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

We have been hitting a lot of bay spots to catch 20 to 50 fish per trip with clients keeping 1 to 4 keepers for the table.  It’s imperative that you keep your bucktail moving through the bite prior to setting the hook.  It takes a few misses to get the hang of it!  This past week I had from age 7 to 75 fishing for back-bay fluke and the 7yr old learned to bucktail catching 15 by himself!!  Most of the keepers have been in ultra skinny water and sometimes we have to run over a few bars to get to the “good” areas.

We had a few notable catches this week from first time keeper Fluke for anglers to anglers learning how to bucktail.  12yr old Kathryn Viccaro smacked a 27inch, 7lb Fluke caught on a bucktail in 4-5 feet .  Great job!!

I’m stacked with trips this week and next week, but I’m willing to run doubles on my single-booked days and triples on my double-booked days.

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

I have been running 7 days a week with quite a few double-charter days, so I haven’t been able to keep up with the Fish HQ reports.  We have been concentrating our efforts in the bay, but I will start running ocean trips in the next week or two.  The bay fishing has been averaging anywhere between 20 to 35 fish per trip and keeper numbers ranging from 1 to 5 per trip.  We have scored some 5, 6, and 8 pound fish.  The key has been finding biting fish, which at times is a little challenging.  But you just have to grind it out!  Check out all of our detailed fishing reports: http://www.reelreactioncharters.com/blog/

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

The weather has been absolutely fantastic for July so far, although there is still a 20 degree swing from the incoming ocean water compared to ultra warm bay waters.  We are still targeting some skinny water areas are are scoring 1 to 5 keepers per trip with 20 to 50 throwbacks.  This past week we ran 7 charters in 4 days, so it’s been very busy to say the least.  I going to try to run out to a few of my favorite snags this upcoming week to see if there is “charter-able” life out there for Ocean Fluke.  But right now, it’s a-lot of working the bay areas.  The rundown of the week’s trips are after the pics.

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

Here’s a quick rundown of our most recent trips:

I had return client Matt Windover, his brother Michael, and friend Charles Jack on a 5hr Bay/Inlet Fluke trip. We had some decent conditions today, but had to work a ton of locations to put something together. We finally found a few spots that had actively feeding keepers. The trio boxed 5 keepers (21, 20, 19, 18.25, 18) to round out the day. The guys did a great job fishing as they really worked for those fish!!

I had Stanley Gola of S&S bucktails with his son Junior, and two step-son’s Nick and Mike. Nick is home for a week from the Marines, so they wanted to get out and fish as a family. Thank you for your service Nick – be safe brother!! Stanley Junior struck first with a solid 22 inch Fluke, and we worked a less that perfect tide to box two other fish at 19 inches each. An awesome day and the foursome worked the S&S Bigeye hard in a less-than-optimal tide. 3 keepers for the S&S crew!!

My second of the trip of the day had new client James Guerin, Cassie Guerin, Ben Burtt, and Rod Guerin out for an afternoon bay/inlet charter. It was definitely hot out there today. We started working some very shallow areas and the group worked S&S Bigeyes to release a couple of shorts and they missed a few keepers as the fish came off at the surface. We kept at it, and Rod put a nice 6 pounder in the boat. The crew had lots of action, but could only muster one quality keeper. Nice job for their 1st ever time bucktailing!!

In the morning, I had new client Rich Sanborn of Levittown, PA with his two son’s Sean and Ryan. Sean is home for a week from the United States Navy – so thank you Sean for your dedicated service to our country!! We worked quite a few areas with the S&S Bigeye bucktail and the trio boated over 30 Fluke with 4 keepers (24, 21.5, 19.5, 18). Ryan was the heavy hook catching the 5.5 pound 24 inch on a white Bigeye bucktail. Nice job!

In the afternoon, I had Ali Gurko, her brother Vince and Corey Cordell on a 4hr Bay/Inlet charter. Vince served his country in United States Army for 4 years – thank you for your service. We worked some of the same areas, but had wind against tide which made for tough bites. The trio worked hard and jigged the S&S Bigeye over some shallow areas. Vince scored a solid 24.5 inch Fluke on the bucktail and then Corey nailed a solid 23-incher, followed by an 18in on the last drift.

On July 4th, I had return client Dave Rowan, his daughter Ashley Coleman, and her two boys Dylan and Andrew. This trip was more about putting the two young boys on fish, and keepers were a bonus. We worked quite a few areas and found a nice bite for the boys. The foursome boated over 30 fish with 2 nice keepers (21in, 22in) caught by Ashley. Dylan and Andrew caught their first Fluke in Barnegat Bay which is much more important than the keepers. Great job boys!!

Yesterday I had new clients Steve Meyer and his son Blake on a 4hr Bay/Inlet Fluke trip. We had good wind conditions in the morning, but a tough tide. The father and son team worked hard jigging the S&S Bigeye to find over 25 fish, but only one 19.5 inch keeper.

In the afternoon, I had new clients Eric Schoenfeld and his two boys Finn and Dylan on a 4hr Bay/Inlet trip. This time we had good tide, but horrible winds at 20 knots against the tide for the duration of the trip. The trio worked very hard to pull over 50 short Fluke over the rail (5 of shorts were between 17.5 and 17.75) and managed 2 keepers at 20.5 and 19.5 inches.   A nice job in tough conditions.

We have been very busy on the water as I’m literally out almost everyday going for bay and inlet Fluke.  We will eventually start running Ocean Fluke trips once some of my choice snags start producing, more on this in a couple of weeks.  We were cancelled today due to the weather which will allow me to get some 100hr maintenance completed and some re-rigging.  The Fluking is getting better as we put a nice 8 pound doormat in the boat this past week!  Here is this week’s rundown:

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. Cool, Windy, and Fall-like for June. It was a very tough day as the wind was blowing NE close to 20 and we had wind against tide in most locations. We moved a lot to find biting fish, but the foursome only managed a little over 20 shorts with 1 nice keeper at 22 inches. Even the inlet/jetty was tough rough to work for Bluefish. Tough day on the water, but at least the rods bent!!

Early in the week, I had return client Ian Habich and his friend Christian Gruber on a 4hr Bay/Inlet trip. We worked the first hour and a half throwing soft plastics around the Barnegat Inlet. Both anglers got bit off by Bluefish, before finding hookups on short Striped Bass. The bass were promptly released after a quick pic. We fished the remaining trip looking for keeper Fluke, in which we found close to 20 shorts with 3 being 17 7/8! Another few weeks and they’ll be keepers! Tough day on the keeper front, but we’ll be back at it again!

I had new client and Village Harbor Fishing Club member Bill Dodd of Beach Haven West and his son-in-law Eric on a 4hr Bay/Inlet Fluke trip. We worked quite a few areas with the duo releasing 40 Fluke while keeping two nice 22 inches for the table. The pink S&S Bigeye bucktail did the trick for the keepers! Again, it has been a little sporadic for the keepers to bite and the temperature definitely makes a big difference. A great morning on the water!

I had return client Ellington “Duke” Smith of Delaware with his grandson Marcus and girlfriend Jasmine on a 4hr Bay/Inlet Fluke trip. We had very tough conditions as it was blowing a steady 15-20 knots, and I had to power drift in most locations. We moved around a lot today to find a few biting fish in each spot. The trio caught close to 15 Fluke and 4 nice keepers (28in, 22.5in, 22in, 18.5 inches). We missed another one boat-side when it shook the bucktail. The S&S Bigeye was the key again with the 8 pounder inhaling it! Jasmine caught her 1st ever Fluke bucktailing, so congrats!!

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