next full moon.

[rip316]

Am I correct in thinking that at this time of year and the next full moon we have will start the beginning of the bait moving out of the back bays and rivers?

[vpass]

the full moon in sept. will start the mullet run. that when the bass action will start getting better in the front.

[surfstix1963]

Thats if we have a mullet run the water is still very warm so the bait may not get mother natures signal to move out just yet last year in NY we had mullet in the surf towards the end of October.We need to get some cooler temps at night,we are coming into hurricane season though one good storm could get things going.

[DarkSkies]

Rip, before there is a mullet "run" there will be a mullet staging. That can be exciting too as monster bluefish and teen bass come into the back to chow on mullet, peanuts, and small schools of bait that are staging in the back creeks.

Remember the areas you were asking about in the beginning of the season? Take a ride when you get a chance, either early morning or end of day, when the tides are high this week. Poke around and see where the bait is holding. :learn:

Identifying mullet is easy when they're moving, though you can't always see them right away like peanuts. They make a distinctive V-wake when they're moving across the water. Look for it, bring polarized glasses if you have them.

The back bays are still a little warm.When they cool in the next 30 days there will be some action. That action will center around the last of the incoming, top of the outgoing tide. Baitfish are pushed out of the creeks and they run the gauntlet of hungry predators as they struggle to find safe water until the tide comes back in.

Right now is the time to fish the back with peanuts you can cast net at night. The bigger blues and bass will be on them at night the moment the water drops another 10 degrees. Later on, in a month or so, is the time to be out at night plugging the "drain" areas with plugs that match the profile, mag darters, mega baits, small bombers, small rubber, etc.

If you look for the schools of mullet in the creeks and coves you'll eventually find them. You would be amazed at the size of the fish that come in to feed on those mullet and small baitfish. Use your summer doldrums time to scout the bait, and you'll be happy as you get a jump on the fall fishing. Some of the best fishing that NJ has to offer is in the back bays, when time, tide, bait, and temps all line up. :thumbsup: