The Summer Flounder or Fluke fishing has been getting better the past few weeks in terms of keepers. We are averaging 25 to 40 fish per trip with 2 to 4 keepers making it home for the table. This past week we had 13 year old catch his 1st ever keeper Fluke at 24.5 pounds just shy of 6 pounds. There are some other species around as Bluefish and schoolie Striped Bass can be caught on the tide changes. Since installing the Minn Kota trolling motor, it has opened us up to fishing in all types of weather (except T-storms/lightning) – as Friday’s trip had winds close to 25 knots and we still we’re able to put 3 keepers to 23 inches in the boat.

Currently, we are booking bay/inlet charters and won’t start running the Ocean Fluke charters until the water warms enough for productive catching. I have limited openings each week as I’m running two trips per day until September 5th. We are on the water full-time everyday, so call or text to join us.

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.

It’s been busy each weekend where we have been running 2 trips per day. We ran 4 charters over the Memorial Day weekend working the bay and inlet for Striped Bass, Bluefish, and Fluke. The bay Fluke trips had numbers close to the 20’s with up to 2 keepers boxed at 20 inches. Our bay and inlet Striped Bass and Bluefish trips have been catching cooperative Striped Bass to 24 inches and releasing Bluefish to 17 pounds on light tackle. Sea Bass fishing has been off the hook with our trips getting limits within the time frame and all bites have been on FHQ clams.

In our latest trip this past Tuesday, I had Jerald Gilbert and his wife Kerrie from Scranton, PA on a 6hr Bay/Inlet multi species trip. We started working the inlet area with bucktails tipped with white grubs and the duo released a bunch of Bluefish to 3 pounds. Jerry got into some action with the fly rod with a Deceiver fly. We move to another area and worked it with both fresh bait and artificials to release some Striped Bass and more Bluefish. We moved to the backwaters to release over 25 Fluke keeping 7 for table to 6 pounds. All of the keepers fell for the bucktails. We did find some structure around 9 feet that held some of the keepers – thanks to the Humminbird SOLIX. A great job by both anglers for working hard with heavy south winds and rain! #BarnegatBaySlam #MinnKotaNation

I have a few Sundays left in June, and after June 21st we run 7 days a week until the start of the school year after Labor Day when it’s back to weekday afternoons and weekends. 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

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

This Fall has been very tough from beach out to the 3 mile line.  The jetty has also been very tough which pretty much zero Striper life – most of the action has been from trolling.  Of course, there have been anglers playing catch-n-release with them outside the line, but the USCG has been on them – flying daily to spot anglers fishing for Stripers beyond the 3 mile mark.

Here’s the rundown from some of our most recent charters (most recent 1st):

Yesterday, I had return clients Doug Wainwright, his sons Doug Jr. and John on a 5hr Striped Bass charter. We started working the same area as the previous trip, but the fish were much slower on the bite. We had to grind it out and were finally rewarded with a 27inch and 36inch Striper. The guys went 2 for 3 before the conditions got a little too sporty with building seas. The waves were 4 to 5 feet with 3-4 seconds between waves. A tough day, but we boated a couple.

Over the weekend, I had return clients Mike Pollina, John Lucas, and John Krause on a 5hr Striped Bass charter. We started working some areas that we had fish the trip prior, but after an hour without a touch – we moved. The move paid off as the trio went 7 for 10 on Striped Bass 36 to 42 inches. Great job by the guys!

Earlier in the week, I had return client Rich Sanborn and his son Ryan on a pre-Thanksgiving charter. We worked with another charter captain Mikey Villanova and got right on the fish as we got got a late start. The father and son duo ended going 8 for 11 with Striped Bass up to 38 inches. They kept 4 Stripers, including a 25-inch SBBP tagged bass and released the rest which averaged 32-34 inches. We worked close to the beach for the last few hours of trip to find some of the tag Bass, but unfortunately only had a few bites from Bluefish on live Spot. The guys had a great time and all of the Stripers were caught on the Mojo’s and Bunker Spoons.

We had a relatively tough week as the Striped Bass bite has been very spotty. You have to put your time in trolling as there hasn’t been the usually jetty bite or jig bite that we typically get. We worked areas as far north as the Axel Carlson, and we had some Tog but most were in the 14 to 14.5 inch range. Mike Pollina’s charter scored a solid 25 pound bass, and then we finished the trip Tog fishing which Mike brought up a nice 8 to 9 pound Lobster which let go as it hit the surface. Another charter had short Tog and Striped Bass to 22 inches caught on the jig. We trolled for 3 hours without a touch, it seems the morning trips have had more action as they have been shutting down in the afternoon. It can only get better!

I do have a few dates remaining as I plan on running charter for the rest of the month as long as the weather and fish stay good!

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, live spot (20-30 per charter), 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

We are back in full swing with a brand new re-power, in addition to our Minn Kota trolling motor – so it’s been game on for Striped Bass followed by some time togging.  The weather has been brutal and it looks like we are finally getting some colder, more typical Fall-like which should ignite the local bite.  It’s been mostly a troll bite, and most of the water at the inlet has been plain “yucky”.  I have a few limited openings for the rest of November (11/17 12-5pm; 11/20 12-5pm, 11/26 12-5pm;), but some weekends available for December Striped Bass until the bass move on.

Here was this week’s past run-down:

Early in the week I had return clients Dave Kashak, his son Chase, Jaime Scattoh and his son Max on a 5hr Striped Bass charter. It was a tough day, we had to grind quite a few areas. We worked the areas around the inlet, but it was a little sporty for the boys and then tried a few close snags for Blackfish. Unfortunately we couldn’t get a bite due to dirty water. We headed in the backwaters and found some cooperative Stripers which we ended up keeping one tagged 24 inches. The crew ended with 10 Stripers all on live bait.

Next up was return clients Doug Wainwright, Tim W., and Charles F. on a 5hr Striped Bass charter. We worked some areas along the inlet and boated a few Dogfish and one 24-inch tagged Striped Bass. With the tide dying out, we attempted a few close areas for Blackfish, but we were again plagued by turbid water. We moved further in the backwaters and the crew managed 8 more short Striped Bass. The guys did have a blast catching them on light-tackle. Again, it was another grind!!

Towards the end of the week, I had return clients Mike Galindo and his two boys Mason and Bennet on a 5hr charter. We made a quick stop at near the Lighthouse but had ripping tides, so we opted to head on the troll early as I received a few phone calls. We trolled for the next 3 hours, and finally were rewarded with a 20 pound Striper than Mason reeled in. With the bass on board and limited time left, the crew opted to end with Tog. We hit a couple of snags to catch a quick 4-man limit and Mike caught his personal best at 7.5 pounds. The Minn Kota trolling motor operated flawlessly allowing us to quickly move in 5 foot lengths on the snag. 

With a quick turn-n-burn, and took my son for an hour Tog trip using the Minn Kota trolling motor to spot-lock us on one snag. He had 5 fish before I could drop my rig in the water, and recorded his 10yr old personal best a solid 5 pound Tog. We ended with 14 fish released and had our limit on a 5 and 6 pounder in less than 1 hour. Luke did amazing for his first Togging trip!!

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, live spot (20-30 per charter), 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

Trust me – I’m chomping at the bit to get back to what I love to do – FISHING!! We have been waiting for the new 250HP repower, but due to some shipping issues with the manufacturer it’s taking longer than expected. I’m hearing that the new engine should be installed and back in the water before Halloween. I have been dying to try out the new MINN KOTA trolling motor (video below) as I will most likely start running Sea Bass and Blackfish trips – may start this season but I have to get my feet wet with the new trolling motor.

Most of my morning Striped Bass trips are booked, but I do have the following dates remaining. Early December is still open and we may stay in for Blackfish. The following time slots available for Striped Bass: 11/4 afternoon, 11/5 afternoon, 11/6 afternoon, 11/7 afternoon, 11/8 afternoon, 11/9 afternoon, 11/11 afternoon, 11/16 morning, 11/17 afternoon, 11/18 afternoon, Thanksgiving morning – 6-10am, 11/24 afternoon), 11/26 afternoon, 11/28 afternoon, 11/30 afternoon.

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, live spot (20-30 per charter), 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

We had some rough weather last week and the bay has still been dirty which makes targeting Fluke in the inlet a little challenging.  We haven’t been inshore due to the sea conditions, but I have a few trips booked the last day. Barnegat Bay does have a decent amount of Blowfish right now, so they are definitely an option the rest of September.  We will be running afternoon trips during the week 230 to 630 for a variety of species (Bay/Inlet/Ocean), and have the ability to use our Striped Bass tags.

Potential September/October species: Striped Bass, Bluefish, Weakfish, Blowfish, False Albacore, Bonita, Spanish Mackerel, (Fluke closes on 9/22)

I’m hearing there are lots of False Albacore and some Bonita north around the Sandy Hook area, so we are primed to go for them in the next few weeks.  Just received a large order from Hogy lures!!

This past week I did have return client Bruce Connor of Illinois on an afternoon 4hr Bay charter and with limited options due to weather conditions, Bruce opted for backbay Blowfish. We went to our 1st spot through pea-soup thick fog and anchored up. Bruce started bailing Blowfish on the 1st drop and we never left the area. He also caught a few small Sea Bass, Dogfish, Fluke, and Bluefish, and kept 85 Blowfish that would be a real treat in Illinois. Awesome foggy afternoon on the water!

I am back to my teaching duties, but I’m still running weekends and  weekday afternoons from 230 to 630pm.  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

The bay fishing has been good in terms of action with catches over 70 fish for 4hrs, but in terms of keepers we are picking at them catching 1 to 3 fish per trip.  The Ocean is getting better, as I ran one ocean trip and a few scout trips with my family to put up to 4 keepers plus some nice Sea Bass in the boat in a few hours.  Unless seasickness is an issue, I would start recommend hitting the ocean as you have better chances of catching keepers.  I’m starting to see the characteristic bites of the Northern Puffer aka “Blowfish” on our artificial baits, it may be time to start targeting them for kids.

Here’s the rundown of the past few trips:

Early in the week, I had new client Dave Samuelson and his son James from upstate NY on a 4hr Bay & Inlet Fluke charter. It’s been a tough go of late in terms of finding keepers, but Dave landed a solid 19.5in Fluke on the 1st drop. The duo had to pick through 30 more shorts, before finding another 18.5 inch Fluke. All fish were landed on the bucktails tipped with natural bait.  In the afternoon, I had new clients Marc Schessel with his son-in-law Ted Dembowski and 7 year old grandson Nash. This trip was not so much about getting keepers, but putting Nash on some fish. We jigged bucktails in a variety of areas to catch over 40 fish with 1 keeper at 19.5in. Nash learned quickly and ended up catching 15 all by himself! Great job and he’s already looking forward to next year!

Next, I had our first ocean exploratory trip with return client Matt Windover and his father-in-law Steve Sims boxing a solid 6-plus pound flattie amongst over a dozen short Fluke, short Sea Bass, and Sea Robin. In the afternoon, I had Mark Centerione and two kids (Natalie & Mark) on a 4hour bay trip. It was very windy and made for challenging conditions, but the kids did great for their first ever Fluke charter and 9yr old Mark ended up putting a solid 20-inch Fluke in the box with over 15 caught for the trio.

With some actual down time on Saturday – I took Luke and my parents out to a few of my favorite wrecks to scout around – it wasn’t lights out, but we did put a few in the boat. Luke caught the 1st on the 1st drop, and we picked at short Fluke, short Sea Bass, and Ling. We boxed two keeper Fluke (21 in and 19in), 2 Sea Bass, and a Ling. It was an awesome day on the water, with a solid T-storm coming through the inlet!!

On Sunday, I had new clients Zeb DiVittorio of Texas, William Hibray, and Andy Weeks of New Jersey on a 4hr Bay/Inlet trip. We worked a variety of areas to find close to 20 shorts with 3 keepers as the crew was using bigger baits to put keepers in the box. All were jigging bucktails with natural bait.  In the afternoon, after Sunday’s morning charter I went with my wife Jen and son Luke to a few different snags. We ended up putting 4 keeper Fluke to 23.5 inches and 3 nice Sea Bass to 18 inches. Jen was happy as she caught her limit of Fluke and Sea Bass!

Monday, I had new client Lou Sigillo, his three kids (Emily, Matt, Johnny) and Emily’s boyfriend Billy Lowen of Beach Haven West. Lou wanted to learn a little about fishing the bay as they are new to fishing. We fished a few different areas and they ended releasing 71 Fluke, while boxing 3 keepers and Matt’s 1st ever Bluefish. All fish were caught on bucktails.

We have been busy to say the least, but it’s great being on the water!

We are 7 days a week (morning/afternoon). If interested in booking a charter, book our site (www.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