Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Catch Sea Bass Fishing With Kids Easy

Small Sea Bass (Not a Keeper But Easy to Catch)
Tie on a One Ounce Weight

Get Some Blood Worms and Small Hooks
Fishing with young kids can be a great joy but you need to keep in mind that kids, way more than adults, need to stay entertained.  Catching fish, no matter what size, with some regularity is the difference between your children having a great day or a really dull one.


One thing I love to do with the kids in Sea Isle City is fish for sea bass.  Actually, I have to admit, I enjoy doing it myself even without the kids.


Taking the kids fishing along the bay and channels of Sea Isle City is good fun when catching sea bass. I have a way that generally lands a fair amount a sea bass without all the frustrations of snags and tangles often associated with fishing with youngsters.


First, keep in mind that you are not catching any 'keepers' using this method. Sure you might get lucky and land a big fish, be we are looking for quantity over quality here. Strictly catch and release (you'll get a big fine if you take undersized fish in Sea Isle).


We'll focus strictly on fishing in the bay.  You can fish the bay from the end of many streets in Sea Isle and still catch Sea Bass without the hassle of renting or bringing a boat. That said, don't let me stop you from renting a boat or bringing your own  :-) 


You'll typically get Sea Bass under six inches using this method. They don't hit very hard so even if you are using light, freshwater rods and reels you'll do just fine. Actually, lighter tackle will help you feel the bite easier and might put you at an advantage over others using heavier tackle.... unless you land a big fish, then you are losing your line easy :-)


Put a small weight like the one shown above on your line.  A one ounce weight will work just fine.


Then put a small hook on the end of your line. A number four hook should work just fine. We aren't hooking into any really big mouths here so a small hook will be OK.


Be sure you have bought blood worms.  Not night crawlers you'd buy at the lake bait shop, not the squirmy things you find in your yard, get the real deal. Blood worms for bait is the key ingredient.


Blood worms are not cheap. They aren't particularly large but they will run over a dollar each but they work great and really draw the fish.  Bring a knife with you and don't be afraid to cut worms in half to make your supply last longer.


When using blood worms with the little ones I'd suggest putting the worms one the hooks for the kids.  They are very bloody and messy.  Plus, in unusual cases, they'll bite and the bite does hurt.  Nothing to be afraid of but you'll see their head pop out so beware of a nip.  It is very rare but they'll get you if you ask for it.


After getting the worm on the hook, watch the way the tide is moving then cast up into the tide and let the bait drift down.  You'll feel the tug when you have a bite if you are paying attention.  Some guys wait for the line to go tense too but sometimes I can't tell by watching the line.


I use a light weight as it keeps the hook off the bottom longer as it drifts down the tide.  You can definitely catch sea bass and a lot of other fish off the bottom, actually it is the preferred technique of most anglers, but I like keeping the weight up to avoid snags when fishing with the kids.  Snags will make for a long day with children plus they aren't necessary. Sea bass are very aggressive and will swim to the top to bite a blood worm.


Now get out there and try some fishing.  I have had days were I'm getting sea bass every 10 or 15 minutes and better using this technique.  Not always but more often than not.  A great method with the little ones.


Please Check Out Some of My Other TurtleDog Sea Isle Posts

There are Surfing Competitions in Sea Isle ... Believe it or Not!

Free Music Concerts in Sea Isle


Where are the Public Beach Promenade Bathrooms in SIC? Learn Here


When Can I Get Cheap Beach Tags In Sea Isle?


What Street is Best For Me To Rent in Sea Isle?

Free Concerts in Sea Isle City

Sea Isle City Entertainment Complex During the Day
 Sea Isle City has always had great family focused musical entertainment.  For years these great, free concerts would bring hundreds of people onto the Sea Isle City promenade near JFK Boulevard.


Those concert events were just terrific. The only problem, and it really wasn't that much of a problem, was that the Promenade would become congested with people during concerts.


Entertainment Complex Bustling at Night
In 2011, Sea Isle City built the Sea Isle City Entertainment Complex at Excursion Park. Excursion park is just adjacent to where the 'old' concerts were played along JFK Blvd.


The new entertainment complex really provides an awesome venue for some really great acts. Did I mention the performances are totally free?


Shows run during the day and under the lights at night.  The sound system is really awesome and the lights are pretty good too.  The venue is terrific for family, friends and kids can go on a hot summer night and enjoy some great fun together.


Sea Isle features Friday night shows including (as of 2011) a "You've Got Talent" competition on Friday nights.
If you haven't checked out a show, be sure to do so.  It is a nice way to get the family out and enjoy the music in the sun or tunes under the stars.


Please Check Out Some of My Other TurtleDog Sea Isle Posts


Free Surfing Events In Sea Isle? Nah... Really? Sure Read Here


Was That a Hoagie or a Yeti in Sea Isle City, New Jersey?




Drop those Hoagie Pounds Playing Tennis in Sea Isle




Beachcomber Beach Tours, Learn About The Environment for Free


Directions to SIC


Proof There is Surfing Competition in Sea Isle Surf

Hurley Surfer Registration and Judges Tent
Surfer Waiting For His Chance

Sea Isle City, New Jersey is a great town with a lot of fun things to do.  One thing that people do not think of when visiting the Jersey Shore is attending a surfing event.

The Sea Isle City beach hosts a number of free surfing events every year that are absolutely free to watch.

I stumbled upon a surfing contest in Sea Isle on a beautiful June day.  This particular contest was sponsored by Hurley and from what I could tell was open to any surfer who wanted to register.

It was good, free, fun to watch. They waves were relatively flat, even for the South Jersey shoreline but that didn't stop a dozen or so surfers from competing and scores of people from watching the competition.

There was judging and play-by-play commentary to keep spectators abreast of what was going on in the surf.

Keep any eye out for future surfing events along the beach around 38th street or thereabout. They have a number of them every summer and is just another cool thing to do while vacationing in Sea Isle City.

Please check out my other TurtleDog Sea Isle posts

Was That a Hoagie or a Yeti in Sea Isle City, New Jersey?


Drop those Hoagie Pounds Playing Tennis in Sea Isle



Beachcomber Cheap, Fun and Educational


Directions to SIC

Monday, June 20, 2011

Catch a Stargazer Fish Fishing at Jersey Shore - Yes!

If you are wondering if you can catch a Stargazer fish at the New Jersey shore the answer is a definitive
"yes."



I regret to say that the stargazer was not caught in Sea Isle City, New Jersey. A good friend of mine, Ken Jaworowski, an avid fisherman, was fishing off the surf at Belmar and caught what he said was a large stargazer.


If you never have seen one, and I have never seen a stargazer fish except in photos, they have a mouth that points upwards toward the top of their head.  They bury themselves in the sand with the mouth sticking out to suck in prey.  The most fascinating thing about a stargazer is that they can produce an electric current that stuns prey.  Ken said that he forgot all about the current but did not get an electric shock from the fish.


I apologize that I do not have more details on the fish that was caught (no picture was provided and it was safely returned to the water) but if you want to learn more about stargazers in general, I have linked an easy to read article on them.  


Learn More About Stargazers Here


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Thursday, June 16, 2011

Where to Launch a Boat In Sea Isle City New Jersey - Learn Here

Finding a place to put your boat in the water can be frustrating. All of the best laid boating plans can easily sink if you get to a new shore destination only to realize that your watercraft is stuck on land instead of floating in the bay or the ocean.


There is a lot of boating activity in Sea Isle City, New Jersey.  Fishing, sailing, or simply motor cruising on the water, Sea Isle is good fun.


If you are wondering where you can launch a boat in Sea Isle City, NJ, you have come to the right place.  I know of one boat launch not far from the bridge from JFK blvd.


The Sea Isle City municipal boat ramp is located at the end of 42nd place. There is an in and out fee or you have the option of a seasonal fee (in 2010 it was $10 in/out and $100 seasonal but may have changed).  I do not personally use the ramp as I don't own any watercraft so I can not speak for its condition or convenience.  That said, it is easy to get to once you arrive in town.


Directions to boat ramp in Sea Isle City:


Come over the bridge and onto JFK boulevard. Make a left onto Park Avenue. Make a left on to 42nd Place and follow to the end.


From Avalon, come over the Townhend Inlet bridge and follow Landis Avenue to 84th street. Make a left onto 84th Street or any street after 84th. Turn right on central. Turn left on 45th. Turn right on Park Ave. Turn left on 42nd Place and follow to end.


I hope that helps you to find a place to launch your boat in SIC, NJ

Please Read Some of These Other Sea Isle City Posts By TurtleDog:




Biggest Hoagie Ever in Sea Isle




Work Off That Giant Hoagie Playing Tennis in Sea Isle City, NJ



Beachcomber Walk Good Family Fun


How do I Get To Sea Isle City Anyway? Where is it? Learn Here


Best Time to Get a Cheaper Beach Tag in Sea Isle City 


Thursday, June 9, 2011

Largest Hoagie Ever In Sea Isle City, NJ Brizzles

The largest hoagie in Sea Isle, NJ. Honestly, I can't even say this place is open any more but Mrs Brizzle's Buns not only had a great reputation for their awesome sticky buns (awesome enough that they were featured on a Food Network program years back) but they are also more locally famous, or infamous, for the size of their hoagies.


I say that Brizzle's might not be open anymore since I no longer see them at the original location next to the gym on Landis Avenue.  I also don't see anyone staggering around in a food coma either.


That said, their hoagie is massive. Just ridiculous. It is not so much the length of the hoagie that inspired awe (though the length is generous enough), rather the width of the hoagie was such that people would cower at its very sight.


I never measured the darn width of a Mrs. Brizzle's hoagie but I'd bet it was a good 4 to 4 1/2 inches. Maybe I'm crazy or exaggerating the size of the hoagie, but it was really big. The amount of meat was so overwhelming, you couldn't see the vegetables.  I'm not kidding either. Literally the vegetables were decimated beneath the load of meats.  The running joke among the locals in Sea Isle City went something like, "If you buy a Brizzle's hoagie, you need to buy a loaf of bread to go with it."


In other words, there was so much meat that the hoagie roll itself wasn't enough. You could make 4 more sandwiches with your left overs from this hoagie.


If they are gone, I'll miss that massive, giant Italian hoagie sandwich for sure.  It wasn't the best hoagie in town, but it shore, er, sure filled you up and got you fueled up for a night on the town.


If you get a chance, please check out my other TurtleDog Posts.


Work Off That Giant Hoagie Playing Tennis in Sea Isle City, NJ



Beachcomber Walk Good Family Fun


How do I Get To Sea Isle City Anyway? Where is it? Learn Here


Best Time to Get a Cheaper Beach Tag in Sea Isle City 



Find Tennis Courts in Sea Isle City

If you want to know where to play tennis in Sea Isle City, New Jersey, you have come to the right place.


Tennis at the shore can be a fun, invigorating day in the sun and, as much as I love the ocean, a nice break from the beach.  While tennis  is a great and challenging sport, finding a tennis court can be even more challenging.


In Sea Isle City, there are tennis courts on Dealy Field. Dealy Field is a large recreational, sports and playground area that has a number of tennis courts that are open to the public.


The tennis courts are more or less next to the gas station (not far from the Acme) on 63rd street and Central Avenue in Sea Isle City.  Coming off  the bridge in Townsends Inlet, just turn left on 84th Street, then turn right onto Central.  You'll see the Tennis Courts on your left less than a mile down.


If you are coming of the JFK Boulevard Bridge, turn right on Central (off JFK Boulevard) and proceed all the way up Central until around 61st street. You'll see the tennis area on your right.


I hope that helps you to find a place to play tennis in Sea Isle City.  Now grab that racket or rackets, balls and get out an play a tennis match.


Please read some of my other TurtleDog posts if you get a chance


Where are the Public Beach Promenade Bathrooms in SIC? Learn Here


When Can I Get Cheap Beach Tags In Sea Isle?


What Street is Best For Me To Rent in Sea Isle?

Thanks for stopping by! Please check out more of my TurtleDog Sea Isle posts
 


Monday, June 6, 2011

Did You Know There is a Farmers Market in Sea Isle City, New Jersey?

The Sea Isle City's farmers market runs every Tuesday, though keep in mind that Sea Isle could change this at any time so I suggest checking first before going.  The farmers market days and hours are typically posted on the wooden, painted signs along the promenade at the end of JFK boulevard.

The farmers market is held on JFK boulevard in the region where Pleasure Avenue crosses JFK.

Typically the market starts in late June (again, subject to change :-) and runs through the summer season.  

While farmer's markets are not my thing, the farmer's market  is a great change of pace to the usual beach and promenade activities for the family.  After a long weekend of fattening junk food and sodas, treat the family to a variety of healthy vegetables grown by local New Jersey farmers.  The farmers market is not particularly large, you can walk the whole thing in a matter of minutes, but the variety is good and the quality of vegetables (at least the corn I got last time :-) is fresh and tasty.

Plan some time to check it out or, if you are in the JFK and Pleasure region of Sea Isle, check it out while heading to the beach or if you need a break from laying in the sun.  
The farmers market is just another cool thing to do in Sea Isle City that you might not be aware of.

More Great Posts By Me:

Where are the Public Beach Promenade Bathrooms in SIC? Learn Here


When Can I Get Cheap Beach Tags In Sea Isle?


What Street is Best For Me To Rent in Sea Isle?

Thanks for stopping by! Please check out more of my TurtleDog Sea Isle posts
 

Free Movies in Sea Isle City, New Jersey - No Cost Family Movie in SIC

In Sea Isle City there is a great place to watch a free movie outside.  During the summer season you can watch films at no charge right on JFK Boulevard and Pleasure avenue.  There is a giant, outdoor movie screen set up right on the lawn. They typically run family orientated films on certain nights.

To find the next scheduled movie, walk up onto Sea Isle's promenade at the end of JFK boulevard.  There are painted, wood signs posted with all the upcoming community events. Music on the promenade, farmers market, parades, etc are all posted.  Movies too.  You see it listed as movies "under the stars"

The event is outdoors so dress comfortably and bring bug spray in case it is a buggy night.  Again, the films are free so technically you won't need to bring any money, although there is a great candy store across the street and tons of shops with great refreshments to enjoy the movie with.

Check out the free films sometime.  It is a nice, relaxing, outdoor event that the whole family can participate in Sea Isle.

More Posts by Me

Beachcomber Walk Good Family Fun

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Best Time to Get a Cheaper Beach Tag in Sea Isle City 

 

Friday, June 3, 2011

Where to Fish - Sea Isle City NJ Fishing Pier

There are plenty of places to fish in Sea Isle City, New Jersey.  Fishing in Sea Isle is a fun and relaxing sport for people who enjoy all kinds of shore settings. You can fish on the beach (most of them anyway), you can fish on the inlet, and you can fish on the bay.  All this from boat and from land. 

If you like to fish from a pier into the bay, the Sea Isle City's public recreation department has a fishing pier that is located on 59th Street and the bay.

Directions to the fishing pier are pretty easy. To find the pier from Avalon / Townsends Inlet park, after coming over the bridge onto Landis Avenue, turn left on 84th street then turn right onto Central. Take central to 59th street and turn left. Continue straight until you see the pier.

Directions from bridge at JFK Blvd:  After coming off bridge turn right onto Central Avenue. Take straight to 59th street and then turn right. Continue straight until you see the bridge.

An easy landmark to look for is Dealy Park. A huge soccer, baseball, skateboard, hockey, etc recreational park.   The fishing pier is just before the park if heading to the Sea Isle City fishing pier from JFK.  The fishing pier is just past the park.


I hope that helps.  I love to fish and hope that you are able to catch a lot of fish on this fishing pier.


Please check out some of my other TurtleDog posts




More Posts By Me. Please Check These Out

Where to Find Tide Charts in Sea Isle

Beachcomber Walk Fun For The Whole Family In Sea Isle City - Click Here


The OD Night Club Review-Click Here


How do I Get To Sea Isle City Anyway? Where is it? Learn Here


Best Time to Get a Cheaper Beach Tag in Sea Isle City 


Driving Directions to Sea Isle City from Philly

Where are the Beach Bathrooms in SIC ? Learn Here

When Can I Rollerblade on the Promenade ?



Wednesday, June 1, 2011

How Do I Know When The Ocean Tide is Coming in Or Out in Sea Isle

Ocean tides are funny things. High tides can get you unexpectedly wet on the beach or leave you high and dry when the tide goes low.


Same goes for the bay tides. The height of the bay slowly rises and slowly falls.


Bay or beach, high and low tides occur twice per day. Tides are affected by the Sun and the moon's gravity as well as the rotation of the Earth.  Tides are very predictable but I can't cover all of the dates, times and height of every tide in Sea Isle in this article alone.


That said, if you want to know when the Ocean tide is coming in our coming out there are a number of places to find this information.

Bait and Tackle shops in and around Sea Isle City offer tide charts for free. Go ahead and ask for a tide chart and they will give you one for sure.


If you are in one of the municipal buildings or beach tag headquarters you might be able to get one for free there as well.


If your beach house has the current edition of the Blue Book, a local phone book of sorts very popular with Sea Isle residents and visitors, there is a section in there that will show you when the tides will rise and fall for each day of the year.


Tide charts are easy to come by in Sea Isle. Just ask and you'll find one. Sometimes even more obscure places such as convenience stores offer free tide charts. You may find them stacked on the cashier counter.


Local newspapers will also tell you when the tide will be high and low for the particular day you pick it up.


Hopefully that gives you an idea how to find a tide chart and know when the tide is coming in and going out in Sea Isle City, New Jersey.

More Posts By Me. Please Check These Out

Beachcomber Walk Fun For The Whole Family In Sea Isle City - Click Here


The OD Night Club Review-Click Here


How do I Get To Sea Isle City Anyway? Where is it? Learn Here


Best Time to Get a Cheaper Beach Tag in Sea Isle City 


Driving Directions to Sea Isle City from Philly

Where are the Beach Bathrooms in SIC ? Learn Here

When Can I Rollerblade on the Promenade ?



Bars to Drink at In Sea Isle City - Where You Want to Go

Everyone likes to step out and grab a beer or other beverage at least once in a while, especially if you are vacationing in Sea Isle City, New Jersey.  The question is, which bars are right for you in Sea Isle.


Some people like crowds, some people like cozy, some people like a good party and others want to share a nice meal with a drink.  Here is a rundown of places that might interest you. Let me know which ones work for you:


Kix McNutleys :
Simply known as Kix this bar is adjacent to the Acme in Sea Isle City, 63rd and Landis
It is a high ceiling, woody, place where a lot of the year round locals go to grab a drink. 
I'd say that the age group in this bar is typically in their fifties and up.


Largely a blue collar, local crowd who come to drink among other local friends and trade good stories.
There are live bands.
Not the best looking place, but not a dump either. Come as you are and have a drink. Nice outside pool bar also.
Dress anyway you want


La Costa:
Refered to as "LA" by some it is located on JFK and the Boulevard
A mix between locals and vacationers share indoor and outdoor bar space.
The dark and worn inside usually smells of cleaning detergent and stale beer but it is also good fun, crowded party environment at night. Fairly empty during the day time, the crowd moves outside to sit in the sun at the very nice and upbeat outdoor bar.
Very young early twenties crowd inside at night. The outside age ranges is from 20's to 80's
Live bands inside and outside.


The Lobster Loft:
Park Avenue just off JFK Blvd. Referred to as "The Loft"
Crowd is both vacationers and locals eating water view dinner in the dining room or grabbing a drink at the bar. Doubles as full service restaurant and has multiple bars.
Probably the oldest crowd in Sea Isle. Typical age during nightclub, drinking hours, is 50's through probably 90's (yeah 90's.... give or take :-)
Bands at night. Very clean and polished place. A classier, cleaner decor than other nightclubs.
No dress code but if you wanted to wear something nicer, you could pull it off here. Up to you.


The Ocean Drive:
Also called the " OD " it is located on Landis just a block or so from JFK Blvd
Early twenties something crowd on vacation in Sea Isle
Dark with very low ceilings.
Bands at night, DJ's, drink specials, crowded, party environment.
I wrote an article on the OD here
Dress anyway you want. Some people even wear costumes


Shenanigans Bar:
38th and Landis Avenue
I'm going to guess the 'youngest' bar in Sea Isle. Early twenty somethings
Inside is much like the inside of The OD and La Costa in certain ways
Loud, hot and crowded, much like The OD and La Costa inside.
Bands and DJ at night
Dress anyway you want.


The Springfield Inn
43rd and 44th and Pleasure
30's, 40's and 50's crowd with other ages mixed in.
Like OD, La Costa and Shenanigans, interior has a lot of mileage on it but this bar is much brighter inside than the others at night.
Bands nightly
Outdoor "beach bar" but don't get your hopes up like it is the Caribbean. Also a bit worn out, but also a lot of fun
Dress anyway you want


Braca Cafe:
Commonly called "Bracas"
Fairly classy place to get a drink by  Sea Isle's standards. Primarily a full service restaurant with a cozy bar.
No dress code but if you wore nice summer casual to upscale casual clothes you would not feel out of place.
All ages place as a lot of families come to eat. The bar has a wide mix of ages typically 30's, 40's, 50's


The Dead Dog Cafe:
Commonly called "The Dead Dog" or sometimes "The Dog"
20's through 40's crowd but not limited to this age group.
The only bar in Sea Isle have a dress code. Men must wear collar shirts. Lots of golf shirts and button downs.
Live strictly acoustic music nightly.
This place strives for and defends its classy reputation. Can get very crowded. Looks a lot like a nice, cozy coffee house in someways. Two floors.

More Posts By Me - Please Check Them Out

The OD Night Club Review


How do I Get To Sea Isle City Anyway? Where is it? Learn Here


Best Time to Get a Cheaper Beach Tag in Sea Isle City 


Driving Directions to Sea Isle City from Philly

Where are the Beach Bathrooms in SIC ? Learn Here

When Can I Rollerblade on the Promenade ?




Thanks for stopping by!

The Ocean Drive Nightclub Bar in Sea Isle City - Learn If You'll Like It

The Ocean Drive nightclub bar is located on Landis Avenue in Sea Isle City. It is right in the center of town. 

The Ocean Drive is truly a right of passage for those who are veterans of the Sea Isle City bar scene.  Just about anyone who has ever had a drink in Sea Isle has been in the Ocean Drive.


The Ocean Drive is commonly and affectionately referred to as the O.D.  The O.D. (which can also be thought of, not-so-coincidentally as overdose) caters to the young, swinging, single, partying crowd.


The happy hours and night time hours are simply drenched in heat, testosterone, estrogen, and the sowing of wild oats. It is definitely populated by people who are in their twenties looking for a fun  day and night out.


The bar itself is a dark, low ceiling, cavernous place with four bars and not nearly enough seating to go around.  When summer is in full swing, live bands play nightly.


The D.J.'s are usually very good and the bands are some of the best at the shore.


Who will hate the O.D. ?  Here is a list:


-If you hate crowds, you'll hate the place. It can be body to body in there


-If you are easily disgusted by sticky floors and overall shabby features, you won't like it.


-If you don't like loud places, you won't like it. The customers are loud and the music is even louder

-If you are looking for good food, forget it. Yes, they do occasionally have food specials but they don't serve anything during prime time drinking hours.


Who will love the OD? Here is a list:


-For young people (in their twenties) looking for a big party, this is the place


-For those who enjoy "meet" markets, the OD has a very, very single crowd


- If you like drink specials and don't mind going early they do have drink specials


- If you can take the heat, it gets wicked hot in the Ocean Drive in August, you'll like it.


-If you are thick skinned when it comes to crowds, bumping, drunkenness, etc. You'll like it


That's it! Please check out my other TurtleDog Posts Sometime


More Posts By Me - Please Check Them Out


How do I Get To Sea Isle City Anyway? Where is it? Learn Here


Best Time to Get a Cheaper Beach Tag in Sea Isle City 


Driving Directions to Sea Isle City from Philly

Where are the Beach Bathrooms in SIC ? Learn Here

When Can I Rollerblade on the Promenade ?




Thanks for Stopping By!  Please Stop Back When You Get a Chance