When do the Bass return?

[Frightnight]

Seeing this past summer, or half summer was my first year fishing, I was wondering if everyone could give me so thoughts on when you think the bass start coming back into the area? I want to say, that I have learned so much from this site since last August when I started fishing. Especially have to have so patience. Thank all of you for everything, because you got me to stick with it, and I am so hooked. I love it!!!!!!!!!!!

[tlapinski]

They never really leave...

April is classic schoolie time at a certain SoCo jetty. Real fish show up shortly after.

[rirockhound]

May 7th at exactly 8:15Pm the first fish arrive.
They check in at a toll booth w/ EZ pass so I have the exact time.

For a real answer see tobys above...

[Frightnight]

Very funny.... thanks guys. I here different things. Some people say by
April 1st, but I guess that pushing it. Do you think because it has been so warm this year, and if it gets warm here earlyier than usual, the season will start faster?

[rirockhound]

It seems almost every year this debate is had and almost every year water Temps average out and we end up with the bass in early April +/- a week or two...
for me I don't usually bother chasing bigger fish until the first week of may or so; usually May 10 is my first decent fish, and into full swing a week or so after that...

[Frightnight]

Thanks for the straight forward answer. Every year this comes up because every one has the itch. I started late last year, and it was my first year of fishing, and did not start until August 1st, so I do have the itch. Thanks again.

[ChiefLinesider]

Originally Posted by Frightnight

Thanks for the straight forward answer. Every year this comes up because every one has the itch. I started late last year, and it was my first year of fishing, and did not start until August 1st, so I do have the itch. Thanks again.

its just the beginning. Your condition will get worse as the years progress.

[basswipe]

This past season mid April I started banging tons of schoolies in the Sakonnet area.Usually though its always been late April/Early May when I would start getting fish in numbers in this area.

[Frightnight]

Thanks Chief . That is encouraging news Basswipe, thanks. I would love to get out in the first of April. seema far away right now. Thanks again all for your responses.

[Crazy Alberto]

Hello… This is my first post.

Allow me to chime in. For the most part, there are “residential” fish around throughout the year but the masses generally start from the Hudson and the great Chesapeake Bay. As the fish starts to migrate north, the first concentration generally starts along the NJ coastline and the Western Sound of Long Island. Thereafter (approximately mid April), a good population starts to spread and it’s a safe bet that the bass will be in full force by the early May period.

It won't be long now - for I know there is a small body of fish in the NJ waters already.

“Crazy” Alberto
nonstopfisher@optonline.net