Those that regularly fish the backwater experience a different side of fishing from those that regularly fish the ocean. They often see calm water, a slower pace, and less ferocity than the ocean-goers. Backwater bums also catch lots of fish, if they fish the right spots at the right time. One such backwater hotspot is Paddy’s Hole.
Located west of the Seven Mile Beach area of Avalon and between InterCoastal Waterway markers 380 and 382, Paddy’s Hole is well-known by anglers of producing good catches of flounder, bluefish, weakfish and stripers throughout the year. Its best action begins in the spring with stripers, bluefish and weakfish, and continues throughout the summer and into the fall.
All summer long, Paddy’s Hole produces good numbers of flatties, and weakfish, stripers and bluefish will also be found at the spot throughout the season. The striper action begins early, with those who fish clam producing the best results. Those anchoring and chunking clam bellies while fishing whole clam will be most effective when targeting early season linesiders.
One of the most popular fish to target at Paddy’s Hole, however, is flounder. Flatties can be found in the hole as soon as the season begins for them, and they will remain there until they migrate back into the ocean in the late summer.
“It’s a consistent spot,” according to captain Erich at Red Dog Bait & Tackle in Sea Isle City. Erich said that the spot holds lots of weakfish in the spring, and big blues will sit in the hole as well.
“It’s one of the best spots in the backwater for fluke,” according to Dave at Hodge Podge Bait & Tackle in Avalon. He said that the fish found in the hole can be big and plentiful, with minnows, mackerel or herring strips all working well.
When targeting flatties in Paddy’s Hole, Dave recommends fishing by marker 382. He said that drifting over the dropoffs will produce, particularly as the water depths drop down to 22 feet.
When fishing for weakfish, Dave recommends casting rubber and soft plastic for weakfish, casting along the sod banks. As summer progresses, those targeting stripers should also fish along the sod banks, with poppers working best.
As the summer wanes and the fall action begins, stripers will once again become the main fare at Paddy’s Hole. Fishing the points found at the hole with produce good numbers of bass, and big bass are not uncommon at the hole either.
When fishing the fall striper run at Paddy’s Hole, Dave recommends fishing eels. He said that they produce the best numbers of fish and the best size stripers as well.
Spring, summer and fall, Paddy’s Hole provides good action for the angler who fishes the backwater. Whether you’re targeting flounder, stripers, bluefish or weakfish, the hole offers all species at different times. Give Paddy’s Hole a try the next time you get out and fish the back!
