New Jersey & Delaware Bay - Central New Jersey Fishing Reports

Capt. Joe of the Jamaica II reported that Nate Kime and Zack Decker claimed first and second place in the pool, respectively, with fluke weighing more than 4 pounds. Both fish were fooled by Gulp combinations. Overall, trips are producing a steady mix of short and keeper-sized fluke, keeping anglers busy and providing plenty of action throughout the day.

Christian at Fishermen’s Supply reported that fluke anglers are finding consistent action on Gulp, keeping rods bent throughout the day. Along the surf, some local striped bass are hitting sand fleas, providing an additional option for shore anglers. Inshore bluefin tuna have also been showing locally, while head boats are finding a mix of false albacore, bonito, and bluefin offshore. Mahi have even begun showing up inshore, adding another exciting species to the mix and giving anglers plenty of opportunities to get in on the action.

Capt. Bob on the Gambler reported consistent fluke action right through the weekend, with fish being caught on both traditional bait rigs and jigs tipped with Gulp. There are plenty of shorts to sort through, but anglers who stick with it are being rewarded with solid keepers, and some have even managed to put together their limits. Quality sea bass are also coming over the rails, providing a delicious bonus to round out the fluke catch and keep anglers busy throughout the trip.

Capt. Alan of Mushin Sportfishing said the bluefin definitely favored the Sterling Tackle Wide Tracker in purple and black, which produced the most attention from the tuna. On a recent trip, the crew had to work a little harder to locate the bluefin, but their persistence paid off, with several fish still making it to the boat.

Capt. Tom said the Norma K III has been finding plenty of fluke, with a steady mix of shorts and keepers coming over the rails. One angler recently landed an impressive 8-pound fluke, providing a standout catch among the day’s action. The boat has also been finding solid success on its nighttime trips, with hungry bluefish coming over the rails and keeping anglers busy after dark.

Capt. John Zema at Yankee Rose Fishing reported a slower day for bonito, but the trip ended with an unexpected bluefin surprise. At the end of the day, the crew stopped at a local bottom-fishing spot to put a few fish in the box for dinner. While Chase Delanzo continued casting a 1-1/2-ounce epoxy jig in search of a bonito, his drag suddenly started screaming. His 20-pound-test spinning gear was put to the ultimate test when a 33-inch bluefin crushed the jig. The fish took Chase from the bow and back before the battle finally came to an end, a thrilling way to finish out the trip!

Frank at Gabriel Tackle reported that the offshore bite remains strong, with reports of bigeye and yellowfin tuna at the Hudson, along with bluefin being found just off the Klondike and around the shipping lanes. Trolling has been the most productive method. Inshore, the fluke bite remains steady, with the Axel and Sea Girt reefs producing decent numbers. Anglers are still sorting through plenty of shorts to find their keepers, but the action remains consistent. Mahi are also showing up on wrecks and reefs, adding another exciting option for offshore anglers. The Point Pleasant Canal continues to produce fluke around the mouth on both sides, while the Barnegat Bay and Manasquan River are also holding good numbers of fluke. Along the surf, anglers are finding fluke in the wash. Striped bass and bluefish remain plentiful, with live eels still proving to be the ticket for targeting stripers. For those looking to stay closer to shore, crabbing has been productive around local docks and bridges, while clamming along the banks is also producing very well.

Amanda at Jersey Hooker Outfitters reported that anglers are finding good fluke action in the Manasquan River, with additional fish being caught out front near the Sea Girt Reef and Axel. Bluefish have also been showing their teeth around the inlet and along the oceanfront. Striped bass are making an appearance at night in the canal, while reports are also coming in of Spanish mackerel, bonito, and albacore, adding plenty of excitement to the mix.

Philly Billy at Charlie’s Bait & Tackle reported that fishing has been a little slow but is showing signs of improvement. The bay is producing snappers, spot, and croaker, while fluke are still around, although most have been on the short side. Along the beach, anglers have encountered a few exciting bluefish blitzes, providing some fast-paced action when the fish move in.

George at The Dock Outfitters in Seaside Heights reported that the crabbing action has slowed down, but the bay continues to produce a steady bite of spot and croaker. Kingfish are also beginning to show up, adding another option for anglers working the local waters. Blowfish have not yet moved into the area in good numbers, although some have been reported near the lighthouse.

Scott at Grumpy’s Bait & Tackle reported that Jake stopped by the shop to weigh in an impressive 1.65-pound triggerfish caught from the jetty on a sand flea. The local fluke bite is also producing good numbers of keepers, with anglers finding quality fish in the wash. Among the recent weigh-ins were a 22-inch fluke landed by Brady James and a 19.75-inch fluke caught by Graig, highlighting the quality of fish available from the surf.

Scott at Yakitty Yaks Kayaks reported that the fluke bite has really picked up, with anglers enjoying very good action. Tautog are also biting well in the back bay and around nearshore structure. Bonito have started showing up out front, adding some fast-paced action for anglers targeting them from the kayak. Triggerfish are being caught around pots, while a few small mahi have begun showing up nearshore. Although undersized, the colorful fish make for a particularly fun kayak catch. Spot and croaker are also plentiful throughout the bay, providing plenty of options for anglers working the local waters.

Beck at Hook House Bait & Tackle reported that the bay is producing a steady mix of spot and croaker. Fluke are also being caught around the inlet and along the beach, giving anglers plenty of opportunities to target them from shore. At night, big sharks are prowling the surf, providing an exciting option for anglers looking for a heavier battle. A bit farther offshore, bonito and bluefish are also showing up and providing some fast-paced action.

Capt. Joe Rizzo of Barnegat Bay Fishing Charters reported that fishing has been okay, although anglers are dealing with a staggering number of short fluke. He said it has almost become a joke, with some captains reporting ratios as high as 50 shorts to every keeper. Bait stealers, including plenty of croaker and some blowfish, are also keeping anglers busy. Capt. Joe plans to target blowfish this week to see if he can get in on the bite. Crabbing has been decent, with numbers on the lighter side, but the crabs being caught are notably large, making each one well worth the effort.

The crew at Creekside Outfitters reported an impressive 8.32-pound fluke landed by Matthew Walsh. The monster fluke was caught in the ocean on a Creekside Nuclear Chicken Gulp grub tipped with spearing. Adding a little frozen bait to your Gulp presentation never hurts when you’re looking to entice a big fluke! Julian Thomas and Nick Hess Jr. also had a great day targeting mahi, while anglers fishing the jetties have several species to pursue, including sheepshead, triggerfish, and tautog. For sheepshead, the crew recommends a sweeper jig tipped with sand fleas, which will also tempt tautog. Fresh salted clam is another option, while green crabs can be an excellent choice when available. Triggerfish, meanwhile, are readily hitting chartreuse Gulp swimming mullet.

Capt. Lenny of Miss Barnegat Light reported pretty good fluke action, with a solid mix of keepers and the usual throwbacks to sort through. The boat has also been finding some quality sea bass, adding a welcome bonus to the fluke bite.

Steve at Jingles Bait and Tackle in Beach Haven reported that the recent bay fluke bite has been a tough one, with anglers primarily finding shorts. There have been a few bright spots, however, including Sharon DuAime, who landed a keeper weakfish. Craig also had an unexpected surprise while fluke fishing Friday when he pulled up a nice black drum. Out at the reefs, the keeper fluke bite has been a little more productive, although quality keepers remain somewhat scarce. Liz Copeland brought in a 2.18-pound fluke caught on minnows, providing a solid example of the quality fish still available. Along the beach, anglers are finding some nice-sized bluefish and kingfish, along with the ever-present dogfish and rays.

As the month of August rolls in, the array of fishing catches widens for the captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association (BHCFA). In addition to the typical catches of fluke inshore and tuna offshore, other species are making their appearances. Among these other fish are tilefish, black sea bass, ling, bluefish, small weakfish, and even a cobia. Capt. Max Goldman of the Starfish has been seeing steady catches of fluke and sea bass while fishing the local artificial reefs. One of his anglers just stunned the local fishing community when a 44-inch cobia was reeled in at the Little Egg Reef. Capt. Gary Dugan of the Irish Jig put a group of anglers on some hot fluke fishing in the ocean recently. A total of four keepers to 23 inches made the fish box in addition to many smaller ones released. Capt. Brett Taylor of Reel Reaction Sportfishing had to cancel a couple of trips because of the weather, but when he made it out, his anglers caught fish. Bay fishing trips are averaging over 50 throwback fluke with two to keepers. Mixed in have been cocktail blues and spike weakfish. Ocean trips are producing more keepers in addition to ling and sea bass.

The Miss Beach Haven, one of only two true head boats remaining on Long Beach Island, has been experiencing true family friendly trips. With plenty of room to fish and friendly mates, bottom fishing is ideal for families even with young children.

Fred at Surf City Bait and Tackle reported that short black sea bass are starting to show up on the north end. The tautog bite is also heating up, and the shop has plenty of green crabs available for anglers looking to target them. A fresh shipment of bloodworms has also arrived, while local kids continue to haul in plenty of crabs from their traps, keeping the summer crabbing action going strong.