Summer is officially here! That means inshore fluke fishing and offshore shark/tuna. Both of these are firing on all cylinders!!!

Fluke fishing in the bay has been good. surf anglers are also cranking out a catch. The ocean is picking up too but shorts, sea robins and dog fish dominate. We expect the inshore reef sites and wrecks as well as open bottom areas to pick up. Usually July and August are very good out there.

The surf fishing continues with a mix of different species. Even though most surf anglers have switched over to fluke and kingfish, the occasional striped bass and bluefish catch prove they are still hanging around.

Bill Montes fished the mid-island surf today and caught a nice size striped bass on our FishHeads salted clam.

Those looking for a good pull are looking towards sharks. Both sandbar and sand tiger sharks are present.

The inlet is producing fluke, striped bass and triggerfish.

Those looking to get out and enjoy the water and all that Long Beach Island has to offer should get out on Barnegat Bay. Go crabbing! Or if you are into other shellfish… head to the state’s website and purchase a shellfish license. Get out and go clamming! We’ve got all the essential crabbing and clamming supplies.

Speaking of shellfish and the bay… I had a blast last weekend clamming with the family. We had a great haul. Between four of us, in two hours we got almost 300 hard clams in a good assortment of sizes.

On Wednesday got a request to help out the Chamber with an oyster farming media project featuring Forty North Oysters. Went out to the “farm” and learned a lot about these tasty bivalves. The group was the first to sample the exclusive Parker’s Pearls for Beach Haven’s Parker Garage. For those that watched our live Instagram feed… I hope you enjoyed. There was a lot shared and I learned a ton about the amazing value oysters potentially offer to our waters. An adult oyster filters about a gallon of water per hour!

Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association Fishing Report

by Jim Hutchinson Sr.

Black sea bass season is temporarily on hold, but fluke fishing action continues to remain steady for the boats of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association. A few bluefish are around the inlets, and offshore reports are very good for both yellowfin and bluefin tuna. Sharks are also making their presence known offshore.

Captain Ray Lopez and mate Liane Lopez on the “Miss Liane” reported some great family type fishing for black sea bass on inshore structure. The Occhipinti family celebrated Father’s Day in great style with “drop and reel” action.

Captain Carl Sheppard reports he too has been running family trips of up to 12 anglers on mostly half-day trips. His groups have been averaging 25 fish per trip. He has been blaming cool water for the slow action but anticipates increased action as the water has starting warming. On one recent inshore trip Captain Carl had bluefin tuna breaking water around the boat, but he was unable to coax any to his lines.

Captain Brett Taylor of Reel Reaction Sportfishing reports a definite improvement in his fishing trips over the past few days. As the water temperatures have warmed, the slime grass on the bottom is leaving, making fluke drifting much easier. Weather conditions made fishing touch recently for Ian Habich and his wife Tracey. Using bucktails, they managed to put 3 keeper fluke in the box up to 5.5 pounds along with a catch and release short striper. The finished the day with 3-6 pound bluefish caught in the inlet. Other trips resulted in 20 short fluke along with one keeper and another with five keepers to 22-inches. The bluefish in the inlet have been completing his trips.

This is a good time to book an offshore tuna trip. The weather is decent and the fish are there. For information on tuna fishing and the boats of the BHCFA go to the website at www.bhcfa.net.

We ran out to the Wilmington Canyon early Saturday morning. We met at the dock at 2:30 AM and threw the ropes by 3 AM. The chart plotter displayed 88 miles to our destination and I thought that’s a lot further than my Seaside Piers or Lavallette run. Ocean was flat calm and the marine forecast was for more of the same all weekend. Hoping this was going to be redemption time for last weeks zero we pulled at the Spencer Canyon.

I had a full Open Boat trip of four guys, Stuart Lombardi of NYC, Alan Smith of Manahawkin, NJ, Craig Kelley and his son-in-law Jarrett Powell both from Tuckerton, NJ. We arrived at the Wilmington around 7:30 AM and put out an eight rod spread. Three spreader bars, three squid chains, a cedar plug, and a Yummee Flying Fish I attempted to fish from a kite. There was not enough wind and the helium tank did not deliver enough gas to the assist balloon so I wound up with a whirling dervish instead of a stable square kite. It wrapped around one of the other lures and I spent the next 20 minutes untangling. When we started we had 63 degree water and some pilot whales. During my untangling, I gave the wheel to Stuart and gave him a heading to bring us deeper and more southerly. In that 20 minutes, the radio was lit up with boats hooking up yellowfin in 68 to 69 degree water. I grabbed the wheel back from Stuart and noticed the spike in water temp as well as a dozen circling boats and whales and porpoise. He brought us right to the spot!

We trolled around that area seeing and hearing boats hooked up, but not a touch for us. I started second guessing our spread, our speed, …..me. I dropped the RPM’s a little and that dropped us from 6.3 to 5.8 knots. I started checking the lures for grass as there was a little on the surface but they came in clean and alas…as I was checking the last lure we watched a yellowfin crush a rainbow spreader bar, and another hit the green machine bar, and another hit the flatlined cedar plug, and another on the second rainbow spreader bar……four on! We boated three of the four, all about 20 something pounds but over the legal size so they went in the cooler. We beat up that area some more and got a double header of slightly bigger fish and then we tripled up with a 20 pounder and two others that were taking more line and a little longer to subdue. They wound up being 40 and 50 pounders.

Here’s a video of that hookup: www.youtube.com/watch?v=65qGkX2xTII

We were all boxed up and headed for the barn feeling great about the day and about halfway home I saw schools of bluefin airing out. We put out a quick four rod spread and a 50 pound bluefin crushed the flatlined red and white cedar plug. Forty five minutes on a 20 class, Jarrett decked a 50 pound bluefin. Got back to the marina by 6:30 PM and all was right with the world.

We will be running offshore to the tuna grounds from time to time. Either the canyons or hopefully the mid range grounds, like 40 to 60 mile range will heat up in the coming weeks. These trips will always be announced with short notice, sometimes only a day or two before, as we are looking for perfection weather to run offshore. If you would like to be on our email list for these and all of our trips, as well as our fishing reports you can email us from our website.

As always we will also be fishing for bonita, albacore, bluefish, stripers, weakfish, fluke, kingfish and all of the mixed bag bay fishing. We will also be light tackle shark fishing within five miles of the inlet for two to four foot browns, dusky, and spinner sharks. All catch and release and a lot of fun.

~Capt Dave DeGennaro, Hi Flier Sportfishing, 732.330.5674, www.hiflier.com

Lots of great weather paired with lots of great fishing reports. The offshore season continues to fire on all cylinders with anglers coming in with solid catches.

Captain Cody Melton aboard the Heavy Metals out of Barnegat Light, “We got the first Big Eye in the boat yesterday, paired with some yellowfin it was a great trip.”

Captain Jeff aboard the Reel Innovations out of Harvey Cedars had another great trip to the edge! He reported, “We had a great time on our Father’s Day Canyon Trip! On the way we came across a lots of life on the inshore tuna grounds. Bluefin were boiling on top and we hooked up right away. Got a few fish in the boat and they got back on track to the edge. It turned out to be an awesome time… five big eye tuna, eight yellowfin tuna and multiple bluefin!”

Store staffer Kelley and Dave fished the surf for fluke this morning. They did good quantity wise but only a couple keeprs.. Kelley said the bite was consistent on Pink Gulp.”

Chet Kosarek sent in the report, “Steady pick of mostly undersized sea bass and fluke at Barnegat Reef Saturday. A lot of sea robins to pick through too. Spoke to guys who did well with tuna at the canyons. Fished the surf mid-island Sunday, nothing.”

Duncan Adrift

On Saturday June 16th while fishing offshore about 50 miles out from Atlantic City, Jay Weinberg met Duncan Adrift! Duncan is currently in the early stages of his trans Atlantic row in support of WaterAid (International non-profit advocate for clean drinking water and sanitation.) Four days in rowing a self built clinker style skiff, he’s made great progress but still has a long way to go on his journey from New York to Lochinver Scotland. Go to our Instagram Page for a short video clip.

Here’s the LBI Fishing Report Update for Friday night, June 15th. This past week the weather settled out and the weekend is set for flawless fun on the water. With lots of sun, reasonably light winds and fair seas, the shop has been slamming. Inshore, offshore and from shore anglers are gearing up and fishing hard. It’s game time.

June’s new moon was on Wednesday 13th and this dark side continues to produce! Fluke, Striped bass and bluefish reports continue from the LBI surf. The surf striper action has slowed slightly but we should have another couple of weeks. Yellow eyes are with them and also those anglers chunking bunker are encountering other toothy ones. Both brown sharks and sand tigers are here.

Shop regular Pete stopped in the other night with some line issues. After a long one on one with store staffer Blake, Pete was back on track. He stopped back yesterday and reported, “I released one nice brown shark and dropped one better fish.”

The inshore sea bass fishing is good but small fish ruling the roost. Hopefully you can find a spot that isn’t picked out. Most all reports are themed around lots of small throw backs. The striped bass troll bite is a slow pick at best. We heard a few skunk reports recently. One positive through the grapevine report today of a 25# class fish on an Mojo.

Bay fluke fishing is good and has been strong. Earlier in the week we had some solid fluke weighed in by Colby Capri and Sabina Sullivan. They stopped in with a good catch. The biggest was 7.08 lbs, taping out at 25.75″ and the smallest was 3.16 lbs. Colby reported, “What a great little get away before starting a new job. I have to give a shout out to this amazing girl! Sabina can really hang with the best of them evening in the pouring rain.”

Also fishing hard this past week, Store Staffer Max is on the fluke. He was on the bay couple mornings and reported good fishing. Max says, “Good weather and great fishing. Get out there!”

John Delsordo enjoyed the day on the water with his wife Danielle today and they got into some nice fluke. John shared, “(I’m a) proud husband! She pulls up this 25″ fluke all casual.”

Other species like striped bass, bluefish and weakfish are in the bay too.

Ryan Matejik reported striped bass on a great top water popper bite with flat calm back bay conditions.

Fish Heads Alumni Sam Wiesnewski stopped in the shop and gave us a solid report on the weakfish. He reported they are here roaming Barnegat Bay and some good quality size fish too! “Weakfish in the 3-5 pound range are here in strong numbers. Working a small lead head jig rigged with a rubber softbait and you’ll get them. Here’s one of many that he caught and release fishing with his friend the other morning.”

This weekend weather has the offshore boyz pumped and heading east! Sharks and tuna are waiting… Go Get Em!

For those on the search… they just arrived today…

Chatter Lures Side Tracker Spreader Bars

The Side Tracker Spreader Bars from Chatter Lures are finally here!

Fluke-A-Mania Fishing Tournament

Save the date! The 3rd Annual Fluke-A-Mania Fishing Tournament is July 7, 2018. Hosted by the Beach Haven MArkin Tuna Club, the tournament is to benefit The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Last year the even raised $3000. The Awards Dinner on Saturday July 9, 2018 will have live entertainment, cash bar, complimentary BBQ dinner and raffles. For the $100 registration fee this is by far the most bang for your buck tournament wise.

For more information go to www.flukeamania.com

Patrick Sebile stopped by the shop last week (6/6/18) and made a special delivery. He hand delivered the new Ocean Born Lures. The Ocean Born Flying Series Popper and Pencil are finally here. Check out these certified fish killers today… Ocean Born Lures!

About Patrick Sebile

Ocean Born Lures by A Band Of Anglers is a fairly new and unknown company from the world’s top lure mastermind, Patrick Sebile. Most in the fishing world know Patrick Sebile. For those who don’t… He is one of the world’s best lure designers and anglers. Well known for traveling the world and fishing hard, to date Patrick recorded catching 776 species of fish. He’s held records all around the world including many IGFA records. Through traveling Patrick studies different predator game fish, forage (bait) and experiences diverse fishing situations.

With his deep knowledge Patrick started Sebile Innovative Fishing. Renown for tournament and award winning fishing lures, Sebile is the only brand to ever make a clean sweep of the lure categories at the top three tackle trade shows in the same year.

Sebile introduced to the world the Magic Swimmer and the Stick Shadd (among many other unique and very productive lures). For us in the northeast saltwater market, these two lures downright revolutionized the saltwater lure market. From inshore to offshore these lures changed the game. For anyone who has not fished them, I strongly suggest giving them a few casts. They’ll quickly become one of your top producers. There’s a lot to be said about each of these however that’s for another blog post.

Pure Fishing purchased Sebile Innovative Fishing in 2011. Eventually, Patrick left the company in 2017 and less than a year later… he’s back making lures. This is where the real story begins…

A Band Of Anglers

With passion for fishing and deep understanding of fish and hydrodynamics, Patrick confidently founded A Band Of Anglers. Patrick said it best, “A Band Of Anglers is a team of anglers who all understand the facets of fishing and the industry. Most of all they all share a love of the sport.” This team made Ocean Born Lures and they have lots of new and exciting fishing related items coming. For now we’ll introduce the new Ocean Born Lures.

Ocean Born Lures

Ocean Born Lures by Patrick Sebile’s A Band Of Anglers are real deal fishing lures dedicated to powerful saltwater game fish. Built with the utmost attention to detail these lures offer the best action, strength and quality craftsmanship. Using top quality hardware (split rings, treble hooks) these lures are ready to fish right out of the package. Best of all these lures are priced right offering anglers a solid value. Can’t beat a custom style plug at $20.

Ocean Born Flying Series

The Ocean Born Lures Flying Series is based around the fundamental principle, you can’t catch fish if you can’t reach them. The lures in this series feature a huge leap forward in lure design, optimized to be the ultimate long cast fishing lures. The unique side wings enhance aerodynamics which maximizes casting ability and these wings give the lure lift once in the water.  The specialty belly ribs reduce air resistance on the cast and they add turbulence in the water during the retrieve. Another key feature that was not over looked was action. As with all of Patrick’s lures the swimming/ popping action is spot on!

“The field testing has been unreal!” Patrick reports, “These lures are loved by stripers!”

Ocean Born Flying Popper

The Ocean Born Flying Popper fishing lure is a classic shape with Patrick’s custom modifications. The narrow neck design (commonly referred to as a “Polaris” or “Little Neck Popper”) is known for its great casting ability and versatility working in nearly all conditions (rough water and sweeping current) day and night. With the Flying Popper you can pop, skip or walk it.

Available in one size 5 1/2″ and three different weighed models; floating (FL-2oz), sinking (SK-2 3/4oz) and super long distance (SLD-4oz). The SK and SLD are best in windy conditions and also shine as a sub surface swimmer when fished with a slow cadence. These models swim with action much like a bibbed or lipped swimming plug. This versatility make the sinking versions a must have! Check out the Ocean Born Flying Popper Here

Ocean Born Flying Pencil

The Ocean Born Flying Pencil is Patrick Sebile’s take on the Pencil Popper. All along the Striper Coast, year after year lots of big fish fall for pencils.  One of the most efficient long distance casting lures, pencil poppers, are well known for raising fish on slow days. Designed to resemble an injured bait fish skipping across the surface, Pencil Poppers dance on top with sass. They cover lots of water and work great in all conditions. Primarily day time lures, they are a great wake up call at first light and also get the attention of picky fish.

Available in one size 6 1/3″ and three different weighed models; floating (FL-2 1/2oz), sinking (SK-3oz) and super long distance (SLD-4 1/2oz). Choose the FL for most common conditions; however, stet up to the SK and SLD on windy days. The SLD is a must have when fishing big water with heavy winds. Check out the Ocean Born Flying Pencil Here

Coming Soon At Ocean Born

With one of the most creative minds in the fishing industry at the helm, be on the look out for more innovation on the radar. Right now it’s Ocean Born Lure Flying Series Poppers and Pencils, but the team is growing the brand with lots of new things in the works. Soon the Series will have new additions like the a spook (Flying Crusher), a darter (Flying Darter) and a bottle plug (Flying Swimplug). We are also looking to these as well as future products like softbaits and rods, possibly more! It’s all in the pipeline! Stay Tuned!!!

We ran to the Spencer Canyon on Sunday. Found the right water. Beautiful shade of blue. Tons of porpoise and whales. Skipjacks attacking our spread every 5 to 10 minutes. Caught one small bluefin tuna, not even big enough for the cooler and way too many skippies. That’s the report. We were one of the boats that didn’t catch that day.

The Fluke bite has been a little off due to very cold incoming temperatures in addition to cooler than average air temperatures.  It seems most have been hitting jigs that have been slowly jigged or even dead-sticked.  The bite should get better as it begins to get warmer.  There are Bluefish around the back and near the inlet, but they are hitting on specific tides.

This past week I had Matt Odalen and his wife Chris along with his parents William and Mary on a 4hr bay & inlet charter. With rough conditions at the jetty, we opted to go for Fluke in the backwaters. It was extremely tough drifting conditions with steady 20 knot winds and higher gusts, but the crew did manage to catch close to 15 Fluke with a lone keeper to 21 inches.

Next, I had Ryan Hathcock and Cole Danielson on a 4hr bay & inlet charter and we had very good conditions in terms of wind and tide. We worked close to 10 different areas in the backwaters on both the east and west sides of Barnegat Bay. The duo had well over 20 fish for the trip with only one keeper at 22 inches, but we did have a few that almost taped to 18 inches.

With a last minute rescheduling due to potential unsettled weather/winds, I took my father out for 2 hours prior to the winds in the late morning.  We worked some old and new areas, and had over 25 fish in about 2 1/2 hours. The incoming water was 58F so we had to find some spots that were 6-8 degrees warmer. We ended up icing a nice 23 inch and 19.5 inch Fluke on the S&S Bigeye.

I will be running weekday charters (3pm to 7/8pm) until school gets finished on June 21st, then we are 7 days a week (morning/afternoon). If interested in booking a charter, book our site (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

This report update has a variety of positive fishing info from back bay to surf and inshore to offshore. Anglers of all ages got out and enjoyed the water in celebration of National Fishing and Boating Week. Who actually knew a thing existed? In our book everyday is National Fishing Day! Even though the nationally recognized week is over, it is a great time to introduce friends and family to the fun sport of fishing.

Positive reports off the surf themed around fluke, blues, black drum, striped bass and kingfish.

Torr Cohen got this healthy 31″ striped bass off the surf. He reported, “Persistence pays off!”

The amazing piano man Paul P of the LBI Fishing Club was in the shop this morning for bait. He reported, “This spring has been good. So far I have eight bass to date. My last outing both bass and blues were hitting just about every bait.”

Steve P fished the mid-island surf yesterday afternoon. He reported, “Bass, Blues, Bunker!”

Store staffer Frezza says, “Fluke are in the surf; north, mid and south end beaches are all producing. Most of the fish are shorts but if you find the right cut, keepers will be had.”

@jhbdpw shared, “Flounder are out and about today (weekend report). Just can’t seem to catch one over 18 inches.”

On the fluke front most anglers are targeting the backwater’s, sod banks, main thorougfares as well as the rolling open bottom of the bays. Seems like a new wave of fish arrive this past week as the reports have picked size wise. Some reporting limits with occasional 3-4 and 6 pound fluke. Most of the action is on bucktails tipped with Gulp. By far our two best sellers are Magic Tail Tear Drop Bucktails and Spro Prime Bucktails.

New to the scene, Magictail’s Squid Hoochie Jigs are turning heads out producing some classic jigs. In new product testing they were responsible for quality catches and pool winnings. These hot new jigs feature big eyes and the right shape and balance for best action. The super sharp and strong hooks are perfect for rigging with Gulp or natural bait for both fluke and sea bass.. Their silicone skirt (no hair) and long glow trailer tail are secrete suducers. Soon after this summer’s fluke tournaments they will be main stream. You heard it here first!

The classic school of flounder pounders fishing the live bait route (spot, minnows) have experienced difficulty. Not catching fish, but finding bait. So far this year both of these baits have been very hard to get. Late weekend (Sunday evening) we got a nice deliver of the season’s first good size minnows. We didn’t get a ton so they sold fast. We are hoping for another delivery soon.

David DiGangi send in this recent back bay fishing report, “Got a 22 pound black drum and 15 fluke, two keepers.”

Inshore Sea Bass Fishing

The Carolyn Ann III had The Boy Scouts Pack 61 aboard Sunday. Rain or shine, the Scouts had a great time. These kids don’t mess around. It was all about fishing for this gang!” More tackle boxes and less Xboxes.

With the inshore waters are full of sandeels with game fish like bass, blues, fluke and sea bass gorging on them. Diamond jigs are working their magic. Anglers working the inshore structure enjoy a good jig bites with the seabass loving diamond jigs.

Striped Bass Fishing

The local early June striped bass is much slower than recently years. Usually we have bunker stacked up and stretch along the beaches. This year is much different. The westerly wind pattern just never came together.

With the June New Moon upon us it’s still time for trophy striped. The few fish that are being caught in the boat are really good ones!

Peter Cichon reported, “Gina Gambogi caught this 49″ monster striped bass trolling off of IBSP out in 60 feet of water this weekend.”

High Point Striper Shootout Results

The 11th Annual High Point Striper Shootout went down this past weekend. The fishing tournament had 53 boats entered. Jason “J-Bird” Marti (one of the key tournament organizers) summed up the event saying, “Another great year with one hell of a fun time! Slow fishing with only 24 fish total (11 striped bass, 13 bluefish) but everyone had a great time at the party. Thanks again for the support.” We spoke to a few of the anglers who fished it and they all agreed the part that High Point puts out is second to none! Here’s the final results…

First Place – 32.9# Captain Mark Finelli aboard the Laura
Second Place – 16.2# Captain Mike Green aboard the Luckey Stripes
Third Place – 11# Captain Kevin Schmidt aboard the Bonnie Ann

Top Lady Angler – 10.5# Katherine Nutt
Jr Angler – 9.8# Bebe Finelli

Congrats to all the anglers who fished and placed. We spoke to Captain Mark Finelli after the tournament to congratulate him on the win. He said, “IT was a tough day. We picked at keeper fish all day. Fortunately we got the right bite and capitalized. After years fishing these bass tournaments… finally got the win! Anyone looking to get out aboard Laura Sportfishing for fluke, sea bass or striped bass should call (P: 8563416562) and book a trip with Captain Mark!

Offshore Is Hot

Recent reports from the edge all have one thing in common. The Bluewater fishing is red hot right now. It’s great to get into the action as well as hear all the positive reports. Let’s keep this going all season long!

A few days ago we geared up Dave Simcoe and his son for their first offshore trip of the year. Some help rigging, setting up reels, correcting some issues and loading up with tackle. It all was for the better! They stopped in today and shared the results. “We got covered up in big eyes. A Wolfpack came up and piled on. We landed two out of the four and left us in shambles. It was a great trip with lake like conditions on the ride in.”

The Reel Fishers Scott, Dylan and Friends were out fishing offshore this weekend for their first canon trip of the year. They reported, “The trip was a success! Can’t wait to get back to the edge!”

The guys aboard the Jersey Nuts were recently in the shop gearing up. We loaded ’em up with Baitmaster Ballyhoo. They went out and filled the boat!

Offshore Baits: Ballyhoo, Squid, Sardines, Butterfish +

Any one looking for offshore bait… stop in. We’ll hook you up. We’ve got a great supply of premium winter caught offshore baits from Baitmaster’s, the best name in big game bait. With ballyhoo from small, medium, and large to squid (beautiful trolling squids and swordfish deep drop baits), split tail mullet, Spanish mackerel as well as super hard to find flying fish. We also have professionally rigged baits for beginner anglers as well as those that are on a time crunch. We are also loaded up on flats of whole chunk baits like sardines, butterfish and mackerel as well as buckets of chum for sharking.

Speaking of sharking… a few customers in the shop reported the shark bite inshore was non existent this weekend, “The water is too cold.” You got to get out to the edge to find water in the mid 60’s. Everything inside has been chilly in the high 50’s to about 60. Anyday new warmer water should move it.