New Jersey & Delaware Bay - Central New Jersey Fishing Reports

Capt. Joe on the Jamaica II reported a week of changing conditions but enough action to keep anglers engaged. Cooler bottom temperatures slowed the bite on Monday, though several anglers still managed to box out on sea bass. Steve earned bragging rights as the hot hand of the day, finishing with a limit-plus catch of sea bass while also landing a quality blackfish and cod, both of which were released. Wednesday started strong with a productive morning bite before tapering off during the afternoon. Even so, quite a few anglers managed sea bass limits around the boat. Thursday produced some of the better fish of the week, with anglers connecting with a number of quality sea bass. Friday saw the boat picking away at keeper sea bass throughout the grounds, with legal fish coming from nearly every stop. As is often the case, some anglers dialed in the bite and did very well, while others had to work a bit harder for their catch. Saturday began with promising life and a decent pick of fish, but the action slowed as the morning progressed. Anglers fishing jigs tipped with teasers continued to stay in the game, picking away at sea bass when bait rigs became less productive.

"The squid are here, and the fishing has been good," was the word we got from the crew of the Paramount Deep Sea Fishing on Saturday, reporting that due to an incredible movement of squid moving into our local waters, they're adding a few more 6-hour squid trips from 6 p.m. to midnight on June 9, 12 and 14. "Recent trips have seen excellent action, and now is the time to get in on one of the hottest fisheries of the season," the crew noted, adding "whether you're looking to stock up on fresh calamari, enjoy fast-paced action, or experience a fun night on the water, these trips are for you."

Tucker at the Reel Seat reported a mixed bag of action around the inlet, with both bluefish and striped bass keeping anglers busy. Bluefish are aggressively attacking Hopkins metals and SP Minnows, providing plenty of hard-hitting action. The striped bass bite has slowed compared to previous weeks, but anglers are still finding success by working SP Minnows through productive water. After dark, live eels remain one of the most effective offerings for tempting larger bass. Meanwhile, fluke fishing continues to shine, with anglers enjoying excellent action on bucktails tipped with Gulp. Adding a teaser above the bucktail has proven especially productive, helping fishermen put more keeper fluke in the net and making for some exciting summer action.

Adam at Canyon Runner Sportfishing reported offshore fishing heating up for several CR ProStaff teams working waters off South Jersey and Maryland’s Ocean City region, with strong bluefin tuna action leading the charge. Anglers are also seeing a mix of bigeye and yellowfin tuna showing up, adding to an already exciting offshore bite. Multiple crews including Marli, Talkin Trash, Restless Lady 1 & 2, and Primary Search, have all been connecting with double-digit bluefin in the Baltimore and Washington Canyon areas, keeping rods bent and spreads working overtime. While the offshore bite is producing, there is still little to no action closer to shore at this point. However, conditions are beginning to shift, with improving water movement pushing east and opening up new opportunities. Some Canyon Runner coaching members are already finding success from Atlantis to Hydrographers, targeting yellowfin, bluefin, and even marlin as the offshore season continues to build momentum.

David at Fishermen’s Supply reported a variety of opportunities for anglers throughout the area. Small bluefish in the 1- to 3-pound class are providing steady action around the mouth of the inlet, readily striking a variety of offerings and keeping rods bent. Fluke anglers are finding success farther back in the river, particularly around the mouth of the canal, where fish are holding in productive stretches of moving water. Offshore, sea bass action remains consistent on the local lumps and reefs, with anglers picking away at quality fish over structure. For those targeting striped bass, the best reports are coming from the waters around Shrewsbury Rocks, where bass continue to stage and feed, offering anglers a chance at some quality catches.

Capt. Bob on the Gambler reported that quality sea bass continue to fill coolers, with the bite showing signs of improvement as the season progresses. One of the biggest factors driving the action has been the abundance of small sand eels throughout the area, giving sea bass plenty of natural forage to key in on. As a result, jigs have been especially productive, particularly when paired with a sand eel teaser. Anglers working artificials have enjoyed some excellent rod-bending action, while traditional bait rigs have also been producing plenty of fish. Whether fishing jigs or bait, anglers are finding success and heading back to the dock with solid catches of quality sea bass.

Capt. Tom said the Norma K III reported a week of steady action, with anglers sorting through plenty of shorts to find keeper sea bass. Monday produced lots of life and a decent number of keepers, with jigs continuing to outperform bait, though bait catches have been improving. Tuesday's search for bigger fish to the east yielded similar results to the inshore grounds. Anglers stayed busy with short sea bass, a few keepers, bluefish, squid, and ling, while the pool-winning fluke weighed in at just over 7 pounds. Wednesday brought more action, along with a couple of pollock and some fluke mixed into the catch. Thursday featured one of the better jig bites of the week, with tons of life around the boat and several anglers posting limit-plus catches. Saturday wrapped up the week with a steady pick and improved quality. Jigs remained the top producer, though bait had its moments, and a few anglers managed to box out on sea bass.

Capt. John Zema at Yankee Rose Fishing reported that sea bass fishing remains strong, with anglers enjoying consistent action on both jigs and bait rigs. Quality sea bass continue to keep rods bent and coolers filling on recent trips. In addition to the sea bass bite, anglers have been catching and releasing some impressive blackfish, adding extra excitement to the action. A few ling and winter flounder have also been mixed into the catches, providing a nice variety for those getting out on the water.

Frank at Gabriel Tackle reported that fishing remains productive across much of the area, with anglers finding action in a variety of fisheries. The Manasquan River continues to produce a healthy mix of bluefish, fluke, and striped bass, keeping local fishermen busy. The canal is also giving up striped bass, along with a mix of bluefish. For anglers targeting bass, live eels remain the top choice and have been accounting for some of the better catches. Frank's advice is simple: grab some eels and killies and enjoy the action. Along the local beaches, striped bass continue to fall for clam baits, with the most productive window occurring during the final two hours of high tide and the first two hours of the outgoing tide. Offshore, sea bass fishing has been solid, with plenty of fish being caught, though anglers will need to sort through shorts to put together a catch of keepers. Crabbing is finally beginning to pick up around the bridge as well, making it a worthwhile option for those looking to fill a basket while enjoying a day on the water.

Philly Billy at Charlie’s Bait & Tackle reported that fishing was a bit hit-or-miss this past week, with some anglers finding success while others had to put in extra time to locate fish. The surf continued to produce striped bass and bluefish, though fluke proved to be more elusive. One of the standout catches came from Robert Palmisano, who landed his personal-best striped bass measuring an impressive 45 inches from the surf on fresh clam. As if that wasn't enough, he also added another quality bass measuring 34 inches to cap off a memorable outing along the beach.

George at The Dock Outfitters in Seaside Heights reported that crabbing activity is beginning to pick up, with a few crabs already finding their way into traps and hand lines. Along the docks, anglers are catching the occasional bluefish, though cooler water temperatures are still keeping the bite somewhat subdued. The surf, however, is a different story. Fluke, striped bass, and bluefish are all being caught from the beach, with anglers enjoying some of the hottest surf action of the season so far. Those putting in their time along the sand are finding plenty of opportunities to bend a rod. While the fishing is already producing, George expects the action to improve even further over the next few weeks as water temperatures continue to climb and more fish push into the area.

The crew at Grumpys Bait & Tackle reported that the surf bite remains red hot, with anglers enjoying some of the best action of the season. Those willing to battle the heavy weed and "snot" in the water are being rewarded with striped bass, proving that persistence is paying off along the beach. Anglers casting plugs are connecting with both striped bass and bluefish, adding plenty of excitement to the surf scene. A particularly impressive catch this week was a giant black drum landed from the beach, further highlighting the variety of opportunities available to surf fishermen. For those looking to maximize their chances, clams continue to be the top-producing bait. Numerous reports of bass and drum have come on clam, making them a must-have for anglers heading to the surf.

Scott at Yakitty Yaks Kayaks reported that the back bays continue to provide reliable action for striped bass and bluefish, with anglers finding steady opportunities to bend a rod throughout the system. Fluke fishing, however, remains somewhat inconsistent. While a handful of quality fish are being caught, the overall bite is still slower than expected for this point in the season. Anglers are working for their catches, but the potential for improvement is certainly there. On the nearshore wrecks, sea bass action has been excellent, with plenty of fish stacked over structure and some impressive-sized knotheads mixed into the catches. The biggest thing anglers are waiting on now is the arrival of spot. Reports indicate they have already begun showing up in parts of South Jersey, and once those baitfish push farther north, Scott expects the fluke bite to kick into a much higher gear.

Bob at Better Bait and Ice reported that striped bass anglers are still finding success along the beaches, with fish being caught around Ortley Beach and near EJ’s, particularly during the Friday night bite. Fluke action remains steady throughout the Barnegat Bay system. Anglers working the sedges are picking away at fluke using a combination of frozen spearing and squid, while similar success is being found around Point Pleasant, including the waters behind the hospital. Squid strips and spearing continue to be among the most productive baits for targeting summer flounder. Additional fluke reports are coming from the area around the railroad bridge, where anglers are finding fish holding along the structure and channel edges. Near the lighthouse, schools of snapper bluefish have started to show, providing fun light-tackle action and a sign that summer fishing patterns are continuing to develop.

John at Hook House Bait & Tackle reported plenty of action around Island Beach State Park, with both the ocean and bay producing striped bass and bluefish. Schools of bluefish are spread throughout the area, providing consistent action and keeping anglers busy. Fluke fishing continues to improve, with a growing number of fish showing up and some quality keepers beginning to hit the deck. As water temperatures gradually rise, anglers are optimistic that the bite will continue to strengthen. Crabbing is also starting to come alive, with more crabs becoming active throughout the bays and backwaters. Between the bass, blues, fluke, and improving crabbing opportunities, there is no shortage of reasons to get out on the water right now.

Capt. Ray of Miss Liane Charters reported steady action on their sea bass trips and growing excitement offshore as tuna season begins to take shape. Recent trips have produced encouraging signs, with a good number of bluefin tuna showing up in local waters and anglers eagerly awaiting the bite to develop further. The charter operation is also running fluke trips, giving anglers plenty of opportunities to get out on the water and target one of the region’s most popular summer species. In addition to fishing trips, Miss Liane Charters has a selection of merchandise available for purchase, including shirts and hoodies, allowing anglers to show their support both on and off the water.

Capt. Joe Rizzo of Barnegat Bay Fishing Charters said fishing picked up a bit this past week. Anglers got a few sea bass. Saturday he caught some fluke and weakfish. He said the birds were pciking and there was a lot of boat traffic, could’ve caught more without the boats running through. He heard of some stripers being picked up off Sedge Island using popping plugs. The bass will hang around as long as the water is cold. No signs of blowfish yet.

Our friends at Creekside Outfitters reported that sea bass fishing continues to produce, with anglers finding success on both clam and jigs. While both methods are catching fish, jigs have been the clear standout lately, accounting for some of the better catches and keeping rods bent throughout the day. In the bay, fluke fishing is beginning to show signs of improvement, with larger fish starting to enter the mix. Anglers are finding success with a single killie fished on a hook, while Gulp shrimp has also been a productive offering for tempting summer flounder. With a stretch of warm weather moving into the region, there is growing optimism that rising water temperatures will further improve the bite and help kick local fisheries into an even higher gear.

Vince at Bobbie's Boats reported that fluke fishing remains on the slow side, with lingering cold water temperatures keeping the bite somewhat subdued and keeper fish tough to come by. Striped bass action, however, has been much more encouraging. Anglers working the North Jetty are finding good success, particularly those fishing spot for bait. Bluefish are also scattered throughout the inlet area, with the best action often found wherever diving birds are giving away the location of feeding fish. Along the beaches, black drum continue to provide opportunities for surf anglers, adding another productive option for those looking to get in on the action while waiting for the fluke bite to improve.

Capt. Sam Rescigno of the Mary M IV reported that sea bass fishing was productive earlier in the week, with anglers putting together some solid catches before the bite tapered off toward the weekend. One bright spot has been the abundance of squid in the area. Anglers fishing squid jigs enjoyed good action early in the week, taking advantage of the influx of cephalopods moving through local waters. While there is clearly plenty of life around, the fish have become more reluctant to feed as the week progressed. Capt. Sam noted that he is still marking plenty of fish on the electronics, which is an encouraging sign. The fish are there, but getting them to bite has been the challenge lately. With so much bait and life in the area, it may only take a change in conditions to get the sea bass chewing aggressively again.

Capt. Lenny of Miss Barnegat Light reported that fishing is slowly but steadily improving as conditions continue to trend in the right direction. Recent trips have seen most of the action coming from sea bass, with a handful of ling mixed into the catches to keep anglers busy. Fluke fishing, however, remains on the slow side. Chilly water temperatures are still holding back the summer flounder bite, and catches have been limited compared to what anglers typically expect this time of year. With warmer weather in the forecast, Capt. Lenny is hopeful that rising water temperatures will help spark more consistent fluke action in the weeks ahead.

Greg at Fisherman’s Headquarters reported solid surf action for black drum over the past week, with anglers finding good catches on live clams along the beach. When conditions line up, the drum bite has been providing steady pull and quality fish for those working the wash. Fluke are beginning to show along the surf as well, but overall action remains on the slower side with water temperatures still running cool. A few anglers are picking off summer flounder on Gulp, though live bait continues to outperform artificials in the colder water. Live minnows and frozen spearing remain reliable options, especially as anglers adjust presentations to match current conditions and coax more consistent bites from early-season fluke.

Steve at Jingles Bait and Tackle in Beach Haven reported an impressive stretch of action highlighted by quality catches of striped bass and black drum. Derek Correia led the way with a beautiful striped bass weighing 10.25 pounds and measuring 30.99 inches, taken on bunker in the Beach Haven Terrace area. He also added a couple of black drum to his successful outing, making for a productive day on the water. The action didn’t stop there, as Jamie, Richie, and friends enjoyed a strong trip with steady catches of both striped bass and black drum. Rich Sherman also made headlines with a hefty black drum weighing 30.15 pounds and stretching 37 inches, caught on clams. Matt and PJ Shapiro each added black drum of their own, rounding out a memorable day of surf and bay action for local anglers.

Fred at Surf City Bait and Tackle reported solid surf action this week, with clams proving to be the go-to bait along the wash. Peg found success working the surf, landing a striped bass over 31 inches after soaking clams in the breakers. The surf also produced a standout catch for Rick, who hooked into a beautiful black drum Wednesday morning on fresh clams, adding some heavyweight excitement to the beach scene. Greg also joined the action, throwing clams into the wash and connecting with a quality striped bass of his own.