New Jersey & Delaware Bay - Central New Jersey Fishing Reports

Capt. Joe said the Jamaica II continues to target sea bass and porgies, with action ranging from productive to hit-or-miss. Anglers may need to bounce between several spots to put together a respectable catch, as finding consistent action remains a challenge. Weather conditions continue to play a major role in determining when the boat can get out and how productive the fishing will be.

The crew at the Reel Seat reported solid blackfish action in protected waters, while rough seas and persistent heavy winds have made ocean fishing challenging. Striped bass are providing opportunities beneath the bridges and along the surf from Monmouth County south to Long Beach Island. Glide baits and metal-lip swimmers are both producing, giving anglers effective options for targeting bass in the current conditions. As water temperatures continue to drop and November approaches, more stripers are expected to move into the area, potentially building momentum for the fall run.

Jack at Fishermen’s Supply reported reliable blackfish action from the inlets back through the canal, with anglers finding good numbers of fish and a healthy share of keepers. With green crabs becoming difficult to obtain, salted clams have proven to be an effective alternative. Striped bass are also showing in good numbers throughout the canal after dark, with soft plastics producing steady action. During daylight hours, schools of bluefish weighing 3 to 6 pounds are pushing through the canal and providing additional excitement. Looking ahead, Jack expects November to bring solid numbers of striped bass along the beaches, while blackfish should gradually move from the backwaters toward local reefs as the fall season progresses.

Capt. Bob on the Gambler has spent much of October tied to the dock as persistent poor weather limited opportunities to get offshore. During three trips early in the month, the crew searched for tuna but came up empty-handed. Fortunately, the mahi were willing to cooperate, providing anglers with some welcome action despite the elusive tuna bite. As October winds down and November approaches, weather windows will continue to play a key role in determining offshore opportunities.

Capt. Tom said the Norma K III has been working the beach in search of striped bass, with plenty of bunker around but few bass actively feeding among the schools. A handful of bass have been ripping through the bait, but the action remains short of what anglers are hoping to see. The boat has also been heading offshore for sea bass and tautog, with mixed results. A few anglers managed four or five keepers to take home, while others came up empty-handed, with an abundance of shorts keeping things challenging. Adding some excitement to the month's fishing was an encounter with a thresher shark that gave anglers a memorable battle.

Frank at Gabriel Tackle reported that unfavorable conditions continue to hamper fishing opportunities, but the Point Pleasant Canal and Manasquan Inlet are offering anglers worthwhile options. Blackfish and striped bass are both showing in the Point Pleasant Canal, with live eels proving to be the bait of choice for stripers. The Manasquan Inlet is also producing some quality blackfish around the rocks. Surf action remains relatively quiet, although a few striped bass have been reported along the beaches. With water temperatures beginning to drop, the fall striper run could gain momentum in the coming weeks, giving surfcasters plenty of reason to stay ready as the season progresses.

Rich at Jersey Hooker Outfitters reported that Steve Reynolds and a fishing buddy found success targeting tautog with sand fleas. Fiddler crabs are also producing, giving anglers another effective bait option as blackfish season gets underway.

Philly Billy at Charlie’s Bait & Tackle reported scattered schools of rain bait along the island, although few striped bass have been actively feeding on them. A couple of bluefish have joined the mix, providing some action around the bait. Schools of bunker have been holding tight to the beach, but bass activity around them remains limited. Despite the slow overall bite, surfcasters are picking away at a few striped bass on lures, offering some encouraging signs as the fall migration continues to develop.

On October 18, Scott at Grumpys Bait & Tackle reported encouraging striped bass action along the surf, with multiple anglers checking bass off the beach. Brett Brounstein kicked things off with a healthy striped bass on his second cast using an SP Minnow, a promising sign for surfcasters looking to connect with migrating fish. With bass beginning to show more consistently along the shoreline, anglers should keep their favorite plugs ready as the fall run builds toward November.

Bob at Better Bait and Ice reported a variety of fishing opportunities across the region, with striped bass showing along Seaside and Ortley beaches. Mullet and clams are producing for bass, including fish caught on red squid and clams near Seaside. Porgies are biting in the Point Pleasant Canal and around the inlet, with clams proving effective. Farther south, Barnegat Inlet is offering blackfish action around the jetties and lighthouse, along with porgies. Anglers targeting tog are finding success with large spearing, clams, and white squid. Back in the Toms River area, snappers are still around, crabs remain available, and perch are holding near the docks, providing plenty of options for anglers looking to bend a rod this fall.

Beck at Hook House Bait & Tackle reported steady opportunities for blackfish in the canals and inlets, along with some striped bass activity after dark. Farther north, the Monmouth County area is seeing more striped bass, offering encouraging signs for anglers tracking the fall migration. As November approaches, surfcasters and nighttime anglers will want to stay alert for increasing numbers of bass moving through the region.

Capt. Ray Lopez of Miss Liane Charters is now taking reservations for striped bass trips as the fall run builds. The boat is also running wreck-fishing trips, targeting jumbo sea bass, tautog, triggerfish, and porgies. When favorable weather opens the door to offshore runs, the crew will head out in pursuit of tuna, swordfish, and tilefish. Anglers looking to get aboard can visit the Miss Liane Charters Facebook page for more information, along with photos from recent trips and updates on available fishing opportunities.

Tom P at Creekside Outfitters reported excellent tautog action as anglers take advantage of the fall wreck fishery. Tom Kowitski of the Fishhawks landed a doubleheader of tog, while Harold Sommer of the Hooks & Anchors Fishing Club brought in a quality 3.42-pound blackfish on a green crab while fishing aboard a Mole’s SportFishing charter. The crew reported impressive action near the inlet, catching approximately 60 tog. For anglers targeting striped bass from shore, glide baits remain a productive option for enticing strikes as the fall migration continues to build.

Capt. Sam Rescigno of the Mary M IV reported that action had been productive before strong winds put a damper on the bite. With conditions unsettled, it remains unclear what anglers can expect once the weather calms. Water temperatures are still relatively warm, but Sam hopes the recent winds will help cool things down and encourage striped bass to move into the area sooner. Despite the unpredictable conditions, he remains optimistic and eager for the fall striper season to get underway.

Capt. Lenny of Miss Barnegat Light reported a frustrating month for offshore anglers, with persistent poor weather forcing the cancellation of numerous canyon trips. He noted that he has never experienced a canyon season with weather this challenging, making for a disappointing stretch of missed opportunities offshore. Looking ahead, the crew plans to kick off striped bass trips on November 7, weather permitting, as attention shifts toward the fall striper run.

Greg at Fisherman’s Headquarters reported that tautog fishing is red-hot, with green crabs in high demand as the shop works to keep them in stock. Live sand fleas are also producing for anglers targeting these hard-fighting bottom dwellers. Offshore, tuna reports are beginning to trickle in, with the bite finally showing signs of heating up. Striped bass are also in the mix and actively biting, adding to the growing variety of fall fishing opportunities. With November approaching, anglers have plenty of reasons to get out on the water when conditions cooperate.

Steve at Jingles Bait and Tackle in Beach Haven reported signs of life along the surf, with Pat Gallen landing a 1.5-pound bluefish from the beach in mid-October. Striped bass are also making an appearance, with several fish weighed in at the shop. As the fall migration continues to develop, surfcasters will be watching for more consistent striper activity along the beaches heading into November.

As of October 18, another multi-day northeaster is bashing the area with strong winds, large waves, and high tides. This should keep the boats of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association tied up at the docks until around the start of the last week in October. While this time of no fishing is not positive news, there might be some good to come out of it. Hopes are high with the Beach Haven fleet that this most recent storm will spur on the migration of striped bass to local waters. Prior to the storm, there were schools of bunker close to shore. If these bunker remain and stripers arrive, things could truly pick up. Other inshore options out of Beach Haven Inlet heading into November including blackfish and black sea bass, perhaps a few bluefish. The offshore bite for tuna was strong prior to the most recent nor’easter. It is not possible to predict this bite will be there after the storm, but boats will be traveling east to test the waters soon after.

Fred at Surf City Bait and Tackle reported that kingfish were still biting in mid-October, with bloodworms producing for anglers looking to cash in on the lingering action. Blackfish are also cooperating around Barnegat Light, where crabs are proving effective. As October winds down, anglers can still find opportunities for both species while keeping an eye on changing conditions and the seasonal shift toward November.