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June 08, 2026 - 11:15:46

Greg at Fishermen’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom said usually he sees a wave of big bass move through the second to third week of June and reports already have that prediction coming to fruition as clam and chunk baits are finding their mark, though you have to wade through a bunch of dogfish too. Chopper blues of 2 to 5 pounds are on average with some slammers pushing 10 to 12 pounds also showing up to gnaw on bunker chunk baits. Black drum are still hanging around and fluke fishing is beginning to pick up in the cuts and sloughs.

June 08, 2026 - 11:15:41

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.

June 01, 2026 - 10:33:57

The surf rolls on with a mix of all species said Greg of Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom. Mid-island saw a wave of larger bluefish to 10 or 12 pounds attacking bunker chunks though you had to wade through a lot of dogfish. Stripers are cooperating as well with clams the easiest way to get a hook up in any hole. Some chunky fluke have been plucked from the suds as well on jigheads tipped with Gulp baits.

June 01, 2026 - 10:33:52

Greg at Fisherman’s Headquarters reported that fluke fishing is heating up across the region, with more anglers finding success as the bite continues to strengthen. Striped bass and bluefish are also keeping rods bent throughout the inlet, bay, and surf, providing a wide range of opportunities for anglers fishing both bait and artificials. Some impressive striped bass have been landed recently on large glide baits, proving that anglers willing to throw big plugs are connecting with quality fish. Greg believes the surf bite is entering its prime stretch but may only remain at peak levels for a few more weeks before seasonal patterns begin to shift. Looking ahead, the upcoming full moon has anglers optimistic. Greg expects a fresh body of striped bass to move into the area, particularly for boat fishermen. If bunker schools continue to gather along the coast, the stage could be set for some outstanding bass fishing.

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.