Frequently Asked Questions

The waters around Port Elizabeth, including Raritan Bay, Newark Bay, Arthur Kill, and nearby Atlantic spots, offer diverse fishing. Key targets include Striped Bass (spring and fall), Fluke/Summer Flounder (summer), Bluefish (spring through fall), Tautog/Blackfish (spring and fall/winter), Weakfish, Porgy (Scup), Black Sea Bass, and Ling/Cod in cooler months offshore.

Yes, if you are 16 or older, you must register with the New Jersey Saltwater Recreational Registry Program to fish in NJ's marine and tidal waters. This registration is free. Some specific activities like clamming or crabbing might require separate licenses or permits. Always check the latest NJDEP Fish & Wildlife regulations.

Generally:
- **Spring (April-June):** Striped Bass migration, Flounder (winter/early spring), Tautog, early Bluefish, Weakfish.
- **Summer (June-August):** Fluke, Bluefish, Striped Bass (especially at night), Porgy, Black Sea Bass, Crabs.
- **Fall (September-November):** Major Striped Bass and Bluefish runs, Tautog, False Albacore offshore.
- **Winter (December-March):** Tautog (early winter), Ling, Cod, some holdover Striped Bass in warmer outflows.

Check out our Fishing Blog for local reports! Local tackle shops, online fishing forums dedicated to New Jersey, and social media groups are also great resources for up-to-date information.

Proper care is crucial! For most live baits, use a quality aerated bait bucket or cooler. Keep the water cool and clean. For specific care instructions for different bait types like eels, crabs, minnows, bloodworms, and grass shrimp, please refer to their individual pages in our 'All Bait' section or our Buying Guides.

The best method is to thaw frozen bait slowly in a refrigerator or in a cooler with ice. For quicker thawing, you can place the sealed bait package in a bucket of cold water. Avoid using hot water or a microwave, as this can cook the bait and reduce its effectiveness. Once thawed, keep it well-iced and use it as soon as possible.

Nightcrawlers should be stored in a refrigerator (35-45°F or 2-7°C) in breathable worm bedding. Keep the bedding moist but not soggy. With proper care, they can last for several weeks. See our Live Nightcrawlers page for more details.

The most reliable way to check current bait stock, especially for live bait, is to call us directly at (856) 825-4565 during our business hours. Bait availability can change daily due to weather, tides, harvest conditions, and demand.

Yes! We highly recommend reserving bait, particularly for live bait and for larger wholesale quantities (e.g., bushels of clams, flats of worms, pounds of eels/minnows, cases of frozen bait). Calling ahead helps us ensure we can meet your needs, especially during peak seasons or weekends.

For popular baits or during busy periods, reserving at least 24-48 hours in advance is advisable. For very large orders, specific types of bait that may have limited availability, or special requests, please provide as much notice as possible (a week or more if feasible).

Minimum quantities may apply for certain reserved baits or to qualify for wholesale pricing. This can vary depending on the bait type and seasonality. Please call us at (856) 825-4565 to discuss your specific requirements.

We strive to fulfill all reservations. However, live bait availability is subject to natural conditions (weather, tides, harvest success) which are sometimes beyond our control. If an issue arises with your reserved bait, we will contact you as soon as possible to discuss alternatives, adjust your order, or reschedule.

We stock a wide variety of popular live and frozen baits, including: Live Clams, Live Eels, Live Crabs (various types), Live Bloodworms, Live Grass Shrimp, Live Minnows (various types), Frozen Squid, Frozen Bunker (Menhaden), Frozen Butterfish, Frozen Mackerel, Frozen Smelt, and various types of Frozen Chum. Availability can vary, so please call ahead for the latest stock information. You can also browse our All Bait page.

To set up a wholesale account, please visit our Contact Us page and submit an inquiry with the subject 'Wholesale Account Setup,' or call our sales team directly. We will require some business information, such as your Tax ID / Resale Certificate. More details can be found on our Supplier/Customer Information page (Placeholder link - adapt if you have a customer section on supplier page).

Our standard payment terms for approved wholesale accounts will be discussed during account setup. We typically accept major credit cards, company checks (subject to approval), and direct bank transfers. Net terms may be available for established customers in good standing.

Currently, all orders placed with Wholesale.Fishing are for **pickup only** at our Port Elizabeth, NJ facility. Please see our Shipping & Pickup Policy page for complete details, including pickup hours and location.

We strive to offer competitive wholesale pricing. For exceptionally large or consistently high-volume orders, please discuss your needs with your sales representative, as further volume-based pricing may be available on a case-by-case basis.