Things are moving in the right direction! More positive reports and fair weather on the forecast; Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday. It’s time to fish! Hope everyone can get out and enjoy some time on the water. Gotta be on it if you want to score.
LBI Fishing Report
The waters of LBI are producing bigger fish as of late. Today was the first day we hard numerous reports of bigger fish. We also had our first surf side weigh in. Expect the next three weeks to be prime time big bass fishing.
Fish Heads Team Staffer Kevin stopped in with a 19.98 pound striped bass. He caught it at about 11am chunking bunker off of the surf. Kevin reported, “This is my first decent bass off of the beach.” A couple other reports came in from the beaches of LBI today. Bayside Dave reported his friend caught a 38″ striper on the mid-island surf about noon time on bunker. Ryan Gio reported a schoolie bass on the surf on clam.
Mike Green went out fishing solo out of Barnegat Inlet this morning and shared a kick ass report with us. “I’m not making but had a couple good bites. Missed a 50 by a few ounces at 49 and change. Also released a 41# and a 38# bass. Taking photos with a self timer isn’t easy!”
The cocktail bluefish prevail. Larger ones are showing but not yet plentiful. Black drum action continues on clam in the bay. Blowfish are still showing in good numbers in both the bay and surf. Anyone fishing clams for bass and getting small taps or consistently loosing clam baits… sScale down your hook size on one rod and give it a try. You might be shocked at how many blowfish and kingfish are cruising the suds.
Did you hear?
Al McReynolds passes away. For those who don’t know, Al caught the world record striped bass back on Sept 21, 1982 from a jetty in Atlantic City 78.8 IGFA record. It still stands today as the NJ State record and the IFGA 20# class world record. What was special about this catch is that it was a hard core surf casting catch. Jetty fishing in rough weather with lures is tops! Northing against boat or live bait fishing but this catch was remarkable in so many ways. It stood for 29 years and was finally beat by Greg Myerson 81.88 pound striped bass that was caught in August 2011.
Coming down off of May’s full moon our expectations are high for a great stretch of fishing! Things are happening and will be rocking any day. All we need to do is get this (hopefully final) cold snap behind us. It’s time to FISH! Here’s the Long Beach Island Fishing Report Update for Friday May 8, 2020.
Today we got the first locally caught classy striped bass report. It was caught and released by Ed P. aboard the Tuna Kahuna, trolling a Tony Maja #4 White bunker spoon.
Bluefish Update
Bluefish reports are more consistent by the day. The fishery is still lacking the presence of gators as cocktails and medium size yellow-eyes rule the roost.
Sloane Endick tagged us in a post at sunset, “Live action from the LBI surf. Was getting bites but not hooking up. I changed to a Deadly Dick and bang! The bluefish are here.” She also caught a small bass on the same slender metal lure. For a short clip of the fish/catch go to our Instagram page.
For those that follow us, you saw the live action catch yesterday afternoon with Night Strikes Guide Service’s Steve George. He caught a medium size bluefish off the surf on a rubber swim shad searching for a bass.
Elio Scarpa also tagged us in a bluefish photo catch picture.
Mike Hoven shared this bluefish report today, “Got a few fishing the mid-island this morning and afternoon. All around the same size on plugs and fresh Fish Heads bunker. On bait the skates and dogfish were mixed in.”
Liam Velit sent in this photo… “Got this yellow eye yesterday.”
In the Bay
The annual cinder worm hatch went down around the full moon. Some areas of the bay were loaded with them. It’s always a special time to be fishing the bay. Sometimes can be very frustrating however if approached correctly with light tackle it can be some of the best fishing Barnegat Bay has to offer with striped bass, bluefish and weakfish all slurping on the surface.
Lots of bass on the flats! With the lighter winds Wednesday and Thursday anglers got into this shallow water fishing at it’s finest. This is one of the most un tapped opportunities that the Barnegat Bay and Manahawkin Bay has to offer. Very few fish the shallows. Why? I have no idea. I think it’s because anglers look to and like fishing the comforts of deep water.
For me in the spring it couldn’t be further from the truth. Yes the sod banks have fish and can be very productive however, the shallow water rolling flats warm up first and have the best games first.
Summer Flounder Are Showing Strong – More below!
Black Drum
Mike Green aboard the Luckey Stripes went drum fishing today in the southern bay and scored! We have fresh clams right now but there’s no telling how fast they will sell out.
Blowfish
The blowfish reports continue. Today Gary Adiar went out in the rain and caught a bunch.
It’s days like today where quality rain gear is worth its weight in gold. Stay warm, stay dry and enjoy fishing in comfort. We carry the areas largest selection of boot, gloves and all weather gear from top name brands like Grundens, Guy Cotten, Stormr and Xtratuf.
Summer Flounder Fishing
May 22 can’t get here soon enough! Lots of nice fluke are reported every single day this entire week. When the date finally gets here fishing will be good right out of the gate!
Notice To Mariners: Hazards exist in the Barnegat Inlet Area, Navigate With Extreme Caution! – Large wood debris is scattered across the area due to the shipwreck of the Bay Of Isles. It wrecked on the south side of the Barnegat Inlet Jetty. Debris was reported along the beaches of LBI, the inshore waters as well as the Barnegat Inlet and in numerous locations of the bay and main thoroughfares of Double Creek and Oyster Creek.
The Bay Of Isles ran hard aground the night of May 6th. This photo shows the vessel hard aground.
Wednesday evening May 6, 2020 the 53′ F/V Bay Of Isles, a 1975 custom wooden trawler ran aground on the Old South Jetty at the north end of Long Beach Island. The vessel began taking on water. Two passengers aboard the vessel were rescued. Due to the hazardous location of the wreck, they were airlifted off in the middle of the night. No injuries were reported..
Looking towards the west this photo shows the stern of the ship as well as the rubble field remnants of the Old South Jetty in Barnegat Light at the north end of Long Beach Island.
We heard rumor through the grapevine (small talk with Coast Guard on the scene) the vessel was transiting down from New York to have some work done in NJ. It was recently for sale out of New London, CT.
How/why the vessel ended up in the bad spot is largely unknown to us at this point in time. The sea conditions on the full moon night were fair with 3′ long period swell and light winds.
Maybe it was mechanical failure. Maybe it was navigation error. One thing is for sure… it’s going to be interesting watching the removal/salvage process.
Looking towards the north at the port side of the Bay Of Isles shipwreck.
As far as environmental hazards, the proper authorities are on the scene and monitoring the situation. At 1pm (5/7/20) the onshore sea breeze started and the smell of fuel/oil was present. The vessel is believed to have four fuel tanks with the capacity to hold upwards of 800-1000 gallons of fuel. What the vessel what holding at the time of the incident is what’s important. It was said that the crew reported about 500 gallons were onboard. Why a contractor was not hired on DAY ONE to pump the tanks dry is beyond fathomable.
It was said that due to the location, “it is not safe for the removal of the fuel tank or feasible to place a containment boom.” That’s obvious by anyone who knows that area. However I fish this area regular and have spent many nights on hose same rocks where the Bay of Isles grounded. Access from the beach to the rocks is not easy but very much doable. I don’t see any reason why properly equipped salvage professionals couldn’t get out to the rock pile. Somewhat easily access the fuel tanks and pump the fuel to container trucks on the beach, container ship or barge. My assumption is it would have been an mild task with the beautiful weather that was present on Thursday and Friday. Especially with the full moon low tides in the middle of the day during high sun.
Looking at the photos from May 7th nothing was visible in the water other than wood debris (decking, planking, hatches, etc) and belongings. On the 7/8th, there was debris reported as far south as the Ship Bottom surf, Oyster Creek Channel along the sod banks in the bay and as far north as Island Beach State Part. How far the debris travels in the coming days will be concerning to navigation. Hopefully the westerly gale on Friday-Saturday (8/9th) will push the pieces off into deeper water where they sink and settle to make new structure and habitat for fish. But it could spread it all over. We’ll have to wait and see.
Birds eye view looking down on the Old South Jetty and the wreck of the F/V Bay of Isles. All photos are property of Fisherman’s Headquarters, Ship Bottom, NJ. They can not be copied or distributed without written consent.
Thinking back the only other recent time incident that was similar to this was in 2012. This time it was on the north side of the Barnegat Inlet. A 38′ sport fishing vessel the Southern Comfort ran across the submerged section of the Barnet Inlets North Jetty. Six were aboard and abandoned ship when the vessel took on water and sunk. All were rescued.
It seemed that April’s first half was warmer than its second half, but May kicked off with a strong storm that changed the trend once it cleared through. Yesterday Saturday May 2nd was a flawless day. The beautiful warm sunny weather is just what we need! Here’s the Long Beach Island Fishing Report Updates for Sunday May 3, 2020. But first two common questions. (*Updates On 5/5/20 Included)
What a difference a day makes! On the left, a photo taken by Jack Keating on the Barnegat Inlet Jetty Friday May 1, 2020. There was some strong winds and heavy rains with even some hail. Saturday turned out to be the best day of 2020 so far. We are looking forward to many more of these
Two Frequently Ask Questions
All day long we are questioned on the phone and via messages…
Where Can I Fish On LBI?
It’s hard enough determining where the different towns in LBI start and end let along deciphering the individual closures and restrictions based on towns. As of this post (May 3rd) anglers can fish Barnegat Light and Surf City. Yes as of Saturday May 2nd the Barnegat Light Jetty is open to fishing, but the parking lot and facilities are closed.
With that said proceed at your own risk to other areas. The risk is very very low so one could claim it’s fair game. During the entire period of closures and restrictions WE HAVE NOT HEARD OF ONE incident where someone was asked to show their ID, asked to leave or ticketed. It’s ALMOST safe to say all of the beach are open (as they should be since federal funding is used to replenish and fortify). It seems that restrictions were put in place to deter but the interactions and possible altercations are prevented at all costs.
Simply put… Go Fish & Fish Responsibly!
Governor Murphy says public beaches on Jersey Shore must reopen to everyone, not just residents, “A township cannot actually legally restrict folks from outside of their township.” For more on this read this USA Today article.
Now that tog is closed what should I fish for?
There’s lots of options… Check our the report below. Any of the species listed here in the report offer opportunities.
May Is Finally Here!
This is my favorite month of the year because it’s the best month for quality all around inshore/near shore/from shore fishing the Long Beach Island area. Striped bass, bluefish, black drum, weakfish and later in the month fluke!
We anticipate fishing to continue ramping up. Usually by Mother’s Day there’s really good things happening and by mid to late May it’s popping prime time.
Out Front & On The Surf
The ocean water temps are just now getting to the 50 degree mark, a significant step in the season’s progression. Reports are beginning to be more common and we anticipate this to keep rolling for the next 6 weeks.
It is still early season for the surf but don’t let that stop you! There’s fish. It just isn’t epic blitz fishing. That will hopefully be here soon!
Recent Info From The Surf
Saturday the surf was clean with light winds and a solid groundswell. This combo put beautiful white water on the bars and sloughs. Sunday the swell lingers and was another great day. Some anglers got out and fish and a few were rewarded.
We got word from a couple reports from curbside customers. One picked up bunker yesterday and then came back for more today shared, “Caught four bass last night up to 32″ fishing the swing of high tide chunking.”
Jim Crane was on the beach today and reported, “I lost a bass on the beach fishing a chunk. I wondered away from my rod while plugging and my chunk rod went off. It picked up and pulled a little drag. Then, bye bye. Bad 24 hours (more on this below). I got more bunker from you guys and then went back to my spot on the beach. The place looks money. Big section of water with two bars on each side. But nothing. About a hundred yards south of me I saw someone beach at least two fish. I couldn’t tell exact size.”
Jake Kline reported, “There’s some little bass around. I got a few shorts a couple nights ago casting bucktails on the mid island surf.”
*Update 5/5/20 – Dave from Surf City commented on our Facebook post yesterday and shared, “Plugging the surf early this morning. Hooked up to a couple nice little stripers.”
Recent Info From The Boats
A couple reports from boats anglers working the inshore waters had a similar theme, no luck trolling. Maybe someone has found fish out front but nothing reported to us. Any day the trolling will kick off!
A little bit of news to share that came from our local bunker boat. He was out fishing a few miles off the other day (before Friday’s blow) and “caught some big gator blues among the piles of dogfish (target species).” So far this is the only direct reports of any medium-large bluefish. Cocktails are becoming more common in reports, see below. The past couple years we had bluefish by now. They could show any tide now.
In The Bay
Striped bass continues to offer fun fishing for anglers. A light tackle approach with bucktails and softbaits are catching both day and night.
Jack Keating and Stefen Melekos reported today, “(We had) lots of fun fishing at night.” The bass are snapping. “Between the two of us we must have caught and released 30-40 striped bass.”
Denny Miller reported fishing the other night and had fun catching schoolies on the skiff.
*Update 5/5/20 – Got word from a customer who was playing hooky Tuesday, “Went for an afternoon session and drifted the flats. Bass were rolling on my popper. Caught three but had a lot of boils and follows. The fish are here!”
Black Drum Fishing In The Bay
Black drum fishing carries on and should continue for the whole month of May. Craig Hotter sent in a report and a couple photos. One of a bass and one of a drum (below). He shared, “Six drum and two short bass on chowder clams fishing the boat in the bay off of Beach Haven. I’ve never seen drum so thick as this weekend!” Another recent black drum fishing report from Craig was posted on 4/25/20.
Here’s Dana with one of six black drum today. Spring time fishing LBI’s southern bay with clam is prime for black drum.
Yes Some Blues Finally
Also some blues are showing just no big ones that we’ve heard about. One report came in from Captain Adam Sherer of Waterman Charters, “I was out running a boat on a sea trail. I found some small birds playing in the bay on the west side. They were on cocktails blues.” Another bluefish report came in from John Delsordo, photo below. He reported, “Cocktails! But where are the gators?” We all hope they will show their yellow eyes soon.
All eyes are on the yellow eyes! We hope to see a full size range of blues arrive this week. Keep your fingers crossed!
More Talk Of Blowfish Among Others
Blowfish reports were shared in a previous post (4/21/20) and here’s another. Grey Colston sent in this photo (below) a couple days ago. “They’re around!” Grey also reported loosing a bluefish when landing it the other night. It was in the mix with a number striped bass that he’s catching regularly.
Yup blowfish are here. In the past week or two numerous reports have come in.
*Update 5/5/20 – Another blowfish report came in but this time a solid one! Joe Antiorio posted the photo below. “Got ’em on clam chumming them up. Had to work a bit but found the toads! Some of the largest heads I have ever caught.”
Winter flounder reports fell off a few weeks back. With the abundance of quality fluke here now, opening day May 22nd should be good.
A little chatter through the grapevine… a couple weakfish are around.
All reports of blue claw crabbing are good.
Boat For Sale
Anyone looking for a great bay, inlet, inshore fishing boat that is simple and economical? This clean great condition turn key boat is ready for a sea trail with you today.
2015 Parker 21SE one owner, fully rigged and ready to fish! Powered by a Yamaha F150XA 4 Stroke (currently 870 hours) and includes a Tidewater Tandem Axle Trailer with brakes and rollers. Custom Arch 4 Rod Rocket Launcher and Anchor Light with three sided ultra clear glass/canvas enclosure. This boat, motor, trailer package also includes Rhodan 84in GPS Anchor Trolling Motor (installed Sept 2019, 2 year warranty)!
For those who are asking, yes I’ve decided to part ways an end a very fishy five year run. An opportunity came up and I couldn’t pass so I’m moving to the Parker 2520. I’m in need of bigger boat to fit my growing family.
I hope everybody is getting through COVID as we are in a holding pattern unable to run charters for March, April, and HOPEFULLY on a small part of May. The Tog fishing for April was absolutely outstanding as I ran Tog trips for my son, wife, and father. We released a good amount of fish over 9 pounds and tried to keep only males as the females have been busting at the seems with eggs. Striped Bass in the back, although many shorts, have been very fun to catch on light tackle.
We added a second boat for the 2020 season and beyond – this is a shallow water skiff able to go in depths of 7 inches, but offers an ultra stable platform. Special 3 hr and 4 hr trips will be offered along with a variety of pickup locations (Barnegat Light, Waretown, Ship Bottom, Barnegat). I plan on focusing mainly on artificials for Striped Bass, Fluke, Bluefish, even Weakfish and will offer evening charters.
I’m tentatively planning on running for May 15 (Sea Bass opener), but still waiting for the NJ Governor’s official “GO” for charter and headboats. Once up and running, we will be running 7 days a week from June 18 to September. May 15th to June 18th will be mostly weekends and the occasional weekday – Sea Bass, Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Fluke (when it opens) will be the main target species.
If interested in booking a charter, book through our site (reelreactioncharters.com) or call/text 609-290-7709. As always, we use the highest quality gear and everything is included: gear, bait, tackle, fish-cleaning, and ICE! It’s “no worries” fishing. Just come aboard and FISH.
609-494-5739 
