Thoughts on the NJ sand eel population?

[stripermania]

I always read that when the sand eels are here, the fishing will be good. Does anyone think the sand eels brought a lot of fish into the NJ surf this year? I do. I could be wrong, but it seems to me the years we had a better bite were when sand eels were around.

[gjb1969]

well it has bin a tuff year with all the sand eels around u cast and cast no fish but u can hear and see fish but its all sand eels the fish want thats fishing:huh:

[plugcrazy]

When the sand eels were there I caught more. When they are right beyond the surf line it has been awesome!

[vpass]

I did great in Oct. with the Sandeel bite, and almost nothing in Nov. (I miss the Peanut bunkers, fishing with peanuts around was more fun.)

Most years with Sandeels around the fishing last thru Dec.

[jason]

One thing I noticed today- 2 nice bass weighed in @Grumpy's on Tuesday, both came on the vision eel.

I actually had pretty good luck with the surf eel used as a teaser earlier in the year. Maybe this is worth trying again?

Either way, there sure are plenty sand eels around in the surf at night.

[basshunter]

Sand eels is somethingI look forward to. I didn't do so bad with them around in the past years.

[baitstealer]

Could they be coming back? I read a report where someone was fishing in ocean county and the fish had sand eels in its stomach.

[plugcrazy]

I think if they are anywhere they are out at the mud hole and the shrewsbury rocks. AFAIK they don't like the churned up water we have now. Can only hope this will be true, but I haven't heard any other reports like that.

[captnemo]

I always read that when the sand eels are here, the fishing will be good. Does anyone think the sand eels brought a lot of fish into the NJ surf this year? I do. I could be wrong, but it seems to me the years we had a better bite were when sand eels were around.

Absolutely. They were a guaranteed source of fish and used to show up 2 times a year. The first sightings I have in my logs were usually in May. Haven't seen a one this year. A head boat was out of Point on Sat night and reported finding bluefish with bellies full of sandeels, so that may be a sign of good things to come.

[captnemo]

I think if they are anywhere they are out at the mud hole and the shrewsbury rocks. AFAIK they don't like the churned up water we have now..

I think they have finally settled in the mudhole. Hope they will come inshore a bit more.

[fishinmission78]

^^^^ Betty and Nicks reports they are here in the surf. I fished today and got one short bass. Did not see any sandeels yet but still hoping. This is the latest BN report-


"and the fish have turned on. Had 8 bass and 2 fluke weighed in so far today highlighted by B7N regular Pat Mickles of Maple Shade, NJ. Pat had 2 keeper bass to 16 pounds, and 2 keeper fluke to 3 pounds, and......THEY WERE SPITTING UP SANDEELS!!!! "

[VSdreams]

I was wondering if you guys think we will see sandeels this spring like we did 2 years ago. Any thoughts?

[finchaser]

IMO with all the beach replenishment I'd say no their beds are being destroyed by dredging of sand and constant dragging for bait clams

[VSdreams]

That really sucks! Thank you for the info. Do you still think they will set up 1-3 miles off the beach?

[fishinmission78]

John at B&N was chattering something about sand eels in yesterday's report. If you know him you can only believe about half of what he says. dude smoke a lotta pot if you know what I mean. I haven't seen any yet. I would have to agree with finchaser but you never know they could end up offshore just out of reach.

[SharkHart]

Fish were spitting up a lot of these today at the shark river reef


19468

[jigfreak]

Nice! About time. Tho they prob wont come in with all the beach replensishment.

[buckethead]

Shark hart that is a good sign those sandeels. Like jigfreak said who knows whether they will come in closer or not. We can only hope. Thank you for sharing that.

[Blazin420]

Good to see the sandeels!!..

[finchaser]

The tuna we got yesterday were gorged with sandeels 60 miles off once you hit 10 miles off it was like the dead sea all the way to the beach

[cowherder]

Hey thats awesome. Like you guys said we might not see them in close but at least good to know some did show up.

[surferman]

I can't remember the last time I saw sand eels in cape may.