The best bite of late has been Bluefish and Fluke, but there are still some smaller Striped Bass coming from spots close to the inlet. Ocean Striped Bass has been tough for most as I’m hearing lots of hours trolling (20+ hours) without a touch. Our most recent trips have focused on a combination of Bluefish and Fluke which gives anglers a taste of two different types of action. I highly recommend Bay Fluking for the little ones as it is usually calmer waters and provide more action. Reminder: We have started running 7 days a week until September.
In the beginning of the week, I had return client Mike Galindo, and his two sons Bennet and Mason on a 5hr Bay & Inlet charter for Striped Bass and Fluke. We started working the inlet area for Striped Bass, but could only muster Blackfish and Dogfish. With the Bass bite not happening, we resorted to working the backwaters for Fluke. The trio did an awesome job jigging over 30 Fluke with 3 keepers (18in, 18.5in, 19in). Mike was the top hook, and finally took it over the two boys. Sorry Mason and Bennet, had to put that in there! Great day on the water and look forward to seeing the crew on their next trip.
Next, I had return client Art Diebel and his son Bruce from Freehold, NJ on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. We started working the backwaters for Fluke and the father-son team caught a few at each spot, but they did not reach the 18in mark. With the tide change, we switched to working the inlet area for Bluefish, and they both hooked up with Blues to 28-inches. With their fill of Bluefish action, we headed back to a few more spots for Fluke. On our literal last drift, Art nailed a fat, 6 pound Fluke that taped at 23.5 inches. They did a good job fishing through tough slime conditions as almost every drop had the lures being fouled by the bay slime-algae.
Towards the end of the week, I had new client Dave Kaschak and his 9yr old son Chase from Hazelton, PA on an afternoon 4hr Bay trip. The father and son were first timers in fishing for Fluke and they had to fight through some tough conditions with winds over 18 knots, full moon current, and algae-slime. The beginning of the trip had better tide-water conditions and the crew nailed 2-3 shorts on each drift, and after several moves Chase nailed his 1st ever keeper Fluke at a solid 19 inches. We continued to work different areas, but could only muster short fish. The father and son team did a great job for their 1st time!
If interested in booking a charter, book through the website (www.reelreactioncharters.com) or call/text 609-290-7709. As always, we use the highest quality gear and everything is included: gear, tackle, fish-cleaning, and ICE! It’s “no worries” fishing. Just come aboard and FISH.
Capt. Brett Taylor ~ www.reelreactioncharters.com ~ Call or Text: 609-290-7709