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Fisherman's Headquarters

May 11, 2026 - 10:32:57

All the LBI beaches are giving up bass and black drum according to Jingles Bait and Tackle in Beach Haven. A lot of bass this week were in the slot size to take home for dinner which was a good sign though of course there are plenty of throwback overslot fish in the mix. Black drum came in full force as many anglers clamming scored with small boomers of 10 to 20 pounds. Fluke fishing will be picking up near the Barney Inlet.

May 11, 2026 - 10:32:51

Greg at Fisherman’s Headquarters said that despite persistent poor weather, anglers are still finding solid action along the beach, with striped bass and black drum being caught consistently on clams in the wash. Lures are also producing well, drawing aggressive strikes from bass when worked through the surf. He also noted a surprising early-season development with the first reported beach-caught sheepshead of the week, along with an uptick in bluefish activity moving through the area. Overall, he described it as a productive stretch, with a wide mix of species being reported throughout the week despite the challenging conditions.

May 04, 2026 - 10:28:52

Greg at Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom said “If you want to catch a bass, the time is now” as the feed is full on lit up on the shores of LBI all from north to south. Fish are spanning anywhere between 26 and 45 inches and are jumping all over fresh clams and salted clams or bunker if you have it. Black drum also showed up in the mix with some 10- to 25-pounders gobbling up the clam baits. Bluefish are still ghost for the most part.

May 04, 2026 - 10:28:47

Greg at Fisherman’s Headquarters reports a busy mix of spring action building along the coast, with striped bass leading the charge and steady catches coming on both clams and artificials. The surf bite has been especially active when fish are feeding tight to the beach, with lures and clams doing the damage. Black drum are also starting to settle in, with a respectable bite developing for anglers soaking clams in the right zones. Adding to the excitement, weakfish have been spotted in the mix, and there are still unconfirmed rumors of bluefish trickling through the area—keeping anglers guessing as the fishery continues to evolve.

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.