Spring is officially underway and while the Long Beach Island surf remains quiet, the bays and rivers offer good striped bass action. After the full moon and warming trend more fish are showing up adding to the resident population but the recent cold snap will keep things suppresses but not for long. Here’s my lastest fishing report video published on Thursday afternoon, April 9, 2026.
LBI Surf Conditions
Right now a light easterly wind and small 1–2 foot swell are keeping ocean conditions clean but cold. Expect 3-4′ ESE swell on the beaches this weekend. With the surf temperature in the low to mid 40s (42-45º) we need a warm up before things start happening. AC ocean temp gauge recorded a swing from 45-48º however that isn’t recorded locally here on LBI. One report from a boater hunting tog today reported 41-43º nearshore on the LBI south end.
The chilly surf temps will hold back the surf bite, but the progression is happening. As soon as we see consistent temps push into that 48–50° range, things should start popping along the beach. Usually that is in the April 20 – May 5 time frame. By Mother’s Day on May 10 expect the surf to have good fishing opportunities with striped bass and possibly black drum and bluefish.
Bays & Rivers Are The Place To Be
In the meantime, the back bays and rivers are the place to be. They have offered up a range of good early season striped bass fishing over the past couple of weeks. And they should continue to do so throughout this month. Most of the striped bass bites are on live bloodworm. However lure bites are to be had. Anglers finding fish in the back bay and west side of the bay.
Water temps in the bay currently range from the mid-50s up to low 60s in some areas, especially during sunny afternoons with the outgoing tide. That warmer water is key and it’s why the bayside continues to outproduce. Certain areas with warmer waters and more active fish have fish coming on lures. It will improve as we slide deeper into April and experience a real warm up… coming soon. Looking ahead, we have some warmer days with the highs in the 80’s and lows above 60. These temps will be warmer inland away from the water and expect cooler, chilly sea breeze days here on the water. Clams will soon come into play, and we’re expecting the arrival of black drum and possibly the first bluefish any day now. Last year the teens of April produced great black drum fishing… Are You Ready?
Tautog Fishing
As for tautog, the bite around Barnegat Inlet has been SLOW. But it usually is the first week or two of April. Due to the cold water temps the fish have been lethargic. Also inactive… green crabs. They aren’t moving and potting so the bait guys are struggling to catch. It’s the same story each April. The sand fleas have not showed locally yet either. So bait has not come easy for us. When sold out of crab, anglers can turn to clam, shrimp and worms as backup options. Typically, the second half of April brings the better half of the one month tog fishing season. So there’s still tog fishing time look forward to, just don’t sleep on it because it will turn on and then the season will be closed.
Reel-ie Busy Here At Fish Heads
In the shop, it’s full-on spring prep mode. We are “reel” busy servicing reels and spooling line. We’re fully stocked with everything you need for striped bass, tog, and the upcoming fluke season. We also have a lot of new items and much more on the way. Stop by seven days a week and our team here will get dialed in to catch more fish this season.
We got beautiful delivery of Salty-C Wood Lures by craftsman Bob Campi. He has been making some great stuff for many years now and really wanted us to stock his stuff. We are stocked to have his proven fish catching lures on out wall for spring.
We got a monster delivery from JYG! They make some really nice fish catching stuff. It’s all tops, but don’t skip over the new 4″ chubby paddle tail which is pre-molded to fit perfectly with their heads. A match made in heavy.
Here’s four of the top fluke teaser hooks for fishing 5-6″ Gulp Grub Curly Tails. Sure the classic baitholder style hooks work but they don’t hold a bait securely. I fell in love with the BKK Motherfluker late last fluke season but I’m also like some of these other new options from Eagle Claw & Mustad. I can’t wait for fluke season!s this year.
How Brutal Was This Past Winter?
PS: I have heard a lot of talk about the brutal winter and the cold temperatures. While I agree this past winter seemed really cold and far too long, the stats don’t agree! Did you know?… As per the Office of the NJ State Climatologist, “With a statewide ranking of 12th warmest, March 2026 is the eight over the past 26 years to rank in the top 15 with records dating back to 1895.”
