November fly fishing in New Jersey Questions

[BRS]

Hello,
My wife has a work conference in Whitehouse Station New Jersey from November 15 - 18. I was thinking about tagging along and doing some fishing while she was in class.
I have a few questions I hope someone could answer for me. Your help is greatly appreciated.
1. Being from the west coast (Seattle), I've never fished for striped bass, false albacore or bluefish. How far is Whitehouse Station from the salt and would fishing be good at this time of year?
2. I've got 12, 10 and 8 wts. What rods, lines and flies would you recommend.
3. Are there any fly fishing guides you would recommend.
4. If Whitehouse Station is a long ways from saltwater, is there any freshwater nearby.
Thanks again for your input.
Brian

[danny]

hey brian... i'm sure new jersey guys will get you more thorough info, but i can get you started. the fishing can still be good, the big striped bass could be around, on their way back down the coast. the albies will probably be gone, and the blues probably, too. the 10 wt. might be better for that time of year, it might be windy. the 12 would be too much, the 8 might be too little. i'd bring lots of deceivers, clousers, herring patterns, bunker patterns. white and chartreuse, stuff like that. as far as proximity to the salt, new jersey is a small state. i don't know where white house station is, but there is good fishing all over the state. there is great freshwater fishing, too, for trout and bass. there are also supposedly really good captains... the guys on this board will fill you in. good luck.

[jimbo529]

November is a great time to come out here! It's not for sissies, though. Weather is cold, usually windy. Often get blues and stripers on top, action can be crazy. Of course, sometimes, fish are lazy and flycasting is a waste of time. It pays to be flexible regarding trolling or bait, while you wait for the fish to show themselves. I usually cruise the bay looking for bird action, if none I'll troll or bait fish the rips until the fish wake up. Whitehouse Station is about an hour from Raritan Bay (arguably the best place in the state to fish). I use an 11 weight for fall casting, but a 10 is fine long as you can cast into the wind. Flies we use in the fall are smallish - 4-5 inches - to match prevailing "peanut bunker" forage. I live in the vicinity of Whitehouse (20 mins away), and would welcome mid-week company on my 22 footer, long as you're an all round good guy and pay for gas. :) Advantage to that is that if you are out for a few days, you can choose the best day to fish. About 50% of days are totally unfishable in Nov. due to weather. I can give you names of some guides if you prefer, but I can't personally vouch for them. Email me off line for more details.

Jim.

[peter mac]

BRS,
Great time to be Striper fishing in NJ, mid Nov.- Mid Dec. can be AMAZING!! bring the 10wt. leave the 8wt. home...... Call Geno at Shore catch guide sevice (732-600-3297), and Bill Hoblitzell Outback charters
(908-670-3038) both are great guys/guides. You are 1hr. and 15 min form fishing. Jimbos offer sound like a good one also!!
Good luck
Peter Mac