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LBI Fishing Report 6/1/26 – Good Surf Side Bass Fishing Rolls Into June

June is finally here and the Long Beach Island surf side spring striper fishing remains strong. With the full moon yesterday (Sunday) we are now in the final chapter of the 2026 spring, but don’t overlook it! It can be one of the best periods for quality size bass. Historically speaking we see a large body of striped bass the first and second week of June. We’ll see how to plays out. There’s other opportunities on tap too… Let’s dive in! Here’s the Long Beach Island Fishing Report Update for Monday June 1, 2026.

This spring has been a good one to surf anglers fishing the beaches of LBI. It’s a steady run of action since mid April and it just might keep on going. We had a beautiful weekend here on Long Beach Island with lots of sun, some swell and stripers (among other catches too). Anglers continue to find striped bass in the suds soaking clams and bunker. There’s dogfish around so switching over to lures is a great alternative to bypass the junk. Weedy conditions have been frustrating some days and some locations but nothing like it was a few weeks back.

As seen on the report video, yesterday’s groundswell lingers on while fading but what not seen on the video is the current winds. At the time of the video it was light but now in the afternoon stiff 15-20mph east north east winds are blowing. Anglers fishing bait will need extra lead.

Striped bass remain the main attraction on the beach BUT black drum still here and more bluefish have arrived this past week. Also there’s a few nice fluke in the mix. Photo above is Mark Roczey with a black drum from the Beach Haven surf. Below, Andrew LeFante holds a 35.5″ bluefish he caught off the mid-Island surf. His dad Ray reported, “Had to weed through a bunch of big nasty dogfish and a few skates but Andrew landed a big blue on a bunker chunk. We weighed it in at Fish Heads, 11.9#. All of our action came on either bunker chunks or heads. We also had quite a few runoffs and bite offs.”

Water temperatures are running in the mid-to-upper 50s along the LBI beaches.

On the bay side, fluke fishing has been a little slower, but there are fish being caught. The bay is also holding striped bass, black drum, bluefish, some weakfish. Some warmer water – summertime species are starting to appear with the first signs of blowfish, spot and some rays. As the water continues warming, we expect better fluke fishing to materialize.

Stop by Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom for fresh bait, tackle, local intel as well as everything you need to get dialed in. We’re open daily, loaded up for the season and ready to help you catch more fish!

Tightline Charter’s Captain Jeff Warford had Frank and Paul aboard fishing this past weekend. They both scored fun striped bass fishing live baiting with spot in the Barnegat Bay. A big surprise came when a monster 55# black drum took a spot!

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LBI Fishing Report 5/26/26 – Late May Delivers Good Fishing

Late May is delivering Long Beach Island some spring magic. After a wet holiday weekend, the beaches cleaned up and the sun is back out. The surf is fishy with good looking white water, clean – clear green water and very little weed along the tide line. (We got work the north end had some weed.) It’s prime-time for spring striped bass and with water temperatures in the mid-50s, the next couple of weeks could offer some of the best opportunities of the spring run. The LBI Spring Derby is in full swing with a great spread of catches on the leaderboard and there’s a bluefish and black drum on the board. The Derby’s Surf Master Catch – Photo – Release Division is lit up daily with submissions of over sized striped bass.

More info on the Derby >>> https://www.lbisfc.com/lbi-spring-surf-fishing-tournament

Here’s the Long Beach Island fishing report update brought to you by Greg at Fishermans Headquarters. Let’s go fishing!

On the local fishing front, the surf continues to be the standout. Clams remain the top producer for striped bass. There’s quality striped bass catches (fish in the upper 30″ range and over 40″ range) reported daily. There have also been some nice fish taken on lures, including the classic surf casting swimmers and larger glide baits. This is normally the time when anglers start mixing bunker into the game. We got a beautiful delivery of fresh bunker this evening (Tuesday 5pm). We have live eels in stock which are a great option right now for those hunting a bigger class of bass especially at night.

Fluke fishing is start but slowly. The waters have been chilly. Everyone’s fingers are crossed that it will come alive once the waters warm up… maybe this week or next, it will come soon. Reports from the beach, inlet and bay are popping in. Below is Kayla Kovalak who sent in this recent catch photo.

There’s a few bluefish showing up with a couple being caught off the surf, inlet and bay. Gary Grippaldi weighed in a 11.78# gator this evening that he caught off the mid-Island surf on bunker. We had a few other report from small to large size range. They are showing up! A few weakfish, spot and blowfish have showed up too.

Captain Steve Purul reported strong fishing this past weekend even though the weather wasn’t the best the bass were chewing. On Monday, “perfect and productive morning!” He’s dialed in so if you are looking to get out on a charter give him a call today! Call / Text Captain Steve – 609.290.1217

Stop by Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom for bait, tackle, fresh line, reel service, rod repair and the local intel you need to make the most of your next trip. Also 24/7 at www.FishermansHeadquarters.com

Remember Amazon Don’t Fish!

LBI Fishing Report 5/20/26

LBI Surf Striper Bite Still Cranking! Big Bass Showing, New Moon Shift & Memorial Day Outlook

The spring surf fishing season on Long Beach Island continues to fire on all cylinders with striped bass dominating the action up and down the beaches. Anglers fishing clam are seeing the best success, while some are also finding fish on bunker chunks and lures. Another less popular but very effective method is fishing live sand fleas, mole crabs. That’s what these fish rooting around the suds are eating!

After several weeks of incredibly consistent fishing, there’s been a slight taper in the overall abundance of bass BUT quality fish are now becoming a bigger part of the story. The catches of 40″+ striped bass are becoming more common the season transitions through the recent new moon phase. We are now in the final chapter of spring fishing with only one month to summer on June 21.

Water temperatures remain cool and it has helped keep the striped bass locked into the area longer. Currently the Long Beach Island surf is in the mid-50’s. It seems like for the most part they have been parked on the LBI beaches and fortunately for us they are hungry. Surf anglers continue catching even with salted and frozen clam. The black drum bite has slowed but they remain here and a viable target for at least a coup-le more weeks. Bluefish are beginning to trickle into the mix and some fluke reports are starting up in the bay, inlet and surf. Offshore, black sea bass season is underway with better reports coming from deeper water trips (80’+). Once the inshore waters warm up in a couple week we should have a better shot with a shorter run.

Penn Van Tour Event

Memorial Day Weekend marks the unofficial kickoff to summer on LBI and here at Fisherman’s Headquarters we are ready. RAIN OR SHINE – The Penn Van Tour rolls into Fish Heads this Saturday May 23, 2026 from 10am to 2pm. There will be special deals, new apparel, tackle blowouts and plenty of popular best selling fishing gear for the spring and summer fisheries. Spend $50 on Pure Fishing Brand Products (Penn, Fenwick, Abu, Berkeley, Spiderwire, Stren) and score a chance to win a Fenwick rod & Penn Fathom 300 low profile reel outfit. Also bring your recent catch to the event… Live Fish Prints by Tim at Tiger Shrimp Prints.

Whether you’re chasing striped bass in the surf, gearing up for fluke season or looking for the latest local fishing intel… Stop by Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom or shop online at www.FishermansHeadquarters.com

LBI Fishing Report Update 5/11/26

The spring fishery is as good as it gets for surfcasters working the sands of Long Beach Island. The past couple of weeks were great and it keeps on grinding. There’s NOT blitzing fish breaking under birds; however most of the cuts, bowls, toughs and gutters have fish. The spring run is alive on the LBI surf and anglers putting in the time are being rewarded with great catches. Here’s the Long Beach Island Fishing Report Update for Monday May 11, 2026.

Anglers are finding striped bass and black drum on the beaches of LBI both day and night, many times in all of the tide phases and some days in gorgeous and others foul weather. Here’s my latest fishing report video that was published on Friday May 8, 2026.

Last week we have had a lot of firsts…

  • First week of fluke fishing season! The opening on May 4th and the first week wasn’t lit up with great fluke fishing but we did here some scattered catch reports. Two challenges were chilly ocean water on the incoming current and weedy conditions at many areas. Let’s hope it get’s better.
  • First bluefish of the season! Store staffer and Van Staal Reel Tech caught a toothy yellow eye chunking off the surf. After sharing Frankies catch a few other bluefish reports have come in. Usually around Mother’s Day we see some. Maybe a bunch! Happy belated Mother’s Day to all of the moms!
  • First sheepshead of the season! Cooper Adams caught a 21″ sheepshead while hunting striped bass and drum on the LBI surf.
  • First 50# black drum of the season! Jamie Gramley shared a photo that he took of a friend’s catch, a monster surf side black drum.

LBI Surf Comes Alive!

The LBI surf bite is on! Striped bass are cruising the surf and feeding. Reports are flooding in daily with anglers catching from the north end to the south end. Fresh clam is leading the charge, but anglers are also catching on lures and frozen bunker. We hope to have fresh bunker one of these days. There are also some black drum on the beaches. The water on the surf has warmed up to the 50º mark and it’s currently clean. The second half of April set up for great fishing, but don’t wait! Now’s the time to Go! Go! Go!

The spring surf fishing has officially shifting into a higher gear on Long Beach Island. After a strong run of bayside action over the last couple of weeks, the surf has really turned on over the past three to five days with quality striped bass and some black drum along the beaches. Clean green water, defined sandbars, bowls and cuts, and water temperatures pushing right around 50 degrees are all positive signs that the second half of April is gonna be a good one.

Most of the surf action right now has been on clam and that’s our recommendation for anglers targeting striped bass and black drum off the beach with bait. That said, it hasn’t been easy to come by so salted and frozen are a backup and have caught good recently. There have also been fish caught on frozen bunker. One anglers had multiple fish two days on a row on it. We are trying to get fresh bunker as soon as possible. As far as reports go, they have come in from all over Long Beach Island, north to south and everywhere in between.

Here’s three photos sent in by Jon Kelly this morning (4/21/26) fishing the incoming tide on the south end with clam. He caught a bunch of them up to the mid 40″ range. He has also been catching on most all of his recent outings.

The Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Classic Spring Derby is also underway, adding even more excitement to an already strong stretch of spring fishing.

The bite is not limited to the surf either, as there are still striped bass holding in the bay, rivers and around the inlet, although some inlet water has been dirty on the outgoing tide. Overall though, this is that classic window from around April 20 through Cinco de Mayo when things traditionally start firing on all cylinders, and that’s exactly what is happening now. If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get in on spring striper fishing at LBI, this is it.

Stop by Fisherman’s Headquarters for fresh bait, tackle, and gear, and get in on the action.

LBI Fishing Report April 14, 2026 – Black Drum Arrive & Stripers Continue With Slow But Improving Tog

A sunny spring is here this week on Long Beach Island and things are warming up fast. With it, the fishing picture is getting better by the day. With a beautiful stretch of weather, sunny skies and slowly rising water temperatures, the early season bite has expanded. Good reports are now coming in daily from customers fishing the bays and rivers for striped bass. One of the expected developments this week is the arrival of black drum. Check out our latest LBI Fishing Report video published today April 14, 2026.

The progression is positive and right on track for mid-April. The second half of the month looks promising with drum rolling in now! John Haugh caught a big black drum on Sunday fishing fresh clams he got from Fish Heads. He reported that the bite came at slack high tide. This fish was caught locally on a backbay sedge. The next couple weeks are prime time drum fishing in the bay with clam. We have fresh surf clam in the shell in stock now! For help getting geared up to target them stop in.

Our expectations are for a better second half of tog season as the waters warm. We hope to see the Barnegat Inlet rocks come alive before the month is over. So far it has been slow. The sand fleas are just now starting to show so that positive on the tog bait side of things.

This month local white perch fishing is an option too!

On the striped bass side of things, the bays and rivers remain the best bet for anglers looking to get into fish. However that may change over the next couple of weeks. Late April is when things usually begin, with the window from around April 20 through Cinco de Mayo often bringing the first real surf side activity worth talking about. The ocean water remains chilly in the mid 40’s but expect that to warm up this week.

Striped bass are being caught on bloodworms, clam and lures.

Now is the time to get geared up, get out there and take advantage of the season as it starts to unfolds. Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom is ready with bait, tackle and expert assistance, just like every year since 1962.

Spring Progress Continues: Stripers Biting, Tog Slow, Big Changes Coming Soon – Fishing Report 4/9/26

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.” 

Spring Has Arrived & Striped Bass Are On Bloodworms!

Spring is officially here and this weekend’s beautiful weather lit the spark. Some anglers had good fishing across the region. From the early season spots along the rivers and sod banks to stretches of the Barnegat Bay, anglers found hungry striped bass and perch. After the long cold winter, it’s game time!

LBI Fishing Report – First Weekend Of Spring

We’re seeing the first real signs of the season’s progression this weekend. Anglers fishing live bloodworms are finding success with hungry striped bass in the backwaters. Most of the action right now is on bait as the waters are cold and the fish are just warming up from their lethargic state. Once the water temps climb a few more degrees, the artificial action may come alive.

Perch fishing has been solid and while winter flounder is on tap (2 fish at 12″) no reports yet.

Water temps are trending in the right direction and the trend is our friend!

  • Ocean: Low 40° range
  • Bay: Mid to upper 40° range in some areas

Early Spring Bait & Tactics

Right now, bloodworms are the top bait. Nothing beats large live bloodworms in the early part of the striped bass season They are are expensive so consider using worm balls and or combo some cheaper (and in stock at Fish Heads) green or red worms. A worm ball’s mesh can help protect the pricey and delicate baits from feisty perch.

Store staffer Emmet is into fish the past couple of days. He reported other anglers near by are catching. He also got a couple big perch on his Top Notch Tackle Bass Worming Rig.

  • Fish small 2/0-4/0 circle hooks for striped bass baited with worm
  • Focus on sod banks, creeks, bridges and mud flats
  • For Perch – small hook (a spot / kingfish rig works great) baited with bloodworm or grass shrimp. Check out the jars of preserved grass shrimp we have in stock! Also the larger ones will hit small and light lures and jigs.

Upcoming NJ Fishing Seasons & Regulations

Blackfish (Tog): Opens April 1 4 Fish Bag Limit – 15” Minimum Size Now is the time to gear up with tackle and rigs

Summer Flounder (Fluke): Opens May 4 with 3 Fish at 18” (same as last year)

Winter Flounder: Open Now 2 Fish at 12”

Black Sea Bass: Regulations to be finalized at the March 26 fisheries meeting

Upcoming Event

LBI Surf Fishing Spring Derby kicks off April 4th. Sign ups begin later this week. It’s always a great way to enjoy the LBI beaches in spring with some added friendly fishing competition.

It’s Game Time!

If you’re not ready to go, we have you covered. Stop by the shop here in Ship Bottom or check us out online at www.FishermansHeadquarters.com and we’ll get you geared up and into fish. 🎣

Black Sea Bass Comments Wanted

Fisheries managers want public comments from anglers on Black Sea Bass. Please submit the 2026 BSB Measures form. Submissions must be received by 11:59 p.m. on March 11, 2026, in order to be considered.

If you care about black sea bass regulations in 2026 and beyond, now is the time to speak up. Take a few minutes and help shape the black sea bass regulations for 2026.

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission and the Mid Atlantic Fisheries Management Council voted to allow NJ to liberalize black sea bass (BSB) regulations between a projected 15-17% in 2026.

NJDEP Fish & Wildlife and the NJ Marine Fisheries Council are interested in input from the public. The final state measures will be set at the March 26 New Jersey Marine Fisheries Council meeting in Manahawkin.

Visit Fish Heads At The Winter Fishing Shows

First things first, my apologies for the radio silence. It’s been over a month since the last update. Time got away from me. The holiday season and some big projects at the shop as well as home and posting updates took the back seat. That said, I’m back to share an update as the winter fishing show season is officially ON! But first, a paragraph on the fishing report.

The fall run really shut down after the first week or so of December. The wicked winds were brutal and the deep cold put a halt on things fast. There were very few fishable windows, but some anglers squeaked in some fishing late fall and early winter fishing. We received a couple good reports; however the majority of tog fishing was poor. With back bay bassin’ closed until March 1 the only other options is white perch in the rivers or making the trek south for tuna (which has been good) on down in the OBX.

As always, Fisherman’s Headquarters will be hitting the winter fishing tackle circuit. Come out and score great savings on fishing gear before spring!

What We’re Bringing to the Shows

If you’ve been to our booths before, you already know the deal:

  • ✅ Wide selection of top catching tackle from the past season
  • ✅ New tackle arrivals and fresh gear for 2026
  • ✅ Overstock & clearance items priced to move
  • ✅ Blowout clothing rack & rod rack

Come early… the good stuff never lasts long.

Upcoming Shows We’ll Be Attending

Mark your calendars, come say hello, and take advantage of some serious winter tackle deals.

January 18, 2026 – Lacey HS Fishing Flea Market

This Sunday is the 16th Annual Lacey Township High School Fishing Flea Market. It is one of the biggest and best fishing flea markets in the Central NJ region. Be sure to check it out and help support the great Lacey High School Fishing Club. Proceeds from the event fund fishing trips and outdoor educational experiences from student members of the Lacey HS Fishing Club.

  • Doors open: 9 AM – 2 PM
  • $5 Admission, Children 10 & under are free
  • Address: 73 Haines St, Lanoka Harbor, NJ 08734

February 7, 2026 – Southern Reg Fishing Flea Market

The annual Southern Regional High School Fishing Club’s Fishing Flea Market is Saturday Feb 7th. There is raffles every half hour and a fishing seminar by Bayside Dave at 10am. The event is a fundraiser that helps offset the SRHS Fishing Club’s fishing trip costs.

  • Doors open: 8 AM – 2 PM
  • $4 Admission, Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult.
  • Address: Southern Regional Middle School Cafeteria – 75 Cedar Bridge Rd, Manahawkin, NJ 08050

February 14, 2026 – Surf Day

A Day Dedicated to the Surfcaster – The Jersey Shore Surfcasters annual event Surf Day is the original Surf Day. Don’t be mislead by the pop up impersonators. This is the best long running surf show there is! There’s seminars all day long from the Striper Coast’s top speakers as well as a packed house of plug builders and surf fishing tackle. We have the same booth space, in the main room on the left side as entering. Be on the look out for show specials on surf fishing essentials.

  • Doors open: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
  • $10 Admission, Veterans $5, Kids 14 & Under are FREE
  • Address: Brookdale Community College – 765 Newman Springs Rd., Lincroft, NJ 07758

February 25 – March 1, 2026 – AC Boat Show

The Atlantic City Boat Show is the regions largest boat show and we are heading back after a decade plus hiatus. We’ll have a small booth (#454) with the best catching tackle for 2026. We’ll also have show specials for spring outfitting.

On Thursday Feb 26 at 4:30PM I will be giving a Light Tackle Striped Bass Seminar on the proven tackle and techniques I use season in and season out.

For more info on the show: https://www.acboatshow.com/about

  • Booth #454
  • Address: Atlantic City Convention Center – 1 Convention Blvd., Atlantic City, NJ 08401

March 13–15, 2026 – NJ Saltwater Expo

The biggest and best Saltwater Fishing show in the East. The Saltwater Fishing Expo is the one can’t miss fishing show of the year! It’s a big show packed with fishing as well as giveaways and seminars. We doubled up our space last year and we’ll be back in the same booth this year with lots of great new fishing tackle from Quantum and Shimano as well as all of the top products of 2025 and the best catchers of 2026.

  • Booth #401
  • Address: New Jersey Convention & Expo Center – 97 Sunfield Ave., Edison, NJ 08837

Why It’s Worth Stopping By

The winter fishing shows are something that makes the New Jersey fishing scene special. It’s a great time to meet and network with the fishing community and see new things. Touch and feel out rather than clicking and swiping. The shows are an awesome time to check out new tackle and score pre-season pricing.

  • No shipping delays
  • No guessing — see it, touch it, compare it
  • Ask questions and talk fishing
  • Score preseason & clearance deals before spring

Whether you’re gearing up for spring striped bass, tackling tuna, reloading your surf bag or just expanding into an new fishery or technique, these fishing shows are where it happens.

See you at there!