April 06, 2026 - 09:03:20
Capt. Joe Rizzo of Barnegat Bay Fishing Charters reports the Navesink River is firing for striped bass. On a recent trip, he tossed a plug, and less than 20 feet later, hooked a solid 32-inch bass—proof the bite is aggressive and right in close. While winter flounder action hasn’t turned up yet, Capt. Rizzo noted some impressive surface activity Friday, with large fish breaking the water, hinting that bigger stripers are on the move. Anglers heading to the river should be ready for fast, exciting strikes in the coming days. He’s just about wrapped up with work up on the Navesink and will be ready to fish Barnegat Bay on the opening day of fluke season on May 4.

