Back on the Fluke Grounds this week as it looks like that extended heat-wave was finally broken with yesterday’s T-Storms. *great morning tides the rest of the week wrapping up the month of July so if your looking to get into some mid-summer Surfcasting on the beaches of LBI there is a nice variety of species cruising the surf line to catch and have some light tackle fun with .
The Fluke/Summer Flounder bite has been up and down along with the drastic water temperature changes recently with slot size fish up to 19”
~ Fluke~ Weakfish ~ Kingfish & Bluefish
Early morning surfcasters are finding some nice Weakfish feeding along with Snapper Bluefish chasing schools of spearing just outside of the sandbars and also on those sandbars are aggressive Kingfish taking up their summer residence on our beaches right now.
Slot Size Fluke up to 19” recently
If your looking to book a trip for the rest of the summer feel free to call me at 609-276-6983 or email me at [email protected] for more information
Steve George / Nightstrikes Surfcasting Guide Service LLC
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!
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 (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 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. 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!
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.
After a slow start to the past week, the boats of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association are seeing an increase in fishing activity.
The week began with strong winds and an upwelling of water in the ocean. This resulted in patches of dirty water along with colder water temperatures that slowed fishing. The last few days of hot weather have raised the water temps and increased fish catches.
Captain Dave Kreines of the “Byte Me” has been working hard to land fish for the box but is finding enough action to keep his family charters excited. He had the Vaughn family out, and the 6- and 7-year-old cousins had a fun time with small sharks while Dad lost a big cownose ray at the boat. Another trip with the Stoltz family resulted in small sharks and undersized fluke while fishing in Little Egg Inlet.
Max Goldman reports the “Starfish” has been finding constant action of fluke, black sea bass, and porgies among other species coming over the rails in the ocean. Captain Max adds the fishing is improving with each increase in water temperature.
Captain Gary Dugan of the “Irish Jig” has been finding a mix of action on the inshore ocean reefs with groups of anglers who have been willing to work hard for their catches. A recent family group returned with fluke of 18-and 22-inches along with an 18-inch black sea bass.
Captain Frank Camarda has been finding decent numbers of fluke and other bottom fish with the head boat “Miss Beach Haven.” One of his top anglers, Daryl, had an especially good day recently with a pair of beauties. The “Miss Beach Haven” is the only head boat at the southern end of Long Beach Island.
Captain Brett Taylor of “Reel Reaction” Sportfishing reports good catches of fluke and black sea bass despite some very unfavorable weather conditions. He had Andrew Wilk Sr. and Jr. on a 3-hour trip “all over the bay” before they got into real action. The water was dirty and cold, but the father and son team boxed 2 keeper fluke along with a grill-sized bluefish. Andrew Jr. just got back from pitching in the Junior College World series for Mercer County College. The Bob Dodds group eked out 4 solid keepers to 19.5 inches while catching a total of 28 fish.
Additional information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.org
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
Summer is here and so is summer fishing in Beach Haven. The captains of the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association are finding that while the fishing may have slowed a bit, a rise in the variety of fish to be found balances things out.
The bay waters are providing action on summer flounder, blowfish, dogfish, some bluefish, weakfish, and big cow nose rays. Outside the inlets to the inshore artificial reefs the focus is on black sea bass and fluke but bluefish, ling, porgies, sea robins, and skates are showing up. The offshore fishing is picking up as various species of tuna are available along with some billfish and mahi-mahi.
Max Goldman from the “Starfish” reports a steady pick of fish on the inshore reefs with one half-day charter checking in with a mix of black sea bass, fluke, porgy, and bluefish.
Captain Gary Dugan of the “Irish Jig” has been working various areas for decent catches of summer flounder. Depending upon weather conditions, the tide, and water temperature, the “Irish Jig” can be found working the waters of Great Bay, Little Egg Inlet, and the inshore ocean waters. In addition to fluke, Captain Gary has been working the reefs for sea bass.
Captain Ray Lopez has been sailing the “Miss Liane” for limit catches of black sea bass. One 6-hour charter with Kenneth Shapiro and friends did well catching seabass and fluke. He had Mary Beth Rieasoli and family from Bordentown on the water with a variety of fish to bring home including a ling. David and Laura from Pittstown had a 6-hour bottom fishing trip and caught their limit in an hour and a half.
Captain Brett Taylor of Reel Reaction Sportfishing ended last week with 45 keeper fluke to 6-pounds on four days of fishing. He noted it was tough with some cold water, but his anglers worked hard. Captain Brett ended the 4-day week with 45 keeper fluke to over 6 pounds. He had Dr. Pat Thomas, curator for the Bronx Zoo, on a 4-hour light tackle trip. They managed over 20 short fluke and 4 solid keepers.
Additional information on the Beach Haven Charter Fishing Association can be found at www.BHCFA.org
Fishing is not spectacular but there’s a variety of opportunities here in and around the Long Beach Island waters. Right now we are settling out from another radical upwelling event and full moon. Let’s go fishing and enjoy another great weekend having fun on the water.
Right now the forecast for this Sunday, July 17 and Monday, July 18 looks pretty good. I am hoping to run to the 30 to 40 mile grounds for Yellowfin Tuna. If the weather and sea conditions are not perfect for that, Plan B will be the 15 to 20 mile grounds for Bluefin Tuna, King Mackerel, and whatever else might be there.
We will be prepared to troll, jig, and bait fish in either spot. $450 person for the 30-40 mile run.3AM to 3PM $300 person for the 15-20 mile run.4AM to 2PM Four people max, all fish are shared on either trip.
I just stopped in Fishermans Headquarters to stock up on flourocarbon, gourmet hooks, and jigs!
I am only accepting reservations from individuals who are willing to do either trip. The decision on which distance is appropriate will be made right up until our ride out the inlet and some riding into the sea condition. Keep mind, I always error on the side of caution.
Monday is also available as an inshore private charter if you prefer.
Call me on my cell to reserve a spot. You can call right up until our departure time.
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.
They blew the forecast for Saturday (yesterday). It was supposed to be torrential rain all day so we cancelled all fishing for the day. I don’t mind a few hours of rain but I’m not scheduling a long day in an open center console with nothing but rain. I woke up at 7AM and checked the Weather Channel forecast, no more rain forecasted for the day. I started mad texting people, scrambling to put a few people together to run to the tuna grounds. Two people jumped at the chance and we were off the dock by 9AM, a very late start in the world of tuna fishing, but it beats staying on land.
I had the GPS set for the 35-40 mile run where the fishing has been good the last few days, but 20 miles in, the sea condition worsened and the two footers we started out in were now three to fours and capping. I opted for the closer grounds, only 5 miles behind us, and we went on the troll. It was not good. The ocean was very sloppy and the lures were not tracking right, and mid day is not the best time to be trolling as it is.
I did have some good readings on the machine and some bait in the cooler so we reeled in all the trolling gear and got two bait rods ready. You will see trolling rigs in the tuna pic because I was going to properly stow them while we were drifting and waiting for a hookup. I put a sardine on the first rod to go out, a weightless flatline that I was going to go really long with except about 30 feet from the boat, the line was snatched out of my hand and what followed was a smoking run off against full drag on the AVET LX. Obviously a tuna.We decked a nice 35 lb bluefin and ran back to do another drift. Hooked up again on the flatline, only this fish never hit the RPM’s of a tuna run. After a 20 minute fight we got him all the way to the boat for a quick release, looked to be about 130 lb class dusky shark. A few more drifts with no more action and we headed for the barn.
Running an Open Boat Tuna trip tomorrow (Monday) July 11. Looks like a good marine forecast to hit these closer tuna grounds. We are going to use bait and jigs. I will have the trolling rods and gear on board but the emphasis is going to be on bait with light 30 class conventional outfits. It’s just more fun to catch them that way. If we are not hooking up and the boats trolling around us are, then we can always change things up to what’s working. 4AM to Noon. $300 person. 4 people max. All fish are shared. Everything is provided.
Herman Diaz of Waretown, NJ with a 130 class Dusky Shark release. Ross Mansbach from Atlanta, GA with his first tuna, a 35 lb bluefin.
Lots of options this week for fishing. Fishing the inlet jetty for stripers and blues. We will also be getting our first batches of live grass shrimp this weekend to target weakfish and the mixed bag on ultralite tackle in the bay. Saturday looks like a good day to run offshore for tuna and we have our first good reports from the mid range grounds on that fishery.
Here is the reality of all the trips listed below:
Our Striper/Blue trips in the inlet have been producing more blackfish (Tog) than anything else. We have to catch 30 Tog to catch a few nice stripers as they are all hitting the same bait. The tog are all 2 to 5 pounders but they are out of season until August 1. The upside is we are catching everything on 10 pound spinning rods and bobbers drifted right into the jetty. As some of our customers have pointed out, there are worse problems to have than catching too many fish. Agreed. The bluefish are in there thick one day and gone the next. The bass are mostly 25 to 30 plus inch fish and we have tags to keep the 24 to 28 inchers.
Live Grass Shrimp trips. This is the first time we have been able to buy this bait this season. The same slime or snot grass that has plagued our bay fishing has also made it impossible for our shrimp supplier to catch the bait…..until now. So, I don’t have any weakfish reports but shrimping usually stirs some kind of action up and we go all the way down to the six pound spinning outfits for this fishery. I like the idea of combining this with the jetty fishing in hopes one or the other will be successful.
TUNA!!! For the last 7 or 8 years our inlet has been close to countless choices of mid-range tuna grounds for bluefin and yellowfin tuna. So far, this season, it has been a struggle to locate them at a reasonable distance. Cape Cod is loaded with fish and Cape May/OC,MD just heated up. Yesterday there were finally some nice fish caught at a reasonable distance from Barnegat Inlet. That’s where we are headed on Saturday as long as the marine forecast holds up. It’s not a slam dunk, a few boats went and caught yesterday (Wed), that’s all I got. And no, I can’t share where, as it was given to me in confidence. If I find them first, then I can tell whoever I want. It’s just the code we live by.
Here is our Open Boat schedule for the next few days, of course, you could charter the boat for your own group, as well:
Fri July 8 11AM to 4 PM Stripers and Blues in the inlet. $175 person Sat July 9 2AM to 4PM Mid Range TUNA. $450 person Sun July 10 6AM to Noon Bass & Blues at the Inlet and Live Grass Shrimp in the Bay Combo $200 person Mon July 11 6AM to Noon Bass & Blues at the Inlet and Live Grass Shrimp in the Bay Combo $200 person All trips are 4 people max, all fish are shared. Call to reserve a spot right up until “go time”. Phone is best as I am fishing more than I am checking email.
609-494-5739
