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Fisherman's Headquarters

November 02, 2026 - 10:29:25

Greg of Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom had a few of his customers chunking bunker in the area to land some quality 40-inch plus stripers but they seem to be spread out from Barnegat Light to Holgate. Blackfishing has been hot and heavy at the Barnegat Inlet rocks on both sides of the inlet with some chunkers pushing the 4- to 5.5-pound mark. When green crabs are in stock they are the primo baits.

November 02, 2026 - 10:29:19

Greg at Fisherman’s Headquarters reported a solid week of fishing and expects the action to remain productive over the coming weeks. Striped bass are beginning to show along the LBI surf, although anglers are also dealing with plenty of dogfish intercepting their baits. With schools of bunker spread along the beaches, larger lures that imitate these baitfish should be a good bet for targeting bass. Blackfish anglers are finding some quality fish as well, with Alex landing an impressive tog weighing approximately six pounds.

October 26, 2026 - 10:14:49

The best reports in the LBI area are of blackfish according to Greg at Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom as the Barney Light rocks are hot and happening for some real quality bulldogs that are pushing the mark up to nearly 5 pounds. Green crabs are the finest baits to dunk for the bucktoothers. Meanwhile, anglers are searching for more stripers and occasional blues. One striper was checked in to the LBI Classic this week caught in Barnegat Light on a plug.

October 26, 2026 - 10:14:43

Greg at Fisherman’s Headquarters reported that striped bass action along the surf has been on the slower side, but the bite typically starts building around Halloween, making November a promising month for beach anglers. He’s expecting cooler temperatures compared with the last blow, which could help usher in better action. Frankie from the shop headed to the beach targeting kingfish but was pleasantly surprised to reel in some weakfish instead. Meanwhile, blackfish action around Barnegat Inlet has been productive, offering anglers another solid option while waiting for the striper run to gain momentum.

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.