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Reel Reaction Charters – Fishing Report

It has been an absolute banner year for Fluke and now the ocean is really starting to heat up.  The ocean is definitely holding much better ratios of keepers to shorts and we like fishing a variety of structure to put them on the deck.  The Bay is still very active, but your approaching much higher amounts of short Fluke with ratios at 15-20 to 1.  I’m still waiting for the bay Blowfish bite to start as this makes for perfect trips for the little ones.  But right now, it’s all about quality Fluke in the ocean.  Reminder: We continue to run 7 days a week until September and we are now starting to book our Fall Striped Bass trips.

With an Ocean planned for this week, my wife Jennifer, Luke and I scouted out a couple of my choice areas.  With our 1st drift, Luke boated the first keeper at 18.5 inches. We scored keeper Fluke on the next few drifts to 6 pounds. We finished in the bay and boated two more keepers to 5 pounds. Jen was the high hook catching 5 out of our 7 keepers (18.5, 19, 19, 20, 23, 23, 24). Awesome day on the water with the family!! I think the Ocean is ready for charters!

Next, I had Mike Edwards, Tom Heisroth, and Neil Ringel on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. We concentrated our efforts just in and just outside the inlet. Even with outgoing tide conditions, the guys released close to 30 Fluke and had 3 keepers (18.5, 20, 21.5 inches). They worked the S&S BigEye bucktails tipped with natural bait. Great job!

During midweek, I had Dan Perlman, his wife Melissa, and their 3 boys (Aaron-age 12, Brody-age 10, and Elijah-age 7) on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. We worked some of the same areas as the day prior and had the same tidal conditions (outgoing). With all three boys new to bucktailing and saltwater Fluke fishing, they did a pretty good job catching 23 Fluke with two keepers (18, 19.5). There is nothing better than seeing kids catch fish!

I had Matt Windover of Philadelphia, PA and Charles Jack of Limerick, PA on a 5hr Ocean charter. We started working an area close to home and only had one keeper after multiple drifts. With little to no drift, we headed out to some a few deeper snags and it was “Game On”!  Matt and Charles boxed 9 keepers to 6.5 pounds. Charles caught his personal best at 26 inches and weighing 6.5 pounds.  It’s not everyday that you play catch and release on keepers for the last hour. Great day on the water!

I had return client Tom Dillon and his son Tommy on a 4hr Bay & Inlet charter. We worked some areas close to the inlet and the father-son team caught close to 40 Fluke with two keepers at 3.5 pounds (20in) and 5 pounds (23in). New Jersey Fish & Wildlife was doing surveying at Bobbie’s Boats in Barnegat Light (charter pickup/dropoff location) and weighed each fish as part of their survey.  All fish were caught on the S&S BigEye tipped with artificials.

If interested in booking a charter, book through the website (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

Reel Reaction Charters – Fishing Report

The recent rain and New Moon tides have definitely hampered the bite as of our most recent couple of trips, but we are still picking at keepers.  Some days it’s pretty decent quality, but you have to work for them and move around to find biting fish.  The fish are starting to move and I will start running Ocean Fluke charters very soon.  Reminder: We run 7 days a week until September.

Over the weekend, I had Tom Duralek of Manahawkin, his dad Tom Sr. of Toms River, and my father Mike Taylor on a morning Fluke trip.  This was a belated Father’s Day trip for both Dad’s and we got right on the fish.  We ended with 7 keeper Fluke, with the biggest being a 9 pounds which was caught on the S&S BigEye bucktail tipped with minnow.  The sizes were: 29.5, 24, 22, 21, 19, 18, 18. We landed well over 75 Fluke and enjoyed a great day on the water with a ton of laughs.

Later in the week, I had return clients Russ Johnson, Alan Gordon and his son Andrew on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. We started working some of the same areas as our last trip, but the bite was definitely off possibly due to the recent rains and slight change in salinity or New moon tides. We had to move around a lot to find feeding fish. The guys worked very hard to boat 30 Fluke with 2 keepers at 19 and 21 inches.

Next, I had return clients Peter AuBuchon of PA with his daughter Maria. We had tough conditions for a majority of the trip having wind against tide drifts. The tide was really ripping which made it tough for proper presentation of the jigs. But we worked hard and Pete and Maria jigged the S&S BigEyes to put 3 keepers (21, 18.5, 18) in the box. The tide was really ripping which made it tough for proper presentation of the jigs.  The father-daughter team did a great job in very challenging conditions.

I had new client Nick Grimshaw of Wayne, NJ and his father Alex of Fulton, NY on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. We worked a variety of areas, before finally finding a halfway decent bite of fish for 2 hours. We worked S&S BigEye bucktails over deeper bottoms to produce over 35 fish with 2 keepers at 18 inches each. The bite has definitely cooled off slightly of how it was last week, but it should regain with the lessening tidal current of the recent New Moon. Nice job and look forward to seeing the guys next year!

If interested in booking a charter, book through the website (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

Reel Reaction Charters – Fishing Report

I hate to bring attention to it, but the Barnegat Bay Fluke bite has been “flat-out amazing”.  We have been consistently catching over 40 Fluke per trip with keeper numbers ranging from 3 to 8 this past week.  I have been concentrating most of our efforts in shallow-water, but the fish are starting to move and I’m finding them in some of my honey holes.  Yes, there are Bluefish at the inlet, but with the Fluke bite this good – it is game on in the backwaters.  I will start running Ocean Fluke trips soon, but I’m not getting positive feedback and we will stay on the fish until the bite dies.

Here is this week’s rundown:

Amongst running charters almost everyday, I did a quick trip with my wife Jennifer and 9yr old son Luke  we caught over 20 Fluke with two nice keepers at 24 and 23 inches.  We only fished for about 2 hours, and it was non-stop action even in wind-against-tide conditions.

I had Eric Ebinger of Warrington, PA along with his son Chad and daughter Mackenzie on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. The trio wanted to concentrate their efforts on Fluke, so we opted out of the inlet Bluefish bite. We started working some shallow water areas at it was game on with the team boating over 45 Fluke with 7 keepers (24.5, 22, 21, 20, 19, 18.5, 18). Eric’s was the biggest at 24.5 inches, but a great job by all working the S&S Bigeye through the shallows.

Next, I had return clients Dan Unger of Ship Bottom, his son Danny, and Art Diebel of Jackson with his son Walter on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. With the Fluke bite pretty solid over the last few charters, we concentrated our efforts on the flatties. The crew caught and released over 40 Fluke, while keeping 5 solid ones for the table (24, 22, 21, 19, 18.5). We worked another shallow area with the white S&S BigEye bucktails – that’s what the keepers wanted!!

I had return client Mike Geddis and his two boys, Ethan and Nate, of Cream Ridge on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. We worked the same area, with the only difference being wind against tide conditions for the first hour or so. It didn’t matter in terms of numbers, as the trio still managed over 40 Fluke with 3 nice keepers (21.5, 19.5, 18). Great job by the boys!!

I had Juliann Jakeman of Waretown, her father Don Jakeman of Waretown, and her sister Dr. Allison Jakeman of Florida on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. Juliann and her sister booked the trip as a Father’s Day present, and Allison flew up specifically for the charter. We worked multiple areas in the bay and the trio had a ton of action catching and releasing over 50 Fluke, while keeping 8 for the table (23, 22.5, 22, 21, 19.5, 19, 18.5, 18). They did a great job and look forward to seeing them in November for Striped Bass!!

If interested in booking a charter, book through the website (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

Reel Reaction Charters – Fishing Report

The Full moon and strong winds definitely affected the fishing in the beginning of the week as the bites were not like the typical ones you get.  As the moon-tidal effect eased, the fish were on the bite and we did better each trip.  I used a variety of methods to get the groups on fish, including fishing in as little as 2 feet.  We had multiple trips where 5 to 6 pound fish inhaled bucktails in skinny water – you literally see them explode on the lure.  I will start running some Ocean Fluke charters very soon but the bay bite is still pretty hot.  Reminder: We have started running 7 days a week until September.  

On a personal fishing note, I was able to do some kayak fishing around dinner time with my wife, Jennifer, and 9yr old son Luke.  We fished a sheltered area and Luke had the hot hand jigging a solid 18.5 inch Fluke with a 3/4oz Bucktail for his first ever kayak-landed Fluke.

In the beginning of the week, I had return client Tom Clark and his daughter Alexis on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter.  With warmer bay temperatures, we opted to start at working the inlet-ocean for Bluefish.  With both father and daughter throwing artificials, they quickly hooked up on 2 to 5 pound Bluefish and we worked the area for a good hour.  With better conditions in the areas we have been fishing, we headed back with bucktails in hand to jig up some Fluke.  We worked a very shallow area to 3 feet and had close to 20 Fluke with 1 solid keeper to show.  The Full Moon definitely affected the bite as the Fluke were a little off.  Nice job by Tom and his daughter Alexis!

I had new client James Saskel of Morris County, his nephew Micheal Ferraro of Brooklyn, and his grandson Ryan Raugh of Georgia on a 4hr Bay/inlet charter. We started in the same area as the morning trip, but had the start of the outgoing. Our first drift produced 3 quick fish up to 17.5 inches, and then the South winds started cranking making it nearly impossible to drift the “fishy” stretch of water. We moved around and Ryan found a solid keeper at 19 inches. By this time we had to find a different area with strong 15-18 knot South winds and a dirty outgoing tide. We worked a stretch closer to the inlet for the remainder of the trip, and Michael boxed a fat, solid 22 inch Fluke followed by a few shorts close to 18-inches. Nice job by James, Michael, and Ryan for working the bucktails the entire trip in very challenging conditions.

Towards the end of the week, I had new client John Imbrogno with his 9yr old son Nicholas and father Sonny Imbrogno on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. Sonny never fished before and this was Nick’s second time, but they did a pretty good job at bucktailing Fluke. We worked some shallow areas as keepers have been found as low as 2.5 feet on our last few trips. It was the same on this trip as most of the keepers were boxed in the same depths. Nick had the high hook with 10 fish and 2 keepers (18.5, 22 inch) followed by Sonny’s (21 inch) and John’s (19 inch). The 3-generational crew did a great job boxing 4 keepers, while releasing close to 25 fish. It has been pretty neat to see keeper fish hitting the lures in the shallow water.

I had return client Matt Bailey with his son Jay, daughter Maddison, their friend Damionon a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter.  We worked a newer area today and had solid results with multiple quality fish caught on a bucktail tipped with straight minnow.  The trio boxed 11 keepers with the two biggest at close to 6 pounds (18, 18.5, 19, 19, 20, 21, 21.5, 22, 22, 23, 23.5).  We really hit a pile of fish and they were all in another shallow water spot as low as 2 feet.  Again, we saw fish hit the bucktails and a few times we had multiple keeper hookups.  An amazing job by the group and look forward to next year’s trip.

If interested in booking a charter, book through the website (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

Reel Reaction Charters – Fishing Report

More quality fish  – The action continues to be good to excellent with most trips catching 20 to 35 fish when the conditions are optimal.  We are still getting short to keeper ratios averaging about 10 to 1.  Some days there are alot more short Fluke biting, but that is most likely do to water temperatures.  We will start targeting Fluke outside in the coming weeks, but the bay remains the place to be.  Reminder: We have started running 7 days a week until September.  I was out almost everyday this past week, except when the wind has been blowing hard, so here’s our rundown:

I had Anthony Marino of Beach Haven West and his 13yr old son Anthony along with his daughter Briana on a 4hr Bay/Inlet trip. Anthony’s wife purchased the charter for his 45th birthday present, so we had some pressure to get keepers. We worked quite a few skinny-water areas to 3.5 feet in the backbay to boat some nice fish to 4.5 pounds. Young Anthony had the hot hand boating all three keepers with 2 being close to 23 inches and the third keeper at 19 inches. All three caught fish and worked the S&S Bucktails jig hard. They caught a bunch of fish just 1/2 inch shy of the keeper mark. With about an 45 minutes left in the trip, we checked some areas closer to the inlet with not much luck and the trio opted for a photo with the Barnegat Light commercial boats in the background. Nice job by the team and Happy Bday Anthony Sr!

Next, I had return client Doug Wainwright of Columbus, his son Doug, and younger son John on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter.  We worked alot of the same areas that we have been working with S&S Bigeye bucktails and Tsunami Flat Jigs.  The fish were a little finicky in terms of keepers, but the crew worked very hard for two keepers one at 21 inches and the other at 18.5.  Both fish were caught in very shallow water.  The wind kicked up towards the end of the trip and made for some tough wind against tide conditions.  The father-son team had a great time and kicked off their 4th of July with a couple Fluke in the box

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I had new client Steve O’Neil of Morris Plains along with his wife Katie and their two boys, Aidan and Keiran, on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter.  We had some lighter winds in the 1st hour of the trip, but then it kicked up out of the NE and made for some difficult drifts.  This was the family’s first Fluke fishing outing and I had the family bucktailing for Fluke.  They caught a respectable 30 fluke, with the boys catching 12 a piece.  Aidan caught a beautiful 5.5 pound Fluke that taped out at 23.5 inches.  Unfortunately, they could only muster 1 quality keeper amongst the 30 Fluke.

Finally I had new client Steve Balon and his wife Natalie on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter.  Steve has fished many offshore and inshore charters from Montauk to the Caribbean, but he wanted to try light tackle jigging.  We had light winds, sporadic drizzle, and good tide for a good portion of the trip.  The husband and wife team jigged S&S Bigeye bucktails to catch over 24 Fluke including 4 quality keepers that taped out at: 19, 19, 23.5, 24 inches.  Steve caught the biggest weighing over 6 pounds on the jig.  Natalie worked very hard for her first time bucktailing, but could only muster several at 17.5 inches.  Awesome job!

If interested in booking a charter, book through the website (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.  Like Us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ReelReactionSportfishing/

Capt. Brett Taylor ~ www.reelreactioncharters.com ~ Call or Text: 609-290-7709

Reel Reaction Sportfishing – Barnegat Bay & Inlet Fishing Report

The action has been very good with most trips catching 20 to 35 fish when the conditions are optimal.  The short to keeper ratios have ranged from 10 to 1 down to as low as 4 to 1.  Drift speed and drift angle has been the biggest factor, but when they are right – you can nail them.  We have been finding some of the keepers in very skinny water away from the crowds.  Reminder: We have started running 7 days a week until September.

In the beginning of the week, I had return client Tom McGough of Harrisburg, PA, his wife Kristen, Andy McGough of Philadelphia, and James McGough of Altoona on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. We started working one of the areas we worked the day prior and had steady action. With good tide and a solid bite, we stayed in two areas for a duration of the trip. The crew jigged 4 keeper Fluke to 21 inches and a lone 23 inch Bluefish. Nice job by the McGough family and I look forward to seeing them next year.

Next, I had Jacyn Kehr and his girlfriend Hannah Burger of Minnesota on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. We checked a couple of areas, but finally found a pretty good body of fish. The duo worked a very shallow area to produce 5 solid keepers (19, 21, 22, 22, 23.5 inches). The bigger fish were definitely on the feed today. All fish were caught on artificials and our new custom teasers. Nice job by both anglers and hope to see you next season.

I had Russ Johnson of Long Beach Island, Alan Gordon of Florida, and Peter Smith of NY on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. We had a little more wind then the day prior, but were able to get right on the fish. Russ struck first with a solid 19-inch on the first drift which was quickly boxed, followed by several shorts by Alan and Peter. We worked the same area hard and picked at fish with close to 30 Fluke being released. We lost 2 nice fish alongside the boat and it is so important to keep bigger fish below the surface.  With our next to last drift approaching, Russ nailed another solid 19.5 inch Fluke. Overall it was a solid day and the guys had a blast.

Thursday’s winds were tough making our drifts very quick.  I had return client Stan B. of Rahway and Michael Siessel of Princeton on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter.  We got out early due to the predicted winds and got right on the fish.  The guys worked hard jigging bucktails over some skinny waters.  About halfway through the trip, the forecasted winds arrived early and we had to contend with sustained 22kt winds and gusts to 30.  The guys worked hard to release 17 fish and boat one nice 20.5 inch keeper in ultra challenging drift conditions.  Great job in tough conditions.  My Friday charter was cancelled due to poor wind conditions, so we will be back at them as soon as the winds subside.

If interested in booking a charter, book through the website (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

Reel Reaction Sportfishing – Barnegat Bay & Inlet Fishing Report

It’s been a pretty busy since school ended, and I have been on the water almost everyday, except when it’s blowing 20 and over.  After some careful investigating, I changed some things up in our lures and it has paid off with some nice keepers in the last few trips.  I plan on running double trips on the days when the afternoon winds aren’t howling, so don’t hesitate to call.  Here was the past few days rundown:

I had an opportunity to fish with my son Luke and my father on a quick morning trip to check out some new areas.  We ended with over 20 Fluke and one keeper to 22 inches.

I had return client Tom Clark of Waretown, and his 11yr old daughter Alexis working a variety of areas with jigs to produce a decent number of Fluke. We had a steady bite at most of the areas we worked and Alexis nailed a nice 5 pound Fluke, along with two other keepers to 20 inches. Tom was a close second with a fish at 18in and 19in. We did catch a few that were about an 1/8in shy of making it into the box. A great day on the water, and nice job by Alexis for being the high hook of the day.

Next, I had new client Doug Wainwright of Columbus, NJ and his son Doug Jr. on a 4hr Bay/Inlet trip. The father and son team had to contend with a little more wind and different tidal conditions, but they worked hard at a variety of spots to put 3 quality keepers in the boat. Two of the fish measured close to 23 inches and weighed about 4.5 pounds. We deployed all tactics to slow down our drifts allowing the team to use light jigs to nail the Fluke. Nice job by the crew on working those rods the entire time. We thank and wish Doug Jr. the best of luck on entering the U.S. Marines Corps Officer Training this summer.

Finally, I had return client Dan Unger of Long Beach Island and his son Danny on a 4hr Bay & Inlet trip with Fluke as the target. We had a tough morning with some weather fronts that came through and it blew over 20 knots. We fished a couple of areas where the current wasn’t as strong and the father & son team nailed some Fluke with some close to the 18 inch mark. After working a few of the areas hard, the two ended up with two decent Fluke at 18.5 inches and 22 inches that fell for our “new” custom teaser. The last hour of the trip had us battling 20 knot winds, rain, and tide. Nice job in some challenging conditions.

If interested in booking a charter, book through the website (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

 

Reel Reaction Charters – Barnegat Bay Fishing Report

The action has been pretty good for the most part as far as bay Fluke fishing and I have started to work some of my spots.  The only factor has been the wind and remaining slime in the water.  On certain tides, the Fluke really have been cooperating with multiple fish per drift.  Reminder: We have started running 7 days a week until September.

With my job as a full-time school teacher officially ending for summer this past Thursday, I started running 7 days a week on Friday.  I had new client Philip Mack of New Hope, PA, his daughter Ali Mack of Abington, PA and her two 10yr boys Rogan and Eoghan on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. We worked hard fishing multiple spots through the periodic fog and drizzle. The twins wanted to go fishing for their birthday and they struck first catching 2 keepers (18, 19) on the same drift. Phil landed another at close at 19.5 inches. The crew had steady action for most of the trip jigging bucktails and boxing 3 for lunch/dinner.

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Next, I had new client Scott Loreaux of Manahawkin, NJ and his brother Jeff Loreaux of Duxbury, MA on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. The charter was purchased for Scott’s Birthday and the two did a decent job at fishing through short Fluke to find a couple of keepers. We fished several areas and a few areas produced much better results than the others. There was a lot of joking around between the brothers and I think they tied on the amount of fish caught, although Scott’s keeper was the biggest at 19.5 inches! Great job!

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I had Dave Caruso of upstate NY, his son Casey Caruso, Kyle Christian, and family friends Brian Gaw and Shannon Gamble of Colorado on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. The crew had very tough conditions with steady 20 knot winds plus some higher gusts and good tidal current, which made for “super-fast” drifts. You know it’s fast when power drifting with a wind sock doesn’t help. We worked incredibly hard today and pounded a ton of areas, but with the drift conditions the crew could only muster a few shorts and 1 nice keeper taping over 21 inches. With a wind sock and power drifting in a narrow area, Brian landed the keeper on a S&S Bigeye bucktail. Good job on a tough day!!

If interested in booking a charter, book through the website (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

Reel Reaction Sportfishing – Barnegat Bay Fishing Report 6/11/2017

The best bite of late has been Bluefish and Fluke, but there are still some smaller Striped Bass coming from spots close to the inlet.  Ocean Striped Bass has been tough for most as I’m hearing lots of hours trolling (20+ hours) without a touch.  Our most recent trips have focused on a combination of Bluefish and Fluke which gives anglers a taste of two different types of action.  I highly recommend Bay Fluking for the little ones as it is usually calmer waters and provide more action.  Reminder: We have started running 7 days a week until September.

In the beginning of the week, I had return client Mike Galindo, and his two sons Bennet and Mason on a 5hr Bay & Inlet charter for Striped Bass and Fluke. We started working the inlet area for Striped Bass, but could only muster Blackfish and Dogfish. With the Bass bite not happening, we resorted to working the backwaters for Fluke. The trio did an awesome job jigging over 30 Fluke with 3 keepers (18in, 18.5in, 19in). Mike was the top hook, and finally took it over the two boys. Sorry Mason and Bennet, had to put that in there! Great day on the water and look forward to seeing the crew on their next trip.

Next, I had return client Art Diebel and his son Bruce from Freehold, NJ on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter.  We started working the backwaters for Fluke and the father-son team caught a few at each spot, but they did not reach the 18in mark.  With the tide change, we switched to working the inlet area for Bluefish, and they both hooked up with Blues to 28-inches.  With their fill of Bluefish action, we headed back to a few more spots for Fluke.  On our literal last drift, Art nailed a fat, 6 pound Fluke that taped at 23.5 inches.  They did a good job fishing through tough slime conditions as almost every drop had the lures being fouled by the bay slime-algae.

Towards the end of the week, I had new client Dave Kaschak and his 9yr old son Chase from Hazelton, PA on an afternoon 4hr Bay trip.  The father and son were first timers in fishing for Fluke and they had to fight through some tough conditions with winds over 18 knots, full moon current, and algae-slime.  The beginning of the trip had better tide-water conditions and the crew nailed 2-3 shorts on each drift, and after several moves Chase nailed his 1st ever keeper Fluke at a solid 19 inches.  We continued to work different areas, but could only muster short fish.  The father and son team did a great job for their 1st time!

If interested in booking a charter, book through the website (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

Battle on the Beach – Local High School Surf Fishing Competition

The 9th Annual Battle on the Beach Surf Fishing competition occurred on Wednesday, May 31st on the Barnegat Light surf.  Barnegat H.S., Lacey H.S., MATES, and Southern Regional H.S. competed for the coveted Surf Fishing Trophy in the annual event.  All four teams did a great job fishing the 9th through 12th street stretches of beach for a solid 3 hours.  Teams rotated four sections of beach every 45 minutes from their lottery drawn pick.  In the end, Barnegat H.S. won its third title with a total score of 69 points, which came from two Bluefish and a small Striped Bass.  Southern Regional was a close second with 44.5 points tallied from two Bluefish, followed by Lacey and MATES with 0 points.  Although several other species were caught (Stargazer, Skate, Dogfish) by the four teams, only gamefish count towards points.  In addition to the victory and trophy, Barnegat High School Fishing Club was awarded a $500 scholarship to graduating seniors for the 2017 school year.  The scholarship was donated by the LBI Surf Fishing Classic Committee.   All four teams would like to thank some of the area’s business for donating and helping out with bait, tackle, and gear.  Fisherman’s Headquarters in Ship Bottom and Tony’s Bait & Tackle in Manahawkin have supported this high school tournament from the 1st year.  Also special thanks to Village Harbor Fishing Club, LBI Surf Fishing Classic committee, and the Barnegat Heavers for their help in running the event.  Again, great job by the kids and fishing club advisors.