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September 21, 2026 - 10:33:14

The first pompano catches were checked in to Greg of Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom during the week of September 13th, as anglers hooked some big slabs up to over a pound and more using FIshbites bloodworms. You can also opt to use sand fleas for the pomps and last year at this time Greg said there was a huge wave of pompano that pushed in, so get ready. Besides pomps, the fluke chew rolls onward in the final days, smallish bluefish are whacking at cut baits and metals and some early morning stripers are starting to be reported.

September 21, 2026 - 10:33:03

Tyler at Fisherman’s Headquarters was relieved to hear of some renewed yellowfin activity in the Hudson after what had been a slow week. Chunking with sardines and butterfish, working Nomad and UVT jigs, and trolling green 19- and 36-inch ChatterLures side trackers and also daisy chains proving effective. The mid range pots continue producing solid catches of mahi various pitch baits and jigs.

September 21, 2026 - 10:32:57

Greg at Fisherman’s Headquarters said surf action has been slow lately, although some kingfish and fluke were still biting through the end of September. Kingfish have been taking Fishbites, but the bite remains sluggish. Croaker action has also slowed, while blowfish continue to chew in the bay. Mullet are beginning to show up on LBI, offering a promising sign that the fall surf action could soon pick up.

September 14, 2026 - 10:18:52

Greg of Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom said the summer water temps are still hanging on but the fall transition is starting as spearing, rainfish and mullet are starting to pool up. Fluke are a solid bet in the suds, but a wave of spike weakfish ran through this week where flukers were catching them on soft baits. Kingfish, croakers and spot are nibbling away at Fishbites. Hardtails like albies and bonito can still be found running in and out. At the Barnegat Jetty, tog are on tap big time.

September 14, 2026 - 10:18:47

Mateo from Fisherman’s Headquarters reports that trolling medium/large ballyhoo at the wind farms is producing scattered success with 40- to 60-pound bluefin. Mid-range pots the place for light tackle fun with epoxy and pitch bait-striking chicken mahi. Here and there encounters with bonito hit here to 2 pounds and false albacore to 8 pounds on epoxy jigs.

September 14, 2026 - 10:18:41

Greg at Fisherman’s Headquarters said the surf is producing some smaller fluke, although there haven’t been many big fish showing. The inlet, wrecks and reefs are also holding fluke. Store staffer Sam recently hit a local wreck with some buddies, and the group put together a strong showing, limiting out on fluke. Triggerfish are still hanging around, while the tog bite has slowed down. Greg suspects the warmer-than-usual water could be playing a role. Blowfish, spot and croakers are also still lingering in the area.

280 West 9th St
Ship Bottom, NJ 08008
phone: 609-494-5739

"The one stop headquarters for all of your saltwater fishing needs!" For over 50 years, Fisherman's Headquarters helps generations of anglers prepare and enjoy their time on the water. Fish Heads (as most call us) is the premier full service bait and tackle store serving the needs of saltwater anglers around the world with first class service, top quality fishing tackle brands and competitive prices. We are commended and recommended for excellence in experience and service by local, regional and national fishing organizations. Fisherman’s Headquarters is a Factory Authorized Penn Reel Warranty, Service and Penn Reel Parts Center as well as a Factory Authorized Van Staal Reel Service and Warranty Center. Our professional service team is on hand ready to serve you. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced angler, Fisherman's Headquarters has you covered with quality tackle at great prices with the advice and guidance to assist before and after the sale. About Fisherman's Headquarters: It all started long ago... Our roots date back to the early days on Long Beach Island. In 1962, the massive "Great Storm" hammered LBI for three days. The Island was breached in many areas and the destroyer the USS Monssen was aground on the beach in Holgate. It was the most destructive storm to ever meet the mid-Atlantic states. Shortly after the vicious storm, an avid angler Russ Walls commissioned an LBI native and neighbor Art Cox to clear the lot at the entrance to LBI just a short distance to the east of the causeway bridge. Fisherman's Headquarters was born and still stands today at the same location. Russ Walls established a successful store that anglers loved throughout the 60's. After years of service, Walls sold the business to Vince Goddard and then over time it changed hands again. Bob Dodds ran the business for a number of years, up until the early 80's. In 1984, a passionate inshore and offshore angler Stan Cudnik bought the business. For the next thirty-plus years, Fisherman's Headquarters has supplied anglers across the globe top quality fishing tackle with expert knowledge. A Bit of Fishing History From Long Beach Island: The history of Long Beach Island (LBI) is rich in love for the water. With the Atlantic Ocean to the east side and the Barnegat Bay on the west, LBI's narrow 18 miles of sand is surrounded with beauty and great fishing. For many years now, LBI is considered one of the top fishing destination in New Jersey and one of the best on the eastern seaboard. It is well documented in history. In 1864, author of The American Angler's Book, Thad Norris wrote about LBI, "I consider the fishing the surest and best on the Jersey coast." In George B Somerville's 1914 publication The Lure of Long Beach the Island's fishing was detailed. "Long Beach Island is indisputably New Jersey's Mecca for fishermen and the lover of bluefish, striped bass, weakfish, croaker, will find himself on ideal fishing grounds along this section of the coast. To the angler Barnegat Bay is the fisherman's paradise." Long Beach Island is home to two of the oldest fishing tournaments in the country. The Beach Haven Marlin Tuna Club's White Marlin Tournament is the oldest White Marlin tournament in the country, started in 1969. Started back in 1954, the Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic is one of the oldest surf fishing tournaments in the country. Today both tournaments are very popular and produce amazing winning catches every year.