A Bit More Like Stalking Prey, Isn’t It? In some instances, with dead calm water, leading into and out of these holes, an angler is able to see literal fish trails made by the migrating species across the shallow sand. Much like a hunter or hiker may see one singular deer trail made by multiple deer while walking in the woods, an angler looking specifically for a fish trail can often find it. Thought of another way, consider the holes throughout the flats to be the rest stops on Interstate 95 and the fish trails the actual road itself. A preferred way to fishing these holes is to first fish them from a distance and then, after you're confident you've fished it hard enough, to wade up to the hole itself and position accordingly in order to keep wary of the main thoroughfares leading in. There Are A Number Of Ways To Fish The Deeper Cuts First Fly anglers should try throwing a Clouser minnow on intermediate sinking line to pick up everything from flounder to bass. Artificial throwers can't go wrong with placing a smaller Hopkins, Rattle-Trap or, for additional excitement, a top water lure like a Smack-It Junior on the outer edges and working them back into the hole. For bait anglers, remember, size does matter and, in this case, smaller is better. Stick to strip baits like mackerel, Pro Cut Squid or even try live minnows tossed with no weight or a tiny split shot. It's also tough to beat blood or sandworms or their Fish Bites imitators worked across the bottom or on a float. Remember, as always while fishing, be sure to keep an eye out for birds hitting the water and picking up baitfish. During the summer months the backwater flats behind Island Beach State Park can be filled with schools of cocktail blues roaming the water. |
Keep It Light Most of the time, this type of flat water fishing will not require super heavy tackle. In fact, except for early season striped bass fishing, ultra light saltwater rods and reels will do the trick. Typically, a six-foot rod coupled with matching reel should offer enough power to do battle with most anything an angler will encounter. Additionally, single-pound test along with a fluorocarbon leader is essential as the water is gin clear. When wading the flats, light isn't the only recommendation for tackle. In order to be a successful shallow water angler one must cover some decent ground. A best bet for comfort is to go with a small over-the-shoulder tackle bag or, even better, a backpack-type bag, leaving your arms free, since you'll be casting most of the day. Tread Softly And Enjoy Obviously the point of any fishing trip is to feel a pull at the end of your line. However, an added and often overlooked bonus of the hobby that anglers have chosen to partake in is the incredible scenery we encounter when out on the water and the flats behind Island Beach State Park. They rank right up there with some of the best aquatic environments around. In previous trips, simply wading through the water has produced vivid memories of wild horseshoe crab migrations, blowfish nibbling at leg hairs, finning weakfish just a few feet away, and hermit crabs racing across the shallows. From an observable ecosystem standpoint, the Sedge Island shallows are sure tough to beat. So, if you’re looking for some exciting light tackle fishing and sight casting to visible fish, forget about the expensive plane ticket and instead plan a trip to Barnegat Bay and Island Beach State Park. The experience just may knock you flat. |
