The action has been very good with most trips catching 20 to 35 fish when the conditions are optimal. The short to keeper ratios have ranged from 10 to 1 down to as low as 4 to 1. Drift speed and drift angle has been the biggest factor, but when they are right – you can nail them. We have been finding some of the keepers in very skinny water away from the crowds. Reminder: We have started running 7 days a week until September.
In the beginning of the week, I had return client Tom McGough of Harrisburg, PA, his wife Kristen, Andy McGough of Philadelphia, and James McGough of Altoona on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. We started working one of the areas we worked the day prior and had steady action. With good tide and a solid bite, we stayed in two areas for a duration of the trip. The crew jigged 4 keeper Fluke to 21 inches and a lone 23 inch Bluefish. Nice job by the McGough family and I look forward to seeing them next year.
Next, I had Jacyn Kehr and his girlfriend Hannah Burger of Minnesota on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. We checked a couple of areas, but finally found a pretty good body of fish. The duo worked a very shallow area to produce 5 solid keepers (19, 21, 22, 22, 23.5 inches). The bigger fish were definitely on the feed today. All fish were caught on artificials and our new custom teasers. Nice job by both anglers and hope to see you next season.
I had Russ Johnson of Long Beach Island, Alan Gordon of Florida, and Peter Smith of NY on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. We had a little more wind then the day prior, but were able to get right on the fish. Russ struck first with a solid 19-inch on the first drift which was quickly boxed, followed by several shorts by Alan and Peter. We worked the same area hard and picked at fish with close to 30 Fluke being released. We lost 2 nice fish alongside the boat and it is so important to keep bigger fish below the surface. With our next to last drift approaching, Russ nailed another solid 19.5 inch Fluke. Overall it was a solid day and the guys had a blast.
Thursday’s winds were tough making our drifts very quick. I had return client Stan B. of Rahway and Michael Siessel of Princeton on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. We got out early due to the predicted winds and got right on the fish. The guys worked hard jigging bucktails over some skinny waters. About halfway through the trip, the forecasted winds arrived early and we had to contend with sustained 22kt winds and gusts to 30. The guys worked hard to release 17 fish and boat one nice 20.5 inch keeper in ultra challenging drift conditions. Great job in tough conditions. My Friday charter was cancelled due to poor wind conditions, so we will be back at them as soon as the winds subside.
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