May 11, 2026 - 10:32:57
The incredible surf season continues to roll on along the LBI beaches according to Greg at Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom. Bass are all over the place from one tip of the island to the other with both shucked and salted clams scoring big time on mostly overslot caliber fish with a few slot fish mixed in. Big news was that a big sheepshead was also caught surfside this week as well as a cavalcade of black drum on the south end of the island. Look for fluke to start showing up soon as well as some weakfish into the surfside mix.
May 11, 2026 - 10:32:54
“We are finally starting to see largemouth on the beds in most of the smaller lakes and ponds,” said Dennis over at Hook House Bait and Tackle. Water temps have been going up and down and this has been hurting the fishing and the spawn as well. Pickerel fishing remains solid in the cedar waters and crappie fishing has been very good at Lake Carasaljo, Manetta, Manasquan Reservoir and the College Pond. A recent fishing contest at lakes Manetta, Carasaljo and Shenandoah saw a good turnout and a nice variety of fish caught, Dennis said.
May 11, 2026 - 10:32:51
Beck at Hook House Bait & Tackle reported steady striped bass action both in the bay and along the beaches, with bluefish also mixing into the bite. Surf anglers are finding the most consistent success soaking clams in the wash, where bass continue to cruise the shoreline in good numbers.
May 04, 2026 - 10:28:52
The revolving striper door continues to swing according to Dennis of the Hook House in Toms River as the IBSP shores have been loaded with bass as well as anglers casting fresh or salted clams to connect with slot and over-slot caliber fish. Linesiders will also hit plugs like SP Minnows and Bombers if you don’t want to wait and bait.
May 04, 2026 - 10:28:49
Over at Hook House Bait and Tackle Dennis said pickerel remain the top producer in the cedar waters with live killies the top bait. Crappie fishing has also been good in Manasquan Reservoir, Lake Carasaljo, Manetta and the College Pond. Jigs tipped with Gulp, minnows or Twistertails fished under floats are producing on the artificial side. Trout fishing has also been good in all three rivers but you have to dig the trout out from the holes we were told.
May 04, 2026 - 10:28:47
Beck at Hook House Bait & Tackle reports a strong surge of striped bass along the beaches, with “tons” of fish keeping surf anglers busy. Clams have been the go-to bait in the wash, consistently producing bites, while anglers mixing in artificials are also finding success. Inside the bay, the action is a bit more scattered, but there are still bass around for those willing to hunt them down. Overall, the surf bite continues to steal the spotlight with steady, reliable action.
