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September 21, 2026 - 10:33:08

“October traditionally starts the best fishing of the year as the leaves turn color and the waters cool down,” said Dennis over at Hook House Bait and Tackle. He said this year’s cooler water temps and decent levels should produce some good early fall pickerel fishing. Sales of killies for livelining the chainsides have already started to pick up as more anglers fish the devils swamps. He also said Manasquan Reservoir, which produced bass and crappies all summer, should continue to be the area’s top body of water. He told us some of the waters that produce good early October fishing are the shallow waters of Lake Carasaljo, Lake Shenandoah, Trilco, the College Pond and Lake Riviera. Lastly he reminded us that the three local rivers, Manasquan, Toms and Metedeconk will all be stocked with trout.

September 21, 2026 - 10:32:52

The crew at Hook House Bait & Tackle said the bay is holding a mixed bag of snappers, croakers, spot, and blowfish. Albies are showing in the inlet, while bonito and bluefish are also being caught around Manasquan. They’ve heard reports of big stripers making their way into Rhode Island waters as the fall migration gets underway. If the fish continue moving south as expected, the crew is hopeful that some quality bass will make their way into local waters this season.

September 14, 2026 - 10:18:52

Word from the Hook House in Toms River is that short fluke continue to dominate the surf bound catches with a keeper here and there, especially if you fish IBSP with the 16-inch minimum size. Bayside docks are great for crabbing as well as fooling around with spot and croakers using Fishbites.

September 14, 2026 - 10:18:52

Another good report came our way from Dennis over at Hook House Bait and Tackle. He told us a boat fishing contest in Lake Carasaljo this past week scored a real nice catch of bass mostly on white spinnerbaits with gold blades. Lake Riviera was another place that saw some good fishing with bass, pickerel and panfish keeping anglers busy. Dennis said he couldn’t leave Manasquan Reservoir off the list as it continues to produce bass and crappies on a regular basis. He ended his report by saying now that the kids are back to school the College Pond has taken over the top after school fishing spot with bass and panfish being taken on jig combos and minnows fished under floats.

September 14, 2026 - 10:18:36

The crew at Hook House Bait & Tackle said the surf is holding plenty of fluke, with a good number of keepers in the mix. Stripers and bluefish are active in the canal, while the inlet is producing bluefish along with bonito and false albacore. Blowfish are also beginning to show up in the bay.

2701 State Hwy 37 East
Toms River, NJ 08753
phone: 732-270-3856

Murphy's Hook House has been serving fishermen at the New Jersey Shore for over thirty years and is a one stop shop for all of your fishing needs. They cater to both salt and freshwater fishermen and carry a complete line of tackle and accessories for every aspect of fishing. From crabbing, to fishing off a dock for snapper blues, or running offshore for tuna, they can equip you with what it takes to get the job done! The staff at Murphy’s Hook House pride themselves in the personal attention that they give to their most important customer, you! Whether you’re a beginner or a professional angler, Murphy’s knowledgeable and experienced staff is there to help you maximize your fishing experience. Murphy’s Hook House stocks a large selection of spinning and conventional rods, reels, artificial lures, terminal tackle, and a bait line-up that is second to none. From fresh bait to live bait they can supply you with whatever is needed to target any species that may be in season. Formerly known as simply the "Hook House", Murphy’s Hook House moved a half mile further east on Route 37 to a more modern and larger location than the original. Come on in and visit and let Murphy’s hook you up!