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Fishing Report Update Monday April 29

With April coming to a close it’s worth a quick look back and the fishing scene and what our expectation are for the weeks ahead.

For the most part April was good to us this year. Sure the weather was awesome but it could have been worse. Plentiful school striped bass offered fun to light tackle anglers fishing the bay. Late month the surf anglers started picking at them. Those fishing the early season big fish spots (Chesapeake Bay, Delaware River and Raritan Bay) are rewarded with quality size striped bass. The black drum showed up right on time mid April just a couple days before the full moon. Tog fishing started slow but improved as the month went on was very good fishing during the final stretch. Some quality blackfish were caught! Bluefish made an appearance for the final weekend of the month letting us know we didn’t forget about them.

With May days away, we have high hopes for another great month of fishing. We expect a couple weakfish to show and maybe the bluefish will invade (all yellow-eye demons are welcome to eat here!!!) enjoy our company and kick around for an extended stay. Fluke fishing starts May 24th 3 fish at 18″. The size class on striped bass will gradually increase with the largest around the third and fourth week of the month. If bait (bunker pods) stage up it could be fireworks on Memorial Day. May 27th is only 28 days away! (at time of the post) Other happ’s on our radar… The inshore/mid-shore and offshore fishing. Tuna & Shark fishing season is here!!!

Here’s the fishing report update for Monday April 29th. Anglers enjoyed the opportunity to fish this weekend. The action continued into the work week with a number of anglers finding fish on Monday too.

Surf Fishing Report

Today was our first day with weigh ins from the surf.

First it was Paul and Hak who fished the mid-island surf in the morning with bunker to catch two ten pound bluefish. Photo above.

Then in the late afternoon Kevin Cook stopped by with a 38-3/4″ 19.74 pound striped bass. This was our first weigh in for the LBI Spring Surf Fishing Derby, however it didn’t make the leader board (top three fish). Here’s the current leaderboard for the LBI Spring Surf Fishing Derby.

More fishing reports from the Long Beach Island surf…

Store staffer Steve-o hit the mid-island surf Monday afternoon. He reported slow fishing for himself. But, an angler fishing close by caught one bass. He said it went down around the high tide on bunker.

On Sunday Ryan Armbruster got out for a surf fishing session. About 3pm on the incoming tide he caught a 32″ striped bass on clam. He also caught a 27″ bass on bunker. Ryan was fishing the mid-island surf. Photo below.

Barngate Bay Fishing Report

On Sunday Jacob Bowles reported, “A few buddies and I dumped the boat and went for an afternoon trip. We found some good water in the back bay and it paid off with non-stop striped bass action. Bluefish were in the mix. We must have caught about 50 bass all together, but nothing over 28”. Our MVP was a 1/2oz jig head with plastic, literally any kind of soft bait. There’s a ton of fish out there and it’s only getting better from here!

Tyler Leary fished a Barnegat Bay dock this past weekend and fooled a linesider. It went for a topwater lure, Stillwater Smack-It Popper.

Bluefish Report

Word on the street is bluefish moved into Atlantic City on Sunday. Some anglers got into quality action. It seems to have spread around now. Reports in our local waters are more consistent however, still mixed. A couple who hunted and found blues and some who didn’t. Hopefully they’ll show up strong.

Store staffer Jordan fished Sunday afternoon and found some yellow eyes in Daiwa SP Minnows Lures.

Reel Fantasea Fishing Charters – Striped Bass Action continues to improve!!

This weeks striped bass action continued to tick upwards with a nicer volume of both bigger and even keeper bass in the mix enticed mainly via artificial lures on light spinning tackle! 
It wasn’t rod bending action from start to finish but when we found ’em it was pretty solid action with multiple bass on at the same time! Saturday’s winds approaching 40kts wasn’t easy by any means but we still managed a few before trips end. Veteran and novice anglers [ 9 years old]  scored stripers with just a few minutes of coaching and tweaking skills and techniques before unleashing them with a party of 4 all scoring their first striper ever! 
I will continue to run happy hour special trips 5-8pm dring the week for those looking for a quick jump out on the action. By reservations only. 
I have May 5th afternoon and May 6th morning available for anyone interested in bay, inlet or ocean trips.
Wishing everyone fair winds and calm seas,

Captain Steve PurulReel Fantasea Fishing Charters609-290-1217


Fishing LBI Surf Report April 28th

Here’s a report update to supplement recent posts… Report Update April 26thand Report Update April 24th

The 3rd Annual Nicole Born Memorial Surf Fishing Tournament went down on Saturday April 27th. The turn out was great with over 300 anglers. The event broke an ASAC tournament record with 41 youth anglers registered toppling last year’s record number of 35. It’s great to see the youth participation!

The tournament anglers were into productive fishing most of the day with a awesome showing (~100 fish) of striped bass in the 22-27″ range. But there was only one score-able fish, a 22-1/4″ bluefish by angler Jackie Scarrellie of Team Noodle. They won first place team and Jackie won most fish points women’s and largest fish women’s awards.

Fishing Report Update April 26, 2019

The fishing on and around Long Beach Island is moving forward. As we enter the final weekend of April there’s a smorgasbord on the menu. The variety ranges from striped bass and drum to perch and tog. Add tuna to the list and any day some bluefish could show. How strong the showing is anybody’s guess. We have out fingers crossed for an invasion of epic proportions but we’ll have to wait and see.

Striped Bass & Black Drum

Bayside docks and bulkheads are productive areas to target striped bass. Reports from both day and night anglers are good. Anglers also find bass along the sod banks and flats. These areas also have drum.

Chris Rudick stopped in Wednesday and got a bushell of live clams. He reported catching both bass and black drum. We got word of some anglers are catching drum on Kettle Creek Swim baits.

Striped Bass reports are becoming more common off of the LBI Surf. It’s right in time as Saturday is the start to the Spring Surf Fishing Derby.

Tog Fishing Report

It’s the final stretch of blackfishing this spring season. It closes at the end of the month. Tuesday April 30th is the last day to get out. Recent reports from days when weather allows were good. This weekend things did not co operate.

The Ultimate Angler Experience (Tog Fishing Trip) is cancelled due to weather (rough seas and high winds). Unfortunately we can’t reschedule as the season ends Tuesday. Keep an eye out as we are looking to host a fluke event this summer followed by a second attempt at a blackfish event in the fall.

Fluke Fishing Report

Fluke fishing season is quickly approaching and they are already here. So far this spring we’ve heard about a number of fluke that were caught from anglers targeting striped bass with bucktails and rubber swim shads.

Here’s a photo of store staffer Willie with a nice fluke he caught and released just a few days ago. The fluke had a tag on it that was pulled and reported.

Early season fluke fishing offers some of the best quality fish of the season. Now’s the time to prepare.

The NJ Summer Flounder aka Fluke Regulations are final.

Please remember, “If you can’t keep it, save it!” Take proactive measure to reduce discard mortality. It’s crucial to our fishery.

Offshore Fishing Report

Not many boats are getting offshore yet but the season is here! Two local boats got out Thursday and came back with good news.

Nick Perello stopped in, shared a bluefin tuna stake and reported, “We got one! I was out aboard the “Fun For One”. We trolled up a bite at about 11am Thursday and angler “Big Fish” Marty Mannion did work on the rod. It was a fifty pound bluefin, the first bluefin of 2019 for the Beach Haven Marlin Tuna Club.

Another report came in from our boy Flag Pole (Jim Kuhl)… “We took a shot on some water offshore and it paid off big time! Absolutely epic top water feeds all day. April tuna, it’s water’s for dinner!”

Check out our Instagram post for a short video clip of the topwater action.

Reel Fantasea Fishing Charters – Keeper stripers showing up!!

Keeper striped bass! are starting to show up in the mix to add a little more take home value to the light tackle action on hand.  Bluefish shouldn’t be far behind .Presently we are employing all artificials on light spinning tackle for the most excitement and drag burning fun!
Saturday’s forecast has a robust West wind but we are fortunate with the lay of the land locally as this usually really gets the action going [ West is Best!!] and also flattens the ocean waters situated tight to the beach. We will likely be utilizing a combination artificial and fresh chunk baits. 

I have a few spots still open for Satuday and Sunday mornings and afternoon. This is the weekend that blows the action wide open!! Don’t read the fishing report , be the fishing report!!
Wishing everyone fair winds and calm seas,Captain Steve PurulReel Fantasea Fishing Charters609-290-1217

Reel Fantasea Fishing Charters – Lots of light tackle bass action!!

The present striped bass population is made up of primarily fish ranging in size from 12 -26″ but are abundant and a flat out blast on light spinning tackle ! 
With each passing warming day bigger bass and blues should join forces providing exciting opportunities for ligh tackle enthusiast seeking the screaming of the drag!!
I have a few spots open for this week end Saturday and Sunday mornings and afternoons , weather dependent we may jump outside [ ocean] for a look but for now the back bay is providing a solid amount of action!
Wishing everyone fair winds and calm seas,Captain Steve Purul Reel Fantasea Fishing Charters 609-290-1217


Fishing Report Update April 24, 2019

With April winding down fishing is heating up. Currently there are great opportunities to get into good fishing before the end of the month when the Blackfish season closes. Here’s the Fishermans Headquarters Fishing Report Update For Wednesday April 24.

Blackfish Report

Swagmattic (Matt S.) is out every chance he gets mastering the juggling act of working like a mad man and being a crazy fishing fool. He shares this report from his recent trips with friends…

“Got out Sunday aboard the Mary M and it was good. My friend Dave I. got a juicy 13 lb tog, photo below. Monday Dave limited out (again) on the Osprey with nice fish in the 3-6 pound range. The whole boat did well. Eric M. got his personal best on a jig breaking 8 pounds.

With the end of April right around the corner blackfish season will be closing. Now’s the time to get in on the action. Anyone looking to fish and also for those looking to learn there are a couple spots left for the Ultimate Tog Fishing Experience. This Saturday’s trip is quickly approaching! Book now to secure your spot, $200.

The LBI Surf Fishing Report

The LBI Spring Surf Fishing Tournament kicks off this Saturday April 27th. Register now ($20) for the 8 week 100% payout tournament. The top three bass as well as the top bluefish win cash. Amount based on total number of anglers.

Sam Galioto called in a report today. He was fishing the LBI surf with bunker and caught a 30″ bass. This is the first direct report; however, we did hear a second hand report yesterday. A friend of a friend reported catching two small bass off the mid-island surf.

Barnegat Bay

Store staffer Mike Frezza reported the early spots in the bay are producing and new areas are seeing fish too. A couple night back he caught small bass up to 26″ on white rubber in an hour session. Lots of other anglers are catching fishing the Island’s bayside. Hunter Dargay posted a photo of a nice bass he caught recently on the Ship Bottom bayside, photo below.

Barnegat Inlet Jetty

Reports of small blackfish up at the rocks. Small blackfish are plentiful but finding a keeper is difficult.

Fish Head Charters

With rain and stiff winds Monday’s trip was tough turning out the first skunk trip of the year. Wish we could have fished earlier in the morning because the weather was good and friends were into fish. Sometimes the schedule of weather, fish and anglers don’t align.

Tuesday was a spectacular day weather wise for redemption. Got out early and the fish cooperated. The fish were scattered but marking strong making for a great trolling method of attack; however the crew wanted to fish big plugs so we power drifted casting and retrieving plugs. Max got the first and second fish working a chartreuse and white Northbar Bottle Darter. Photo below. As the morning progressed heavy boat traffic depressed the area and forced us to join the troll. In a short amount of time we got two more bass and called it a day. We could have trolled up just about as many as you wanted. The fish were consistently showing on the sounder.

It seems like the action has subsided a bit just after the full moon and is now bouncing back. I’ll be back out tomorrow on the hunt. I’m looking forward to more fun fishing before I bring the boat back to LBI in a week or so.

4-23-19 Reel Reaction Charters – Fishing Report

It’s been a tough go recently with the wind and heavy rain. The bay has been a little churned up which has reduced the bite. There are small Striped Bass around the backwaters which can be caught on soft plastics, poppers, and small plugs. We are still waiting on the Bluefish, but it shouldn’t be long. Tog fishing has been a little tough with the swell and hard South winds. I’m off for Spring Break and have been able to get out a few days.

Over the Easter weekend, my son and I raised a few Stripers on poppers around some of the marsh banks. No bluefish yet…

On Monday, I had return client Mike Pollino of Lacey, his neighbor Mike G, and coworkers Bill D’Arcy and Mark Salmensen on a backbay Striped Bass/Tog trip. We started working some of the “marshy” areas with small poppers, but unfortunately could not raise any bass or blues. We set up with some clam baits in 58 to 60F water temperatures, and gave it over an hour with no takers. With time dwindling, we ran outside to hit a few wrecks for Tog, but managed only shorts to 14.5 inches. There was a decent swell leftover from the last few days.

With the swell having died down and the fish responded. My son Luke and I headed to a few distant wrecks and we had our limit of Tog with the biggest close to 6.5 pounds. We hit 5 different pieces all without touching a rope! Minn Kota Spot Lock.

I have a few dates remaining in May and June for Striped Bass. Once the season opens at the end of May, bay Fluke fishing will be available.

If interested in booking a charter, book our site (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

Fishing Report Update April 18, 2019

Wednesday was a good weather day which let anglers get out. Most found good fun fishing. Here’s the Fishermans Headquarters Fishing Report Updated for Thursday April 18, 2019.

Striped Bass Fishing Report

Local fishing continues for anglers fishing the bay. Long Beach Island’s bayside offer good opportunities both day and night. The early season spots of Great Bay and Barnegat Bay continue. The size is small but keeper size fish are present and the class might increasing. Daytime baits like live bloodworm and clam (especially if looking to get a black drum) are best. At low light and night lures in the 3-5″ range will do the trick. We suggest minnow type swimmers like the Yozuri Mag Minnow or Rapala Xrap. Also the essentials…paddle tail swim baits Storm Wild Eye Shads Or Kettle Creek and of course you can’t go fishing with our a bucktail… Magictail bucktails.

Back Bay Striped Bass

Youth angler Carter Leary sent in a report on Instagram… Here’s my first striped bass of the spring. I caught it one a Sebile Stick Shad Lure fishing low light conditions (at a dock on Barnegat Bay).

While still on the back bay it’s worth a mention, we have NOT received one bluefish report. We have heard from some that went out on a search but came up empty. We expect to see some soon.

Surf Fishing Report

The spring surf fishing action is right around the corner! Starting to hear more talk… Just heard of a surf report from Brigantine to our south as well as Island Beach to our north. The only direct report we’ve received was from Ron M which was reported on April 13, 2019.

Reminder: The 18th Annual LBI Spring Surf Fishing Tournament starts April 27th. Registration will begin soon, $20 Sign Up Fee.

Ocean Report & Outlook

The ocean temp is still cold but creeping up. Soon we expect the local ares to start. Historically the magic number has been 48 for when they show. Then, it really gets going once it breaks above 50.

Tog Fishing Report Update

Matt Swag was on the water yesterday. We went out aboard the Osprey and got into good fishing. He reported, ” Lights out black fishing yesterday! Fish finally got on the feed for me. They were chewing crabs. Fishing was so good I was catch and releasing nice keepers retaining my four fish limit. I kept the boys and let the girls go as they prepare for their spring spawn.”

Matt gave us heads up that all fish were caught on Daiwa BG3000 spooled with Cortland Master Braid and pared with the Daiwa Back Bay Rod. Here’s a recent post by Matt about the Daiwa BG Series reels.

Fish Head Charters

From an awesome fog session on Sunday to an unreal fire session on Wednesday… The action continues to get better.

Sunday I’ll remember for one of the most dense fog fishing session I’ve ever fished. See the report here, “Fish Head Charters In On The Fun”

Wednesday morning’s red fire sky started things off and then by 6:30 am a large burning building in the distance set the scene. [The five alarm fire broke out in a sushi restaurant and medical building located in Marine Park Brooklyn at about 6:30 am. The morning breeze didn’t help but fire fighters contained the four hour blaze.]

As far as fishing, things started off slow and scattered with slack high tide but as the current started moving things came together. The great jig bite continued just like on Sunday if not better. Big rubber shads from Tsunami, bucktails and Candy Bars got hammered. At times power drifting or slow trolling helped find schools of hungry striped bass. Some boats utilized the magic of Magictail Mojos (in the small weight range, 4-8oz) but we stuck to our preferred light tackle approach.

Some awesome top water feeds broke out and iced the cake making for a stellar day. Some good fish came on top water with the stand out producer the Doc Top Water Spook. Big wooden metal lip swimmers also raised fish. I was beyond stoked to visually feed a freshly hand tied bunker imitation to a hungry linesider. Below is a photo of two health striped bass from the trip. One I got on the fly and one Kelley got on a Doc spook. Look closely and you’ll see the fish inhaled the entire lure.


Best Inshore Saltwater Fishing Reel At The $100 Range?… The Daiwa BG!

By @swagmattic (Matt Sorrentino)

The Daiwa BG is the one piece of equipment I’m confident recommending to all inshore saltwater anglers. It’s built tough and there’s a size to handle just about any species you want to catch. Best of all the series is priced right starting at $99.99.

The Daiwa BG Reel Does It All

If you’re like me, you want to fish for everything NJ has to offer; striped bass, blackfish, bluefish, fluke and sea bass. All of these game fish fall victim to my Daiwa BG Fishing Reels.

Here’s Swagmattic with an early season striped bass he caught on March 30, 2019 fishing the late night tide on the Island’s bayside with his Daiwa BG spinning reel.

I own a couple BG Reels. Each size for different purposes. If you’re on a budget and can only pick one reel, my recommendation is to go with the 3500 size. It can handle it all. It’s small enough to match up on a 7′ M-MH rod finessing small stripers and banging fluke on bucktails. On a 7′-7’6″ H-XH it’s powerful enough to play with a larger class striper and gator bluefish. Mated with a Hanta or Tsunami Slow Pitch Jigging stick it has enough drag to winch that lunker away from it’s sticky home jigging blackfish. (more on rods below) It can even handle the fast powerful runs of red fish, snook, mahi mahi and false albacore.

This quality striped bass was caught on a Daiwa BG3500. Jigging a large rubber swim shad Matt caught this fish on his go to reel a Daiwa BG3500.

Because of its versatility, the Daiwa BG is an essential tool in my arsenal. It should be in yours too.

Want to learn more about the specific internals that make up the Daiwa BG Fishing Reels? Read on below.

The Perfect Match – Rod & Reel

Your outfit isn’t complete with out finishing off with a beautiful rod to match. An epic combo is the BG3500 on a $59.99 Tsunami 7′ Classic Series Spinning Rod. You will not find another better performing quality inshore fishing outfit than this. At $179.98 (Reel: $119.99, Rod: $59.99) it offers the ultimate value too. Once the rod is set only spool up with the best, Cortland Master Braid Spectra Fishing Line. I prefer 20#. Now you are ready for battle.

If looking for the best in blank performance and components upgrade to he Tsunami Carbon Shield Rods, $109.99 are very nice as well as the G.Loomis E6X Inshore Rods $189-219.99.

Performance Upgrade – Daiwa Saltist Reel

The Daiwa BG is a great value, but if it is in the budget the Daiwa Saltist offers a performance tuned saltwater fishing reel. This series from Daiwa also has a specialty Daiwa Saltist Back Bay too.

Daiwa BG VS Daiwa Saltist

Let’s dive in and quick and dirty run down of their similarities and differences the the Daiwa BG and Saltist reels.

First and foremost, both reels are great for saltwater anglers in the mid level price range. The BG Series starts out at $99.99 with ten sizes (Models:1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, 3500, 4000, 4500, 5000, 6500, 8000) The Saltist is a jump up starting at $199.99 with seven sizes (Models: 2500, 3000, 4000, 4500, 5000, 6500, 8000).

The Saltist & BG Are Similar In The Way They Both Have…

  • Machined aluminum body and side cover with a solid screw in machined handle. Once installed tight it surely gives angler confidence and control with zero play.
  • Digigear – Oversized gearing offers increased power and durability by using larger size gears that have greater gear tooth contact surface area. More torque and cranking power!
  • Air Rotor – Daiwa’s design weighs almost 15% less that ordinary rotors. It’s unique shape reduces unnecessary weight while providing maximum strength.
  • Extra Big Fish Insurance – The 4500 sizes and larger (both BG & Saltist) have dual anti reverse systems and also manual bail.

Unique Features Belonging Only To The Daiwa Saltist Series…

  • Magseal – Daiwa’s proprietary “new age” nano fluid magnetic oil technology which allows for a sealed bearing with nearly zero added friction for smooth performance. The Daiwa Saltist Series has Magsealed Bearings in the line roller and mainshaft, two of the most problem some areas of all spinning reels in the saltwater market. Magsealed bearings block out water and the elements expending the durability and longevity of the reel.
  • Corrosion resistant bearings last 10+ times longer than standard stainless ball bearings
  • Upgraded bail and line roller bearing (Magsealed)
  • Waterproof Drag

The Daiwa Saltist Back Bay LT…

The Daiwa Back Bay is a specialty series which is parts of the Saltist family, known as the Saltist Bay Bay. Available in two sizes the 3000 (9.9oz) & 4000 (10.6oz) the Daiwa Saltist Back Bay is in the LT Series, Light Tough. For inshore light tackle angles looking for maximum strength yet in a light weight package, these are some of the lightest and strongest spinning reels on the saltwater market. They feature the LT’s light and rigid aluminum construction as well as Daiwa’s Magseal technology for high performance.

Recap & Closing

The Daiwa BG is a great choice for entry level anglers looking for a quality reel. A huge step above entry level reels, the BG is also a great choice for anglers who do not get out on the water that much. These no need to invest an arm and a leg for a good saltwater fishing reel.

For anglers that want to upgrade, fish hard and demand the most rugged reel to withstand the elements, the Daiwa Saltist Series is for you. Plain and simple, the Saltist Series is a performance tuned BG offering the best corrosion resistance for the best durability.

If lightweight and compact size best fits your light tackle approach go for the Daiwa Saltsit Back Bay. It’s the perfect spinning reel for a light tackle approach to the bay and backwaters!