almost everyday. In the storethis time the year I need a shoe stretcher to make more room for new items.

Day off from work for metoday. Fishing, Football and Nascar are some of my favorite things and this cloudy day is a great day for football. Okay my favorites are out. Yes I am an Eagles fan. Who do you think are going on to the Supper Bowl. The Giants are like the local team now, Baltimore did not look that strong to me last week, the 49ers looked good and my grand daughter has alway been a New England fan. Have a good Sunday.

Fri Jan 20th @ 10:00pm

I would like to thank everyone for their continued support of this web site. All ready this month we are way over the amount of views that we had at this time last year. I know for a lot of you that are not here on the island with us it is your way to keep in touch and informed on some of the things going on here on LBI.

The temp here at the beach is 29 and the wind is from the wnw at 5. The ocean is 42.

So far this year we have been very lucky as far as snow but itsounds like we may get some snow before it changes to rain her at the beach. The winds are going to come from the east north east which should warm us up here at the beach.Winds are forcasted to gust to 30 which once again may close the Holgate entrance.

I know with the snow inland it will make my grandson very happy as he has a new truck and plow this year where as last year with all the snow he used a snow blower. Be safe Austin and everyone else that is out driving in it.

Fri Jan 20th

Coast Guard investigators will interview the crew of a commercial vessel near Houston as part of an ongoing investigation into the capsizing of the Mandy Ness off the coast of Long Beach Island last week

The Mandy Ness captain, Jim Mears, died when he could not escape.

Coast Guard officials said in a news release that its initial investigation determined that another boat was in the area at the time the Mandy Ness capsized. Personnel from Sector Hampton Roads boarded the commercial boat in question off the coast of Virginia on Jan. 11, the day after the capsizing, to determine whether the boat was in the vicinity of the Mandy Ness when the incident occurred.

Investigators will interview the crew of the unidentified boat today near Houston and inspect the boat when it arrives in port, the news release stated.

About 11:15 p.m. on Jan. 10, the Coast Guard and the fishing boat Frances Anne responded to the Mandy Ness. Seas that night were about 3 feet, skies were clear with a nearly full moon illuminating the ocean, and there was little wind, the Coast Guard stated.

Rescuers were able to pluck crewmember Trevor Horan from the 44-degree water, but Mears was pronounced dead at AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Mainland Campus, in Galloway Township.

The information we obtained from the Jan. 11 boarding led us to believe that the vessel was in the vicinity of the Mandy Ness at the time of the capsizing, said Capt. Meredith Austin, commander of Coast Guard Sector Delaware Bay, the news release. Based on that information, Coast Guard investigators will board the vessel again in Houston and interview members of the crew. We will continue to actively investigate the incident to allow us to provide information to the family and friends of Mr. Mears, who was lost in the accident, and to prevent a similar tragedy in the future.

Thurs Jan 19th

Garden State Parkway widening project to require
Route 72 lane closures in Stafford

(Trenton) - NJDOT and New Jersey Turnpike Authority (NJTA) officials today announced lane closures on Route 72 in Stafford Township to accommodate ongoing construction on the Garden State Parkway bridges over the state highway.Beginning this week, overnight single-lane closures will be allowed on Route 72 in each direction under the GSP bridges from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following morning. NJTA's contractor, Earle Asphalt Company, will also be permitted to close the outside auxiliary lane on Route 72 in each direction under the bridges between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., daily. Two travel lanes will be maintained on Route 72 in each direction at all times. This stage of construction is anticipated to be complete by mid-May 2012. No regular lane closure schedule will be permitted on Route 72 during the summer season. The NJTA is reconstructing the bridges over Route 72 as part of a $52 million contract to widen the GSP from two lanes to three lanes in each direction between milepost 64.5 and milepost 57.8 in Stafford, Eagleswood and Little Egg Harbor. This work is associated with the larger $900 million GSP Widening Program that is adding capacity along the highly traveled toll-road from Interchange 80 to Interchange 30.Construction began on the GSP Widening Program in 2009 and this phase of the project is expected to be complete in 2014.The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT's traffic information website www.511nj.org for construction updates and real-time travel information.

Wed Jan 18th

Cabin Fever yet?

Here are a couple of events this week if you are looking for something to do.

The Baltimore Boat Show
on January 19-22, 2012
at Baltimore Convention Center
1 W Pratt St (at Charles Street)
One block away from the Inner Harbor
Baltimore, MD 21201

Website:
http://www.baltimoreboatshow.com/

Delaware Valley Surf Anglers
Type of Event: Fishing Flea Market
Event Date(s): 1/21/2012
Event Time(s): 9am to 2pm
Admission: $3.00 kids 15 under free
Location: VE Erzgebire German Club
Address: 130 Davisville Rd
Warminster, PA 18974-5568
Contact: Joe Kelly
Email: jckastr@yahoo.com
Phone: 267-918-4517
Website: http://www.delvalsurfanglers.org
Vendor Info: Contact for table information

Tues Jan 17th

There is a fire at the end of Dock Road in West Creek this afternoon. It sounds like we have lost the redfiberglass house at the end of the road there. I know thru the years I have sent a lot of people to that location to crab.

EAGLESWOOD Architect Gamal El-Zoghbys home was heavily damaged by fire Tuesday, leaving the landmark house at the mouth of Westecunk Creek smoking for hours as firefighters from four towns poured in fire suppressant foam and cut through walls to reach persistent flames.

El-Zoghby, 75, a professor of architecture at the Pratt Institute in New York City, and his wife Martha were not home at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported, according to officials. Damage was heaviest at the eastern end of the house, which overlooks Little Egg Harbor.

As much a work of public art as a private residence, the house took two years to build in the late 1990s and is a familiar landmark for boaters, by day with its striking red color and with a rooftop beacon at night.

A neighbor spotted smoke and called State Police shortly after 11:30 a.m. Neighbor David Fox said he ran down to the scene as heavy black smoke was billowing.

The 3,100-square-foot building is sheathed in plywood coated with clear fiberglass and resin, material that burns differently than painted wood. Firefighters used axes and saws to open up the structures multiple walls.

It must be very difficult. Theres a lot of angles and spaces in those walls, said neighbor Michael Pierro, a retired Jersey City firefighter, as he watched them work.

In addition to the Eagleswood Volunteer Fire Company, units came from Stafford, Parkertown, Tuckerton, West Tuckerton and Mystic Islands. Paramedics from Great Bay EMS and the Stafford First Aid Squad were at the scene along with State Police, the Ocean County fire marshals and the county sheriffs department.

In a 1999 interview with the Asbury Park Press, the Egyptian-born El-Zoghby explained how principles of astronomy, mathematics, philosophy and art were incorporated into his dream-house design. The overall design involves precise geographic east-west and astronomical alignments. As in an ancient monument, two windows are positioned to capture the sunrise and sunset at the spring and autumn equinoxes.

He named the house The Parousium" from the Greek word "parousia," meaning "presence or appearance."

Holgate Wildlife entrance has reopened today.

Much warmer today with a few showers. It almost feels like a spring day.

Mon Jan 16th

It is a chilly morning here today on LBI. At 4 am it is 16 degrees. Yesterday morning when we were leaving Raleigh N.C. I said to Gene if you turn right when we get to 95 we will be in Florida in about the same time it takes to get home. Well we turned left and 510 miles later we are back home were this morning it is 16 and 65 in Palm Beach.Traffic was not bad except around Baltimore but that was because of the football game was being played there.

When we got to Raleigh on Thursday it was a warm 60 degrees but yesterday it was 29 when we left.We went down south to attend a dealer show and once again to see what else is new for 2012. This is a large show witha lot of reps from the companies showing their products. It is always good to talk to them and get information on the products and ask questions. It was also nice seeingsome of our New Jersey tackle shop owners being down there.

I think we picked out some nice things that we hope you and the fish both will like as we prepare for the upcoming season.Now it isto try and make room for the new stuff.

Sat Jan 14th

Funeral services for Jim Mears will be on Monday from 2-4 and 7-9. On Tusday 9:30 -10:30 at Maxwells on Mill Creek Rd in Manahawkin. Service will be at St Francis Church in Brant Beach.

Thurs Jan 12th

Holgate has been building a little sand but is still very flat. I am crossing my fingers that the up coming winds do not hurt it to badly.
Gale Warning in effect from 9 PM EST this evening through Thursday morning
Gale watch in effect from Friday morning through Friday afternoon
Coastal Waters From Manasquan Inlet To Little Egg Inlet Nj Out 20 Nm-
Tonight Se winds 15 to 20 kt with gusts up to 25... kt...becoming E 25 to 30 kt with gusts up to 35 kt. Seas 3 to 5 ft...building to 4 to 7 ft after midnight. Rain likely early this evening...then rain with a slight chance of tstms late this evening and overnight.
Thu S winds 20 to 25 kt...becoming SW 15 to 20 kt in the afternoon. Seas 5 to 8 ft. A chance of rain in the morning.
Thu Night S winds 10 to 15 kt with gusts up to 20 kt... increasing to 20 to 25 kt with gusts up to 30 kt after midnight. Seas 4 to 7 ft.
Fri W winds 25 to 35 kt with gusts up to 45 kt. Seas 5 to 8 ft.

Once again my heart goes out to the Mears family and this time of loss. I know how hard it is to lose a son and a husbandand I know it has to be very hard on his brothers at this time for their loss.

Click on boat for more news on sinking.

I am out shopping again. Yes again. Gene keeps asking me where are you going to put all this stuff?I just love playing with all the new fishing items plus getting an education of what is new and how it works.

You probably will not get a report from me for a few days because lack of internet. So have a good weekend.

Wed Jan 11th

It is a sad day here on LBI when there is a loss of life and it really touches us when it is a member of the fishing com unity. Late last night one of the Barnegat Light commercial vessels went down and there was a loss of life.

Sitting at my desk last night I heard a helicopter flying over the ocean and I said to Gene this is not good. Having lived here my whole life you know there is a boat in trouble or a plane crash when you here that late at night (kind of like getting a phone call in the middle of the night).

It is always hard to lose a person at a young age. Our prayers and condenses to the Mears family at your time of loss.

For the Press article click here

For a update on the sinking click here.

Mon Jan 9th

Long Beach Township has come thru again and has reopened the south end of the island. Many thanks to all that were involved in making this happen.

What a nice weekend again and can you believe the temps that we had.

Sat Jan 7th

Sometimes I just have to vent and today is one of those days.

Have you ever sat around a room and somebody comes up with an plan and everybody is okay I'm in lets do it? Then it come time to go thru with it they all back out. I don't care if it is to get tickets for a concert or to speak at a meeting for a cause you believe in.

There just are people that are doers and other that just do nothing.
When it comes to Holgate I am a doer and a person that cares and thanks to some others that are doers and also care -- Holgate will be opening back up on Monday. Thank you to those that are doers and that care (you know who you are) and those of you that are not doers- you need to thank them for what they have done in order for you to be there.
Thank you to Mayor Mancini and Bobby Parker for all your effort last fall and for doing the best job that you could under the circumstances that we had.
When I spoke with the Mayor I told him years ago his Dad (the former mayor) often would allow the fisherman to fix entrance by manual labor if it wasn't to bad and that maybe the case now. The more that we can work together the better it will make it for all of us.
When Holgate reopens don't be afraid to move a rock if need be or don't be afraid to use a shovel to knock down the ledge.
We know that the main reason people like to use Holgate this time of the year is to clam or to take a ride just to get out of the house. It is a beautiful place. Watching the ice flow out of the bay has always been one of my favorites or just packing a picnic lunch in the winter. It is just nice to be there.
Do not abuse it or if you see someone abusing it pick up your phone to report it. 609 494-3322

Fri Jan 6th

Yesterday I woke to a dusting of snow. I don't know if it will be enought to keep the stripers away from us.Today we are in the 40s (ocean and air). Looks like a nice weekend ahead with some warmer temps. So far we have been lucky with a couple of warm days after have a chilly one or two. Have a great weekend.

Thurs Jan 5th

At 4 am I woke to see our first dusting of snow for the year. With the weather warming up today this will not last long.

Sure was a cold one yesterday morning with the air at 13 and with the wind it never warmed up.

Tues Jan 3rd

They say thst Monday night was the coldest since last Feburary but what a nice day New Years was. A couple of cold days a head then another warm up and so far no snow!!

I hope everyone had a Happy New Years. It was a long weekend for many so a lot of long nights, good friends and good food but now it is time for the real world and yes back to work for most.

We see a lot of our younger generation have annouced theirengagements thru this holidaytime. Between Gene and I we have 51 years of marriage (just not to each other) and we wish all of you can be as happy as we were. We have been together for 11 and we both say it seems like yesterday. We wish all of you a great life together and good luck.

Even thou the store is closed for the next few months we are always doing something related to work. Some remodeling of the store plus re arranging it to make it more efficent. We are always looking for newproducts and checking in to some of them. If you see us in there feel free to stop by if the door is open.

Sun Jan 1 2012

Happy New Year

We would like thank everyone for your business and support thru out our years. We are wishing you and your families good health and happiness and of course good fishing in 2012.

Sat Dec 31st

Another long weekend for a lot of people. It is nice that so many like to come back to LBI to ring inthe New Year. We also have some people here to fish and this year the fish are still here. The last few years we have snow on the ground by this time of the year. Jingles alway said that you would catch bass till there is snow on the ground. This year you maybe able to see if that is true.

Thurs Dec 29th

With the temps and the winds we have been on a real roller coaster ride. Warm day (50)yesterday with wind gusts over 40 and today under 30 and winds under 15. The ocean has dropped to 47. Looks like a warming tread for the week-end for those of you trying to catch your first bass or tog of the year.

Don't forget to sign up in theNJ Registry.

There are some things that you go thru in life and that day stands out in your mind. Well today is one of them for me.

Nineteen years I was waiting for a phone call from my son Ric and his message was Mom its a boy. Happy Birthday to my grandson Austin. Your dad would be so proud of the person you have become.

Tues Dec 27th

Last year at this time we were up to our knees in snow .

This Last year we have an extended season of stripers. Mild morning with a little drizzle now at noon time. The ocean is 48.

Sounds likt a good bite north of us again today with fish to 30 pounds.

Report from Nick H. Had a decent day fishing on Christmas Eve. Fished the Brant Beach area using Ava jigs with sand eel teasers and caught 2 striped bass. One was 31 inches and the other 22 inches. They still seem to be feeding on sand eels as the bellies were quite plump. Fished 2 hours before and 2 hours after low tide. Found the fish in areas where the birds (cormorants?) sitting on top would take the occasional plunge to look for food. Probably going to give it another shot some time this week.

Mon Dec 26th

Ho Ho Ho!

I am sure there are a few of you that hit the beach to see if the bass are still there. Not to bad this morning with the wind from the west. Air temp at 10 am is 42 and the ocean is 48.

I know some of you have some new rods and reels to try out along with a bunch of new lures. Avas use the avas. Still lots of sand eels around.

We are closed till March but we are always at work trying to improve things. Gene is at the store making dust and I am home trying to get rid of a few monthsof dust and dirt.

Please send us your honest fishing reports so we can let everyone know whats going on. If you are is Florida or where you are let us know. Thanks fishjingles@yahoo.com

Sun Dec 25th

Merry Christmas
We have known so many of you for so long that you feel like family. For those of you that we have not know that long we hope we make you feel like a part of our family. So to our extended family we wish you a Merry Christmas.


Chilly start to the day but no snow and no rain this year. I am sure the kids that got new bikes are out riding them.

This year Gene gave me the gift of peace. Yes he threw the alarm clock out the window so I could sleep in. Well that didn't work I was still up a 4 am. Some habits are hard to break..
We know a lot of you are going fishing tomorrow for cod and tog. Good luck and give us some reports. Good new for the striper fisher-man is yes the they are still here. There was a good bite for those in the boats. A half mile off of Island Beach there is still a good bite and for the surf fisherman ava is the word with a teaser

Sat Dec 24th

Chilly morning again but the bass are still biting. Striper maybe one of the fishes on peoples table this holiday.

Thank you to all for all the gifts, cards and well wishes. We would like to wish Happy Holidays to you and have a great winter and stay healthy. I for one know that your heath is the most important thing that anyone can have.

Today is our shortest work day of the year as we are closing at 12.

Off to Home Depot for us again. We(Gene) are doing some remodeling in the store and need more stuff to get this job done.I am glad I have stock in this company.(TY Mr. Bentley). With so many new products planned for next year I need more room inside my 4 walls. I am very lucky that Gene is so handy. I always hear my son saying to me Mom how did you get so lucky to have 2 guys that like to work with wood. I don't know but I have been very lucky and feel very lucky to have Gene in my life. He can be a little quiet butI sure can make up for it in noise.

One of the main changes that you will see and ask where is the refrigertor? Don't worry there will a place for your fish picture.

My gift idea for you today is Gift Cards. If you haven't fiqured it out by now that is your best way to go.

Fri Dec 23rd

Yesterday was the shortest day of the year now if we could just keep those temps the rest of the winter it would be great.

We are getting in to our final count down. I said to Gene that this is amazing that if you count the amount of hours that we have left to work for the year that we work more hoursthan this in 1 of our regular day.

We got another shipment in of Tsunami eels in which have been so hot for the stripers. Looks like some people will be catching them to the end of the year if this weather continues.

The rain seems tobe out of here for today. It is 48 this morning and the ocean is 52. The wind is from the NW and breezy. There is a little water in the street from tidal flooding.

My gift idea for today is to give of yourself. It doesn't have tocost you anything other than your time.

Elderly people(maybe a neighbor~~ parents too) are so grateful to have someone help then do things that they can no longer do. Kids are another group too. Take the time to play games or take a walk. Teach a young child how tosnell a hook. It istimes like thisthey will always remember. For me having an elderly parent - my Mom was grateful just to get out an go for a ride somewhere and maybe have lunch. Some of my best times havebeenspending time with my grandchildren especially around this time of the year. Usually for us it was a movie and pizza and in turn that would give their parents a chance to get things done that they needed to do at this busy time of the year.

Thurs Dec 22nd

We are back in the 50s. The water and the air are both in the 50s. Loving this air temp but it does not feel like Christmas.

Take advantage of the day and finish your Christmas shopping or go fishing. Yes the fish are still hanging out on the north end. Smaller fish this morning on metals and teasers. Lots of sand eels.

Gift idea for the day. Do you have someone that wants to start fishing? We have great combos (rod/reel) for very affordable prices. It will give then a chance to see if it something they want to get into.

Tues Dec 20th

Mild morning in the mid 40s but overcast with some drizzle. The ocean is now below 50.

There are still a few bass on the north end being caught on metal.

My gift idea for you today is a tee shirt, hat or a sweat shirt from their favorite tackle shop.

Mon Dec 19th

Not as bad out this morning with the temp being 35 and a lite SW wind.

Some nice tog caught yesterday on the Barnegat Light boats. I had a phone call that one boat thought they had one pushing 20 pounds and that they some other nice ones on board. Nice fish.

My gift idea for you today is a tackle box. Young and old alike can always use one and it will give them something to do when they sort out the old one.

Sun Dec 18th

This feels like winter. I have to tell you these temps are not my favorite. Give me those 65-70 degree days. Days like this make me think of Florida or San Diego. This morning it is 25 with a WNW wind making it feel chillier. The ocean is 50.

Fishing action has slowed down for the pluggers since we had the south wind on Thursday. The wind made the water dirty and since then it has not returned to what it was. The amount of anglers is also not there. The Christmas push is upon us so many are busy doing other things.

My gift idea for today is one of the aluminum sand spike. It is one of those things that he will not buy for himself but will love having.

Sat Dec 17th

This feels more like December this morning. It is 34 with a cool WNW wind at 15 and the ocean is 51.

Well for some of us we are in the Christmas Crunch time of the year trying to get everything done. We are one week away from Christmas eve and for the procrastinators that leave everything to the last minute we will be open till around noon on Dec 24th.

Gift idea for the day is Gulp. Yes Berkley swim mullet. The hottest bait in years for fluke. It comes in stocking stuffer size packs or you can buy it in pints or quarts for those that only fish for fluke. It is one of the best gifts that you can give to a fluke fisherman.

Fri Dec 16th

How lucky we have been with this weather. Mild this am at 48 but we have a gale warning in effect to noon with a SW wind right now at 20. It has already peaked out at 35. The ocean is 52 this morning.

The fishing tournament dates have been set for next year.

Simply Bassing the Spring tournament with prizes for the largest 8 bass starts on May 5 thru June 24th. Last year this tournament brought us all big fish with last place being a little under 40 pounds. Will we see the return of large fish for the spring?

The LBI Surf Classic will once again be 8 weeks. The dates for 2112 will be from Oct 6 thru Dec 2nd. Make sure you plan some of your vacation time during this annual event.

Christmas gift idea for today is a cast net. Kids and grown-ups both like to catch their own bait. Kids off the dock like to net peanut bunker mid summer which makes a great fluke bait for the rest of the family and in the fall to net mullet from the beach for bluefish, fluke, weakfish or a bass. We carry these in different sizes from 3 foot up.

Thurs Dec 15th

Warm day but it is feeling like rain. The ocean temp is 50.

The north end once again had some nice bass this morning on lures. North Beach, Harvey Cedars and Loveladies seem to be the hot spot for casting.

Here at mid beach bunker is still working for some nice fish.

Jack Crowley had this nice one on bunker.

Gift idea for today is a fishing reel. You can upgrade the one they have or try one of the newer models. Penn Battles came on the marker last year and they are a very popular reel. Some people that have always had a spinning surf reel are changing over to conventional reel. We have a nice selection on Abu Garcia and At that will do a good job for casting.

Tues Dec 13th

This year the LBI Classic had a beautiful gift given to them and in turn it was given to the younger generation. Being a parent of a young man that won the tournament at the age of thirteen I can only imagine how excited Harry was winning a gift like this and one that he will alway remember. Congratulations Harry!

Another night below freezing which cuts down on the amount of overnight or early morning anglers so we are getting less reports.

Looks like a nice day ahead once it warms up. The ocean has dropped to 50.

Gift idea for today is boots and foul weather gear. It does not matter if you fish in the boat or on the beach or for that matter if we have snow or rain it is an item that all can use. When it comes to boots for the surf fisherman there are knee boots or there are waders. The last few years the breathable waders are very popular along with rain gear that is breathable. It is much lighter in weight than the old rubber type. Boots for the boot fisherman that we carry are th popular low white boots and we also carry Viking Boots which are more popular with those that do a lot of fishing. Foul weather gear is also popular with the boaters.

    New for 2012

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The new rules increase the size of legal blackfish to 15 inches and set the following seasons and bag limits

Four fish from Jan. 1 to Feb 28

 March CLOSED

Four fish from April 1 to April 30

 May 1- July 26 CLOSED

One fish from July 27 to Aug. 31

Sept 1- Oct 17 CLOSED

One fish from Oct. 18 to Nov. 15

Four fish from Nov. 16 to Dec31.

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Look back on 2011

    Snow, earthquake and a hurricane.The winter brought us snow every couple of days to make the snow piles pretty high last winter. In all my years here I can never remember a earthquake.We have had a few waterspouts come ashore. This year we get a earthquake and hurricane in the same week.

   When I came back to work in March the water temperature was 41 but started to climb quickly. By mid month there were bunker in the bay and the ocean was 47.

    The first of April brought snow to the inland areas again but by the first week we were catching short bass on the beach. Last spring the bay was alive with bass and some nice fish were there. The first keepers in the store were on April 15th in which I saw a keeper from the beach and one from the bayside. The month continued to get better for the bayside anglers catching on bunker and clams. There were even a few drum fish taken from the docks. Bluefish arrived on the beach around the 22nd of April.

    The fluke season started the being of May with the beach fluking starting right were it left off last fall but the catching on the beach for fluke was short lived. The holes and cuts had filled in and there were few places to fish for them.

   Simply Bassin started the beginning of May with the first weigh ins coming from the bayside. By the beginning of June the bunker had arrived and surf anglers were able to snag them and live line them to catch the bigger bass. Simply Bassin had 7 fish over the 40 pound range and one at 39lbs to finish out the top 8. These larger fish were all caught the first week in June.

    By mid June the ocean temperatures were in the mid 70s and the stripers slowed down but the fluke fishing in the bay continued to improve. Lots of fish caught but lots of throw backs. Tuna fishing was red hot in the canyons. With the surf temps in the mid 70s at the end of June we had great fishing for Brown sharks that lasted for weeks.

     July had some nice tuna and marlin being caught offshore but this year the enrollment in the BHMTC tournament was down. That was not the only tournament where there were less anglers this past year. A lot of boat tournaments saw a decrease along with our local Simply Bassing Contest.

    Sea Bass season open late this year and I thought they should be really hungry by the time it open but they never really showed up to give us a great summer. Fluke fishing in the bay was on fire as long as you fished the right tide and used bucktails and gulp. Some of the anglers will tell you it was the best they could remember in years.

   Where were the blue claw crabs? One of the slowest years I can ever remember for them.

     Surf fishing continued with cow nose rays and brown sharks. It was a summer of where very few king fish and where are the spots. After such a great year with spots the past year this year they were a no show. Fluke fishing from the surf was disappointing for most part.

     Come the end of August and time for the ocean fisherman to start scoring with fluke along comes Irene that came thru our inlet. The water was dirty for the longest time and the fluke fishing never came back

    One fish that we had an abundance of this year was blowfish. Yes blowfish. An unbelievable year. If you caught them as a kid you got to catch them again. Anchored up in the bay around 110 area you could catch some real nice fish and go home with 50. Lots of people were doing it day after day. Also while you were catching them you could catch some snappers and a few kingfish. On occasion you would see a weakfish. Weakfish seemed to have some what of a return late summer around the docks usung gulp shrimp and and fin-s.

   It took a few weekends after Irene for things to settle back down but Irene left its mark with beach erosion especially on the south end.

    Holgate that was suppose to open the beginning of September did not happen.

   Long Beach Township worked hard rebuilding the road with 60 loads of fill to get it open but Mother Nature was not kind to the Wildlife Entrance this year. The road was open for a couple of days to close and reopen again over and over.

    Mullet made their appearance and there were lots of small bluefish to go with them. Lots of times the bass will appear with the mullet too. There are a few anglers that did very well live lining mullet for some 20 pound bass. Fluke season ended at the end of September. The water temperature was 73 and the surf anglers were catching small bluefish and kingfish. (No spots)

   The 57th Classic started on the 8th of October ( ocean temp 73) with the first day having a 41 pound bass weighed in. My thought were what a way to start the derby.(That fish did go on to win the tournment)

   It was good to see the number of anglers top the prior years entry number. There were also a few more fish caught in the tournament this year. In the last few years there have been a lot of bunker show up close to the beach where anglers were able to snag just like in the spring but this fall there was no amount of this happening. This year brought sand eels and more sand eels in which brought fishing for some that had never seen fish like this before. Long skinny metals that resemble the sand eels, needlefish and plastics that resemble sand eels.

    Sea Shell Tournament lived up to its reputation with wind, rain and high tides which cut down on the amount of boats in it this year but like always they raised a lot of money for their charity and all had a good time.

    Last year boats anchored in the bay and or with clams had a great year. This year it was different. There were a few fish taken in the bay on clams, bunker, eels or spots but for the most part in was in the ocean. What a year it was for the ocean fisherman. With all the sand eels that were and are here it was a lot jigging with avas and trolling umbrellas with tube lures.

   This year we had our first Kids Classic and it was a great weekend and the kids got to experience catching fish on lures where last year it was all about bait.

    As I write this today surf anglers are still catching bass on the beach with avas and plugs yes the sand eels are still here.

    This year was much different from last year and sometimes when you don't catch fish one way you can catch them a different way or sometimes when you don't catch one kind of fish you catch another and this year sure proofed that!

   Well I am looking forward to what 2012 brings!