Early Spring Bass Fishing Tips in New Jersey

Licensing

If you don&039;t have a state license and are caught possessing fish, New Jersey authorities can fine and even arrest you. According to New Jersey Fish & Wildlife.com, anyone age 16 to 64 must have a valid license to fish. New Jersey Fishing laws apply to anglers using a standard rod and line and bow and arrow. As of June 2010, New Jersey fishing licenses cost residents $22.50 and non-residents $34.

New Jersey Bass

New Jersey largemouth bass have diamond-shaped splotches on their lateral line, forming a stripe from the eye to tail fin. They also have large thick lips and a big extended mouth. The average size for an adult largemouth bass is one to six pounds. According to New Jersey Fish & Wildlife.com, daytime is best to fish in early spring for New Jersey largemouth. In early spring, Jersey largemouths move to shallow water and feed on live minnows, crayfish, and worms. When fishing for largemouth bass in early spring, anglers should concentrate on logs, docks and vegetation, as largemouth bass swim around these structures looking for food.

New Jersey smallmouth bass are general thick, golden brown to olive-green in color, with white bellies. Smallmouths have red eyes, small mouths and lips that compare to a largemouth bass. According to New Jersey Fish & Wildlife.com, smallmouth bass become more active during early spring, when water temperatures reach 50 degrees. Once this occurs, small mouth bass swim to shallow water and seek out spawning beds. Smallmouth bass feed on hellgrammites, worms, crayfish, and minnows.

New Jersey striped bass have olive green and bluish gray backs and white stomachs. Their sides are silver with anywhere from six to eight black stripes running down their sides. According to New Jersey Fish & Wildlife.com, striped bass, can weigh between 40 to 50 pounds. Striped bass can live in both fresh and salt water. In early spring, they move to shallow water to feed on worms, minnows and shad. According to New Jersey Fish & Wildlife.com, striped bass are powerful fighting fish when on a hook.

Early Spring

According to Mid Atlantic Game and Fish.com, bass in winter move to deep water, as it is generally warmer. During early spring, New Jersey waters of the Delaware River and other rivers and lakes remain very cold. The cold-water temperatures leave bass unwilling to travel to the water surface. Bass huddle together, in deep pockets, waiting for the water to warm up. When fishing, anglers should let crank-baits drop to the bottom allowing baits to reach bass, before reeling in the line.

Bass Fishing Tips

In early spring, anglers need to select fishing spots where the sun shines on the water. These locations are several degrees warmer than areas that have no sunlight. According to Go Fishing.com, bass typically stay perched 15 to 20 feet in deep water throughout winter, until spring. New Jersey Fish & Wildlife.com advises using natural bait, such as herrings. Dress appropriately for the weather. Keeping in mind that fishing on riverbanks and lakes often exposes you to harsh conditions with no adequate shielding from the wind. During especially cold spring months, wear protective gear to guard against frostbite.