Author: FishHead.Greg

Greg Cudnik is a Long Beach Island native with lifelong experience fishing and navigating the local waters. He is a distinguished Master Captain—the highest level of operator licensing—holding a U.S. Coast Guard Masters 50-Ton Near Coastal License with Towing Endorsement. Raised in and now managing his family’s bait and tackle business, Fisherman’s Headquarters (est. 1962, The Saltwater Fishing Bait & Tackle Experts), Greg is immersed in fishing on a daily basis. He is the Chief Contributor of FishingLBI.com, Long Beach Island’s leading fishing report blog, and serves as the administrator of Fisherman’s Headquarters’ social media channels on Instagram and Facebook, where he shares real-time fishing reports, conditions, and tactics. Be sure to follow along.

Jersey Coast Beach Access Issues

Last week I got word about a beach access issues in northern Ocean County. Beach access has been an ongoing issue for many years but this time it has “new roots”. Due to a native plant growth, there is new concerns and possibly action coming down the pike. What’s taking place could set precedence and eventually take root on Long Beach Island. Before we know it a full fledged campaign with big money backers and radical environmental groups could spark up and then life as we know it is gone.

Listen Up Any & All Jersey Surfcasters, Especially those who utilize 4×4 Beach Buggy Access!

Seabeach Amaranth is a native plant to New Jersey’s barrier island beaches. It is typically found on the upper beaches, dunes and in over wash areas. In 1993 the plant was listed as threatened under the US Endanger Species Act. NJ’s highest concentrations of plants are at Sandy Hook’s Gateway National Recreation Area. But recently more plants have been found on beaches of southern Monmouth and Ocean Counties. The plant, Seabeach Amaranth is now being talked about and possible action limiting 4×4 beach buggy access is a possibility.

Brick Beach 4×4 Access In Jeopardy

This whole controversy sparked with the state and feds pushing local municipalities, in this case Brick Township to restrict access and even cease beach buggy permits. Brick’s Mayor Ducey shared, “US Fish & Wildlife contacted us and said we had to eliminate beach buggy access.” Town council said, “No way! There has to be another way!” Township engineer got involved with suggestions and basically a settlement. What is sounds like is to keep the beach buggy access/ordinance there will be a limitation on dates, required signage, fenced off areas and also constant enforcement of any violations by police. Ducey and town council did not want to make any changes to the beach buggy ordinance but was forced to give concessions to the federal government in order to keep 4×4 access. Mayor Ducey said, “The council agreed that the permit with the restrictions was better than eliminating it and that is why there is a new ordinance.”

For all that can please attend the Brick Town Council Meeting, at Municipal Hall on Chambers Bridge Road, Tuesday July 26th at 7pm. Show up to respectfully ensure the fisherman’s voice is heard to ensure fishing access in Brick Beach, the state of NJ and the entire Striper Coast!

Signage and fencing of the sensitive areas is the logical thing to do to ensure public awareness and access. Also it would be rational to provide an informational postcard when buying beach permits. But, cutting back 4×4 access from October 1st – April 30th to November 30 – March 15th is unacceptable! This cuts out the entire spring surf fishing season and the majority of the fall surf fishing season too. Also beach access must be protected and preserved by having thoughtfully worded ordinances. They must not be vague!

Mixed Up Finger Pointing At The Beach

The Brick Beach situation is the tip of the iceberg and what action the town takes, possibly pushing back fighting the state and feds will set precedence for the coastal municipalities of the Jersey Shore.

The state and feds are pointing fingers at anglers and their 4×4 beach buggies. But who is really to blame? Anglers are not fishing and driving in the high beach area and dunes. Those ones who should be taking the heat is all of those parties associated with the beach replenishment projects as well as beach maintenance!

Major Threats To Seabeach Amaranth

What are the major threats to Seabeach Amaranth?

  • Storms
  • Beach replenishment
  • Pedestrian traffic
  • 4×4 access
  • Beach Maintenance – Raking

All summer the Jersey Shore beaches are raked to keep the soft sand clean from seaweed and litter. This municipal raking at the foot of the dunes is the major threat to beach plants and it limits the natural widening of the dune. Also lifeguards and township public works vehicles daily drive the high beach line commonly at the foot of the dune to avoid beach goers. If Seabeach Amaranth was an issue on the areas of the beach where rakes and these vehicles travel daily why didn’t the alarm sound sometime in the 90’s. Why now?

This same area is where beach goers (pedestrian) use the beach and walk on at designated access points (most of which are fenced). This is also the exact same areas are where 4×4 beach buggies access and use the beach. The low and high dunes are and have always been closed off. Sensitive areas of beaches should be fenced off for public awareness.

Now we are basically left with two major threats; storms and beach replenishment.  We can’t stop storms so the elephant in the room is Beach Replenishments! And what a co-incidence another round is slates to repave our beaches very soon.

The whole Jersey Coast has been re-engineered and fortified with little regard for the environmental impacts to fisheries, flora and fauna.  When I was a kid, not many years ago, there were big pine trees on the dunes, lots of shrubs, vines and large grasses. There was once a living dune with strong and deep roots, as well as lots of animals. Now, even years after our “new dunes” don’t have a real foundation and just blow – wash away. The beaches were also built in such a way that the gentle slow slope profile natural to LBI was blatantly ignored. Due to this, any type of storm and mild erosion chews out the dunes and the event looks catastrophic and news worthy. This all plays into their job security and master plan of routine replenishment ruining the fishing, surfing and communities during and for a handful of years after.

So who’s really to blame?

Van Staal VS X2 Series Fishing Reels

The legendary saltwater spinning reel got a big update for its 30th birthday!  The Van Staal VS X2 Series reels are everything and MORE than their predecessors… Lighter, Smoother, Faster, More Waterproof and some new sizes and options!

Buy Now: Van Staal VS X2 Series Bailess Models: 100, 150/151, 200/201, 250, 300.

Buy Now: Van Staal VS X2 Series Bailed Models: 50, 150, 200.

Van Staal VS X2 Series Features

The next generation Van Staal VS X2 Series still has the same great aircraft grade aluminum construction, solid titanium main shaft (slightly thicker for less flex and more strength) as well as the same proven ultimate internals; same stainless steel spiral-bevel gears, seals, bearings  and patented waterproof sealed drag system.

Van Staal VS X2 is available in silver or black (very limited run of gold 200's) and in sizes 50-300 with lefty versions in the 151 and 201 sizes as well as full bail models in the 50, 150, 200 sizes.
Van Staal VS X2 is available in silver or black (there’s a very limited run of gold 200’s) and in sizes 50-300 with lefty versions in the 151 and 201 sizes as well as full bail models in the 50, 150, 200 sizes.

The Van Staal VS X2 Series Reels now have a one piece “unibody” (which is stronger and more waterproof) and a redesigned rotor, anti reverse clutch assembly and modern skirted spool. The VS X2 Series now comes with the VS Power Grip Drag Knob and Power Grip Handle Knob as well as a new redesigned (offset for comfort) extended (for more power) handle arm and extended reel foot.* These four features eliminate the need for aftermarket upgrades.

*The extended reel foot provides more distance from the rod to the rotor’s line roller, eliminating knuckle busting and helping when fishing with gloves.

The Van Staal Power Grip Handle Knob with extended handle arm, Power Grip Drag Knob and extended reel foot are all included with the VS X2 series.
The Van Staal Power Grip Handle Knob with extended handle arm, Power Grip Drag Knob and extended reel foot are all included with the VS X2 series.

The redesigned rotor and clutch give the reel a very noticeable no-play feel in your hand and also it stands out when fishing. The rigid rotor has no flex or backplay because the infinite anti-reverse clutch and pinion are together (now under the rotor), offering incredible hook set power.

Another major difference is in feel when reeling the VSX-2 Series. Traditionally sealed reels with hard stainless gearing felt rough and would take years to wear in. Not the Van Staal VS X2 reels!  They feel “worn in” and smooth as butter right out of the box. With regards to gearing the 100’ and 300’s were made quicker but the 150/200/250 were kept at the traditional gear ratio and line retrieval rates that anglers have fallen in love with. 

Van Staal VS X2 Stand Out Additions

  • The all new VSB50 X2 (bailed only) weighs in at the 12oz, offers 35” per turn and 25# of drag, holding 360 yds of 20# braid this size is a game changer! Finally a small reel that will stand up to hard fishing. It’s possibly the ultimate inshore reel that will be perfect for light tackle surf plugging and kayak fishing. We are looking forward to tog fishing with this!
  • The VS100 X2 (bailless only) weighs in at 13.8oz, offers 33.5” per turn (Now As Fast As The 200 – the 100 used to be at 27 IPT it used to be at 27IPT) and 30# of drag, holding 460 yds of 20# braid. This is the smallest bailess reel and another compact workhouse that’s ready to battle and defeat big fish in the salt and sand!
  • The 150 and 200 sizes are available in bailless and full bail styles *** as well as FINALLY TRUE LEFTY MODELS, 151 and 201! 
    • The 150 weighs 14oz, offers 30” per turn, 30# of drag, holds 440 yds of 30#
    • The 200 weighs 24.1oz, offers 33.5” per turn, 42# of drag, holds 500yds of 40#
  • The 250 (bailless only) weighs 24.9oz, offers 36.5” per turn, 42# of drag, holding 600 yds of 50# braid. The VS250 is a great reel for using on a 10’6”-11’ surf plugging rod to fish bucktail jigs and large surf lures.
  • It’s back and redesigned faster – The 300 (bailless only) weighs 27oz, offers 50” per turn, 42# of drag, holding almost 500yds of 80# braid. This is the reel for anglers needing quick line retrieval. Perfect for fishing the Canal to Cabo! Either big roosters or big bass, the 300 perfectly matches up with a 11’-12’+ rod that will be used for long casts to big fish in fast moving water.
  • Yes the 275 reel is gone.

***Due to their modular design, the rotors on 150 & 200’s can be swapped (to fish either bail-less or bailed). By removing four screws, the rotor can be switched in less than five minutes.

On the full bail models (VSB50 / VSB150 / VSB200) Van Staal improved for a much more positive functioning bail and kept the same great line roller assembly; a double bearing, solid titanium nitri-coated gold line roller. Super hard, super strong and super durable!

Two other new highlights that pass under most radars… For smoothness and also long term durability, titanium rails were added where the traverse guide oscillates on the inside of the body. The classic roll pin found on the main shaft where the spool’s hub would sit was replaced with a solid stainless pin. No more rusty roll pins!

The Van Staal VS X2 Series reels now have the clutch underneath the rotor for ultimate performance.
The Van Staal VS X2 Series reels now have the clutch underneath the rotor for ultimate performance. Also shown in this photo; titanium main shaft, new solid stainless roll pink, updated rotor design and the classic line roller.

Van Staal VS X2 Series Spec Chart

The chart below details the Van Staal VS X2’s specifications and performance particulars. 

Van Staal VS X2 Series Availability

Estimated Availability: 150, 200, 250, 300 reels are all expected at the end of August/September. The VSB50 and VS100 will be in November. 

To celebrate Van Staal’s 30th anniversary, a commemorative Van Staal VS200 GOLD reel will be coming but on an extremely limited basis in November. There are only 499 being made and these commemorative reels will be officially numbered. Fish it or collect it.  Retail $999.99

CLOSING

Van Staal has and always will own the surf with its “No Limitations” ultra durable fishing reels. These tremendous improvements have been in the works for a number of years and were heavily tested and proven. We are excited to finally share the VSX-2 Series to you and welcome the next 30 years of Van Staal!

Fred at Comanche Surfcasting caught this striped bass while field testing the new Van Staal VS X2 Series reels.
This photo was sent in by Fred with the Comanche Surfcasters. He caught this monster striped bass while field testing the new Van Staal VS X2 Series reels.

LBI Fishing Report 7/20/22

In the recent days and weeks, fishing has been good but variable and very dependent on the water temperature rollercoaster. For far this July, we’ve had beautiful nearshore waters but also a number of upwelling events. Some more radical than others. The most recent southerly blow on Monday left a 2-4′ SE swell in the water but it also pushed off the surface waters. When this occurs the bottom (cold) waters from further off of the beach upwell and stretch out along the surf. This chilly water can shit down the surf fishing, as well as have a major effect on the inlet and bay fishing especially during incoming tide stages.

Here’s my latest video fishing report video post…

Fluke fishing reports from the surf have been good but the number of keepers has been few. Most fish are in the 12-15″ range. But there are some keeper fish being caught. Here’s a double header the Steve from Night Strikes Guide Service recently shared.

The fishing musician Rick stopped in the shop yesterday and shared that he is catching fluke off of the beach. He said, “I’m catching 4-5-6 fluke a day using White Gulp on the mid-island surf. I’m slow drag with just a weight and a teaser tipped with Gulp.” Rick was even catching on Tuesday with the swell and cold water. “I’m am catching few keepers but having a lot of fun enjoying the weather on the beach in the surf.” Isn’t that what summer is all about. Get out there and have some fun in the sun and sand.

Kingfish reports from the surf have been steady. Not epic fishing but anglers are catching using both live bloods and Fish Bites. We’ve found when the water is warm fish Bites are much more effective than when cold. In the chilly water live bloods excel. It’s also a great idea to fish both at the same time. First rig up and bait the hooks with small 1″ piece of Fish Bites and then tip off with a piece of live blood worm. You get the best of both worlds; the sent and natural pheromones (which also Dyna Bait freeze dried bloodworms offer) of live bloods and the durability (stays on the hook) of Fish Bites.

Fluke fishing in the bay remains strong, especially when the tide and water temps align. Fluke fishing on the reefs and wrecks has been somewhat spotty. One day is good and then next is dead.

Other species here to target; blues, triggerfish, sheepshead, weakfish, blowfish.

Mid-shore fishing has been offering up tuna, mahi and a few cobia, wahoo, king mackerel among other summertime pelagics

LBI Fishing Report 7/10/22

The local water temperatures have rebounded nicely from the chilly upwell. The warmer temps came a more active bite. Fishing activity has been good in recent days, around the weather and even in the weather. Here’s the Fishing LBI Weekend Report Update for Sunday July 10th.

LBI Surf Fishing Report

The LBI the surf temp is in the mid to low 60’s

On the surf anglers are catching both fluke and kingfish. Reports are most active in the mid island and north end surf. There’s gotta be action on the south end too. We just haven’t heard them.

Most of the fluke are shorts or slots but there are a few larger fish on occasion. Some fluke are spitting up sand eels in the wash. We’ve got reports of this from a couple anglers on the beaches of LBI and to our north on IBSP.

This photo was sent in by Dave Minnick. He was catching fluke that were spitting up sand eels! Dave had no keepers but active fishing.

The kingfish made a good showing the past couple of days. As always live bloodworms are best but Fish Bites, Dynabait Freeze Dried Bloodworms and Gulp all work too.

Sharks and rays are also cruising the surf and eating baits.

Local Baits

Summetime baits are moving around and game fish are eating! Spearing, peanut bunker, some mullet as well as some micro bait is scattered about in the bay. Schoolie striped bass are slapping and gorging them in the early and late parts of the day. Focus around golden hour from best results. Store staffers Grey and Jack had a blast yesterday catching bass on light tackle top water.

Sheepshead and triggerfish are here in good numbers!

Fluke fishing is good in the bay, inlet and surf.

Crabbing and clamming offers great family fun.

The yellowfin and bluefin tuna popped up and chewed strong the past few days. Lots of good catch reports from 15-50 mile range, in the usually hot spots. Few kingfish (king mackerel) and cobia reports inshore too. These should only get more consistent as summer progresses.

LBI Fishing Report July 6, 2022

Anglers fishing in and around the waters of Long Beach Island have a variety of species to target. For the most part summer flounder are in the spot light but there’s a variety of other species that offer good fishing opportunities… Sea Bass, Sheepshead, Triggerfish, Weakfish, Kingfish, Striped Bass, Bluefish, Blowfish, +. Here’s the LBI Fishing Report Update for Wednesday July 6, 2022.

The most asked question is, “What’s biting on the Long Beach Island Surf?”

Recently catches are mostly made up of fluke and kingfish. There are some sharks and rays cruising the bars. We had a nice striped bass reported by Walter Horner.

If hitting the surf there’s a decision to make… either heavier rod to chunk via bait and weight-wait or lighter outfit to actively fish via cast and retrieve. If chunking, bunker, mackerel and/or clam would be the baits of choice rigged up on a single hook slide rig, hi/o or half bass rig. If going the lighter way use a small hook hi/lo rig with live bloodworms, Fish Bites Bag O’Worms or DynaBait Freeze Dried Bloodworms for kingfish. For fluke a hi/lo rigged doubled up with 3-4-5″ Gulp or a jig and teaser (baited with Gulp) will catch them.

Right now there is some seasonably chilly surf temperatures (low 60’s) due to a minor upwelling event. Some beaches on the island are warmer (mid 60’s) and some colder (in the mid to upper 50’s). Finding warmer water will offer better results with more active bites. I’ve found that while Fish Bites are incredible live and freeze dried worms out fish during the colder water slow day bites.

Fluke fishing is good in the bay, inlet and ocean sites. Not everyday, all day is it on but some days and times offer quality fishing. There’s still some quality fluke in the bayside waters. Ryan Warford caught this one on July 4th.

In the past week or so reports of ocean fluke fishing were good. Reports from some of the reefs have been good. There’s alos some nice sea bass to be caught.

The current Black Sea Bass regulation (July 1 – August 31) is 2 Fish At 13″.

Anglers in the know who are focusing and doing the work are catching beautiful sheepshead. Fiddlers, sand fleas and blue crabs are the best baits. Triggerfish are also here.

Here’s a link to my last video report. It’s a short one, but stay tuned and I’ll have up a more detailed report in the near future.

Offshore Fishing Report

Some yellowfin and bluefin reports popped up over the past week. A few reports from the mid-shore grounds and others from far offshore. A couple customers in the show reported a few bluefin in the area of the Barnegat Ridge. A couple reports from the AP which usually by this time of year is on fire. We heard about some action that popped up for a couple days in the area of the Bacardi and Texas Tower. There has also been some large bluefin only a few miles off the beach.

Store staffer Frezza got into some good fun deep drop fishing for tiles. Here’s a good size blue-line tilefish he caught on a recent trip.

Mako shark fishing is closed!

Effective July 5, 2022 – No shortfin mako sharks may be landed or retained in any U.S. Atlantic highly migratory species (HMS) fishery until further notice. This zero retention limit of zero in the commercial and recreational Atlantic HMS fisheries is consistent with the management measure adopted in 2021 by the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT) recommendation. For more information on mako sharks, their biology and management check out this recent blog post.

LBI Fishing Report June 23, 2022

It’s officially summer and the fishing here on Long Beach Island is good. Daily anglers are catching fluke and blues. This action is taking place on the surf, in the bay and the inlet. Talk at the shop today was some good action the past couple of days in the bay and also the ocean fluke bite is beginning to materialize. There’s still a surprisingly good showing of striped bass and the weakfish are around too!

Today (Thursday) store staffer Jared got a nice weakfish off the jetty. Checking back on the recent reports we have shared a number of other weakfish catches. Triggerfish are around and we expect them to become more abundance in the coming weeks. Let’s go fishing!!!

LBI Fishing Report June 17

Sorry for the late post. I forgot to hit the publish button.

Here in mid June, we are waning off of June full moon (better known as the Strawberry moon but) called the “Hot Moon” by some native American tribes because of the beginning of the hot summer heat. The official start to the summer season kicks off June 21st, but we are already seeing the transition here in the waters of Long Beach Island. With the summer heat comes warming water temperatures and the summertime fisheries on Long Beach Island. Here’s the LBI Fishing Report Update for June 17, 2022.

Recent strong showing of bluefish ranging from 2-10# in the bay, inlet and surf. Weakfish show promise of potentially another good year. Last year was my best weakfishing in a decade. Striped bass are still here but the great spring run has faded out on the surf with the majority of sizable ones moving on with their migration. Fluke fishing is prime time! Fluke fishing in the bay, inlet and surf has been good. At times weedy conditions can be challenging. Sharks and rays are showing up and will become more abundance of the next few weeks. Expect kingfish (surf) and blowfish (bay) reports to pop back up too.

Friday we have a lingering 2-3′ easterly swell with southwesterlies swinging more westerly as the day progresses. Breezy northwesterlies will be in store for the weekend. Be prepared with The Best Bug Spray – Captain Ron’s. The winds are up for a few days but generally speaking this is the time of year where the weather systems break down and Lake Atlantic conditions prevail. Fingers are crossed for some board duration fair weather to allow everyone to get offshore and into the summertime tuna fishing.

The crew at fish heads has been fishing hard and having a hella good time catching. Store staffer Tyler got into the tiderunners this week. He caught four fishing the Jetty using Gulp 5″ Pink Shine Grubs. Store staffer Frezza reports good fishing the past couple of weeks in the channels and shallow water areas in his neck of the woods (Tuckerton). Store staffer Jack got into some good fishing with bucktails, both striped bass and fluke! Store staffer Jared has been catching the fluke good too. Below is a recent limit catch of his from the Barnegat Inet Jetty.

Strong fluke reports from boat and land based anglers. One report came in from Mike Hovan who shared, “Fluke action was great. Got two keepers at 18.25″ and 17.75 and also caught six or seven straight at one point using Gulp 4″ swimming mullet baits. Bite was best the first hour after high tide. The water was warm and crystal clear. I saw two triggerfish cruising the lip and a cow nose ray so we are quickly entering into the summer fishery.”

Simply Bassing ends on June 26th – Here’s the current leader board.

Fluke-A-Mania coming up on June 25th

JCAA Heavy Hitters Fluke Tournament is coming up on 8/4-8/7. More details coming soon.

Finding Fish On The Surf

This is outline in which I used to prepare and present a short seminar of the LBI surf with the American Anglers Fishing Club in Saturday April 30, 2022. Hopefully you attended because the attendee questions were really good and the topics discussed got deep fast.

Do you have a problem finding fish on a regular basis? Would you like to better find fish? I promise after our this short talk we will cover some important topics that will help you better understand a proper approach to fishing the surf.

When thinking about fishing always be prepared. The wise man once said, “Fish are caught the day before.” Sharpies gear up and prepare ahead of time so they are on point to maximize their time fishing effectively.

Deciding where to go can be the most challenging and debatable the most important part. It’s a fact… the best anglers can not catch a fish that is not present. For this reason it’s important that we fish where we think fish will be. Very simple concept right? Anglers must consider what fish prefer and need.

This is mainly based with a thinking around striped bass but many of the ideas can be used for other species too. Essentially fish have to swim to eat and eat to swim so they can follow preferred water temperature on their migration, eat, digest, grow, swim against tide/current. Fish can’t swim without energy and can’t get energy without feeding.

Daily Factors To Consider

Environmental factors that are part of the equation

  • Water temperature
  • Water movements: TIDE vs Current, longshore drift (sweep, water moving parallel to the beach)
  • Water clarity: turbidity, tint, weedy
  • Waves: direction, size, period/spacing, surge
  • Weather & Wind – barometric pressure, wind speed and direction, sunny, cloud cover
  • Sunlight & Time of Day – dark, golden hours am/pm, high noon
  • Season & Historic Trends – Month, Lunar Cycle, Moon Phase

Reading The Beach

When reading the beach, the beach profile is the first things you should consider.

From the dunes look east (at the water). How does the water look? Can you identify anything? What does the beach at the water’s edge look like?

Look north and south (up or down the beach). Can you identify points and coves, high and low areas?

Can you see the shallow waters of the sandbars where the waves are breaking? Can you see the deeper, darker colored waters? Watch the water’s movements and look for the surge in and out. Find the rips and tailing currents. You want to fish these seams. The cuts, the troughs and the bowl like holes. Fish use these features as an avenue to cruise the surf, moving in and out and to hunt.

For more on reading the beach go to 07:00 minute mark of the video.

Structure

Structure is very important to fish and anglers! Pay attention to both hard structure and soft structure.

  • Soft Structure: sand bars, cuts, sloughs, slender vs wide, inside/outer bar, long shore sections. These features were just detailed briefly in the text above and in more detail in the video. They are very important especially here on the LBI surf.

Remember soft structure moves as the beaches change! Storm erosion events can alter in a short term way. Also littoral drift, longshore sediment transport, is a phenomenon that surf anglers need to keep track of. Here on LBI we are a unique area, one of NJ’s nodal zone is approximately Barnegat Light to Brant Beach area. LBI face slightly south and gets a lot of south winds and south swells but the historic pattern is sand moves north to south against the wind and swell. There were extensive oceanographic studies you can look up for more details on this; BUMPUS, 1965 and then HALSEY, 1968). Extreme shoaling in Beach Haven Inlet is a great current event example of the Island’s sand moving south. Also look at the chewed out areas on the down current side of jetties or other hard structure on LBI.

  • Hard Structure: jetty or groin, rock pile, an outflow pipe, pier, bulkhead, dock, etc. These features are permanent and both refuge and have fouling.

Where are the sections of the water and where are the ins and outs? Anglers must fish the water that is available to them.

Scouting For Potential – Spots & Life

Scouting “pre-fishing” is just as important as actually fishing. This research and planning can be done with your boots in the sand or via 4×4 and a good portion can also be done from the comforts of your home. It’s also helpful to network with friends and/or a club. Letting others do the dirty work will help you save time which is valuable because no you can dedicate more time to fishing.

But nothing is better than your own reconnaissance. Those who fish a lot can cover more ground and see more things, all the while staying up to date and in the loop with the evolving situations and more over adapting their strategies on the fly along the way.

  • What bait is present? Are bunker, mullet running? Do you see mole crabs or calico crabs shells in the high tide line?
  • What birds are present? small birds (turns, gulls), large birds (gannets, pelicans)
  • What fish are present?
  • Where are the gill netters or the rec. fleet targeting and catching?

Conclusion

Now that we have reviewed and discussed these topics, we haven’t talked about or touched upon what baits, rigs, lures to think about using. That is a whole ‘nother can of worms. No pun intended.

I am Capt. Greg Cudnik from Fishermans Headquarters. I invite you to stop by and come shop with us.

I’m happy to have shared with you. Hopefully this was valuable and helps you catch more fish. I tried to sparked your interest in a variety of topics and maybe you have some questions? If so stop in the shop and let’s talk fishing.

LBI Fishing Report 6/7/22

Things have been strong in the LBI fishing arena with a variety of species for both beach and boat anglers. The past week there was an influx of bluefish which made for drag pulling excitement. Also some of the spring’s largest striped bass were caught and released (due to the new regulations). Anglers fishing bunker on the surf have caught striped bass and bluefish among incidentals; dogfish, skates, brown sharks. Anglers fishing clam on the surf have caught striped bass and some size-able black drum. Sea bass fishing at the mid-shore and offshore wreck sites has been productive. Fluke fishing has been good but not great for most. We are hoping that improved this month. Offshore fishing is firing up with reports of yellowfin, bluefin, big eye, tilefish among others starting.

Long Beach Island Surf Fishing Report

Recent Weigh In – Glenn Curtis caught a 17.86# 37-7/8″ striped bass off the LBI surf. He was fishing bunker and clam on the north end surf. His catch came on bunker fished short, close to the beach.

Another great report came in from Jim Crane who caught a brown shark, two blues, a big black drum and a big striped bass. Lots of other striped bass and bluefish were reported the past few days.

Upcoming Fluke Fishing Tournaments

The 26th Anniversary JCAA Fluke Tournament is this Saturday, June 11th. Join in because there’s a lot to win!!!… $50,000, A Boat/Motor/Trailer, Thousands is Region & Door Prizes! Enter the doormat fluke category for $25 and if you catch the largest fluke over 12 lbs. you will win $50,000. There is also a $1200 cash prize for the largest fluke caught in each of our 7 regions. The cash prizes are guaranteed regardless of the number of entrants. There are 1st to 7th prizes for each region so just about everyone may win a prize. The awards ceremony will be at Resorts Casino in AC with registration beginning at around 5 PM on 6/17/22. For complete details go to www.jcaa.org

Fluke-A-Mania – Saturday June 24, 2022

The 7th Annual Fluke-A-Mania Fluke Fishing Tournament hosted by the Beach Haven Marline & Tuna club is quickly approaching. Register now or at the Captain’s Meeting on Friday, June 24 from 5PM – 9PM. For more info… https://www.flukeamania.com/