The Reel Seat

Nick at the Reel Seat reported excellent tilefish action in the southern canyons, with anglers hauling up some absolute slob tiles that have made the offshore run well worth the trip. Closer to home, the fluke bite in the Manasquan River continues to gain momentum. One angler recently landed an impressive 4.5-pound fluke, a promising sign of improving fishing throughout the system. Bluefish are beginning to filter into the area as well, though most of the fish being caught remain on the smaller side. Offshore tuna fishing has been relatively slow, but the abundance of bait concentrated throughout the region has anglers optimistic that the bite could erupt at any time.

Tucker at the Reel Seat said the fluke bite has been heating up in the rivers lately, though the ocean action has remained a bit slower. Blackfish action has been solid with anglers finding success on both green crabs and clams. Sea bass fishing continues to improve by the day, with Nomad jigs and traditional sea bass jigs producing steady action. Bluefish activity has been quiet overall, with only a few smaller fish showing here and there. Fluke are falling for bucktails tipped with Gulp and killies, while striped bass are crushing glide baits in the rivers along with Yo-Zuri minnows. Nighttime bass anglers are also hooking up on live eels and NLBNs.