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I live on a lake and a river in pa and do all my fishing in freshwater. Since replacing my bass boat with a 20 ft cc, I have been itching to fish the bay. Spend alot of time in the summer in atlantic city, and was looking for advice on fishing in saltwater. What equipment would i need, how do fishing styles change from fresh to salt. Don't even know what I would be fishing for yet, but I have caught the bug. Any help would be appreciated.
Also, would you recomend a gps unit for fishing in the bay? Any other safety equipment?
Re: newbe to saltwater bay fishing(nj), advice needed
Start with your bass rods and reels. These are perfect for catching fluke, weakies, blues and schoolie bass in the backbays. Once you start heading outside, then it's time to start thinking a little heavier. As for tackle, just go to the local tackle shop and they'll help set you up. Weights, jigs, rigs, etc. You'll need a decent size net, but be careful netting the blues. They can tear up a net with their teeth.
Re: newbe to saltwater bay fishing(nj), advice needed
Like ReelNauti said start a relationship with a local tackle shop. You can probably get by with your current rods but your going to need and learn what's biting where and what tackle you will need. If the guy starts by trying to sell you the store find another tackle shop. As you learn you can build your tackle and add to your rods on an as needs bases. I discovered bay fishing here in the Chesapeake Bay (around the Chesapeake bay bridge tunnel) and have been in love with the sport ever sense. If you could hook up with an old timer who does not have a boat and needs a ride you will learn allot very quick. I hooked up with a guy on my second trip out and he showed me the ropes and I provided him the means to get to the fish.
Re: newbe to saltwater bay fishing(nj), advice needed
I gave up most freshwater fishing years ago, with the exception of lake Ontario. Do yourself a favor and go to the Raritan Bay in May. You can catch some nice Blues Striped Bass and Fluke. I use my old freshwater gear for them all. Your boat will be good for the bay on nice days. Even if you dont know how to fish for these species I guarantee you will catch more than you do in the lakes in PA. You can launch Leonardo or the Atlantic Highlands.
Re: newbe to saltwater bay fishing(nj), advice needed
I agree with PA Hunter, you can't beat the Raritan/Sandy hook area. Terrific bass fishing! We'll be live lining in a couple of weeks. If you haven't seen a 40" bass come up and swallow a 12" bunker 10' off the back of your boat you don't know what your missing.There is always something biting up there with bass, fluke, flounder, blues, sea bass, blackfish all available in season.
Leanardo and the Atlantic Higlands municipal ramp are good places to launch if you plan to fish near the hook, but you can also launch at Keyport or at Great Kills on Staten Island.
You asked about a GPS: You'll use it for much more that just basic navigation. When you drift for fluke you'll find that the fish will usually be concentrated in specific areas. When you hook up, you mark that spot on the GPS and then will be able to make multiple short drifts over the same area. You will also mark productive spots for bass, blackfish and other species that you can return to on future trips.
Re: newbe to saltwater bay fishing(nj), advice needed
Quote:
chchadch - 4/5/2007 6:48 PM
will my freshwater gear hold up in saltwater. any special treatment needed? great ideas all, keep em coming
Take very good care to rinse off your rods and reels with fresh water every time. Oil the reels more often than you would in fresh water. We have a couple Quantum PT Energies and even with rinsing, the finish is corroding. But the reels still work fine.
Also rinse any metal or plastic jigs with fresh water to keep from rusting. And don't forget your boat either ... rinse the hull, rails and flush the outboards.
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Bold Adventure - 2006 Glacier Bay 2670 Dare Signature Series in Carolina Blue w/Twin Yamaha F150's
RE: newbe to saltwater bay fishing(nj), advice needed
I fish also in the AC area. I would recommend getting a copy of "The Fisherman" magazine it comes out every week and has a lot of info on fishing techniques plus local fishing reports.
newbe to saltwater bay fishing(nj), advice needed 
