Once the slick is started, the chunks and bunker heads will inevitably get the bass to move up and into the Slough to feed. Almost every year, striped bass in the 50-pound class are taken from this slough.

One particular hotspot is the 60-foot Slough, roughly 20 minutes outside of the Cape May Canal. This deep cut reaches anywhere from 14 feet along its edges to 60 feet in its center.

SHREWSBURY ROCKS
“The Rocks,” as they are affectionately known, comprise a rocky reef spanning an east-to-northeast extension that effectively anchors bass to the area. During the striped bass’s fall migration, this stony underwater structure draws them like a magnet, and they set up shop to feed.

These prominently defined subterranean mountains sit e in depths ranging from 20 to 30 feet deep. But on the north side lies a rock hill that rises abruptly from 42 to 15 feet. This spot -- a wall of solid rock -- is termed “The Elbow” and is notorious as a bass hangout.

On the western side of The Rocks lies an area called “The Ribbons,” which rise up to 14 feet and undulate on the fish finder’s screen.

Running only a few hundred yards to the west from The Ribbons, you will launch off the ledge and immediately drop to 28 feet. The far eastern outer edge of the parameter of The Rocks is marked by the green bell buoy, and the depth there hits 43 feet.

An inside green can marks the 26-foot depth on the eastern edge of the main portion of The Rocks.

OYSTER CREEK CHANNEL
The Oyster Creek Channel that connects the Barnegat Inlet to the Barnegat back bay is a prominent superhighway for foraging species.

The channel meanders from the BI Buoy in Waretown out to the Barnegat Inlet. Running an average of 10 to 14 feet deep, the channel contains various ledges and edges to work.

Along the channel, noted hotspots are beside the BI Buoy, the 33 “Rolling Rock” can, and inside the mouth of the inlet where Oyster Creek and Double Creek channels meet.

The beauty of this spot is that on any given day, you’ve got the best shot of producing an inshore slam of bass, blues and weakfish.

Striper fishermen will utilize a clam-chum slick technique to coax the bass to boatside.

On the beginning of the outgoing tides, drift fresh clams behind the anchored boat for waiting bass. Look around for the 10-to 12-foot depths, and keep an eye out for disturbances in the water such as rip lines and small rips on the change of the tides.

On incoming tides, the water is particularly clear: Green ocean water filters in, and it’s usually at its clearest at the high tide. That’s when you want to be sending down clam baits. Bluefish will be rumbling through at any given time of day, so prepare to have a few rods set up with topwater poppers to run and gun for the blues.

Bluefish will be viciously aggressive and will readily go after anything you can throw at them, from metals to poppers to plugs to shoelaces on hooks!

The weakfish angling in Oyster Creek is reserved for the early risers. Pre-dawn anglers will cast 4-inch Bubble Gum Fin-S fish on 1/2-ounce white bucktails or leadheads while drifting the channel ledges.

During this time, tiderunners to 10 pounds are not uncommon. But you’re more likely to be into 3- to 8-pound quality weakies.

It’s “go” time in New Jersey. The formidable fall run has hit our shores, and it’s time to cash in. Have a blast and get out there as often as you can.

After all, fishing doesn’t get any better than the fall run!