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Fisherman's Headquarters

July 20, 2026 - 10:28:10

Greg of Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom said there’s been more croaker reports in the surf than the last 5 years combined and that’s good news as they are fine fare in the frying pan. Toss out some Fishbites bloodworms to hook up. Fluke moved in a bit more with some fish pegging the 4.5-pound mark mid-island and at the inlet. Sporadic bluefish activity with 1 to 5 pounders hitting chunk baits. The Barney Inlet rocks are a good spot to dunk squid bits for triggers and sand fleas for a possible sheepshead.

July 20, 2026 - 10:28:04

Word from Fisherman’s Headquarters is about sporadic bluefin activity 20 miles out, with the butterfish chunk starting to put some fish in the box.

July 20, 2026 - 10:27:51

The crew at Fisherman’s Headquarters reported an exciting mix of summer action, with weakfish beginning to show in local waters. Anglers can target them with light tackle, a small jig head, and a Gulp Shrimp. The fluke bite remains on fire, with quality fish hitting both boat and surf anglers. Nicky Bizzarro put a beautiful 23-inch fluke on the beach from the mid-island surf, along with a dozen smaller fish and another impressive 18.5-inch keeper, proving now is the time to get out and fish. Offshore, some quality bigeye tuna have also moved into the local canyons, adding even more excitement to the season.

July 13, 2026 - 10:39:51

Greg at Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom said the fluke bite is on fire! The mid-island surf saw a mass of flatties move on in as shorts were aplenty but keepers were commonplace with fish up to 7 pounds whacking at bucktails and Gulp baits. Don’t overlook dragging the old school squid and spearing combo on a bottom rig too, just work the rig in the cuts and sloughs. Chopper bluefish to 5 pounds were also chasing bait schools and hit diamond jigs for anglers following them up and down the beaches.

July 13, 2026 - 10:39:38

Aidan at Fisherman’s Headquarters says that while trolling in the Hudson is producing plenty of yellowfin, several customers are having a blast there jigging and working poppers. “The Nomad Design BKK Streaker in 200 grams is really hot. Color doesn’t really matter,” he says. On the surface noisemaker side, it’s the Madd Mantis and UVT poppers that are putting fish in the boxes.

July 13, 2026 - 10:39:32

Greg at Fisherman’s Headquarters reported that the surf bite is offering a nice mix of summer species, with solid fluke action and kingfish beginning to show along the beaches. Small pieces of bloodworm or FishBites on hi-low rigs have been producing for kingfish, while anglers targeting fluke from the surf are finding success with Gulp grubs. The fluke bite has been somewhat inconsistent, with some days producing better than others, but the potential remains strong. Croakers have been abundant in the surf, adding plenty of action for anglers. In the inlet, 1- to 3-pound bluefish have been aggressively chasing baits and lures, keeping rods bent for those targeting them.

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.