Island beach SP NJ (help again)

[mikepatrick]

Sorry hit the wrong key--

I am one of those New England forum guys but grew up in NJ and my mom lives in Island Heights, NJ. The last few years I have been going down and fishing Columbus Day and have yet to see people actively fly fishing the beach. Sure most of the guys in the buggies have a rod strapped somewhere on the thing but don't seem to use them much.

Am I wasting my time? I kind of gave up clam chucking years ago. I don't have an SUV or a boat and those wide open beaches just make arm hurt looking at them. Yeah, I can read the beaches, but even so there are so many people staking out the jetties and holes it becomes uncomfortable. Yes, I get my ass up two hours before dawn and beat out most of them but it is still a big ocean. Nothing like New Englands nooks and crannies.

How can I narrow things down?

I fish the back side. Is it still productive this late?

I am stubburn and my spinning rod and plugs have fallen into a poor sat of being--should I revive them?

Little help ...

mike from Massachusetts

[bobber]

Mike- some of the best walk-in areas have been at the north end of the park(nearest the entrance). Either try the short road (at the entrance gate immediately as you enter) or try the Governors stretch (park at the first parking area on the right opposite a large white maintenace building) Cross over the road to the beach and head south/right towards Gillikens (where the trucks can first get on the beach). That's about the best advice I can give you... try to fish in the dark; don't be surprised if yer skunked- the fishin' has been really crappy so far this year from the beach (even the local tackle guy is having a tough time painting a rosy picture this year) Good luck- Bob

[Chap]

Hello,
I hang out in Island Heights myself.
The stretch mentioned from the maintanence buildings to Gills is by far the easiest and most attractive spot for you. It is a fly-fishing staple for all the guys. Get there early as the parking is limited, walk over the dunes to the north of the buildings and proceed towards Gills, south. No parking, you can always walk from Top-O, but it is pretty far. Always a great area. The peanuts are beginning to trickle and the sandeels are here. I love fishing the rabbit candies now, black, white and chartruese. As mentioned, little success lately but the cold is coming this weekend.
Access to a canoe or a fearless walker? Proceed southeast on the bayside towards the inlet from A-21. Fish at slack high on the flats and in the "ditch." You'll see it, if you dare.
Really though, it is a tad scetchy to walk but a canoe provides easy access. I am also a big fan of the Ortley Ave
Groin, last light in Lavalette, or road just before. Albies push bait in there, first groin in Lav.
Chap

[thynnus]

consider other areas besides IBSP. it's been pretty dead there lately. a little further north has been a little better. try ortley and lavalette. with binoculars you can check out a decent stretch of beach up there. if you try the park i would stick with the maintenance area (first lot)and walk south. fish thru dark and then split because there hasn't been much going on at dark. good tides this weekend - high is late afternoon. west wind should flatten it out nicely. hopefully things will change soon.

[Mark Cahill]

Don't forget to check the <a href="http://www.reel-time.com/fishwire/ny/update.htm" target="_base">"Ny Fishwire</a> - great reports this week. Here's a good vote for Montauk >

<img src="http://www.reel-time.com/fishwire/ny/images/gottalove.jpg">

Note the campers in the background. Pic was taken this week.

Have a great weekend!

Mark
<font face="Monotype Corsiva, sans serif" size="3" color="#0000FF">Mark Cahill<BR>Editorial Director, <a href="http://www.reel-time.com"><b><i>Reel-Time</a>