1 month ago · Updated 5 days ago
Sandy Hook, located at the northern tip of the New Jersey coastline, is a renowned hotspot for surf and inshore anglers targeting a variety of migratory and resident species each fall. Recent weather events have shaped the bite, but determined anglers are still finding action in the area’s surf, bay, and nearshore waters.
Weekly Catches
The catches below cover the last 7 days.
Striped Bass
There has been a notable uptick in striped bass activity off Sandy Hook, especially in the early mornings before the recent storm. Anglers reported fish in the 20- to 40-pound range hitting topwater plugs just off the point. Following the storm, some bass have remained stacked in Raritan Bay, with a few caught on swim shads from the beach. The surf bite is expected to improve as water clarity returns and west winds settle in over the weekend.
- Early morning action off Sandy Hook with 20-40 lb bass on topwater plugs.
- Raritan Bay holding post-storm bass; swim shads effective from the beach.
- Surf bite anticipated to pick up with improving weather and water clarity.
Bluefish
Cocktail bluefish continue to make up much of the catch along the Sandy Hook beaches, though numbers have thinned since the storm. Anglers are still connecting with these fish using mullet in the surf, and hard baits like minnow plugs have also produced. The presence of bluefish is spotty, but persistent anglers are finding success, especially during calmer periods between weather systems.
- Cocktail blues caught on mullet in the surf.
- Hard baits (minnow plugs) producing in calmer windows.
- Numbers down post-storm, but fish still present for those putting in time.
Blackfish (Tautog)
The blackfish (tautog) bite has been steady in sheltered areas near Sandy Hook, particularly around jetties, bulkheads, and canal structures. Anglers using green crabs and tog jigs have reported a mix of short and keeper-sized fish. The best results have come from protected waters where anglers could escape the wind and rough surf.
- Consistent catches on green crabs and tog jigs near jetties and bulkheads.
- Shorts and keepers mixed in, especially in sheltered canal areas.
- Action best during periods of lighter winds and improved water clarity.
Black Sea Bass
Prior to the storm, black sea bass fishing was excellent, with anglers reaching their limits on reefs and structure near Sandy Hook. The bite slowed during the blow, but party and charter boats are preparing to resume trips as conditions stabilize. The expectation is that the sea bass bite will pick up quickly as the ocean settles and water clarity improves.
- Limits reached on reefs and structure before the storm.
- Party boats resuming sea bass trips as weather improves.
- Anticipated strong bite as ocean conditions return to normal.
Porgy (Scup) & Triggerfish
Mixed in with the sea bass catches, anglers have reported porgy and occasional triggerfish on the same reef structures. These species have provided added variety to the bottom fishing action, especially for those targeting sea bass with baited rigs.
- Porgy and triggerfish caught alongside sea bass on reefs.
- Best action on baited rigs over structure.
Weather & Marine Conditions
The past week was dominated by a strong nor’easter that brought rough surf, high winds, and poor water clarity to Sandy Hook and the surrounding region. As of midweek, the ocean is cleaning up, surf conditions are calming, and the forecast calls for light winds and seas heading into the weekend. These improving conditions should lead to a resurgence in both surf and boat fishing opportunities.
Tides & Solunar Activity
Anglers have found the best action during early morning and nighttime tides, especially for striped bass and bluefish. The upcoming weekend’s stable weather and favorable tides are expected to further enhance the bite, particularly as water clarity improves and baitfish return to the surf zone.
Fishing Conditions & Tips
With the fall migration underway, topwater plugs and swim shads have been highly effective for striped bass, especially during low-light periods. For bluefish, mullet and hard baits remain top choices. Bottom anglers targeting blackfish should focus on structure with green crabs or tog jigs, while those seeking black sea bass and porgy should fish reefs and wrecks with baited rigs. As conditions improve, expect the surf bite to intensify, and be prepared for a strong push of migratory bass in the coming days.
Regulations & Notices
Anglers are reminded that black sea bass and blackfish (tautog) seasons and bag limits are in effect, with party boats resuming trips as weather allows. The striped bass fishery is subject to ongoing management discussions, including proposed reductions, but current regulations remain unchanged for this week. Always check the latest state and federal regulations before heading out, as fall brings periodic updates to bag limits and open seasons for key species.
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